Small bathroom renovation ideas for the sensible and stylish

Small bathroom renovations present a unique set of challenges. You’ll need a lot of careful planning and thoughtful design solutions. Limited floor space, awkward layouts, and minimal storage space can make renovating small bathrooms in your house a daunting task. But with the right approach and a touch of creativity, you can transform your bathroom into a stylish, functional space.

It’s possible to impact your overall living experience when renovating small bathrooms. Incorporate artistic elements when coming up with small bathroom ideas. Whether it’s through the choice of materials, colours, or accents, you can create a bathroom that reflects your tastes. Here are some small bathroom renovation ideas that you can apply to enhance visual appeal and functionality:

Clever storage solutions

In small bathrooms, every inch has to count. You will need to incorporate smart storage solutions to have an organised and functional bathroom. For a modern bathroom design, you can maximise space by using anything from built-in shelves and cabinets to wall-mounted storage.

Built-in cabinets and shelves:

• Create recessed shelves within the walls of your bathroom. These provide storage without taking up valuable floor space.
   

• Install slim cabinets above the toilet or beside the vanity to effectively utilise vertical space.
   

• Create a floating vanity by adding shelves or a cabinet to a floating sink to make the space look like a bigger bathroom.

Wall-mounted storage options:

• Floating shelves can be installed on empty wall spaces. These are great for storing towels, toiletries, and even decorative items.
    

• Use wall-mounted organisers such as magnetic strips or hooks to keep grooming tools easily accessible.

Multifunctional furniture:

• Storage benches provide seating and a place to store anything, from towels and linens to bathroom or cleaning supplies.
   

• Using vanity units with hidden storage can keep toiletries, medicines, and other essentials organised.
  
  

Space-saving fixtures and layouts

For small bathroom renovations, space-saving fixtures and layouts are your saviour. By incorporating them into your bathroom design, you can maximise the functionality of your small bathroom while creating a more visually appealing environment. These modern, small bathroom design and renovation ideas help ensure that every square inch counts:

Corner sinks and toilets

• Utilise unused corner spaces by installing corner sinks, storage fixtures, or even toilets.
   

• Choose compact designs for sinks and toilets. These are ideal when renovating small bathrooms since you can use less space and make your bathroom feel more open.

Wall-mounted fixtures

• Opt for wall-mounted sinks and faucets instead of traditional pedestal sinks. These fixtures free up floor space and provide a clean and minimalist look.
   

• Use toilets with tanks hidden within the wall, saving valuable space and making cleaning easier.

Sliding doors and enclosures

• Install sliding shower doors instead of hinged doors to give you extra space. Sliding doors also eliminate the need for clearance space and allow you to use the remaining space in your bathroom efficiently.
  
  

• Use pocket doors for privacy within the bathroom. These doors slide into the wall, freeing up space that a swinging door would otherwise occupy.

Modern bathroom design tricks to make yours feel bigger

Trickery isn’t all that bad, especially in the context of small bathroom renovation ideas and modern bathroom design. The goal is to deceive the eye and transform your bathroom into a visually expansive and inviting space. Light and neutral colour schemes, large mirrors, and minimalist design elements work harmoniously to create the perception of a larger, more refreshing bathroom.

Light and neutral colour schemes

• Choose light, airy, or neutral colours, such as soft whites, pastels, or subtle earth tones.
  
  

• Study the effects of colour on perceived space. Lighter hues reflect light and make the area feel more open and expansive. Avoid dark or bold colours, as they can make the room appear smaller.

Large mirrors and reflective surfaces

• Expand your visual space by installing a large mirror or multiple mirrors in your bathroom. Mirrors help create an illusion of depth and reflect light, making the room appear larger.
  
  

• You can creatively use mirrors in different ways to visually expand your small room. You can ask your designer what works best for your bathroom, from mirrored or glass surfaces for countertops to shower enclosures or backsplashes.

Minimalist design and clean lines:

• Emphasise simplicity and function by embracing a minimalist approach to design by decluttering your bathroom and opting for clean lines.
   

• Reduce visual clutter in your bathroom by removing unnecessary items from the countertops, and choose streamlined fixtures with simple shapes. This creates a sense of spaciousness that works for smaller rooms.

Upgrading lighting and ventilation

Enhancing lighting and ventilation when renovating small bathrooms can significantly affect the overall feel and functionality of the space. You can create a bright and seemingly spacious atmosphere by purposely including natural light sources and incorporating various artificial lighting.

Improving ventilation with an upgraded exhaust fan and adequately sealing your windows and doors will promote a healthier and cosier environment. These small bathroom renovations or upgrades can do wonders.

Natural light solutions

• Install skylights or solar tubes to incorporate natural light in your bathroom. These features allow sunlight to flood the room, making it feel brighter and more spacious.
  
  

• Maximise window space by using sheer or light-filtering window treatments that allow natural light to enter while maintaining privacy.

Artificial lighting ideas

• Recessed lighting provides a sleek and unobtrusive option, creating an even light distribution.
  
  

• Add LED strip lights or lighted mirrors under cabinets. Lighted mirrors are popular because they combine lighting and functionality in one fixture, adding style and practicality in small spaces.

Ventilation Improvements

• Upgrade your bathroom’s ventilation system by installing an efficient exhaust fan. This helps remove moisture and odours and prevents mould and mildew buildup.
  
  

• Properly sealing windows and doors prevents drafts and maintains comfort.

Setting a realistic timeline for your renovation

You’ll need to set a realistic timeline when renovating small bathrooms. How long does a small bathroom renovation take? Well, depending on task complexity, it takes anywhere from 3-4 weeks to 5-6 weeks.

You’ll need to consider several factors, such as renovation scope, contractor availability, and time to get the necessary permits. You’ll also need to plan for delays and issues that may arise, so it’s advisable to add a buffer to your initial timeline. This gives you a little flexibility to deal with anything that could happen. 

Remember that effective communication with your contractor, careful planning, and realistic expectations will contribute to a smoother renovation process and help ensure that your project stays on track.

Simplify bathroom renovation with Airtasker

Renovating small bathrooms can be tedious, but there’s a way to simplify it. With Airtasker, you can find a professional to help you with every renovation step, from planning and design to installation and cleanup. This means you can focus on what matters most, like choosing the perfect finishes and fixtures, while your Tasker takes care of the rest. At the end of the process, you’ll have a beautiful, modern bathroom that meets your needs, reflects your style, and brings joy to your daily routine.