Need help with 5' X 10' Bathroom makeover
I am looking for thoughts, ideas and advice on this latest renovation. I will be gutting our bathroom. It was built in 1980 and last updated in (I think) 1980. I would give a photo of it now but, just trust me it's bad. My home is built on columns as we are near the coast in FL. The current layout is a real waste of space. we can not waste space as the home is small.
The goal: new everything; tub, commode, sink/vanity, fixtures,lights, floor.
The budget:Max $4,000 total my rough estimations:
tub = $1200-$1600
commode = $250,
sink = $300,
vanity = $500,
mirror, lights, other parts = $400
flooring = $400
LABOR = $ ALL ME
This bathroom is a guest bath but it has the only tub too. The master is a walkin shower. Oh the wife wants a linen closet too.
The first issue is layout. I can move plumbing as needed. I've got lots of hours into layout and I need help. The attatched image is current layout. There is a 32" window just to the left of the 10' mark on the drawing.
The goal: new everything; tub, commode, sink/vanity, fixtures,lights, floor.
The budget:Max $4,000 total my rough estimations:
tub = $1200-$1600
commode = $250,
sink = $300,
vanity = $500,
mirror, lights, other parts = $400
flooring = $400
LABOR = $ ALL ME
This bathroom is a guest bath but it has the only tub too. The master is a walkin shower. Oh the wife wants a linen closet too.
The first issue is layout. I can move plumbing as needed. I've got lots of hours into layout and I need help. The attatched image is current layout. There is a 32" window just to the left of the 10' mark on the drawing.

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Tub: Leave the tub in the same spot. It uses the space very efficiently in the present orientation.
Vanity: Keep the vanity in the same spot, but rotate it 45 degrees to the length of the wall, (North wall that says 59 inches.) I assume you'll be buying a 48 inch one.
Linen Cabinet: construct shallow one between the tub and the window OR change the vanity to a 36 inch vanity, and use the 29 inches left over to put the linen cabinet in the north west corner between the vanity and the wall. Purchased linen cabinets are from 18 inches to 22 inches and bigger. If you have a cabinet maker make one or make your own, of course you can use every inch of the wall space.
Personally, once the fixtures are in and you get a good idea of how you can use the space, I 'd wall off the commode with pony wall or a small alcove wall 35 inches from the south wall in the corner where the commode is. I think its a nicer look.
May I ask what you are thinking of for flooring and cabinet colors? It will be fun to see your room take shape.
Good Luck.
Regarding the linen closet: Optimally I'd remove the bath tub entirely, replacing it with a 42" wide shower and a 12 or 15" wide linen closet. However, keep in mind that if you're thinking of reselling the home in the near future, this may not be the best of ideas.
I'd keep the tub where it is, but would move the vanity along that long wall (10' wall) even with a window in the wall, You can add symmetry with a mirror beside the window.
I'd keep the toilet where it is, but rotate it so it backs onto the 10' wall. You can then add a shallow linen closet in front of the toilet, on the 59" wall. (would be great if it could recess into the wall studs, to give you extra depth)
You have plenty of space in a 5' wide bathroom to place a vanity on the long wall, I have it in my own house, and it works beautifully.
DCoop, You are absolutely right. I think this is the whole crux of the issue, and I agree. His plan does allow for more access to the vanity, but it is only a 30 inch vanity. I was trying to maximize storage. Do you think that 36 inches clearance in front of the vanity is too tight? I appreciate your comments and was concerned about the same thing. That why I kind of like the tall linen cabinet in the corner, it shifts the vanity over to maximize the clearance impedance of the toilet. Just curious, where would you put a linen storage cabinet in the floor plan as dhs presented? This room is a big puzzle, I know there is going to be a good solution that we say, "Aha!"
DHS, you have only the option of an 18 inch linen cabinet if you choose the vanity + linen cabinet on the 59" wall. You need to save room for casing the door.
Best Wishes to All!
"WowGreatPlace" got me thinking about toilet location. If the toilet were to be moved to adjacent the tub and quite possibly replaced with an in-wall tank set up gaining even more leg room, the 5' wall at west could be used entirely for storage/vanity. Two options would then be available in this case - Option 1 being a 36" vanity with a 24" wide storage tower or Option 2 being a 36" wide vanity and a storage closet that could open into the space outside the bathroom.
Theoretically, that option works, but I really would not want to see that toilet from the hallway.
The in-wall option also works in both of our scenarios, as it saves space (though would completely blow the budget!)
That or the door could be shifted over say 30" so that your view is of the opposite window rather than the toilet.
Having a linen tower outside the room, that steals space in the bathroom, may not be feasible. I am still not convinced that a guest bathroom IS the best place for linens....how much storage are we talking about? A few towels for the users of this bathroom, along with toilet paper, cleaning products, etc., or is this THE linen closet for all the sheets and pillows and blankets for the house (he did say the house is a small one)
My second option showing the closet opening into the adjoining room doesn't necessarily need to be just for linen. You could be talking cleaning supplies, toys for the children (if there are any) using the bathroom, a secondary pantry if the kitchen is nearby etc. etc. The important thing to remember is it isn't necessarily about what the storage will be used for but that we're providing additional storage.
Tub: remain as is with plumbing on door wall
Toilet: top left corner, facing right (tub) wall
Vanity / Linen Stg. (with over 7' of storage): window wall, extending from bottom left corner to tub. window is approx. centre of vanity
Door: pocket if possible, move closer to centre of room, facing window
Yes, that is basically what I was thinking. Although, I too am not a fan of towers (at least not in this scenario) and would like to see that whole wall nothing but mirror-window-mirror (wall sconces, etc.) with all of the storage below; it would make the room appear larger. But it sounds like the homeowner would prefer more of a full height unit; either way it works. I would also suggest moving the door down to approx. the centre of the room, across from the window.
Thank you so much for illustrating that for me, none of my electronic equipment seems to want to cooperate with me today.
D.Coop: I still come back to my original idea, with the addition of a closet as you suggest in the second drawing accessed from the hall.
The closet as you suggest solves the clearance and the sight line issues to a certain degree, it's as good as it gets.
On your second drawing , (drawing on the right)
1.) Move vanity to north wall between closet and door.
2.) Move toilet to where the vanity is, with an east -west orientation. It is tucked behind the back wall of the closet, sight line and all the clearances are fine. Still only a 30 inch vanity, but it's as good as it gets.
Dytecture is right. David, I did a plan taking off 30 inches, (allows for framing) and framing a closet with bi-fold doors in the room to the left, but I still came up with clearance issues. It is the most efficient use of space, though. Have you figured it out better?
D.Coop, Just noticed you said the same thing. I've been working on these plans so long all kinds of messages have been posted!
Sorry. I know I could do this better by scanning and posting a diagram. I'll figure it out later.
Great ideas everyone. Take Care.
Have a good day everyone.
@Mackenzie Austin Design - Slight problem with the layout suggested is that there is a window on the wall that you've placed the tower/vanity. Not certain to it's exact location but you're potentially either losing a mirror above the vanity or blocking the window with the tower.
Additionally, for a toilet to have proper spacing you should be locating it no less than 15" on center from the wall, though 18" is preferred. Having the toilet at this location means that there is a tight clearance between the toilet and the front of the linen closet so unless the doors on the closet have 180 degree hinges, the closet is nearly useless unless you climb up on the toilet.
@Lefty47 In this particular homeowner's case, the toilet would not be as costly considering the house was built on stilts making access to plumbing at the underside substantially easier. The majority of the cost would come from the vent lines though depending on where the plumbing for the existing tub is located, could be a simple tie in.
Not to mention I see no reason to move the tub which fits well in it's alcove into an area where there is the potential for more storage.
Very nice of all you posters to spend your precious time and energies on this.
Best Wishes.
Diane
Thank you for pointing those thing out, I did try to take every factor into consideration. This isn't exactly an ideal scenario for designing a bathroom, but I think we're all providing dhs_tdp with some great suggestions and important factors to consider. I hope he updates us when construction is underway!
Anyway, although I don't disagree that having a large scale vanity could be a good use for the long corner space. IF this were a bathroom that saw a great deal of use. Typically speaking I'd be more apt to locate "utility space" (ie: make-up counters, etc) in the master bath where it is more than likely going to see more use. Though in this case, being that the bathroom is a guest bathroom, maximizing the potential for storage would seem to be paramount. And of course, when you can't go out you go up - a storage tower or built in closet (even shortening the bathroom to 8 feet and allocating a closet space to another room) would most definitely maximize the potential for storage elsewhere (remember: dhs_tdp did say the house was small).
But I will agree that in the end, the priority lies with the homeowner - storage vs. utility.
What's the prize for winning again? HAHA!
@Crazylife - I thought that solving bathroom crises WAS the key to world peace!
I did want to make one suggestion outside of the floorplan. In calculating the budget I saw absolutely no number in play for a contingency. Homeowner - please budget at least 10% for overruns. You never know what you're going to find once those walls are opened up.
Hellooooooo.....we have a ton of design ideas for you.......never never leave your e-mail unattended when you post on Houzz, we go a little nuts here in your absence! LOL
http://www.poshhaus.com/store/c/24-Toilets.html
But he did say they live near the coast in Florida...maybe they're making hurricane preparations...?
Ok a few information updates:
1.The wall that the door opens up on is a hall. Putting access to a linin closet in the hall was also the wife’s idea. Just not sure about that. Storage of a few towels and personal things is what I’m after. Why waste the space?
2.Right now there is no door. I had to remove it to finish the floors. (Brazilian Macchiato Pecan) I also do not like seeing the commode when the door is open. Swing or pocket door will in part be chosen when I find the commode placement.
3.Window is 29” from corner of commode wall & 45’ from floor. Love to move it but, I’m not ready to put the new exterior siding up. That is about 2-3 projects down the road. Trying to finish interior of the home first.
4.Relocating the tub is an option and yes, I fully understand about the DWV lines and water lines needing relocated. Yes it’s more work & $$ but, if the end product works then I’m happy.
5.Flooring- I will put in the porcelain tile that looks like natural wood. I think it will go well with the macchiato pecan.
6.Shrinking the bathroom is off the table. The only wall (besides the exterior) connected to another room is the current vanity wall. It shares with a bedroom. The space would not work well if added to the bedroom.
7.Our washer /dryer room is directly below that bath and we currently have a kind of hidden laundry chute. Really like to work that into the new plans.
8.Contemplating moving tub (standalone type- maybe claw foot) to long wall
9.Long vanity sounds appealing.
Thank you all so much for your input. I added the one picture of the layout and am working on getting a few new ones up. I do promise to keep you all updated. Just know I’m good with the demo-build part but the finishing touches always seem to elude me.
So many things to think about!
Mackenzie, I really like the use of the window and vanity /counter. I would not have thought of that approach.
Deborah, I see your point. I was not trying to match the wood floor. I actually thought it would flow well. As for “The look” we are going for, well…. That is kind of is the issue. This one bathroom has to fill so many functions.
Mint & Wow, I am liking what several of you said about the access to the linin closet- It should be in the hall. I just think maybe an open shelving(custom Built in space) might allow for linins and knickknacks. Just working the visual.
D Coop, You are so on the mark with budget overruns. I have to admit my Max budget is closer to 5K but, 4-4.5k is what I am planning on spending. If you tell a contractor you have 5K to spend- it’s magic, whatever your trying to do cost JUST that much. Even though I will be doing the work, I don’t want to DREAM outside my budget. I too have a want list and a NEEDS list. With myself doing the labor this will afford me better quality and better creativity (with every ones help) because, I’m paying material cost only.
General notes: The home was a summer cottage that is now a main residence for the wife & I. It was neglected and in dire needs of attention. This is the LAST room to renovate(inside). I really would like to give the wife a special place. After all I get the entire garage and Shed.Haha
I know every one here is very glad you are O.K. and you weathered the storm.
Good Luck & Best Wishes.
So - lighting is essential in bathrooms. Around the vanity keep the lighting at EYE level - that means a sconce either side if you can do it and don't mount them high - this means you should know the style of sconce BEFORE you have the electrical box installed. Does the light fixture go up or down from the centre. Lighting above the mirror is referred to as "hag" lighting - not very flattering. THen you will also want a ceiling fixture or pots lights to fill in.
Secondly. Don't feel you have to get carried away with accent tile trim - especially if it is a colour. Down the road this can be limiting. Keep it neutral and keep it simple. Don't put in so many things that they fight each other - accent on floor, accent in bath etc.
As for cabinet doors - why do people always feel that the door has to be so detailed - some places a plain slab door is beautiful and elegant - not boring.
And a big thing in my mind - you do not need MARBLE or GRANITE! You have described your home as having once been a cottage - I also live in a similar home and these houses do not suit marble and granite. It is out of place in this type of home. There are many nice plastic laminates out there (I can already hear the horror in peoples reaction to this!!) but plastic laminates have come a long way and when working on a tight budget, they can be great if chosen and installed properly. People DO NOT use post formed any more so just get a clean squared off look. Or if you have Mr Marble available to you, they actually make some great counter tops when you use just the plain white finish - very reasonable and looks just like the china sinks and counters you see in many stores these days.
Anyway - you should keep posting you ideas here as you can get lots of free advice - probably more than you want!! :-) Good luck!
Thank you for the insightful thoughts. No, I am not a designer. I fit more into the builder role. It does take me a bit longer sometimes to grasp the bigger picture when it come to the small design details but, I KNOW- it is all about the details. This particular bath has gotten the better of me. I put this dilemma on HouZZ.com because for whatever reason I just can’t see this room. I know the space is underutilized and as I’ve stated earlier I want to make a statement with the room yet, it still needs to have good function.
The lighting input is understood. Friends have laughed at me because I love lights & light control. With the size of the room- options are somewhat limited. I have Golden river granite in the kitchen and it works well. I agree some laminates can look just fine-It’s not really what I’m after though. I believe I’ve come up with a THEME- I want the room to be very spa-like and relaxing. I willing to allow it to go more feminine (fancy foo-foo-as I call it)than normal, for the wife.
Here is the current floor plan. This layout does not give me a linin closet but with the long vanity, I believe we should have ample storage. Leaving the commode on that wall will allow me to not move the DWV (saving$$). The tub-same spot -no plumbing move (saving $$).
My only STILL UP IN THE AIR part: I like the restricted view of a hinged door (swing in) to block commode & the openness of the pocket door. Asking: every ones thoughts.
Just about ready to start shopping for pieces & part. Let the fun begin!! I’ll be looking for input on many of these. Hope everyone is ready.
Thank you all for your ideas.
The one disadvantage to your layout is of course you can't use sconces either side of the mirrors but one thing I have seen used a couple of times lately is having light fixture hanging from the ceiling - sort of like you see over kitchen islands but smaller - see if you can find pictures of this - better than hag lighting!
I have attached an image of a bathroom I did a while back using Mr. Marble countertop with integrated sink - I think looks nice and very reasonably priced - if available in your area. Note - the sconces are TOO HIGH even though I had marked on the wall the height for the electrician - sometimes you just can't win!! Also - this is the Element medicine cabinet.
It's going to be a beautiful space when you're done with it! I hope you keep us posted on the progress! Good luck!!
New tub = Kohler Hourglass 60X32 white
New toilet = Kohler Persuade Curv white
New sinks = Kohler Ladena white
Counter = thinking a light marble, granite or maybe Cambria - one for input here
Now the vanity-has to be a custom made piece. I’ll put up a photo of the idea. I took inspiration from the dark "Bath Vanity-$3,000.00"
Question for everyone= I'm going with the dark wood vanity and light everything else. Just not sure if I should trim out the mirror and window with white trim or if I need to trim mirrors with dark wood(same as vanity). There is only 29" each side of the window, the window trim needs to be the edge of the mirror frame. The inspiration is from my idea book.
I think the soft curves of all of your plumbing fixtures work well together and the Ladena is one of my favourite sinks.
The design of the vanity from your idea book is perfect and I think medium to dark wood would really warm up the space nicely. I would keep the mirror and window frames light to avoid a "choppiness" from dark vanity to light counter to dark frames. I think the light counter with light frames would be a softer transition and would also keep the eye going to the exterior and not stopping on the frames first. The "Master Bathroom 1 by Brian Watford" (a few responses above) addresses the frame of the window and mirrors nicely by treating it as one piece. You could also consider metal frames on the mirrors. Calacatta marble is very nice and would work well here, but I would like to see what you're thinking for tiles too.
Can't wait to hear and see more.
Good luck!
Thank you for your feedback. Very good think I’m not in Canada. It would be a long night! The funny thing is "Master Bathroom 1 by Brian Watford" is actually a big part of the idea. I think you are on the mark. With the space limits, I know that it will work out perfect. I was leaning towards the lighter frames to better blend the window frame, shutter and the mirrors. I’ll get some shots of the tile up here soon. Thank you for the input on the Vanity. I’ll keep you all posted. Thank you all again.
All that said, the new tub, toilet, sinks and lights look great sitting in the garage. I do NOT see this getting done prior to the family –holiday visit. This leaves me - time to plan and over analyze everything now.
I need your help one more time. I have to have a custom vanity built. The photo “Bath Vanity-$3,000.00” is the seed for this build. I am torn between these two plans. I can see both built and looking great in the space.
The long doors on the end of the cabinet allow me to install a trap door/laundry chute in the left base unit. A must for the wife!! The space will get baskets or rolled towels or something.
Sorry no tile selection yet. Things got a bit behind here. Thank you in advance for any input.
It is a guest bathroom, so firstly think practically - how big does the vanity have to be, and where are the towel rails going? The only way to hide the toilet on opening the door (and possibly from another room as well) is putting it in corner to the far right of the door, hidden as you enter by a tall and slim linen closet (and the toilet roll holder can be drilled into the side of that. Vanity opposite the toilet, so you can have the light from the window on your face to apply makeup and a direct walk to wash hands.. Put a normal or heated towel rail under the window to 'service' both the vanity and bath users! Leave the bath in situ. Also consider 'niches' into the wall for display, shampoos or other decorative bits above the bath.
When i first looked at your 2 plans for the vanity I thought I liked the top one better, but I have switched and I like the bottom one better. I like the extra opened space at the bottom giving it a lighter look. I think it will look great with towels and baskets.
I like the plan for this long vanity on this wall.
The light I wanted: Circa lighting-RANDOLPH LARGE ROUND FLUSH MOUNT -$840.00
The one I went with: Amazon.com- Nuvo 60/4737 Candice Brushed Nickel Semi-Flush $130.00
The faucets: Moen T6125BN Kingsley Two-Handle High Arc Bathroom Faucet without Valve, Brushed Nickel
The tub fixtures: Moen T3113BN + 3570 Kingsley Moentrol Tub and Shower Trim Kit without Valve, Brushed Nickel
Thank you, for your kind words. Oh yes! if this bathroom has anything- it WILL have the laundry chute. I'm told!!! With love of course. I'm working on the plumbing this week. The new sub floor is all down. With one arm out of commission it now takes me 6 hours to do 1 hour of real work. After plumbing comes the Electrical.
Your lighting and faucets are pretty and will look nice with your other plumbing fixtures. I'm seeing marble working really well in there.
Of the two cabinet drawings, I prefer the top one. But I would suggest either making those two square cabinets deep drawers (great for hair appliances), OR eliminating them altogether and doing two shelves on either side of that centre bank of drawers. You could put towels on the bottom shelves and maybe glass jars (or whatever) on the top shelves. If going this route, I would suggest a false panel behind, to hide the plumbing.
That chute can't go in the centre section, can it?
Thanks for bringing us up to speed. Good luck working on it with only one good arm.
Thanks so much for the update!!!
Look forward to the final reveal!