How to Make a Tiny Bathroom Feel Roomy Enough for Two

Let’s look at the facts – you have a small bathroom and you have to/want to share it. Beyond a major renovation (think knocking down walls and rerouting plumbing), there’s not much you can do about it. Or can you? As it turns out, there are many ways to make a tiny bathroom feel more spacious and work well for two or even more people. 

Don’t Underestimate the Vital Importance of Your Bathroom

The bathroom is most likely where you start the day every day, and you probably spend more time getting ready in the space than you may think. When a shared bathroom is small, it can be easy to get stressed out and tension between housemates tends to set in rather quickly when its function is impaired. We can’t solve every roommate-related issue, but we can help with this one! Below, our space experts have compiled some of the best ways you can mitigate issues that may spring up.

1. Focus on the Simple Solutions First

  • If you find yourself having to share any tiny space with a partner or roommate, simply keeping the area consistently clean is one of the most efficient ways to keep frustration and conflict at bay. Spending any amount of time in an unclean or cluttered bathroom is bound to take a negative toll on one’s mood. Navigating a morning routine in a cramped, dirty bathroom can spark intense feelings of stress, and even dread. Transforming your bathroom into a zen space really must include keeping the space looking (and smelling) clean at all times. We suggest cleaning as you go to avoid a large project that promotes procrastination. 
  • Disinfecting and polishing bathroom surfaces regularly is essential, so eliminating clutter from those surfaces is a must. TIP: The fewer objects and obstacles you have to maneuver around or remove and then replace when cleaning, the more likely and willing you’ll be to get scrubbing. 

Organizing and labeling is another oft-overlooked tactic. One of the most effective ways to mitigate counter clutter around the bathroom sink is to have each person place their individual toiletries in a basic plastic tote with a lid, then stow the bins away when not in use. This enables each person sharing the limited space to not only monitor just how many products they are accumulating, but also to keep those items separated from housemates’. One would simply need to pull out their personal bin, use the items they require, then easily stow away the bin on a shelf or in a cabinet before leaving the bathroom. This allows free and ample counter space for the next person to use (and maybe even to keep clean)!

Mod Collection Single Handle Bathroom Faucet Model #3MO160
  • Hang up towels. Make use of hooks instead of a towel bar to hang up towels and robes in bathrooms with limited space. Hooks are more versatile and space-efficient than towel bars. A towel on a hook hangs down vertically from a central point, meaning you can devote a smaller section of wall space for the purpose of storing that towel. Normally, a standard towel bar can accommodate just two folded towels. Strategically placed robe hooks can enable one to hang as many towels as wall space will allow. As a bonus, if you or a housemate have a habit of leaving damp towels on the floor, a robe hook might be an easy fix. When switching to a robe hook, there’s no need to neatly fold your towel after every use – just sling it over the hook and be done! Simplifying a task can help encourage a person to perform it, and installing a Motegi Collection Robe Hook is a quick and easy fix for towel and robe storage needs in a small bathroom. 
  • Working with a small space in the bathroom doesn’t have to mean sacrificing luxury design features. In fact, it can add to a roomy feel. Adding luxury features like a rain showerhead or towel warmer can make even the most cramped shower feel like a place to relax and be pampered.
Mod Collection Robe Hook Model #7MO033

2. Opt for A Minimalist Design Style

Adopting a minimalist design can make any space “feel” less cluttered just by having less for your eyes to try to focus on. It’s been proven that visual clutter can make one feel overwhelmed and contribute to feelings of stress. In addition, opting for a minimalist style touch by choosing the right materials and fixtures in the bathroom can help to make the space look roomier. A hugely popular and modern design staple in minimalism is the matte black finish. The Olympia i2v Single Handle Tub/Shower Trim Set in matte black finish is one of our favorite design choices to help set the tone for a minimalist approach in the bathroom. 

To help save valuable space on the bathroom counter, consider installing a wall-mount faucet like the Motegi Single Handle Bathroom Wall Mount Vessel Filler. Choosing a wall-mounted faucet means you’ll be saving space around the sink area, with the added benefit of the space remaining clean for longer.

i1 Single Handle Bathroom Faucet Model #L-6030

3. Choose the Space-Saving Solutions That Meet Your Needs

First, decide which features to prioritize. Does counter and cabinet space mean more to you and your housemate than standing floor room? Start there. For counters, keep in mind that large sinks are not usually needed. A large basin sink might just take up valuable room that would be better used for placing hand soap, toiletries, or other items.

Another creative fix for a tiny space might just be installing two separate small sink basins in a larger vanity. If each person is responsible for their own area, and can have their own room to get ready, it can eliminate some of the frustrations of having to share (especially during a hectic morning!). TIP: Our top faucet pick for a small sink is an i2 Single Handle Bathroom Faucet because of its stout, compact design.

i4 Single Handle Bathroom Faucet Model #L-6093

What to Avoid in your Remodel

Finding ways to make a small space seem larger may feel simple, but there are some common mistakes that could easily throw one off course. For tight bathroom spaces, we recommend avoiding: 

  • Pedestal sinks. Pedestal sinks may seem like a great option for those working with less space, however, it can actually be detrimental in a tiny bathroom as its design often leaves no place to set things. Opt instead for a floating vanity design with integrated sink.
  • Two-handle faucets. Two-handle faucets can clutter space around the sink basin compared to a single handle sink faucet. Every bit of space counts when working with a tiny bathroom. Leave those for larger spaces.

Adequate Space in the Bathroom is About Much More Than Square Footage

Sharing a small space with housemates, particularly a very private space such as a bathroom, may feel like an imposing prospect. Luckily, there are a number of ways to combat those negative worries. Simple solutions like maintaining the cleanliness of the space, or installing the right fixtures can make all the difference while promoting roommate or housemate harmony and mental wellbeing.

Accent Two Handle Bathroom Widespread Faucet Model #L-7332

We’ll Save You Money and Time

There are many ways to the same destination. This saying applies to multi-family housing builds just as much as to anything else in life. The ultimate goal is save as much money as possible while delivering a great finished project – that’s simply showing smart business sense. But, finding a one-off deal or sacrificing quality isn’t the only way to get a healthy ROI. We have a better way.

Pioneer works with professionals every day to develop specification packages and plans that save our valued partners both time and money, sometimes in surprising ways. It’s our goal to ensure your project meets or exceeds its expected outcome. We want to get to know you and your company and show you how we can save you money.  Please reach out via our website form or call us at (800) 338-9468.

Consider these beautiful featured fixtures as your solution. All our products come with a lifetime warranty because we believe in the quality of our products and prioritize our client relationships. Click each image to learn more.