5x7 Bathroom Remodel Ideas: Optimizing for Small Spaces

Not every bathroom can be an expansive master bathroom that's decked out to the nines. Sometimes we have to work within a compact bathroom floor plan. Although most primary bathrooms are larger than 5 feet by 7 feet (5x7), it's not uncommon to find a hall bath, guest bath, or other en suite bath (in a non-primary bedroom) with a smaller footprint.

Although you don't have quite as many options when remodeling a 5x7 bathroom, there are still ways to make the bathroom feel like a large, open, and stylish space.

In this post, I'll provide some of our trusted 5x7 bathroom remodeling ideas, including tips to save space and make the bathroom feel bigger than it really is.

Small Bathroom Layout Options

Even for a small bathroom with 5x7 dimensions, there are a surprising number of ways that you can organize the layout -- enough that I can't cover all of your options here. That said, I'll give an overview of three general approaches to how you can set up the floor space in a small bathroom.

Three In a Row (Sink-Toilet-Shower) Layout

This layout feels familiar to almost anyone as it's often found in hall bathrooms. From the door opening, you find the sink, toilet, and shower in sequence, with each set against one side of the bathroom. Often the shower is a wall-to-wall shower space, meaning that it runs the full width of the bathroom at the end opposite the door. Wall-to-wall showers are frequently tub-shower combos.

This layout is efficient, making good use of the available space without feeling cluttered. With this basic approach, you can layer in other design elements to make it feel like a bigger space or one with a more refined style.

Toilet Opposite the Shower Layout

In this layout, the shower area and the toilet are on opposite walls. The toilet may face the shower or run parallel to it, depending on the location of the door and your personal preference. The sink can be located next to the shower or the toilet, and there may even be an option to create a longer countertop and vanity on the wall opposite the door.

Corner Shower Layout

A corner shower is a popular way to save space so that a small bathroom feels larger. Compared to a wall-to-wall shower, a corner shower gives you more floor space to play around with. An angled door can add a touch of visual interest without significantly reducing space inside the shower.

Bathroom Design: Making a Small Bathroom Space Feel Bigger

Despite its dimensions, a 5x7 space can still make for a functional and stylish bathroom. High-quality interior design and remodelers have a diverse set of strategies to create a more spacious feel in a small bathroom. While we adapt our approach to a specific homeowner's space and style preferences, we often turn to core approaches related to color schemes, lighting, mirror placement, and an open design sensibility.

Color Scheme

The color scheme goes a long way toward shaping the feel and mood of a bathroom. Even though a bathroom usually includes a range of different materials (tile flooring, vanity cabinets, countertops, wall tile, etc.), having the same color scheme can provide cohesion and a more welcoming vibe.

As a general practice, for smaller bathrooms we tend toward lighter shades and neutral colors, such as light grays and other natural tones. These tend to bounce light and give the space a more open feel compared to really dark colors. In some rooms, using a two-toned color scheme can create visual interest without excessive contrast or foreboding darkness.

Lighting

Just like lighter colors tend to make a bathroom feel bigger, natural light can contribute a sense of openness to a small space. Whenever possible, we suggest making use of exterior windows to let in natural light and keep the bathroom from feeling closed in. If you can crack the windows for some fresh air, all the better.

Warm ambient lighting can also give a more inviting feel to a small bathroom. The style of fixtures can be adapted to your sense of style, whether that's farmhouse-style lighting or more modern fixtures.

Mirror Placement

A classic approach to making a bathroom feel bigger is to take advantage of a large mirror and its ability to reflect light throughout the space. Even if you only have space for a smaller mirror, you can position it in a way that best amplifies sources of both natural light and artificial light.

Open Design

When your bathroom space is limited, it's logical to visually expand the room through a more open design. Various elements can promote the feeling of a larger space, but some of the most popular include:

• A pocket door, which means that you don't lose space when the bathroom door swings open

• Frameless shower doors

• Clear glass for the shower, which also shows off the tilework inside the shower

• Floating shelves or other open shelving

• Design with a modern touch, including a seamless look with clean lines and minimal clutter

Maximizing Storage

One challenge that can come with a lack of floor space is a limited amount of bathroom storage. Some innovative design solutions can help maximize storage even in a tiny space like a 5x7 bathroom.

In general, you want to optimize your use of vertical space, which often means having taller bathroom cabinets. Drawers beneath the vanity sink can also provide meaningful storage.

Consider how to best organize items inside each drawer. If you can move some smaller items into a well-organized drawer, it frees up counter space and resists clutter (which can make your bathroom feel more crowded and cramped).

Adding Luxury Touches

When space is at a premium, make the space look premium. In other words, draw attention to the quality of the materials and bathroom fixtures and finishes instead of the size of the bathroom itself.

Since the sink gets used virtually any time someone enters the bathroom, it's worth making a statement with it. A vessel vanity sink made from natural stone, for example, creates immediate visual appeal. A floating vanity often adds a sense of luxury, or if you want to avoid a larger vanity altogether, you can install a high-end pedestal sink that suits your layout.

These are just examples as there are dozens of ways to create an upscale, custom look even in a small bathroom space.

Planning Your Small Bathroom Remodel

With the right remodel, you can build out a bathroom that you love even if deep down you wish you had more space. With thoughtful planning and experienced craftsmanship, your 5x7 bathroom can be transformed into an appealing and luxurious space.

At Compelling Homes, we focus on custom remodels, which means we adapt our bathroom remodeling ideas to suit your home and your needs. We love to collaborate with our clients, so if you've got an interesting idea, we want to work with you to make it a reality.

We've been serving our community in the greater Des Moines area for more than 15 years, offering design-build services that include the full scope of work from beginning to end. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work, open communication, and seamless project management, all of which make your remodel a stress-free experience.

If you're thinking about a bathroom remodel, take a look at our portfolio and contact us today to set up a consultation.