If you've joined the 'tiny home' trend or have a home with limited space for a full-size bathroom, it's important to know how to maximize a small bathroom. You don't want to feel cramped or uncomfortable.

That's why we've compiled some helpful design tips for you. Whether you're renovating your small bathroom or just want a few optical illusions to create a more spacious feel, we've got you covered.

Compact Furniture and Plumbing Design

When you take a step back and re-evaluate your floor plan, you may find some unexpected benefits. A well-thought-out floor plan can help you make the most of your space while still allowing you to express your style through color and materials. To make the most of the space you have, here are some tips to help you trick the eye: 

Avoid anything that protrudes into your limited floor space. 

Use the interior walls to create attractive storage and display areas for bathroom items. Hanging the toilet and other storage items from the walls instead of placing them on the floor can be a great way to maximize space. Utilize space-saving fixtures, such as wall-mounted toilets, to give people more leg room and create the illusion of more space. 

Placing your bathing facilities up against the wall can also help to maximize the space. Where possible, choose fixtures that are compact and have a narrow profile, such as narrow-lip storage shelves or narrow-lip shelves.

When selecting your floor and wall tiles, consider the design of the tiles. 

If the tiles are placed diagonally, the room will feel larger. Larger tiles with fewer grout lines also make a room feel larger. If you're redoing the tiles in a glass enclosure shower, using the same design in the shower stall will make the entire room feel larger. 

Wall tiles that go all the way to the ceiling also make your room feel larger. A colorful or decorative tile placed near the ceiling will help your eye move up.

Simplify the design, but do not simplify the elements too much. 

Smaller patterns can make the room feel smaller, while larger patterns give it more impact. Large elements, such as large and colorful tiles, can add drama. Just don't mix and match patterns, as this can make the room look cluttered and overwhelming.

Light and Colors for Visual Expansion

Color pallet is the most important factor to consider when choosing for a small bathroom. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, but some color schemes are more successful than others. 

• White and neutrals make a room feel larger and brighter and are associated with order. 

• If you don't want a white bathroom, choose a light color palette. Pastels, peach, and pink reflect light and don't make a small bathroom feel cramped and claustrophobic. 

• If you want more colors, stick to a complementary palette, as too many clashing colors can make the room feel cluttered and smaller than it really is. 

• If you really want a dramatic, darker color, choose a glossy sheen because it reflects light and creates the illusion of space.

Lighting makes the room seem larger. A well-lit room always looks bigger. 

• Don't use pendant lights. They "drop" the ceiling and make the room feel smaller. 

• Instead, use recessed lighting, which doesn't take up space. 

• If your room has wall space, you can create the illusion of higher ceilings and more open space.

• Multiple light sources (both wall and recessed ceiling) eliminate shadows that make a room feel smaller.

• If the room is very narrow, you can light a wall to open up the space.

Mirrors are one of the easiest ways to open up a small room. 

• They can be oversized to show off more of the room, or you can hang vertical oval mirrors that extend upward to show off your taller guests. 

• You can also add additional mirrors, such as small makeup mirrors or ones behind a door. 

• If you can't hang a mirror over the sink, hang one on the side. You can also hang a mirror over a window for added drama and privacy.

• If you want to add even more reflected light to your space, consider fixtures and installations with mirrored surfaces. For example, medicine cabinets with exterior mirrors and interior mirrors. 

• Bright mirrored light fixtures and mirrored light switch covers can help reflect light around the room.

Multifunctionality in Space Utilization

Storage is the biggest problem you'll face in a small bathroom. Here are some creative storage hacks to make the most of your limited space:

• Use lower shelves under a vessel or pedestal sink. This won't block natural light from the room.

• Instead, use stylish woven baskets for toiletries and towels, or stackable baskets to organize taller empty spaces.

• Use storage to fill empty space. Create a niche around a toilet by placing a shelf or two above the toilet.

• You can use either decorative storage or a covered storage solution to free up space elsewhere.

• Use a sink cabinet to store extra items under the sink.

• Use wall-mounted storage options such as floating shelves and shallow cabinets.

• Go vertical to the ceiling. Keep items you don't use every day on the upper level, and keep items you do use on an easy-to-reach level.

• A shelf above the sink or radiator can be used to store items you use every day - toothpaste, toothbrush holders, soap dishes, soap dispensers and more. 

• Use the interior walls to create niches. A great place to create an alcove is over the sink - a mirror can be used to close off the space. 

• Recessed cabinets are a great, practical solution for small bathrooms that don't have a lot of storage space. They're great for toothbrush holders, eye care items and makeup holders that would otherwise be cluttered. 

• Don't let doors waste space. Add towel racks or hooks to your bathroom, along with over-the-door bags or medicine cabinets. Make sure they open out.

• Use a vanity designed specifically for apartments and small bathrooms. Curving the edges of your vanity will give you more space and prevent you from bumping into it. 

• Convertible furniture and fixtures, such as pull-out towel bars, give you more flexibility when it comes to the final layout. 

• Stackable and folding furniture, such as folding shower seats, can also be folded out of the way.

• Choose a floating countertop with a pedestal sink. A pedestal sink is easy to install and gives you plenty of leg room. 

• You can make the most of your shower space by choosing a small, efficient shower design or by using part of the shower space for storage. Curved or triangular shower enclosures take up less space.

• Make the most of your space with glass. Clear glass shower stalls and tubs with minimal hardware look great. If glass isn't an option, consider clear shower curtains that let in natural light.

* * *

Even with limited bathroom space, there are simple tricks that can make the room feel more comfortable. Our team can assist you with playing with light, using large mirrors, choosing optimal colors, adding shelves above the toilet, hanging furniture, using a transparent shower partition, and arranging furniture strategically.

We understand that it can be overwhelming to try and tackle this on your own, but don't worry - we're here to help! Contact European Standard LLC for practical ideas on how to make the most of limited space.