Though we spend a lot of time in the bathroom, many people don’t consider its importance as an aesthetic space. Renovating your restroom can help you relax, boost your mood, and improve the private time spent in this small but critical place.
Here, we’re going to discuss how to style a small guest bathroom the right way. From bathroom wallpaper to vintage rugs, read on for some unique ideas to make your small bathroom appear larger and more sophisticated.
Maximize Storage Solutions
Small guest bathrooms tend to have limited storage space. The size doesn’t always allow for a lot of shelving or cabinets. Maximizing your storage space is crucial because you don’t want to contend with too much clutter.
Makeup and hair products strewn around on a countertop, spare soap and hand towels, and decorative accents can negatively impact your mental health when thrown around in visibly disorganized ways. Try built-in shelves, under-sink cabinets, over-the-door storage, and multifunctional furniture for a better design.
Install a Pocket Door
“Pocket doors,” also called sliding doors, don’t swing open or closed. Instead, they’re completely hidden inside a wall hole.
When guests can simply slide doors open and closed, they don’t need to worry about tripping over doors that swing open.
Incorporate Open Shelving
“Open shelving” refers to any bathroom shelf system that allows you to display items on it. While you don’t want to add clutter to your space, using open shelving to show off attractive display items like decorative soaps or pretty makeup jars is a great choice.
Using open shelves also allows you easy access to essential products. Hairbrushes that you use every day, toothbrushes and toothpaste, and medication that you take regularly will be easily accessible when put on an open, easy-to-reach shelf
Use Hanging Shelves
Hanging shelves hang from wall or ceiling hooks.
They can’t support a lot of weight, but they’re good for holding hand towels and washcloths. You can also add a few decorations to these open shelves if you want.
Install Privacy Shades
Privacy is always important in bathrooms since you don’t want people accidentally looking in. Luckily, you can get opaque privacy shades and install them on top of any window.
This blocks people from looking in even if the lights are on at night. There are several different types of window treatments to consider including cellular shades with honeycomb designs and Roman fabric shades. This makes both light control and privacy simple.
Use a Small Space Vanity
Small bathroom vanities include sinks, countertop space, and built-in storage. They come in modern, contemporary, vintage, and antique styles.
You can create any aesthetic you want without taking up too much space! Make sure to look into vanities specifically made for small guest bathrooms so you can make the most of both style and functionality.
Add Towel Bars and Hooks
Towel bars and hooks are critical because they’re what make hand towels and bath towels easily accessible.
You can get bars and hooks in a wide range of colors including bronze, silver, and gold. Wooden towel bars are also great for a natural aesthetic while painted metal can add a pop of color.
Incorporate Bathroom Hooks
Bathroom hooks don’t just hold onto towels. Hooks also are great for hanging up bathrobes and dressing gowns.
This makes apparel more accessible to those staying in your guest house so they can remain comfortable without tracking water throughout the entire space. However, waterproof vinyl flooring is still a good idea.
Provide Extra Towels and Toiletries
Whether you’re hosting family or renting out a guest house, keeping everyone comfortable while on their stay is important. Fold a few towels and washcloths up and stick them in a vanity drawer.
Keep these handy in addition to those on your towel bars. Add some extra toothbrushes and combs to your floating shelves so people don’t need to stress over forgotten items.
Use Vintage Rugs Instead of Bath Mats
Vintage rugs add a nostalgic charm to your guest bathroom because of the mid-century throwback they offer. Adding them to your space in place of bathmats protects your floor while offering a unique look.
Vintage rugs come in unicolor designs, geometric patterns, organic shapes, and repeating floral patterns. Make sure that you get something with a waterproof backing and surface.
Incorporate a Rainfall Shower Head
Rainfall shower heads release water in a comfortable and even stream. They often are detachable so people can reach all parts of their body easily.
They’re sleek and elegant, making them ideal for all decor schemes.
Choose a Statement Mirror
Statement mirrors come in all sorts of shapes and sizes.
Some have gold or bronze frames with antique-style accents at the top and sides. These floral or oriental-looking shapes are ideal for mid-century bathrooms or those with heavier metal accents.
Choose an Artistic Mirror
Other statement mirrors are more artsy than antique. They have organically shaped squiggles on the sides or frameless designs.
These are awesome for modern and contemporary spaces, especially when paired with circular glass lampshades.
Install a Lighted Mirror
Lighted mirrors are those with built-in LED lighting. These lights are frequently pre-installed backlights, but sometimes small bulbs or fairy lights will just attach to the sides of the mirror.
This isn’t just an interesting aesthetic but also lets people see their reflections more clearly. Applying makeup, doing hair, shaving, and dressing have never been as easy as they would be with lighted mirrors.
Add Thoughtful Décor Accents
Bathroom accents make the room look more characteristic rather than simple. Subway tile or honeycomb tile works wonders when drawing the eye, especially when you use bright hues.
Accent walls made from glass or porcelain tile also serve as great focal points. If you want something extremely unique, consider bamboo mats and oriental wall art. It’s a great way to channel some of the best design schemes in the world!
Install Bathroom Wallpaper
Bathroom wallpaper is made from waterproof materials, usually vinyl. It won’t peel off because of shower steam or fade or warp when directly exposed to moisture.
Most bathroom wallpaper options are peel-and-stick because they’re easy to install and go well in all areas of your space.
Choose a Striking Wallpaper
Waterproof wallpapers come in solid hues, tile-look geometric patterns, and organic shapes. Multicolor zig-zags are great in modern or contemporary bathrooms, as are different colored peel-and-stick panels.
You also may like printed patterns that showcase water animals or beach imagery to get people in a calm and satisfied mood.
Utilize Bold Patterns and Textures
Regardless of what wallpaper you choose, bold patterns are important for a unique small guest bathroom. Textures are also important both on the walls and in other areas.
Grainy sandpaper-look wallpaper pairs well with raised shower floors, and squiggly wallpaper looks great with sliding frosted shower doors. Try to match aesthetics rather than precise designs, and don’t be afraid to seek out expert assistance!
Paint the Walls a Bold Color
Color is powerful because it greatly affects how we feel.
Reds and oranges are invigorating while yellows are cheerful. Blue is calming while green is natural. Decide what vibe you want your bathroom to have and paint the walls a corresponding bold color.
Add Fresh Flowers and Greenery
Indoor plants come in all different shapes and sizes, and smaller ones are perfect for your guest bathroom. The natural aesthetic adds life to your space in addition to a pop of color.
It can calm people down and make them feel more connected with the world around them. Put some tiny plants or vases filled with flowers on display shelves and countertops.
Decorate with Candles
Candles also make great decorations in calming bathrooms. If you paint the walls blue and have simple, elegant mirrors, candles can add an old-timey aesthetic with nostalgic beauty.
Those worried about fires in small guest bathrooms can also use fake candles for a similar effect.
Replace Builder Grade Lighting
Builder-grade lighting is mass-produced, cheap, and often painfully bright.
Replacing it with softer lights makes your gorgeous quartz countertop stand out and brings out its grain or pattern. It also means that your guests won’t be jarred by painful floodlights first thing in the morning.
Turn an Antique Dresser into a Vanity
Reusing old household items is a great way to accentuate your bathroom.
Antique dressers go well with vintage rugs and create a cohesively charming look. Convert the dresser into a vanity and keep it away from the shower area to prevent moisture.
Add a Comfortable Seating Area
Comfortable seating areas are ideal for those looking to do their hair or makeup comfortably. Put them in front of your vanity and mirror for easy use.
Plush chairs are especially cozy, and you can store ottomans underneath the vanity.
Start Renovating Your Bathroom Today
Now that you know how to spruce up your small guest bathroom in 2024, it’s time to begin planning bathroom wallpaper updates and other aspects of your renovation project.
At LX Hausys, we offer homeowners and interior design professionals a wide range of services. Whether you want flooring or a high-quality quartz countertop, there’s a great option available. Contact us for a project estimate so you can start planning today.