The Small Bathroom Dilemma

You get up every morning and head straight for the bathroom. It’s the first and last place that you visit every day. If it is cluttered and small, it can seem cumbersome and depressing. If things are hard to find or get to it can be frustrating and make you late for work or other appointments and obligations. If you are stuck with a small space, follow these tips for getting organized and making the space seem larger than it really is.

First, the more floor space that is visible, the bigger the room will feel. Utilize your linen closet. Clear out the clutter and get rid of expired medicines and make-up. Most of us have a drawer stuffed full of old make-up, medicines and hair accessories. Use plastic containers that you can see through and separate your stuff. Put the make-up that you really use in one container. All manicure/pedicure products should go in their own container. Medicines can go in their own box, and if you have children, you may want to separate child and adult medicines. Shaving cream, razors and blades, toothbrushes and toothpaste can go in a box together. Hair-dryer, curling irons and hair accessories can go into their own container as well. Dedicate an eye-level shelf in your linen closet for all of these items. Add a shelf if you need to, making extra space. This should get everything off of your counter.

The next step is to get as much as possible off of your floor. Unnecessary rugs, laundry baskets and garbage cans can make the space seem smaller than it is. If you have the budget, opt for a wall-mounted toilet and pedestal sink. These two things free up floor space and help keep things open. Take down thick or dark colored shower curtains and draperies. Installing clear doors on the shower extends the eye past the bathtub all the way to the wall, adding about three feet of space. Having sheer curtains or a pull-down window shade that lets in light can make a big difference.

Install extra lighting where ever you can. Bad lighting makes spaces seem small and dreary. Bright fluorescent bulbs, recessed lighting, sky lights and open windows can make all the difference. Use light colored paint and bathroom accessories to brighten up the room. Light blues and greens are the most pleasing to the eye and signal your brain to consider the room an open space.

Mirrored surfaces also add to the illusion of space. If you have a small mirror, replace it with one that is as big as possible. Add mirrors to other walls if possible, not just above the sink. A mirrored medicine cabinet adds space and is also a practical solution for storage. Replace old brass doorknobs, cabinet pulls, toilet paper holders and faucets with bright reflective chrome. Towel rods, shower curtain rods and hooks reflect light around the room adding to the illusion of space. If you have a small table in your bathroom, cover it with a mirrored surface, or replace it with a pedestal and glass top.

Keep things simple and open, colors light and patterns subtle. Use wooden hangers to organize your linen closet or hang your robe and keep things looking uniform. Opening up space in your bathroom can rejuvenate you for the day and relax you for the night.