10 Quick Fix Ideas for Small Bathrooms

After dying my roommate’s hair the other night, I managed to get dye everywhere but her scalp. Blame it on my inexperience or our small, cramped bathroom. I chose the bathroom size. If only we could ditch the toilet, tub, or sink, our bathroom would be more spacious. For obvious reasons, we decided to leave them, but plan to make other adjustments. My mission was to find the best way to make our bathroom LOOK bigger with some quick fixes. Knowing my bathroom isn’t the smallest that needs change, I hope these inexpensive, easy improvements inspire you to do the same to your tiny bathroom while you’re still in the active spring mode.

Top 10 Small Bathroom Visual Enlargements

1. Color Conscious- Brighten and cool the room in both paint and fabric. Keep the feel light and airy; use the 60-30-10 Rule. 60% Dominant Color, 30% Secondary Color, 10% Accent Color
   
2. Wallpaper- Stick with textured paper and one that uses vertical lines to add the height illusion; nothing busy.
3. See Clearly- Substitute the opaque glass shower enclosure and for a clear, frameless one. Don't hide the little room you have. Use sheer or delicate tonal drapery fabrics.
4. Merge- If you have both a shower stall and bathtub, eliminate the shower by adding a Shower Head to the bathtub. Clawfoot Bathtub are as short as 48"; giving your bathroom more room, style, a bath and a shower all in one.
5. Get in Sink- Use a Pedestal Sink to give more floor space, Wall Mount it to clear the floor or add a Vessel Sink to give more counter space.
6. Don't Cut Corners- Replace your large out-dated toilet with a small modern Corner Toilet to avoid wasted space. Corner Sinks are also available as a wall mount and pedestal.
   
7. Mirrors- Reflect the space with multiple mirrors. Mirrors make any room look bigger. Use at least one with a built-in Medicine Cabinets to help with storage.
8. Clear the Way- Only leave out what is absolutely necessary; the bar of soap. Remove the small accessories and organize to give everything a home.
   
9. Board the Floors- Light colored flooring, such as birch wood, will match the cool colors and aid in the eye trick of appearing larger. Ask a professional about the best wood and sealant to use in bathrooms. Tile is a safe alternative, working well on counter tops, walls and floors.
10. Cut the Carpet- No wall to wall carpeting. Use runner carpets to give length to the floor rather than those stumpy, rectangular bathroom carpets.

Whatever Floats Your Love Boat

The beauty of a bathtub is that it can be enjoyed both sensually and visually.

Fill the bathtub with unexpected surprises for splash of romance this Valentine’s Day. It’s a perfect last minute idea that looks like it took days of dedication.

Let rose petals lead the path of love from land to sea. Sprinkle petals across the bathroom floor and gently float them in the water. Roses should be incorporated in Valentine’s Day some way, but don't always have to be given the same way. The petals will add vibrant color and texture to the bathroom while completing the picture perfect romance scene.

Feel guilty for destroying beautiful roses? This will be remembered much longer than the average bouquet of flowers.

Rose petals too expensive? Try...

• Fewer petals. The amount is your discretion
• A less expensive flower with large, colorful petals. Florists will advise you with the best option.
• Fake rose petals. This allows you to reuse and recreate at a later date.

Melt your honey’s heart with floating candles.

Floating candles give the bathroom warmth and romantic lighting. Floating heart candles, either plain or available with sayings on them add an extra touch to the theme of love.

Saving the best “floater” for last is a message in a bottle. Make the bathtub personal and express your feelings through writing. When the candles burn out and the water is drained, a letter in a bottle can be saved forever. Little bottles are found at any craft store. Not enough time to make it to the craft store? Just use an empty wine or champagne bottle and make sure the cork is back in tight.

Valentine’s Day Recipe Served in the Bathtub

Most cook a romantic dinner for their loved one on Valentine's Day. Here is a recipe to enjoy after that special meal and doesn’t break any New Year’s resolution diets. Use a pinch of this to transform an ordinary night into a serving size for two of romance.

Need some alone time to yourself? There's no need to look for an excuse for a quiet, relaxing bath. This quick fix recipe can be stirred up for one at anytime.

Romantic Bathtub Potion Recipe
3 cups

5 min prep

1	Cup Baking Soda
1	Cup Epsom Salts
1	Cup Citric Acid (available at drug stores)
3-5	drops essential oils (Lavender, Rosemary, Thyme, or Rose, Patchouli for example)

1. Mix first three ingredients in a large bowl.
2. Gradually add a drop of various essential oils to the mixture.
3. Lavender relieves anxiety.
4. Rosemary and thyme revitalize.
5. Rose soothes and patchouli is very sensual.
6. Stir ingredients thoroughly.
7. Transfer ingredients from a bowl into a glass container, such as a jam jar.
8. Seal tightly and shake well.
9. Draw a warm bath
10. Adding 1 to 2 tbs, of mixture.
11. Sink in and soak for at least 20 minutes with someone special

Spend Valentine’s Day in the Bathroom...

...and we don’t mean on the toilet.

With Valentine’s Day less than a month away, Vintage Tub & Bath is finding uses for bathtubs other than strictly bathing. Every year people search for new romantic ideas to do for their significant other that isn’t just a box of chocolate or jewelry. This is the “holiday” that the phrase, “it’s the thought that counts” is actually true. Between now and February 14^th, we’ll be offering unique, romantic ideas that will score you major brownie points with that special someone.

Single? Do something special for yourself. You'll fall in love with your creative side.