Thinking Big: Major Home Renovations in Aireys Inlet That Transform Your Lifestyle
Discover smart ways to make your small bathroom in Geelong more efficient and inviting with tailored storage solutions from PB BUILDS.
If your bathroom feels like it’s closing in on you every time you step inside, you’re not alone. Small bathrooms are pretty common, especially in older homes around Geelong. From the narrow layout to the awkward corners and lack of drawers, they can be tricky to use and even harder to organise. But with the right storage ideas, even the tiniest bathroom can start to feel much more practical and less messy.
Good storage can change how you move through and use your space. It’s not just about cramming in more baskets or boxes, but finding smarter ways to use the room you already have. Making a small bathroom work often means making every inch count, from the walls to the inside of a door. Here are some helpful ideas to get you started on making the most of your bathroom space without a total overhaul.
Assess Your Space
Before bringing in any new shelves or thinking about cabinetry, take a good look at the size and shape of your bathroom. A clear starting point is measuring everything. Know how much room you have, not just side to side, but up to the ceiling as well. Pay attention to door swings, towel rails, and areas that stay unused because they’re awkward or sit behind something.
There’s usually more useable space than you might think. For example, lots of people forget about the back of the bathroom door. It’s a perfect spot for some skinny storage racks or a few sturdy hooks. The wall above the toilet? Great for some open shelving or a small cupboard. Even tight corners can sometimes fit custom shelving or a neat corner unit.
Think about zones:
1. Eye-level: Useful for most-used items like toothbrushes, cleansers, and hair products
2. Above head height: These areas can house storage for spare towels or backup toilet rolls
3. Floor level: Often underused spots like under the vanity or beside the toilet can carry a small cupboard or bin
4. Behind the door: Add an over-the-door organiser or row of hooks for robes, hand towels or cleaning cloths
Studying your space properly helps you pick storage options that match your layout, instead of cluttering it more. You’ll be able to spot what’s working and what’s just in the way. Once you’ve got a good feel for the space, it’s much easier to decide what kind of storage will help keep things neat without feeling over-packed.
Creative Storage Ideas
Finding spots to store things in a small bathroom doesn’t mean you need to give up style or settle for stacking items on the sink. There are plenty of options that look tidy and make everyday essentials easier to find. It all comes down to picking things that suit your space and making sure they actually improve how your bathroom works.
A few space-smart ideas include:
– Floating shelves
These work well above the toilet, above the door, or on any bare wall. They can hold anything from toilet paper to baskets of smaller items. Since they’re mounted to the wall, they also leave the floor area open, making the room feel airier.
– Corner cabinets
Corners are often wasted space, especially in bathrooms. A tall or wall-mounted corner unit gives you storage without blocking movement. Look for ones that open easily and still let you access nearby spots like the vanity or shower.
– Vanities with storage built-in
If you’re replacing your vanity or planning an upgrade, it’s worth choosing one with drawers or under-bench cupboards. They let you keep things tucked away and still close at hand, which is useful if bench space is limited.
– Over-toilet shelving
This is a smart place for stacked shelves or shallow cupboards. It’s easy to reach and doesn’t get in the way of moving around. Bonus if it matches the rest of your bathroom fittings.
A couple in Geelong once came to us after moving into a home where the bathroom hardly had space for a toilet and basin, let alone storage. They were constantly running into the issue of towels being left on the floor and cleaning products jammed under the sink. By switching to a slimmer vanity with built-in shelves and adding floating shelving above the toilet, they were able to shift everything off the bench and give the space a cleaner look. Sometimes simple adjustments make enough of a difference that you don’t feel boxed in when you’re getting ready in the morning.
Multi-Functional Furniture That Works Hard
When you’re tight on space, furniture can’t afford to have just one job. Every piece should work harder for the room it’s in. In a small bathroom, that might mean picking out elements that help both with everyday comfort and hidden storage. The idea is to minimise visible clutter and make it easier to access what you need, when you need it.
Look for options like these:
– Storage benches
Great for holding spare toilet rolls, bath mats or kids’ bath toys. You get to sit while drying off or getting ready, and it hides mess you don’t want on show.
– Mirrors with built-in shelving
Instead of a flat mirror, pick one that stores daily-use items like deodorant, combs, skincare or medication. These work well above the basin, keeping things reach-ready without being messy.
– Towel racks with hooks or trays
A single bar isn’t enough sometimes. Go for towel racks with extra space underneath or added hooks. These can carry more without looking overdone.
If the bathroom allows, a slim ladder shelf leaning against a free wall can also be an option for light use. We’ve seen this work well in Geelong homes where the layout doesn’t suit traditional wall-mount storage but still needs open shelves for easy-to-grab towels or decor like a plant or reed diffuser.
The less movement it takes to get to your essentials, the smoother your bathroom routines will feel. Multi-use furniture helps bring things closer without needing to open five different cupboards looking for the shampoo.
Declutter For Breathing Room
Before adding more storage, it’s helpful to take stock of what’s already sitting around. A lot of items people think they need to keep in the bathroom don’t really need to be there. Old toiletries, expired products, and things that haven’t been used in months can take up valuable space.
Start by clearing everything out:
1. Tip out drawers, baskets, and cupboards
2. Sort items into ‘daily’, ‘weekly’, and ‘rarely used’ piles
3. Toss out anything broken, expired or completely unused
4. Move rarely used items to outside storage or cupboards in other rooms
5. Return only what genuinely needs to be close by
Then, set up a regular habit for keeping the area tidy. You don’t have to overhaul the whole bathroom every week, but just doing a small cleanup once a month can go a long way. It stops things from piling up again and helps you spot what isn’t working before it becomes a problem.
Bathroom routines can get busy, especially when you share the space. Having only what you need on hand makes it easier to clean, find things and avoid those last-minute searches for the toothpaste or spare toilet paper.
Tricks To Make The Room Look Bigger
Making the bathroom functional is one thing, but feeling lighter and more open matters too. Simple design choices can help make a tiny space feel less cramped, improving both how it looks and how comfortable it feels to use.
One of the easiest ways to create more visual space is by using light colours. Whites, soft greys, pale blues or greens can brighten up walls and help reflect light. If painting the whole room isn’t on the cards, even changing up towel colours or accessories in a lighter palette makes a difference.
Other visual tricks that work well are:
– Hang a large mirror
Mirrors reflect light and give the impression of more space. A mirror that goes almost to the ceiling will pull the eye upwards, making the room feel taller.
– Pick wall-mounted fixtures
The more you keep off the floor, the more visible floor space you have. This creates a cleaner and more open feel, even with the same amount of storage.
– Use soft, even lighting
Avoid harsh overhead bulbs. A mix of warm white lighting near the mirror and soft ceiling lights can reduce shadows and balance the space.
– Keep surfaces clear
Benchtops and window sills full of products can make even a decent-sized bathroom feel jammed. Store items neatly out of sight to let the space breathe.
In Geelong homes where bathrooms tend to be dated or just don’t have much wiggle room, these simple tricks can update the look and feel without doing a full renovation. It’s about working with what you already have but making it feel right.
Breathe Easier In A Better Organised Bathroom
Living with a small bathroom doesn’t have to mean fighting with drawers that don’t shut or tripping over baskets on the floor. A space-conscious layout, smart storage and just a bit of planning can make your space feel not just manageable, but actually enjoyable to use.
From custom-built vanities to updated walls and tiny touches like a new mirror cabinet, every change should help build a bathroom that suits your life and not the other way around. Whether you’re getting ready before sunrise or helping kids brush their teeth at night, a well-organised space makes it all smoother.
If your home in Geelong is overdue for an upgrade, looking at space-saving storage should be the first step. It’s not just about changing how your bathroom works — it’s about shifting how you use it every day. Making the change now means you’ll appreciate it every single time you walk in.
Transform your bathroom into a space that’s both functional and inviting. Whether you need some clever design changes or a full overhaul, making the most of your space improves everyday comfort and usability. To see how you can maximise your layout with smart solutions, explore bathroom renovation in Geelong offered by PB BUILDS. Discover creative ideas that are tailored to how you live.
