Imagine living in a tiny house with a stylish and functional bathroom in a tiny house that makes the most of every square inch. It’s not like you have a lot of space so you need to make the most of it.
With smart design choices and space-saving tips, you can create a cozy, inviting, and efficient bathroom in your tiny home. Granted you won’t likely have a huge soaker tub or shower for two but you can maximize the small spaces you do have.
After all, you did not jump on the tiny house movement bandwagon because you needed a lot of space.
There are a few facts to deal with here. Tiny houses have small bathrooms and some have a super small bathroom. LOL.
In this blog post, we’ll explore various design ideas, material choices, lighting, and ventilation options to help you maximize space and create your dream bathroom in a tiny house.
Key Takeaways
Designing a functional tiny house bathroom requires considering daily habits, utilizing space effectively, and including essential fixtures.
Identify daily habits to create an efficient space that caters to individual needs, such as using storage solutions and monitoring water usage mindfully.
Utilize corner sinks & showers, wall-mounted fixtures & multi-functional furniture for maximum efficiency in design while selecting waterproof materials with aesthetic appeal for the perfect finish.
Table of Contents
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Designing a Functional Tiny House Bathroom
The first step to creating a functional tiny house bathroom involves understanding your daily habits and routines. Recognizing the essential items and fixtures for your bathroom enables optimal use of the limited space available.
A proactive design approach is necessary because every inch of your tiny bathroom should be effectively utilized to prevent future problems.
Some essential fixtures for a tiny house bathroom include:
Toilet
Shower space
Bathroom sink with vanity
Storage cabinet
Possibly a washing machine/dryer
Conducting a dry run in your existing bathroom with just the basic necessities helps determine how much space you truly need. You probably don’t need a medicine cabinet or that huge soaking tub. (It is so nice, though!)
Identifying Daily Habits
Reflect on your daily bathroom habits and routines to establish which items and fixtures are truly necessary for your tiny house bathroom. Given that you might spend an hour a day in your bathroom (or at least my kids do), creating a space that caters to your specific needs is paramount.
Keeping your tiny house bathroom clean and organized, utilizing space-saving storage solutions, and monitoring water usage mindfully are some habits to adopt for a more functional space.
Essential Fixtures
Selecting essential fixtures such as sinks, showers, and toilets that save space and are efficient is vital for your tiny house bathroom. Some opt to install a full-size sink in the kitchen instead of having a separate sink in the bathroom to save precious space.
Corner sinks and showers, for example, can be great options for conserving square footage. Pedestal sinks are another suitable choice, especially if you’re looking to create an open feel in your bathroom.
Do you really need a toilet? I don’t know about the rest of you but if you are asking me, the answer is HECK YEAH!
The thing about tiny houses is there is not a residential septic system. Instead, your wastewater will be called black water.
Toilets come in various types suitable for tiny house bathrooms, such as the standard flush toilet, RV flush toilet, incinerating toilet, composting toilets, and basic bucket systems.
A composting toilet, for example, is eco-friendly making it an attractive option for off-grid living. Commercial composting toilets and bucket-style toilets are two popular choices in this category.
Storage Solutions
Devising practical and visually appealing storage solutions is key to maintaining an organized and clutter-free tiny house bathroom.
Mounting items on the backs of cabinet doors, arranging items around the sink drain, or grouping necessary clutter in aesthetically pleasing boxes or jars are some ways to maximize storage capacity.
In-drawer power outlets, pull-out bathroom organizers, and over-the-door storage systems are other storage solutions to consider for your tiny house bathroom.
These options facilitate maintaining clear countertops and provide convenient access to regularly used items, making your bathroom more functional and efficient.
You literally have to steal every single space you can and use it.
Space-Saving Tips for Tiny House Bathrooms
Space-saving tips can significantly enhance tiny house bathrooms by helping you maximize such a small space.
Utilizing corner sinks and showers, installing wall-mounted fixtures, and incorporating multi-functional furniture are all effective strategies for optimizing space.
Using a pocket door is a great example of how to have more functional space in a small room. You don’t have a door to intrude into a room so it could allow full use of the entire bathroom.
For instance, showers with glass doors or curtains can save bathroom space while providing an open and inviting feel.
Corner Sinks and Showers
Corner sinks and showers are great options for maximizing space in tiny house bathrooms.
A corner shower is often used because it allows for more efficient use of the limited area.
Wall-Mounted Fixtures
Wall-mounted fixtures, such as sinks and toilets, can save floor space and create a more open feel in a tiny house bathroom.
These fixtures can be easily mounted at a desired height, making them both versatile and convenient for various bathroom layouts.
Multi-Functional Furniture
Multi-functional furniture, such as vanities with extra storage, wall-mounted shelves, or fold-down tables, can help save space and increase efficiency in a tiny house bathroom.
Merging a bathroom and laundry room is an excellent example of using multi-functional furniture to conserve space and eliminate the need for a large washing basket.
I am still not sure if the clothes would make it to the washer even if it were in the bathroom.
Material Choices for Small Bathrooms
The choice of materials significantly impacts the creation of a stylish and functional small bathroom. It is important to choose materials with features that are waterproof, lightweight, and aesthetically appealing.
Waterproof materials, such as tile and laminate, are essential to prevent water damage and mold growth, while lightweight materials like wood and wall panels can help create a more spacious feel.
Waterproof Materials
In a tiny bathroom, waterproof materials are vital to avert water damage and mold growth. Suitable waterproof materials for a tiny house bathroom include:
Ceramic tiles with flexible grout
Molded epoxy
Vinyl planking
Galvanized steel sheets
Each material has its pros and cons in terms of cost, durability, and installation, so it’s essential to choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.
Lightweight Materials
Using lightweight materials like wood, reclaimed pallet boards or metal panels can contribute to a more spacious sensation.
Wood is an ideal material for crafting a warm and cozy ambiance, as it can be used for flooring and walls.
Other lightweight materials suitable include wall panels, metal roofing panels, and reclaimed pallet boards.
Aesthetic Appeal
Opting for visually appealing materials that harmonize with your tiny house bathroom’s overall design is vital for a cohesive aesthetic.
Bronze shower fixtures, wood slat walls, and a shower curtain with minimalist design elements can add character and personality to your bathroom.
By selecting materials that align with your desired design style, you can create a tiny bathroom that is both functional and beautiful.
Lighting and Ventilation in Tiny House Bathroom Design
I don’t know about you, but I couldn’t live without some ventilation in my tiny house. I will say it in black and white. Sometimes boys stink!
Adequate lighting and ventilation are crucial in tiny house bathrooms for ensuring a comfortable and healthy environment. Here are some tips to consider:
Natural light from windows and skylights can make your bathroom feel more spacious and inviting.
Artificial lighting can provide adequate illumination for daily tasks. Think of indirect lighting or rope lighting.
Ventilation systems, such as fans or whole-house ventilation, are essential for preventing mold growth and maintaining good indoor air quality.
Installing a fan set on a timer and dehumidifying the air in the tiny house as a whole are recommended methods for ventilating a tiny house bathroom.
Incorporating natural light can also lower energy expenses and furnish a source of natural ventilation. Strategically placed windows and skylights can maximize light, enhancing the overall ambiance.
Artificial lighting options, like LED lights and sconces, offer energy efficiency and bright illumination, while wall-mounted lighting provides a space-saving and visually appealing solution.
Tiny House Bathroom Inspirations
There are numerous tiny house bathroom inspirations to choose from, ranging from minimalist designs to rustic and natural styles, or even bold and colorful themes.
By exploring these various design inspirations, you can find the perfect aesthetic for your tiny house bathroom that reflects your personality and complements the overall design of your tiny home.
Here are some inspiring ideas for your tiny house bathroom design, including a wet bathroom and an outdoor shower.
Minimalist Designs
Minimalist designs emphasize simplicity and functionality. They use clean lines and neutral colors to establish a serene and uncluttered room. To achieve a minimalist design, you can:
Maintain a simple and neutral color palette
Select compact fixtures and fittings
Utilize open shelving or wall-mounted storage
Take advantage of natural light
Opt for sleek and minimalistic accessories.
The emphasis on simplicity and practicality in minimalist designs results in a tranquil and uncluttered tiny house bathroom.
Rustic and Natural Styles
Rustic and natural styles infuse elements of wood, stone, and plants to cultivate a warm and inviting atmosphere. These styles can evoke a sense of connection with nature, providing a soothing and calming environment in your tiny house bathroom.
By using materials like wood for flooring, walls, and furniture, and incorporating stone and plant elements, you can create a tiny house bathroom in tiny houses that feels like a personal retreat.
Bold and Colorful Themes
Bold and colorful themes utilize vibrant colors, patterns, and unique fixtures to make a statement and imbue personality into the space. These themes can help create a lively and energetic atmosphere, evoking a sense of creativity and individuality.
Some examples of bold and colorful themes for a tiny house bathroom include:
Dark green
Soft mint green
Bright turquoise blue
Fiery orange
Marigold
Scarlet
Teal
By experimenting with vibrant colors, patterns, and unique fixtures, you can create a tiny house bathroom that reflects your personal style and makes a lasting impression.
Final Thoughts
Creating a stylish and functional tiny house bathroom is achievable with careful planning, smart design choices, and space-saving strategies.
Consider daily habits, choose essential fixtures, plan storage solutions, and incorporate appropriate materials, lighting, and ventilation to maximize space and create a comfortable, healthy environment in your tiny house bathroom.
With a variety of design inspirations available, you can find the perfect aesthetic that reflects your personality and complements your tiny home.
Embrace the challenge and enjoy the process of creating your dream tiny house bathroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you put a bathroom in a tiny home?
Yes, it’s possible to have a bathroom in a tiny home. Design it smartly and creatively for comfort in a compact space. For instance, use a corner sink, opt for a shower stall instead of a bathtub, and consider a composting toilet.
How do you shower in a tiny house?
Showering typically requires more planning and space-saving strategies such as a wet room or a custom-designed shower stall.
What is the smallest Shower you can build a bathroom?
There are some tiny homes that have bathrooms no bigger than 3 feet by 3 feet. The toilet sits on a platform on heavy-duty drawer slides to be moved out of the way for showering.
How big is a shower in a tiny house?
You may want to consider at least a 30-inch wide area for a shower if you plan on living in it full-time.
How are bathrooms designed in a tiny home?
The most common advice for tiny house bathrooms is that they should be no larger than 4 feet by 3 feet for a wet bath or 5 feet by 8 feet for an average tiny home. Generally, it’s suggested that the bathroom should take up no more than 25 percent of the entire area.
Can you have plumbing in a tiny house?
Yes, plumbing can be easily installed in a tiny house. To do so, all you have to do is mark the space on your wall and fit it accordingly. Additionally, because of the small size of the home, there is less plumbing needed and fewer long runs are required.
What do tiny homes do for water supply?
Tiny homes rely on traditional plumbing and water supply methods, using one sink, shower, and toilet. Every tiny house will have a clean water tank for drinking and cooking.
