How to Plan Storage for Your Small Bathroom
The bathroom is one of the most often-used spaces in our home; how can you fit everything you need into a small area?
Renovating the bathrooms is a must-do along with redoing the kitchen, especially when moving into an older home. Even bathrooms in brand new BTO flats may need an overhaul (my first HDB flat’s bathroom had a basic showerhead installed over the toilet bowl!). This presents a great opportunity to solve bathroom storage problems for your basic necessities from skincare products to towels and yes, even toilet paper.
Ask these questions and take inspiration from these bathrooms and powder rooms when designing storage for your apartment bathroom.
Ask these questions and take inspiration from these bathrooms and powder rooms when designing storage for your apartment bathroom.
Next, you need to decide whether you want just a shower, or a shower and a bathtub. Personally, I’m a shower-only person; but if you enjoy indulging in a relaxing soak after work, or have sports injuries, then you probably want a tub. Adding an over-bath-shower is the best option as you get both options in one space.
15 ways to have your shower and bathtub together
15 ways to have your shower and bathtub together
The sink and vanity unit also need to be considered. Do you have enough room for – or need – a double? Would waking up 15 minutes earlier so that you have the bathroom basin all to yourself be so difficult compared to the expense and space for a double-basin set-up?
How much storage space do you need in your bathroom?
Short answer: as much as possible. You will always find additional items you want to store like cleaning products or bulk-buy shampoo. Are you going to store bath towels and extra toilet paper in there?
Short answer: as much as possible. You will always find additional items you want to store like cleaning products or bulk-buy shampoo. Are you going to store bath towels and extra toilet paper in there?
This is an ingenious way to squeeze any sliver of storage out of a bathroom vanity. It’s the same sort of narrow-but-deep rollout drawer you find in kitchen designs.
A great way to add additional storage is to have your toilet wall-hung. Use the space above the cistern as a shelf that can also double as your vanity top.
Remember to look up when you’re thinking of bathroom storage for items like towels or extra toilet paper.
Powder rooms are usually small tight areas where it’s worth considering a toilet with an integrated basin above it. These are popular in Japan and are eco-friendly as the run-off from the basin is recycled to flush the toilet.
Should you store skincare products in your bathroom?
Should you be storing your skincare products in your bathroom alongside the shampoo and liquid soap?
The answer depends somewhat on how seriously you take your skincare regime. If you’re spending hundreds of dollars on special products that need to be kept cool, or even cold, then, no.
I know a number of beauty addicts who actually have a mini fridge in their bedroom or bathroom just to store their special skincare products.
If you have the space in your bathroom, perfect!
Should you be storing your skincare products in your bathroom alongside the shampoo and liquid soap?
The answer depends somewhat on how seriously you take your skincare regime. If you’re spending hundreds of dollars on special products that need to be kept cool, or even cold, then, no.
I know a number of beauty addicts who actually have a mini fridge in their bedroom or bathroom just to store their special skincare products.
If you have the space in your bathroom, perfect!
Minizzang Mini Portable Cooler & Warmer 4L Skyblue
You can choose to conceal your mini fridge in cabinetry or go with a statement item like this portable mini cooler and warmer.
What colours are best for bathrooms?
When it comes to bathrooms you really should stick to neutral colours for your interior scheme. This is especially important if you’re planning to sell your home later.
When it comes to bathrooms you really should stick to neutral colours for your interior scheme. This is especially important if you’re planning to sell your home later.
Qualy Cherry Lavatory Brush
Even though your bathroom is predominantly white, you can always add colour through towels, accessories and plants. I love this cheerful ‘cherry’ toilet brush; it’s got colour and personality.
Do you want your toilet in the same room you shower in? This is largely dependent on where the existing plumbing is and the bathroom dimensions. A separate toilet is a good idea if you’re living with other people and only have one in the home. If you’re creating an ensuite bathroom, then it’s more convenient to have the toilet in the same space.