Bathrooms are one of the most important rooms in a house (no matter how small!) and adding the right features can impact your home’s overall value. But, as someone with years of experience in the renovation business, I know that knocking down walls to increase square footage can be expensive. So, here are 12 budget-friendly ways to maximize the space and appeal of your tiny bathroom.
Bryan Baeumler is one of HGTV Canada’s go-to contractors and the host of Bryan Inc., House of Bryan and Leave it to Bryan.
Upgrade Towel Bars and Accessories
This might be a minor change, but updating your towel bars and other accessories will instantly add value to your bathroom. Make sure you choose fixtures that fit the scale of your space, avoiding anything that looks oversized.
Swap the Shower Head
I love my shower and would not change it for the world. Showers are the kind of thing that people, like me, find important in a home. Upgrading the shower head will add value and let others (especially potential buyers!) know you focus on the details. See here for 10 larger home upgrades that are always worth the investment.
Add a Skylight
If your small bathroom feels even smaller due to a lack of natural light, then a skylight might be the perfect option. By injecting natural light into your space, you’ll give the illusion of more square footage and make the whole room feel incredibly welcoming. It will also draw the eye upwards, creating a greater sense of height. Just make sure you get the right permits! PS: Forgoing a permit is one of biggest reno mistakes you can make.
Install a Floating Vanity
A floating vanity offers both storage and the illusion of more space. It also provides a sleek and modern look to give your bathroom a more luxurious feel. See here for my 10 favourite reno projects that you can DIY!
Try a Vessel Sink
A vessel sink protrudes above the countertop and resembles a bowl. The sink style is becoming increasingly popular, and will add interest to your bathroom while remaining timeless.
Limit Your Tile Design
A mosaic tile with a small repeat is a great way to add style and create the appearance of more space. With a repeating pattern, your floor will look larger than if it was all one colour. On the walls, choose a larger tile with uniform veining, which lets the eye travel freely across the room. Here are 10 must-follow steps for tiling a bathroom floor.
Add a Glass Shower Enclosure
A glass shower enclosure can be an excellent way to add value while creating a feeling of airiness. Since square footage is tight, avoid a shower door that hinges and instead get one that slides open. Have more reno questions? See here for the 10 reno questions I’m asked most often.
Include a Large Shower Niche
If you’re remodelling your shower, install a large niche on one wall to store products and reduce clutter. Too many bath accessories in a state of disarray will make the space feel more confined. Here are 10 decorating mistakes that are making your home look cluttered.
Upgrade to a Wall Mounted Toilet
While a wall mounted toilet isn’t a common bathroom fixture, it takes up less square footage and is a luxurious design feature. With that said, it’s trickier to install. Make sure you read the specifications before making this purchase.
Don’t Ignore Your Mirror
It might be instinctive to get a smaller mirror if you have a small bathroom, but don’t! Mirrors reflect light, and brightness makes a room feel bigger. Skip the standard 24×36 and opt for something custom that draws the eye up.
Pot Lights are Key
Install pot lights in a small bathroom – they sit flush with the ceiling to save space and create better lighting conditions.
Keep it Simple
When designing your new bathroom, don’t add accessories or items you don’t need. In small spaces, they’ll take away from square footage, which trumps any value they could add. This might mean losing the bath mats or freestanding shower bench and keeping walkways clear. Bathrooms don’t have to be complicated spaces, if you keep to the basics and upgrade wherever you can!
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