After the excitement of moving into your new apartment settles, you finally realize the bathroom that was empty might be a little smaller than you remember. Still, this is something you can handle
But suddenly the reality hits when you and your significant other get ready for work in the morning. Bumping elbows, fighting for room in front of the mirror, your hairspray getting knocked from the cabinet, and falling into the toilet. You wonder, can you survive this space with someone else?
The answer is yes! Many roommates, family members, and couples have navigated sharing a small bathroom. Thankfully, usually all it takes is some sensible decorating and smart design choices. And dare we say, overhauling your cozy bathroom may even be fun!
Use Over Toilet Storage but don’t go overboard!
Though you may be desperate for storage areas, a bulky over the toilet setup may cause more headaches than it is worth. The layout of many small bathrooms places the toilet in close proximity to the shower. If you put a floor to ceiling storage unit framing the toilet, you can expect it to bump up against the shower. This also leaves no room for a small trash receptacle or even a toilet brush.
Wayfair – White Molena Wall Shelf Wayfair – Brecken Wall Shelf
Instead, try a couple of unique storage options that still occupy that unused over the toilet space. Floating shelves are very trendy, and a great option to keep the bottom portion of the wall available while providing a repository for toiletries up above. Choose from either glass, metal, or wood hanging shelves, suiting a rustic or modern theme.
Urban Outfitters – Carter Triangle Bracket Wall Shelf Wayfair – Brookhn Floating Wall Shelf
If floating shelves feel a little too open, consider hanging shelves or a slim wall cabinet instead. Wall cabinets can keep everyone’s belongings a bit more secure without taking up too much space.
Joss & Main – Somerset Bathroom Cabinet Wayfair – Distressed Wood Kennard Wall Shelf Etsy (NativeRange) – Bathroom Shelf Organizer
Repurposed crates or wire baskets are also pretty unique. They are perfect for holding toilet paper or towels. Hanging baskets, in general, give easy access to all of your bathroom necessities and provide plenty of storage.
If you can’t pass up the over-the-toilet space-saving unit, make sure the sides surrounding the bowl are narrow. And if your toilet is a close companion to the shower, consider a unit with a low profile instead of one that nearly reaches the ceiling.
Wayfair – Rebrilliant Over the Toilet Storage Pottery Barn – Ainsley Over-the-Toilet Ladder Wayfair – Wayfair Basics Over the Toilet Storage
Maximize Your Storage Options
If your bathroom has a vanity, use creative storage solutions to keep your bathroom essentials organized. Under the sink, opt for stacking bins that will help keep everything in its place and easy to find. If your vanity has drawers you can also leverage trays to keep everything from becoming a mess.
Container Store – Clear Stackable Plastic Storage Bins Container Store – iDesign Linus Sectioned Trays
Don’t forget the corners
Don’t limit yourself just to the walls! You may be able to get creative and use the corners, doors, or floor space to create even more stylish storage options.
Urban Outfitters – Wesley Corner Shelf PB Teen – Over-the-Door Metal Bathroom Organizer Urban Outfitters – Shelby Bathroom Storage Shelf
A Spacious Shower
While you may not be able to add square footage to your shower, chances are you can make it feel roomier. A curved shower rod is one popular trick. Though it may infringe on available space if two people are in the bathroom at once, the person in the shower will definitely be more comfortable.
Nothing is worse than a wet curtain clinging to you as you rinse off. A curved rod will keep the curtain at bay and give you a couple of extra inches when you lather up.
A creative way to make your bathroom feel bigger is by changing up the shower curtain itself. A clear curtain sounds like a dollar store buy that you use briefly post-move- in. But, clear curtains from Quiet Town are anything but.
These faux liners are clear on top to give the illusion of a more expansive space and feature a trendy colored stripe on the bottom to make it pop. A crystal clear liner lets you see into the shower so it appears as an extension of the room and the space feels less claustrophobic.
Making the Most of Your Bathroom
Making a small bathroom functional is all about maximizing your space. That means you often have to get creative with where and how you store your items. Think unique instead of traditional. Small tweaks like a clear shower curtain can also make the room feel spacious. Employing these tricks won’t give you the square footage to open a spa, but they may help end morning bathroom battles.
