Living with roommates can be an exciting adventure, filled with movie nights, shared meals, and late-night conversations. But when sharing a small bathroom, things can get a little tricky. A tiny bathroom can quickly become a source of frustration.
Whether you’re dealing with cluttered counters or battles over mirror time, sharing a small bathroom requires some strategy and style. With the right planning, communication, and a bit of decor magic, you can turn your shared bathroom into a functional and fabulous space that everyone loves.
1. Set Clear Bathroom Rules
It’s important to set expectations with your roommates early on to avoid future tension. Having a quick meeting to talk about everyone’s preferences and routines can go a long way in creating harmony. Here are a few key topics to cover:
Cleaning Schedule
Nobody wants to deal with a messy bathroom, especially when it’s shared. Agree on a cleaning schedule that rotates between roommates. Dividing up tasks such as wiping down the sink, cleaning the toilet, and scrubbing the shower will help keep things spotless without burdening one person.
Shared vs. Personal Items
Decide which items you plan to share and which will be personal. Are you all okay with sharing shampoo, toothpaste, and hand soap, or do you prefer everyone has their own? It’s also a good idea to assign each roommate their own space for storing personal items, whether it’s a specific shelf in the shower or a separate caddy.
Time Management
Another common source of bathroom conflict is scheduling. In a small apartment with multiple roommates, peak bathroom usage times, like mornings, can get crowded. Create a system that allows everyone enough time to get ready without overlapping schedules.
2. Storage Solutions for Small Bathrooms
In a small bathroom, space is often the biggest challenge. With everyone needing space for their toiletries, towels, and other essentials, the area can quickly become cluttered. Here are a few clever storage ideas to help you and your roommates maximize every inch of your shared bathroom.
Use Vertical Space
When countertop space is limited, look upwards! Add shelves above the toilet, behind the door, or in any corner to store extra items like toilet paper, towels, or baskets for personal toiletries. If drilling into the walls isn’t an option, consider standing shelves or over-the-toilet units to create extra space.
Individual Baskets or Caddies
These can be kept under the sink, on shelves, or even in each roommate’s bedroom, allowing them to grab their essentials when needed. This way, everyone has designated space for personal products, and the counters remain tidy.
Hooks and Racks for Towels
Towel racks are often a source of debate, especially if you only have room for one! Instead of trying to cram everyone’s towels on a single bar, install multiple hooks on the back of the door or along the wall. Each roommate can have their own hook, keeping towels separate, dry, and easily accessible.
Stackable Storage Bins
For under-sink storage, stackable bins or organizers can help keep things neat. If the under-sink space is tight, consider using drawer organizers to divide items like hair tools, cleaning supplies, or extra toiletries.
3. Style and Function: Decorating a Shared Bathroom
Just because your bathroom is shared doesn’t mean it has to sacrifice style. Decorating a small bathroom is all about making it functional while adding touches of personality that reflect everyone’s tastes. With a little creativity, you can design a charming space.
Neutral Base with Accents
Start with a neutral base, such as white, beige, or light gray walls, and then add pops of color through accessories. This allows the space to feel clean and bright while letting each roommate contribute their style. Choose matching towels, rugs, and shower curtains in complementary colors or patterns to add a cohesive look.
Shared Art and Decor
Let everyone have a say in the decor! Whether it’s framed prints, fun wall decals, or plants, giving each roommate a voice in the decoration process can make them feel included. You might choose a fun theme like beach vibes, botanical patterns, or minimalist chic that everyone can get behind. The key is ensuring the space feels balanced and not too overcrowded with decorations.
Functional Decor
In a small bathroom, every item counts. When selecting decor, opt for pieces that serve dual purposes. For example, a stylish basket can double as towel storage, or a decorative tray on the counter can corral soaps and lotions while looking chic.
4. Finding Roommates Who Get Your Style
One of the best ways to keep the peace is by finding roommates who align with your style and values — especially when it comes to shared spaces like the bathroom. If you value a minimalist, clutter-free bathroom but your roommate prefers bold colors and lots of accessories, you might find yourselves at odds.
That’s where sites like SpareRoom can help. SpareRoom connects you with potential roommates from all over the US, whether you’re looking for roommates in San Francisco or NYC. Finding a roommate who shares your design preferences can make decorating and managing shared spaces much easier.
5. Personal Space in a Shared Bathroom
While it’s great to have shared spaces, sometimes you just need your own corner of the bathroom. Setting clear boundaries about personal space helps avoid misunderstandings. Here’s how to carve out personal space, even in a tiny bathroom.
Label Personal Items
Whether it’s a toothbrush holder, a loofah, or a set of towels, labeling can stop roommates from accidentally using your belongings. This is especially helpful if you have similar-looking products in the bathroom.
Divide Cabinet and Drawer Space
In addition to using baskets or caddies, you can divide cabinet and drawer space so each roommate has their own dedicated section. Use drawer dividers or small trays to keep things organized and prevent items from mixing together.
Conclusion
Sharing a small bathroom with roommates doesn’t have to be stressful. By setting clear boundaries and embracing thoughtful decor solutions, you can create a bathroom that is both functional and stylish.
