5 ideas to optimize the space in your bathroom

By Léa Plourde-Archer

Updated on November 8, 2023

In Canada, bathrooms tend not to be very spacious, yet this part of the home is first and foremost meant to be a place of relaxation where occupants should be made to feel comfortable. By optimizing the layout of your bathroom, you can enjoy a more refined space, especially by focusing on storage furniture. Home furnishing stores are full of ideas of any kind to allow you to optimize every inch of the room. There is something for everyone and all budgets!

Looking to maximize the layout of your bathroom? Here are 5 simple ideas to make better use of your space thanks to adapted storage solutions.

How to maximize the space in your bathroom

1. Integrating storage furniture in and around your sink

Blog image

Source: Canva

To optimize the way the bathroom is set up, there is nothing better than a storage cabinet below and/or above your sink. Convenient for storing towels, toiletries and other items, this type of storage can take the form of shelves, cupboards, drawers or even baskets.

Vanities are marketed in different designs and materials and include plenty of storage space. You should know that wood is the material of choice for vanities because it is resistant and gives off a warm vibe. In case you intend to keep your current sink, a cabinetmaker could certainly design for your bathroom storage custom-made to incorporate this element.

Discover 10 examples of bathroom renovation projects

2. Opting for furniture that can be installed at heights to gain space

Thinking about adding cabinets or shelves to furnish your bathroom? Be sure to prioritize furniture that can be installed at heights or that will be as tall as the ceiling to gain space. For this type of furniture, the quality of the materials and build will be of crucial importance, as a piece of furniture that is installed higher up on a wall must have a good balance, most of all when exposed to daily use.

Focus on items that are sturdy, stable and not prone to falling over. This is even more important if you have kids! In that regard, you should think about securing your furniture to the wall to avoid the risk of these items tumbling as you reach for a product.

Check out How to renovate a small bathroom

Looking for experts to renovate your bathroom?

Fill out the form so that we can put you in contact with certified contractors from our network

3. Gaining more space by removing the shower curtain or door

Have you noticed how difficult it can be to clean a shower door because of the limescale that accumulates on its surfaces? If you want to get rid of this cleaning chore, in addition to maximizing the space of your bathroom, a good solution would be to remove the doors of your shower. Yes, you read that right! If done properly, this can be a great option for making the area look and feel more spacious.

Most showers are made in such a way that the water cannot spray outside, even if no actual door is installed. Of course, to avoid flooding, be sure to test things out before removing the door altogether. Once the door has been taken down, take the time to perform finishing work to secure the edges and do not leave any sharp or blunt element that could lead to injuries. Install a rod and a shower curtain that can be pulled away when not in use and you are all set! You will quickly notice that your bathroom looks much more spacious than it was!

Blog image

Source: Canva

4. Making use of the walls over your bathtub

Have you noticed how the walls over bathtubs are seldom used to their full potential? Yet, they represent a considerable surface area that can be very useful. Shallow, water-resistant shelves are perfect for placing scented candles, hygiene and cleaning products or your child's bath toys right above the tub. Although there is no constraint on the width of these shelves, be careful not to overload the wall so as not to clutter it. Another fun idea would eventually be to install a frame with a beautiful work of art in this area, which would serve to maximize your well-being.

Blog image

Source: Canva

5. Optimizing the space using natural and artificial light

If you are lucky to have a bathroom that receives a lot of natural light, the room will be bright and will appear more spacious. Do you feel that there aren’t enough windows in your bathroom? Is there a possibility to install a new window? Why not take this opportunity to add more natural light inside your bathroom? Nowadays, window models that are available on the market are highly waterproof and do not let in the cold come wintertime. This will help you enjoy a lovely bright bathroom, without sacrificing your comfort!

Another solution would be to focus on artificial lighting by investing in light fixtures that are adapted to bathrooms. Do you think that multiplying the sources of artificial light in this room will inevitably increase your energy bill? This is not necessarily the case.

Nowadays, you can buy low consumption light bulbs which allow you to brighten up your home without blowing up your electricity budget. Make sure to install the lamps in strategic areas, such as at the top and around the mirror, above the bathtub, in the middle of the room, etc.

We also suggest that you check out our checklist for bathroom renovation projects, as this article contains a ton of information and comes with a document you can use to organize your project.

Get 3 quotes for your bathroom renovation project

RenoQuotes.com can help you find a trustworthy contractor for your bathroom renovation project. By submitting your project to us, we’ll be able to put you in contact with the best companies in our network. Fill in the form on the homepage (it only takes a few minutes) and you will be contacted by trusted professionals.

Dial 1-844 828-1588 to speak with one of our customer service representatives

Get 3 free quotes for your project!

Submit a project and get 3 free quotes!

Looking for something else?

Table of contents

5 min read

Find contractors near you

Enter your postal code



Related articles

The latest industry news, interviews, technologies, and resources.

3 min read

Editorial Team

08 Nov 2023

How to Refinish and Maintain an Exposed Brick Wall in your Home

The clay composition of brick is what gives it its characteristic earthy colour while also delivering enormous strength and durability. While brick does outlast other materials such as wood, over time a brick wall’s worst enemies are moisture and extreme temperature changes. These two natural elements that every Canadian must deal with annually can really compromise the mortar over time, leaving cracks and stains.

4 min read

Léa Plourde-Archer

08 Nov 2023

Cost of Installation and Maintenance of an Interior Brick Wall

Once seen as an architectural element only used for outdoor walls and industrial spaces, the interior brick wall has turned into a new staple in Canadian homes. This material is not set to go out of style any time soon! We’ve prepared a small guide to tell you more about interior brick wall installation and maintenance:

Interior renovations
4 min read

Christine Simard

08 Nov 2023

Portugal: Decoration and renovation around the world

Around the world, many people are fascinated by the beauty and history of architecture and design. From city to city, country to country, a lot of treasures stand hidden and ready to be discovered, whether it is a monument that has stood the test of time or a house that has been perfectly preserved by its inhabitants throughout the years.

5 min read

Cynthia Pigeon

08 Nov 2023

Everything to Know About Clear Roof Panels

Are you looking for a robust roofing material that’s also resistant to harsh weather conditions and allows you to fully benefit from natural light? Then it’s about time you consider installing clear roof panels!

Exterior renovations
5 min read

Editorial Team

21 Nov 2024

Staircase Paint Stripping - How to Go About It with Wood

In keeping with tradition and spanning eras, stunning without fail courtesy of its timeless appeal, a wooden staircase still needs, without a doubt, an eventual facelift to maintain its beauty. Before applying a new coat of paint or stain, stripping the wood is an essential step. How can you go about this sort of project, abiding by good practices, without damaging the wood? What are the most effective methods of stripping a wooden staircase? Keep reading to discover the best practices and techniques to revamp your staircase.