Given the time we spend in the bathroom, there are lots of things we want to store there just in case we need it and somehow, there never seems to be enough storage space. That’s why updating a bathroom is so popular because you immediately benefit, and it helps when its time to sell your home. It’s wise to take time planning out your bathroom space in order to create more function, along with the look and feel you want.

Planning Your Bathroom Update

Every bathroom has a sink and toilet but the big question is where to find enough storage space to keep toiletries, towels and other personal belongings. In addition to more storage, you also want to create more more visual space and maximize the bathroom’s functionality. If you can work with the existing walls, it will be cheaper although there are some great solutions possible when you borrow space from an adjoining room or closet. In fact it’s common for empty nesters to use an extra bedrooms to create the spacious master bath they’ve dreamed about for years.

Wait, wasn’t budget also a consideration? For most of us, we want it all … an updated bathroom, on a shoestring budget so here are ideas for working within your existing footprint to avoid the high cost of moving walls and plumbing.

• Maximize vanity storage with a bigger vanity if space permits, or add shelves with baskets to an existing vanity. Sliding shelves help you access vanity space better. Pedestal sinks are fine when you don’t need storage.
• Add a mirror or medicine cabinet that sits inside wall space that is otherwise unused (interior wall). One large mirror will give you better visual space versus several smaller mirrors.
• Change light fixtures or add more lighting to brighten up your space. Use recessed lights if the room is small.
• Using the same concept, add shelves in unused nooks or tap into the space between wall studs to gain added storage versus extra cabinets.
• Replace the door with a pocket door to achieve flexibility where the door swing uses space.
• Don’t forget hooks on the back of the bathroom door provides inexpensive, easy storage.
• For more visual space, you can remove shower walls, and replace them with a glass shower enclosure so the space becomes part of the overall room … as we did here (see photo).
• Light paint colors, and maximizing natural light can help the room feel bigger. If you have wall space, consider replacing the window to bring in more sunlight.

Don’t forget about safety when planning your bathroom:

Bathrooms are really small. They’re the smallest rooms in the house and we try to stuff an incredible amount of “stuff” into our bathrooms.  The problem with too much stuff … is you can’t find what you want, when you want or need it. If you’ve had this problem, you’ll want to explore with us, how you can find and/or create more storage in your bathroom.

Adding hooks to the back of your door is a perfect solution for storing extra towels. Most of the time, the door is open and noone will even see what’s hanging behind the door unless you’re in the bathroom. Depending on your door style, you can install hooks on the top and bottom of your door which is very helpful with young children. Hooks are available as singles, doubles or there is quite a selection of multiple hook fixtures such as the one shown here (purchased at Lowes).

Bathroom Vanities That Work for You

Vanity heights vary from the traditional 30 to 32 inches which originated when the wash bowl sat on top. Today’s taller vanities can be anywhere from 34 to 36 inches and then you need to add 1.5 to 2 inches for the countertop height. There aren’t firm rules about how long vanities can be, much like kitchen pantries which may be single, double or more cabinets wide. When you have a long wall in your bathroom you can often maximize storage capacity by adding more cabinets. You can also try adding rolling shelves to the base cabinets, especially underneath the sink to make it easier to find what’s stored there.

Extra Shelving to Use Wasted Space

Bathrooms are usually tucked between larger rooms and they often have unusual spaces because they’re next to the hallway or behind a closet. When you’re short on storage space in a bathroom, you can look at any nooks as opportunities to add shelving. You might be able to buy matching cabinets for these spaces if they’re a  standard width like 12, 15, 18 or 24 inches. Alternatively you can build custom unit shelves like the ones shown here to the left of the bathtub. When one of the walls isbehind the shower and/or bath fixtures, the shelving can be designed so it can be removed to provide access to the plumbing when needed.

Combination Seating and Storage

Window seats are another choice for adding storage to a bathroom or bedroom. They provide a place to lay out clothing, dress small children and store lots of bulky items like towels and children’s toys. Larger bathrooms with platforms surrounding a tub are another source of hidden storage, where you can build in drawers or other access to make use of space below.

There are many other ways to create added storage in your bathroom, like a second wall cabinet or storage over your toilet. When considering your options, here are some points to consider:

• Review what you’re storing in the bathroom. Do you need to keep 2 full sets of towels there, or can one set be stored in the linen closet or bedroom closet?
• Identify items you want to store out of sight like cleaning products and toilet paper. With lots of countertop space, you may be able to arrange everyday items in a nice collection of baskets.  Make sure there’s a home for everything and that it’s easy to put things away to avoid clutter.
• When there are multiple bathrooms, don’t keep duplicate things in every bathroom. The first aid kit can be stored in the half bath near the kitchen while an extra medicine cabinet in the master bath can store medications out of children’s reach.