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Make the most of tiny old house bathrooms

By: Shannon Lee , Contributing Writer
In: Home Improvement Tips, Old House Construction

If you have a bathroom the size of a postage stamp, you probably live in an old house. The bathrooms in old houses were sometimes small because they were an afterthought, a luxury built into an unused corner when indoor plumbing finally came to town. Other bathrooms were simply created small, which seems strange when paired with the much larger common rooms that many old houses have.

The solution to a small bathroom: a big remodel, right? And if you live in a more modern house, maybe that's just what you should do, but someone who lives in an old house might think twice. Old houses have undeniable character, and a serious gut-and-remodel can tarnish that. Besides, some old houses simply don't have the structure to support a larger bathroom without serious construction work.

So if you are one of those lucky souls who must live with the tiny old house bathroom, here are a few options to make life easier.

Take a hint from Asian design

Very simple, streamlined designs that incorporate everything you need and nothing more: This is the basis of elegant Asian design. Turning to this unique look for your bathroom can solve a great many problems, especially if you are willing to pare down and live as simply as possible while in that tiny space. The area under the vanity is completely filled, the toilet is a minimal size, and the lighting is subtle. Use rich and dark colors and a few well-placed mirrors to embrace the cozy feel.

Turn to pedestal sinks and overhead storage

If there really isn't any room to move in your tiny bathroom, go with a pedestal sink. This helps eliminate the large, bulky space-stealer underneath and makes the room easier to move around in. But what about storage? Look above you -- shelves along one wall, covered with attractive baskets and bins, can hold the things you absolutely must have. For a classier look, choose one small area of the bathroom for a slender floor-to-ceiling shelving unit. If space is at a serious premium, consider replacing the tub with a walk-in shower.

Forgo curtains and use screens instead

Privacy can be an issue, even in the tiniest of bathrooms. If you want to keep your privacy but hate the way curtains seem to take up so much visual space, turn to flat, opaque screens. A screen that covers one wall in your bathroom can hide unsightly old windows but still let the sun shine through, creating a beautiful space filled with natural light -- and plenty of privacy. Add a large mirror to make even more of that gorgeous light.

Consider unused wall space

If your old house bathroom is truly woeful in size, speak to a contractor about making use of the walls around it. Recessing the shower by three or four inches can make a huge difference. Doing the same with the sink or even the toilet can eventually give you a serious new footprint without sacrificing the original charm of the room. And don't forget the little details -- even recessed lighting can save a few inches when it really counts.

If your old house bathroom is anything like some I have dealt with in the past, you might find that a combination of these elements can create the perfect space for you. It will never be a room with a massive jacuzzi or a shower built for two, but it can definitely be livable, and still filled with the charm you fell in love with in the first place.

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