Small Bathroom (only bathroom) Remodel?

Question

Okay, I finally decided to remodel the 1950's bathroom in my one bedroom condo. It's not a large bathroom - just a tub, toilet and vanity - virtually no additional space. I have a contractor but am stuck on a couple of decisions. 1st. I would ideally like to get a pedestal sink as it would make the bathroom appear much larger, however, aside from the medicine cabinet, I wouldn't have any storage space. I conidered buying 2 or 3 recessed medicine cabinets and having them lined above the sink and toilet. Could look cool if it looked like one big medicine cabinet or could look horrible.

2nd, I think I am going to get wainscoting along the walls instead of tile. If I do what tile should I get that would look okay with white wainscoting in a smallish bathroom. I wanted to stick with all white (potentially subway tile) as the monochromatic theme would help the room look larger but would it look like a hospital bathroom?

One more - shower door vs. shower curtain?

Thanks

Answer 1

My opinions?

As much as I like the look of a pedestal sink, the lack of storage would be annoying. You can probably find a cupboard that fits in with the general style you're going for.

Love the idea of the subway tile. It shouldn't look like a hospital bathroom if you use nicer towelbars, etc.

I like a shower curtain, myself.

Have fun!

Answer 2

Just did my remodel, 5'6 x 6' bathroom. ...did lose a lot of storage with the pedestal sink but also put in a clawfoot tub. Really made the room seem larger. Cabinets in a small place? Recessed might work but in a since the room is so small, I believe less is more! I've seen some nice glass shelving with a couple of chrome towel racks attached...Bed, Bath and Beyond has them.

Shower curtain definitely! Liners can be thrown in the washing machine or replaced inexpensively. A glass shower door requires daily upkeep if you want it to look good. Then you have to deal with the minerals, calcium and lime deposits on the glass. Can require some heavy duty chemicals! Now that's too much elbow grease for my liking!

Tile...I used the 1'x1' mesh of small white hexagonal tiles that have a little black square tile in the pattern...home depot has them but I got them for less $ at a local tile store. Installed them diagonally and It's surprising how much space that seems to add.

Hope that helps, good luck!

Answer 3

For storage purposes you need to stick with a vanity but you don't have to do the standard boxy look. There are many vanity choices that are sleeker. Then just do the one medicine cabinet. White tile and wainscoting will make the room look a little larger and you can spice it up with your towels, rugs, and accessorizes to avoid the institutional look. I wouldn't do the shower door if you are continuing with a tub but if you are taking out the tub, a single shower with a door would definitely open up the room.

Answer 4

Measure a lot. No elongated toilets or huge baths. Read up so you know both your building codes and the available products. Remember storage needs and lighting and ventilation. We had a tiny powder room and knocked down a wall so we could have a small 3/4 bath. Its big enough for us though and we took advantage of not having a big space to put in some nicer fixtures and floors. Since it is small, you can use colors or style it a little farther out than you might be comfortable with in a larger space you spend more time in. We are redoing the kitchen in May, Lowes has good help with layouts. I spend about a month looking at types of kitchens and countertop surfaces, bring some home with you so you can see how the different finishes work together in the natural light of your home. That's really key. I chose the cabinets, countertops, paint and tile, and ordered them so I have time to make sure its right or it can be reordered without cutting into installation time. We do our own, if you are hiring a contractor allow for more time.

Answer 5

Under the sink storage is essential in small bathrooms. I would mos def get a sink cabinet instead of a pedestal:
http://www.homedecorators.com/P/Amanda_Column_Sink_Cabinet/820/
http://www.homedecorators.com/P/Moderna_Sink_Cabinet_-_White_Granite_Top/410/
http://www.homedecorators.com/P/Heirloom_Kerman_Square_Sink_Cabinet_with_White_Granite_Top/420/
http://www.homedecorators.com/P/Chelsea_22W_Single_Sink_Cabinet_with_Black_Granite_Top/120/

I think I've seen multi-door medicine cabinets like you're describing. That would look ok.

My friends did "subway" tile in their bathroom & it looks good. She bought chrome accessories (clock, trashcan) to accentuate the subway decor. You could also do a line of black or some other colored tile in the middle to break up the monotany.

I would mos def go with a shower curtain. You can swap them out every so often for different looks.

Answer 6

Sorry, I can't answer the whole question, but skip the wainscotting--the room will look much bigger this way. We took it out of our small, narrow bathroom, and it really opened things up. Same in our small dining room. It gives the room a more fluid look if you ask me. Good luck! :)

Answer 7

What can I put on a wall instead of a medicine cabinet