How to Design Small Bathrooms

Small Room Decorating

Design a fabulous small bathroom sanctuary with a great layout and plenty of storage space. Your pre-planning strategies will pay great dividends in comfort and looks.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring Tape
• Graph Paper
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Half a brain (Not my half)

Instructions

1. 

   When designing a small bath you will need to evaluate its use, Your first question should be: Is it a main bath for family members? Is it a 1/2 guest bath for minimal use. i.e. just for those pit stops. Or is it a guest bath for overnight guests?

   These questions need to be addressed before designing.

2. 

   If your designing for a day use guest bath only (no need for a shower or bath) you can go over the top with your colors and designs. If your bath needs to be for the occasional overnight guest, you can still go over the top. But if this is to be a family bath or even a master bath, your designs need to be different altogether.

   Start with measuring the rooms perimeter, marking where the existing plumbing, doors are located. Draw this to scale on graph paper, I draw single rooms, 1/4" to the foot. i.e. 1/4" on your drawing represents 1'.

3. 

   With the to scale, room drawing done, you can use scaled cabinetry pictures and scaled plumbing fixture pictures to lay out your bath on paper. You can find fixture measurements on the internet. Arrange and re-arrange to your hearts content. I go so far as to tape my floors with mock-up paper fixtures.

   Walk around you taped, mock fixtures. Does it feel right? Can you move properly? Can you reach the things you need to reach?

   Let's talk space planning: The space between bath or shower and wall - for drying - 2ft 4 -3ft. Don't make it too crowded. Or save space and money, shower with a friend! Hmmm...Maybe not.

   Space between washbasin and wall - to front of basin - 2ft 4
   Total space to sides of vanity - including the washbasin itself - 3ft 8
   A linen closet is a need not a want for me. I will slip one in every bath if possible. Fold a bath towel, design a minimum of space of 2x2ft. If you can add more space do it! You will never regret this added storage.
   You need a minimum of 2'6" from the front of the toilet to any wall or structure.

4. If your doing the work yourself and do not need an experienced contractor, you might not need a permit for the remodel. Check with your local building department. You can find your cities or counties building department phone numbers in the phone book or online.

5. 

   Arrange your fixtures while keeping your distances comfortable. Don't skimp on the measurements between fixtures and structures and or walls, you will regret it in the long run.

   If this bath needs additional storage, don't forget the space in the walls between the studs. This is great new-found storage. The area above the toilet and under the sink is also great space.

6. The colors of a guest bath (i.e. day use only) can be fun and even outrageous. If this bath needs to look bigger, then use larger sized tile and lighter colors. Tile on the diagonal will make the room look bigger.

   Don't forget the lighting and mirrors. Is your towel holders in convenient spots. Can you work in natural light? Can a skylight be included?

7. With a well drawn plan you can buy your fixtures with few worries. You will know exactly how much room you have for that fabulous corner soaking tub you want so badly.

   The internet is your best friend when it comes to style and design. The ideas are limitless.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your color schemes in the same family of colors as the rest of your house. It will look more harmonious and have better flow.

• An pedestal sink can make a bath look airier.

• Don't be stingy where room for movement is concerned.