Many Edmonton homes have small bathrooms. Older homes in neighborhoods like Bonnie Doon and Strathcona often feature compact bathrooms built decades ago. But a small bathroom doesn’t mean you have to settle for a space that feels uncomfortable or outdated.
Good news: you can transform even the tiniest bathroom into a functional, beautiful space. This guide shares small bathroom remodel ideas that actually work. No fluff. Just real solutions that Edmonton homeowners have used to make their small bathrooms better.
Why Small Bathrooms Need Smart Design
Small bathrooms present unique challenges. Every inch matters. One wrong choice and the space feels even smaller. But here’s the thing: smart design can make a 40-square-foot bathroom feel larger and work better than a poorly planned 60-square-foot one.
According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the average bathroom size in Canadian homes built before 1980 is significantly smaller than in newer builds. Many Edmonton homeowners deal with bathrooms that measure just 5×7 feet or smaller.
The solution isn’t always knocking down walls. Sometimes it’s about working with what you have and making better choices.
Start With a Clear Plan
Before you pick out tiles or fixtures, take a step back. Measure your bathroom. Write down the dimensions. Note where the plumbing is located. Take photos from different angles.
Ask yourself these questions:
- What bothers you most about the current space?
- How many people use this bathroom?
- What do you actually need in here?
- What can you live without?
Many homeowners rush into bathroom remodeling ideas for small bathrooms without a clear plan. They end up with pretty features that don’t solve their real problems.
A contractor like Steadfast Constructions Ltd can help you assess your space and identify what changes will make the biggest difference. They work with Edmonton homeowners to create realistic renovation plans that fit actual needs.
Choose the Right Fixtures
Fixtures make or break a small bathroom remodel.
Toilets
Standard toilets take up a lot of room. Wall-hung toilets save floor space and make cleaning easier. Corner toilets fit into tight spots that regular toilets can’t. Some Edmonton homeowners have saved 6-12 inches of floor space just by switching toilet styles.
Sinks
Pedestal sinks look clean but offer zero storage. Wall-mounted sinks open up floor space and create an airy feel. Small vanities give you storage without eating up too much room. For really tight spaces, consider a corner sink. They fit where standard sinks won’t.
Showers and Tubs
Here’s where you need to make tough choices. Do you actually use your tub? Many Canadians don’t. If you rarely take baths, removing the tub and installing a walk-in shower can transform your bathroom. A shower takes up less space. It makes the room more accessible. And it can feel more open.
But if you have young kids or really love baths, keep the tub. Consider a shorter tub or a tub-shower combo that doesn’t waste space. Glass shower doors beat shower curtains every time in small bathrooms. They let light flow through and don’t close off part of the room visually.
Smart Storage Solutions
Storage is where most small bathroom remodels fail. You need places to put things. Toiletries, towels, cleaning supplies, toilet paper. All of it needs a home.
Vertical Space
Look up. Your walls have storage potential. Install shelves above the toilet. Use the space above the door. Add a tall, narrow cabinet instead of a short, wide one. Recessed medicine cabinets built into the wall don’t stick out into the room. They give you storage without taking up space.
Hidden Storage
Think about where you can hide storage:
- Inside the wall between studs
- Under a wall-mounted sink
- Behind mirrors
- In the toe-kick space under cabinets
One Edmonton homeowner installed shallow shelving in the wall cavity behind their bathroom door. It holds toiletries and towels without taking up any floor space.
Multi-Purpose Features
Choose fixtures and furniture that do double duty. A mirror with built-in storage. A vanity with pull-out organizers. A shower niche instead of a caddy that hangs from the showerhead. These small bathroom remodeling ideas add up. Each one reclaims a bit of space.
Color and Light Make a Difference
You’ve probably heard that light colors make spaces feel bigger. It’s true.
But it’s not the whole story.
Paint Colors
White and light colors reflect light. They make walls seem to recede. This creates the illusion of more space. But you don’t have to paint everything white. Light grays, soft blues, and pale greens work well, too.
Here’s a trick: paint the ceiling the same color as the walls, or go slightly lighter. This makes the ceiling seem higher. Dark colors can work in small bathrooms if you use them carefully. A dark accent wall can add depth. Dark floors can ground the space without making it feel smaller.
Lighting
Bad lighting makes any bathroom feel worse. Good lighting transforms it.
Layer your lighting:
- Overhead lights for general illumination
- Task lighting around the mirror for grooming
- Accent lights to highlight features
Avoid a single harsh overhead light. It creates shadows and makes the space feel flat. Consider a lighted mirror or sconces on either side of the mirror. This gives you even, flattering light where you need it most.
Windows help tremendously. If you have a window, make the most of it. Use frosted glass or window film for privacy without blocking light. No window? LED lights that mimic natural daylight can help the space feel less cave-like.
Flooring Choices That Work
Flooring affects how big your bathroom feels.
Materials
Tile remains the most popular choice for bathroom floors in Canada. It handles moisture well and lasts for years. Large-format tiles have fewer grout lines. This creates a cleaner, more expansive look. A 12×24-inch tile makes a small bathroom look bigger than dozens of small mosaic tiles. Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) has become popular for bathroom remodels in small bathrooms. It looks like wood, resists water, feels warmer underfoot than tile, and costs less.
Layout Patterns
How you lay the flooring matters. Diagonal patterns make rooms look wider. Running tiles or planks toward the door draws the eye and makes the space feel longer. Keep grout lines thin and close to the tile color. Bold contrasting grout chops up the floor visually and makes it feel smaller.
Maximize Visual Space
Making your bathroom look bigger is almost as good as making it actually bigger.
Mirrors
A large mirror is the cheapest way to make a small bathroom feel more spacious. Instead of a medicine cabinet that’s 24 inches wide, go wall to wall if you can. The reflection doubles the apparent size of the room.
Glass and Transparency
Anything transparent or translucent helps. Glass shower enclosures instead of frosted or patterned ones. A clear shower curtain instead of an opaque one. Glass shelves instead of solid ones. These choices let light travel through the space instead of blocking it.
Consistent Materials
Use the same tile on the floor and walls. Or at least stay in the same color family. When everything flows together, the eye doesn’t stop at transitions. The space reads as larger.
Practical Small Bathroom Remodel Ideas
Let’s get specific. Here are bathroom remodel ideas for small bathrooms that Edmonton homeowners have actually used.
Pocket Doors
A standard door swings into the bathroom or hallway, taking up space. A pocket door slides into the wall. You gain the floor space where the door used to swing.
This can be a significant change in a really small bathroom.
Walk-In Showers
Removing the tub and installing a curbless walk-in shower opens up the floor. The continuous floor makes the room look and feel bigger. Add a rainfall showerhead, and you have a spa-like experience in a small space.
Floating Vanities
Wall-mounted vanities make the floor visible underneath. This creates the illusion of more floor space. They also make cleaning easier. No more trying to mop around a vanity base.
Built-In Niches
Instead of shower caddies or corner shelves that stick out, build recessed niches into the shower wall. You get storage without losing space. And they look cleaner and more intentional.
Heated Floors
This isn’t about making the room look bigger. It’s about making it more comfortable. Radiant floor heating turns your small bathroom into a warm, cozy space. In Edmonton winters, this makes a real difference. The system goes under the tile. It doesn’t take up any room. And it can reduce the need for a bulky radiator or baseboard heater.
Work With Professionals
Some bathroom remodeling ideas for small bathrooms are DIY-friendly. Painting, installing new hardware, or swapping out a light fixture? You can probably handle those.
But small bathroom remodels often involve:
- Moving plumbing
- Electrical work
- Structural changes
- Waterproofing
- Tile installation
These require expertise.
Steadfast Constructions Ltd works with Edmonton homeowners on bathroom renovations of all sizes. They understand local building codes, can navigate permit requirements, and know how to handle the unexpected issues that come up during renovations in older homes.
A good contractor can also suggest solutions you might not think of. They’ve seen dozens of small bathrooms and know what works.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
Even with good intentions, small bathroom remodels can go wrong.
Overdoing It
Not every trend belongs in your bathroom. Keep it simple. Too many different materials, colors, or patterns make a small space feel chaotic. Pick two or three main materials and stick with them.
Ignoring Ventilation
Edmonton homes need good bathroom ventilation. Moisture from showers leads to mold and damage if it can’t escape. A proper exhaust fan isn’t optional. Make sure your remodel includes adequate ventilation.
Choosing Style Over Function
That beautiful vessel sink might look great. But if water splashes everywhere when you use it, you’ll regret it. Choose fixtures that work well first. Then pick the best-looking option from the functional choices.
Skipping Waterproofing
Proper waterproofing costs money and takes time. Skipping it costs more when you have to redo everything because of water damage. Don’t cut corners on waterproofing, especially in the shower area.
Real Examples From Edmonton
Consider what other homeowners have done. One family in Riverbend removed their bathtub and installed a large walk-in shower. They gained a linen closet in the space they saved.
Another homeowner in Old Strathcona installed a wall-hung toilet and sink. The open floor space made their 45-square-foot bathroom feel like it had doubled in size.
A couple in Laurier Heights used large-format porcelain tiles on both the floor and walls. The continuous look made their narrow bathroom seem wider.
These aren’t dramatic, expensive overhauls. They’re smart choices that respect the constraints of small spaces.
Timeline and Planning
Small bathroom remodels typically take 2-4 weeks, depending on the scope.
Simple updates like fixtures and paint? Maybe a week.
Full gut jobs with new plumbing, tile, and fixtures? Plan for three to four weeks or more.
In Edmonton, timing matters. Winter renovations can work fine for bathrooms since the work is inside. But if you need to open exterior walls or work on plumbing that could freeze, schedule for warmer months.
Have a backup plan for where you’ll shower during the renovation. If it’s your only bathroom, this matters a lot.
Is a Small Bathroom Remodel Worth It?
That depends on your situation.
- If your bathroom is outdated, dysfunctional, or has water damage, a remodel makes sense. You’ll enjoy the space more every single day.
- If you’re preparing to sell, an updated bathroom adds value. According to the Canadian Real Estate Association, bathrooms and kitchens influence buyer decisions more than any other rooms.
- If you plan to stay in your home for years, investing in a bathroom you actually like using improves your quality of life.
The key is spending money on changes that matter to you, not trends that look good on Instagram but don’t fit your life.
Next Steps
You have ideas now. You know what’s possible in a small bathroom.
Here’s what to do next:
Start with a clear vision of what you want. Look at examples online. Save images of bathrooms you like.
Set a realistic budget. Know what you can spend before you start making decisions.
Get professional input. Talk to a contractor who specializes in bathroom renovations. They can tell you what’s possible in your specific space.
Steadfast Constructions Ltd offers consultations for Edmonton homeowners planning bathroom remodels. Whether you’re working with 40 square feet or 70, they can help you create a plan that maximizes your space and fits your budget.
Conclusion
A small bathroom doesn’t have to feel cramped or outdated. With the right small bathroom remodel ideas, you can transform even the tiniest space into something functional and beautiful. Focus on smart fixture choices. Use vertical space. Let in light. Keep things simple.
Most importantly, plan carefully before you start tearing things apart. Edmonton homeowners have lots of options for small bathroom remodeling ideas that work in real homes. Whether you’re in an older bungalow in Garneau or a condo in Oliver, the same principles apply.
Ready to transform your small bathroom? Steadfast Constructions Ltd can help you turn your ideas into reality. They bring experience, local expertise, and a practical approach to every renovation project in Edmonton. Your small bathroom has potential. It just needs the right approach.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best layout for a small bathroom remodel?
The best layout depends on your specific space, but generally, placing the toilet in a corner, using a wall-mounted sink or compact vanity, and installing a walk-in shower instead of a tub maximizes usable space. Work with your existing plumbing locations when possible to keep renovation work simpler and focus on fixtures that don’t stick out into the room.
How can I make my small bathroom look bigger without major renovations?
Use large mirrors to reflect light and create depth. Paint walls and ceilings in light, cohesive colors. Replace dark or busy shower curtains with clear glass doors. Improve lighting with multiple light sources. Switch to large-format tiles with minimal grout lines. These changes create the illusion of more space without moving walls or plumbing.
Should I remove the bathtub in my small bathroom?
It depends on your needs. If you rarely use the tub and need more space, removing it for a walk-in shower can transform your bathroom. However, keep the tub if you have young children, mobility concerns that make showers difficult, or plan to sell soon (some buyers prefer at least one tub in the home). Consider your lifestyle and how long you’ll stay in the home.
What fixtures save the most space in a small bathroom?
Wall-hung toilets save 6-12 inches of floor space and make cleaning easier. Corner sinks fit into spots where standard sinks won’t. Floating vanities create visual space by showing the floor underneath. Curbless walk-in showers with glass doors make the room feel more open than tub-shower combos. Each fixture choice compounds to make a noticeable difference in tight spaces.
Do I need a professional contractor for a small bathroom remodel in Edmonton?
Yes, for most small bathroom remodels. While you can handle cosmetic updates like painting or changing hardware yourself, most bathroom renovations involve plumbing, electrical work, waterproofing, and tile installation that require professional expertise. Edmonton building codes have specific requirements for bathroom ventilation, electrical outlets near water, and proper waterproofing. A professional contractor ensures the work is done correctly and safely.
