Spa-Like Design for your Small Bathroom

Does your small bathroom have you feeling pinched?  Do you need help with creativity in the space because you think options are few?  Even though your bathroom is small, you can make it modern, luxurious, and spa-like.  Let's explore seven elements in your small bathroom that will help you design the bathroom of your dreams.

Element 1 – Lighting

When you walk into your bathroom, the very first thing you do is flip the switch.  So, let's make sure those light fixtures create a statement.  There are few places light fixtures are found in a bathroom.  Let's address the vanity fixture first. 

If you have light strips in there, rip them out and let the modernization process begin.  Look for vanity light fixtures that fit your design style.   Wall sconces are very popular if you want to avoid going with vanity lights.  Instead of placing the sconces above, opt for a soft glow of light on the sides of the mirror.  Depending on the fixture, this will help with shadows and glare you tend to get from overhead lighting. 

What's also popular is using pendant lighting in the bathroom.  The lights drop down from the ceiling creating a dramatic architectural effect.  Lastly, remember to add a few recessed lights.  Lighting just around the sink won't cut it.  

Having lights over your shower, tub, and toilet areas would be best.  You don't want these areas living in the shadows.  You want to see all of the beautifully designed finishes as well as be able to move about the space safely.

Sconce Lighting

Element 2 – Flooring

If you have carpeting in your bathroom, please run to your nearest flooring store.  This is not ok!  When you get there, stay away from the carpet section.  There are plenty of better options to choose from. 

Tile flooring is the natural choice for your bathroom.  It's water-resistant, stylish, and long-lasting.  Porcelain tile is an excellent option for full bathrooms with a lot of water use.  It's dense and less porous and offers excellent stain and water resistance.   Growing in popularity is luxury vinyl tile.  It also provides a high level of water, stain, and scratch resistance.

It's easy to install and will last a long time.  Your tiny bathroom design options are growing.  Explore before you choose.

Vinyl Title Flooring

Element 3 – Wall Treatment

Most small bathroom walls are usually covered with tile, paint, and even wallpaper.  Use a field tile that covers most of your shower's walls, and then add accent tiles to create additional interest.  You have many options here. 

Adding a complimenting paint color is also essential.  The paint color should pull out the highlights in your tile.  Wallpaper is also lovely to use on non-wet walls.  It can be used to highlight your field tile.  In a powder room, aka half bath, you can go bold with their wallpaper and cover the entire bathroom or at least one wall.  Your wall treatments will bring that wow factor into your bathroom, so choose wisely.

Wallpaper and Titled Bathroom

Element 4 – The Bathroom Sink

You have a few options here.  First up is the pedestal sink.  These have been used in small bathrooms for many, many years.  They've always worked, but honestly, it is a dated look.  Instead, try a small freestanding vanity with an open base.  This is a more updated version of the pedestal sink.

In a tiny powder room, wall-mounted vanities are a great space-saving solution. A freestanding vanity with storage below is great if you have more space.  Remember, a bathroom can always benefit from having more storage.

Freestanding Vanity with Storage

Element 5 – Showers and Tubs

In most small bathrooms, you'll see the shower tub combination or just a shower.  For the tub, there are several options.  You can use a small freestanding tub.  This is a contemporary, designer look.  You can use a typical tub but find a deep one.  This will make it feel more luxurious.

If you prefer to only have a shower, this will help make the small bathroom feel bigger.  You can separate the shower area by using a glass partition.   Sometimes people forgo a glass partition to create a wet bathroom.   This means that the bathroom finishes can all get wet, and the space can act as one large shower room.  This is undoubtedly a unique approach that works best in small bathrooms.

Deep Tub and Glass Shower Entrance

Element 6 – Mirrors

You typically only have room in a small bathroom to hang up to one mirror over the sink.  Here is your opportunity to make a bold statement with your mirror choice.  A uniquely shaped mirror will definitely stand out in a small space.  There are so many to choose from these days.

 You can choose a mirror that is lit from behind.  This style helps to create a pleasant mood in the bathroom as well.  Ensure the mirror covers the entire back wall.  This definitely helps make a small bathroom feel larger. 

Backlit Mirror

Element 7 – Toilets

Now we can't forget about the toilet.  Nothing is exciting about it other than you have options.  Toilets that are flushed against the wall are more stylish.  Of course, you can go with a standard toilet configuration.  Avoid the elongated toilets in your small space, however.  You don't need the toilet taking up too much of your small area!

Elongated Toilet

 Lastly, If you have the space, add shelving toilet area or artwork over the toilet area is a nice finishing touch.  Keep these items simple and scaled appropriately. 

Bathroom Shelving

Are you in need of other small space solutions to areas in your home?  Click on these spaces KITCHEN, BEDROOM, LIVING ROOM to get the scoop on how to adore every small space in your home.