Space-Saving Tips for a Small Bathroom Renovation

When we moved into our home three years ago, we knew a bathroom renovation of the second floor hall bath was inevitable. The 1980’s-style cream tile, from the floor to the walls, and outdated fixtures were anything but aesthetically-pleasing. That said, there were no real mechanical issues so this project fell towards the bottom of the (ever evolving) home project list.

Once Sebastian came along, and we had three little ones to wrangle in and out of the bath every night, this small hallway bathroom slowly started closing in on us. This last winter we decided it was go-time on this small bathroom remodel project.

Our goals for the bathroom remodel:

Work with the existing space (no breaking down walls or spending $$$$ on a home addition)
Upgrade fixtures with durable and high-end finishes
Strike the right balance of a modern refresh with a nod to the vintage charm of our 90+ year old home

Space-Saving Bathroom

Renovation Ideas

Here’s how we created more space in our kids’ hallway bathroom without tearing down walls or changing the original landscape of this bathroom.

*And when I say “we,” I’m referring to the awesome contractors we worked with to make our vision a reality!*

Mom and child in black and white bathroom

Add a pocket door. This was my number one remodel must-have after years of a giant door taking up space inside a very small and cramped bathroom. This did require changing the shower plumbing around, but it was well worth the effort. We also re-finished the original door to create the pocket door.

Install a wall-mounted towel warmer. We pulled out the giant, space-consuming old radiator in place of a sleek, wall-mounted European-style towel rod. In the colder months, we’ll still have heat for the bathroom with the added bonus of toasty warm towels.

Create built-in shower ledges. We eliminated the need for extra baskets or shower caddies with two shelves built into the shower. There’s just enough space for washcloths, soap and a couple toys which helps us to keep the clutter under control.

Add low-profile finishes. We opted for a one-piece water efficient toilet and a wall-mounted sink to help save precious floor space.

Finishes

White subway tile with dark grey grout, black honeycomb floor tiles, a vintage sink and polished brash fixtures throughout the bathroom gave us the bright and updated look we envisioned with a vintage nod to our 90+ year old house.

shiny gold bath faucet white subway tile

All The Details

Will you be tackling a bathroom update soon? If so, I hope this post helps to spark an idea or two. All the finishes we selected are linked below for reference!

Want more small space organization ideas? Check out my most Pinterest pinned post, “Small Spaces Decor Inspiration: How to Create A Vanity In Your Closet.”

XOXO,

Emily

Shower/Tub

Kohler Cast Iron Soaking Tub

Kingston Brass Shower Head and Knobs

Kingston Brass Tub Filler

Sink

Vintage Deep Basin Sink with Kingston Brass Tub Filler faucet

West Elm Staggered Glass Sconce (Here’s a similar version from Wayfair)

Pottery Barn Vintage Medicine Cabinet (brushed bronze)

Wall Mounted Soap Dispenser