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  • Suné | Showerline | Contributor

How to Effectively Use the Space In Your Small Bathroom

Updated: Oct 28, 2021


We get it, we can’t all afford to have those large, luxurious bathrooms we see on people’s Instagram or YouTube accounts. But it doesn’t matter, we’re going to show you how you can effectively use the space in your small bathroom to ensure no space is wasted.

Shelving Since you already have limited space in your small bathroom, adding a floor standing-cabinet or hamper is not always the best way to go. Shelves, on the other hand, are an excellent way to add items without minimizing crucial space. Tips to Keep in Mind

  • Install shelves at eye-level or lower above the sink. This will help prevent a claustrophobic atmosphere and it provides the perfect space to place your everyday items.

  • Install narrow, open shelves.

  • For higher cabinets, you can place items that aren’t used often, like extra toothpaste or simply add decorative items like a flower pot or candle.

Shower Niches What if I Don’t Have Enough Wall Space for Shelves? If you have insufficient wall space, consider recessed shelving or shower niches. These are shelves that are built into the wall. Recessed shelves are popularly used within the shower enclosure.

Cabinets On to the next space: cabinets. Cabinets come in all shapes, sizes and colors and some of today’s modern cabinets are designed with storage space in mind.

Choose a Multipurpose Cabinet There are various cabinets that provide you with more than just storage space, like a built-in towel rack or a mirror. Vanity Area Curved Corners Our next tip will not only save space in your small bathroom but can help you potentially avoid injury!

By choosing a cabinet with curved corners, you’ll save space and you’ll be less likely to bump your hip during those mornings where you’re in a rush!

Photo credit: Ronbow Toilet Space Don’t let space above your toilet go unused!

Add a Shelf You can easily add a small shelf above your toilet (just ensure it’s high enough so people don’t bump their heads) where you can place extra toilet paper, toilet spray, or other accessories like candles.

Use a Ladder Don’t want to use a plain shelf? Get creative with a ladder! Find a ladder you like (vintage ones seem to be the most popular) and lean it against the wall behind your toilet (if your toilet allows for that to happen).


Photo credit: Ana White Shower Enclosure Did you know that even your shower has a role to play that will help save space in your small bathroom?

Skip the Door Instead of adding a door for your shower, opt for a shower screen. This way you don’t have to open and close a big glass door in the quaint space and will still prevent water from splashing everywhere.

However, if you don’t like the bath screen idea, having a glass shower door instead of a curtain will allow your bathroom to appear bigger.

Use Corner Shelves Placing shower items on the floor can quickly take up space and it can look cluttered, causing the shower space to look even smaller than it already is. To organize items in the shower while saving space, consider adding a corner shelf.


Need a Bath Screen for Your Bathroom? Have a look at our available glass bath screen options Bath Screens (Cape Town) Bath Screens (USA)

Sinks Install a Corner Sink You’ll notice we mention “corner” options quite a few times in this article and that’s because its the best way to save space.

If you place a sink in the corner across your toilet instead of a normal sink in front of your shower, you’ll avoid uneasy movement to the toilet. This way, the shower door and sink also won’t collide as the shower door usually opens to the outside and you have to do a weird dance with the door to get in the shower.

Install a Cabinet If you’re unlucky to have a sink without a cabinet, it might be wise to invest in one with a cabinet or simply adding a cabinet space to your original sink. You can lookout for a sink with a cabinet that has a sliding door.

Floating Vanity Consider adding a floating vanity to your small bathroom. These lavish-looking vanities will help your bathroom appear bigger and if you need the extra space, you can place items underneath.

Photo credit: CTM Mirror Use a Bigger Mirror Using a large mirror in your tiny bathroom will create the illusion that the area is larger than it seems. If it’s well-placed, it can reflect light which can add depth to the room.

Expand the Mirror Face it, sometimes you have to share the bathroom and that can be difficult in a smaller space. Consider installing a mirror that stretches across the wall, that way, two people can use it at the same time. Other Things to Consider Sliding Door Since doors swing inwards and take up extra space, consider replacing the bathroom door with a sliding door or reposition the door to let it swing outward.

Towel Bar Another great way to save space? Mount your towel bar on a door whether it’s the bathroom door, shower door, or bath screen. This way, towels are right there when you’re stepping out of the shower. If you’re not keen on mounting the bar to your shower door, consider using an over shower door rack. How To Make Your Small Bathroom Appear Bigger Now that you know how to effectively use the space in your small bathroom, it’s time we let you know how you can make it also appear bigger.

Invest in Lighting Investing in good lighting can easily make your bathroom go from cramped to bigger and brighter. Make sure you add lighting to the sink and mirror as well.

Don’t want to spend too much on lighting? Ensure your small bathroom has a big window to let natural light flood the space.

All White White can make the bathroom look bigger and brighter. And if you’re not a fan of a completely white space, you can add a pop of color with a painting or two, bright flowers, wood cabinets or funky tiles.

Skylight Another great way to amplify natural light flooding the bathroom and allowing it to look bigger is by installing a skylight.


Need Tiles or a Shower Enclosure?

At Showerline, you’ll find all the things you need to spice up your small bathroom with the tips you learned above. Get in touch with our sales consultants to discuss the best glass shower doors or bath screens options for you.


In the U.S., tiles and shower enclosures are available through Interior Design Details or your certified interior designer.


Thank you for taking your time to visit us and for sharing. Be safe. We would love to help you with your bathroom remodel; to schedule a free 1-hour virtual online design consultation, click here.





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