Is your small, 5×9 bathroom feeling cramped and dreary? Do you dream of being able to relax in a spa-like oasis, even in a tiny space? With careful planning and strategic design choices, you can transform your bathroom into a luxurious retreat.
From a luxurious walk-in shower to space-saving storage solutions, we’ll cover how to make every inch count. Read on to learn the secrets for creating a spa-like bathroom sanctuary no matter the size.
Choosing the Right Shower Enclosure
One of the best ways to open up floor space in a 5×9 bathroom is to swap out the existing bathtub for a roomy shower stall. Eliminating the large footprint of a tub allows you to get creative with shower design.
For a bathroom of this size, experts recommend choosing a shower enclosure in the 36-42 inch width range. This provides enough room to turn around without feeling too cramped. Consider a neo-angle shower which is angled rather than a perfectly straight rectangle to give you more elbow room.
To make the most of the shower design, opt for a frameless glass door that extends all the way from the floor to the ceiling. This eye-catching feature helps the shower blend seamlessly into the room, making the space appear larger.
Shower Door Considerations
Choosing the right glass shower door style can make a major impact in your small bathroom. Here are factors to consider:
- Frosted vs. clear glass: Frosted offers more privacy, clear opens up the space.
- Pivot doors swing out but take up less room. Sliding doors save even more space.
- Notching the shower door to fit the ceiling gives the illusion of height.
- Minimal door handles like discreet cut-outs maintain the sleek look.
Selecting Stunning Shower Materials
With the shower being a main focal point in a 5×9 bathroom, you’ll want to select interior finishes that wow. Here are ideas for showstopping shower materials:
It’s important to choose waterproof shower walls in a small space where moisture is in close proximity. Subway tile, marble mosaics, or quartzite stone are all eye-catching options.
Consider running the tile in interesting patterns or mixing textures. You can also opt for a tile with a bold accent wall to grab attention.
The shower floor makes a statement in this size bathroom. Use a mosaic tile, faux wood, or terrazzo design. Contrasting grout lines add visual interest.
Don’t forget to incorporate storage solutions like corner shelves, built-in niches, and shampoo cubbies. Every inch counts in maximizing a 5×9 bathroom.
Beautiful, Spa-Like Finishes
It’s the finer details that will truly elevate your 5×9 bathroom’s spa factor. Consider these luxurious finishes:
- An adjustable rainfall shower head provides a soothing soaking experience.
- Radiant heated floors are a dream underfoot.
- Eye-catching mosaic tile accents in the shower niches.
- Built-in shampoo, soap, and tray niches for necessities.
- Fog-free mirrors and waterproof recessed lighting.
By keeping finishes sleek and minimalist, you avoid a cluttered look in a small space. The goal is an oasis-like ambiance.
Clever Storage Solutions for Small Bathrooms
Finding storage solutions is a top priority for 5×9 bathrooms. You’ll need to get creative with these spacesaving ideas:
- Corner shelves and wall-mounted shelving units for extra storage.
- Recessed medicine cabinets maintain a streamlined look.
- Floating wall-mounted vanities maximize floor space.
- Narrow freestanding storage units on casters can be moved out of the way.
- Use the back of the door for small shelves and removable storage baskets.
By exploring every storage nook and cranny, you can keep the necessities off counters and out of sight.
Illusion of Space Through Design Choices
Several subtle design choices can work together to visually open up a 5×9 bathroom. Ideas to try:
- Frameless glass shower doors add an airy, open look.
- Extending wall tile from floor to ceiling makes rooms feel taller.
- Avoid dark grout lines and use matching caulk for a seamless tile look.
- Full-wall mirrors reflect light and create the illusion of more space.
- Glass block windows allow light instead of dark, solid walls.
Keeping the finishes minimalist and seamless avoids a cluttered, closed-in feeling. The goal is to maximize light and give the illusion of roominess.
The Power of Lighting in a Small Bathroom
Proper lighting can make a 5×9 bathroom shine. Use these tips:
- Incorporate natural light through a window or skylight if possible.
- Follow ambient and task lighting principles for different needs.
- Recessed ceiling fixtures provide soft ambient light.
- Vanity lighting ensures visibility for tasks.
- Dimmer switches allow you to set the perfect mood.
- Reflective paint colors and surfaces maximize brightness.
Lighting sets the tone in a bathroom. Use it strategically to make your 5×9 space feel bright, airy, and open 24/7.
Maximizing Storage
In a small bathroom like a 5×9, maximizing storage is crucial. One way to achieve this is by incorporating vertical storage solutions such as tall cabinets or shelving units that reach the ceiling. This not only provides ample storage but also adds height to the space, making it appear more spacious.
Use of Lighting
Proper lighting can have a significant impact on the perceived size of a bathroom. Consider installing a skylight or a large window to bring in natural light. Also, use task lighting strategically around the sink, shower, and toilet areas.
Use of Mirrors
Mirrors are an effective tool to make a space appear larger. Install a large mirror above the sink or consider using a wall-mounted mirror instead of a cabinet above the sink. This creates the illusion of a larger space and makes the bathroom feel more open.
Use of Glass
Glass shower doors and glass shelving units help to create a sense of spaciousness. Instead of traditional curtains, consider using a glass door with a sleek frame to enclose your shower. This allows light to pass through the glass, creating the illusion of a larger space.
Use of Pocket Doors
Instead of a standard swinging door, consider using a pocket door. This type of door slides into the wall, eliminating the need for swinging space, and does not take up any additional floor space.
Use of Floating Fixtures
Instead of traditional floor-mounted fixtures, consider using floating fixtures such as a wall-mounted sink or a toilet with a concealed tank. This frees up floor space and creates a cleaner, more minimalistic look.
Designing a luxurious, spa-like bathroom retreat is possible even in a 5×9 space. By focusing on a walk-in shower enclosure, storage solutions, spatial illusions, and ambient lighting, you can stretch and amplify the space. Keep finishes sleek yet eye-catching. Embrace glass, mirrors, and natural light. The end result will be a bathroom oasis and sanctuary in your own home.
You can have the bathroom of your dreams with careful planning. Implement these space-enhancing design ideas and get ready to relax and rejuvenate.