At long last, the before and after photos of my tiny attic bathroom! This small bathroom had some serious space challenges. From the interior door that blocked the hallway, to the vanity so close to the toilet that it couldn’t fully open. But all that has changed! All 26 square feet have been improved to perfection. Well, at least to The Unprofessional definition of perfection.
If you would prefer to see the before and afters with special effects and music, check out the video!
First on the list of changes, the vanity. What a terrible waste of space! I solved this by tearing it out and replacing it with a wall mount sink. I tiled because I’m a masochist (not the dirty kind), and learned some valuable plumbing lessons while installing the sink. I’ve got a whole separate blog post and YouTube video on the wall mount sink installation.
Let there be light! I always say don’t do your own electrical, but what do I know? Enough to wire a light as it turns out. I am so happy with the small space, minimalist sconce that I found on Etsy.
I wanted no wasted space in this tiny bathroom, so I installed a floating ledge behind the toilet that holds the toilet paper roll holder. You can read about the floating ledge in another post. I also built a small ladder shelf next to the recessed medicine cabinet.
Which leads me to my next improvement, the recessed medicine cabinet. In a tiny bathroom, recessed medicine cabinets are worth their weight in gold.
I didn’t want to tear out the perfectly-good-but-kinda-ugly tile in my shower, so I used tub refinisher to make it match the rest of the bathroom. Will it hold up? Only time will tell, but so far so good. I also painted the PVC tile trim and lost half of my brain cells in the process. Believe what they say on the can and use a respirator. Then I added a nice new coat of light grey-green paint to the walls and the whole thing started coming together.
BEFORE
AFTER
And last but not least, the sliding door. Next to the sink, this was the most impactful upgrade. It has solved the hallway problem with an added perk of providing a few inches between the toilet and the door for a much more comfortable potty experience.
Kudos to my bestie Emmy of Emilia Decor who stretches my creative limits with amazing outcomes. If you live in Portland, Oregon, hire her immediately.
And there you have it, the tiny attic bathroom Oh, and if you haven’t already subscribed to my YouTube channel, head on over a take a look!
Very nice! For some reason, it looks larger. 🙂
Thanks, Mary! Yay, that was the goal :).
Looks great! Just came across this project and your blog through Apartment Therapy. I have a similar philosophy as you about DIY projects, and am about to tear apart a bathroom while 7 months pregnant. Looking forward to seeing more!
Thanks, Ann! Definitely ambitious at 7 months, but better to do it now than after the baby arrives :). Good luck and thanks so much for reading.
Can you let me know the product you used to change the tile color in your Jan 2019 bathroom Reno.. You called it a tub refinisher. When I check out tub refinisher they show a 2 part mixture that seems to just paint over top. I noticed your tile changed color but the existing swirls in the tile remained, which I like. What am I missing, or perhaps just knowing what product you used may help. I live in Canada so hopefully the product is available here.
I used the Rustoleum Tub and Tile Refinisher Kit (I just added the link to the post) and then I hand did the grout lines with sanded caulk. The grout lines took a loooonnnggg time to do. The refinisher creates a very solid white finish and almost looks plastic when it is completely dry. The grout lines really helped it look like normal tile again. I did three coats and so far it has held up just fine. Hope that helps!
Just starting the remodeling of a small bathroom. This gave me several great ideas i.e. shelves. I had already decided on a barn door. I am replacing the tub with a shower and thereby gaining some floor space. The video really got me excited about the project.
Replacing the tub with a shower is so smart in a small bathroom. It’s amazing how a little extra floor space can really make things seem larger and more functional. Thanks for checking out the blog and good luck with your remodel!
We have a door to the hallway dilemma as well. However I’m concerned with replacing an outward opening door with a barn door due to privacy and “noise” concerns.
How much of a tight seal can you get with a barn door? Is there a gap all around since it’s just hanging from the rails on the top?
Thanks
My door doesn’t have much of a gap, however, if you are concerned about privacy, a pocket door might be a better solution. If you are set on a barn door, you can minimize the gap by installing your hardware every so slightly forward on the top of your door, which will bring the door back toward the wall. Having trim around the door opening helps as well. It’s more privacy than a public bathroom if that helps :).
Thanks. Do you have any close-up photos of the outside of the door, gap between wall and door, and top rail?
You know, I didn’t think to take pictures of the gap. I’d be happy to take some and email them to you.
Darcy, she painted only the floor tiles in the shower. I think you are wondering about the shower wall tiles seeming to be a different color in the after pic. The wall tiles are the same tiles as before, nothing done to them; they only appear to be a different color because of different lighting in the after pic.
Where did the cute stool come from? Great job!
Thanks, Maggie! The stool is from IKEA.
Looks great! BTW is the tall plant a crown of thorns? I would be scared to have it in such a small place.
Good to know, Joanne! Since taking the photo, I have moved it to a sunny spot in my bedroom dormer. It is much happier there :).
Well done!
Thanks :).
Hey! How wide was your bathroom? I’m thinking of reclaiming some closet space (already plumbed and electrified!!), but it’s only 3′ across (9′ long). Think there is similar hope for me?
Yesssss! Do it! I think you definitely have enough space, but you might need to place the toilet at one of the long ends or install a wall-mounted toilet. My dimensions are 3’4″ x just under 8′. Here is an idea you could try with the toilet at the long end: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/814588651329516685/. I’d love to see a photo when you are done!
Do you have a shower curtain? I’ve been wondering how to hang a shower rod with an angled ceiling.
Great question! We had eye screws on each side and attached the shower curtain at an angle with hooks instead of using a rod. It wasn’t pretty but it worked. Right now, we aren’t using it until I can figure out how to install glass. Next project :).
The bathroom re do is lovely. Bless yourvpatience and talent. I love the long shelf, and just think what you fid was creative and beautiful. Could you tell me what is the color and brand name of the grey green paint you used as I love it, and also where,you bought the basket on the floor in the corner . Thank you so much an for sharing your hard work. inspirational. Marianne
Thanks for the nice comment, Marianne! The door paint is BEHR bonsai trunk and the wall paint is Glidden husky grey. I got both at Home Depot. Hope that helps :).