Renovating a Mid-Sized Bathroom

Create a Layout
Create a layout that can accommodate and offer privacy to multiple family members who use different zones in the bathroom at the same time. A common strategy is to place the bathtub/shower and the toilet in one zone and the sink and vanity area in another. Installing storage that can be recessed into the wall between wall studs gives small rooms cleaner lines and reduces clutter. Increase space and privacy with pocket doors.  Pocket doors slide on a track into a recess in the wall, creating more space by removing the need for clearance for the opening and closing of doors.

• Mid-sized bathroom layouts typically can be refined to accommodate the following features:

• A large double-sink vanity so that two family members can wash and groom at the same time

• Separate shower and tub fixtures, or combination tub/shower in smaller spaces

• Extra storage space

• Sufficient towel racks for adults and hooks for kids

• A clothes hamper

Design for Kids
Children have their own unique needs in a shared bathroom, but most can be easily accommodated. Install a mirror that can be tilted downwards. Install hooks for towels below the height of a standard towel rack. Placing a small stepping stool at the base of the sink or dropping the vanity by an inch or two helps small hands with limited reaches.

Choose Practical Materials
Because mid-sized bathrooms experience such heavy use, choose practical materials emphasizing sturdiness and ease of cleaning. A tile or ceramic floor resists scratches better than wood, and is easier to clean than carpet. One-piece toilets combine the tank and bowl into a single space-saving design and are easier to clean because they have no seams to trap dirt. Wall-mounted toilets are easier to clean under than floor-mounted toilets. Choose countertops that resist stains and scratches and are easy to clean, like Simplicity by DuPont, available exclusively at The Home Depot.

Save Green by Going Green
Environmentally-friendly fixtures can provide an ongoing return on your bathroom investment. Installing energy-efficient light fixtures and using compact fluorescent bulbs can result in significant savings. High-efficiency toilets can save you as much as $100 on your water bill each year. Upgrade the showerhead to one that uses less water but provides the high-flow feel of less efficient models. Some cities offer rebates for installing energy-efficient fixtures, so check with your local authorities. Also, shop The Home Depot for environmentally friendly cleaning supplies like biodegradable class cleaners. Just look for products with the Eco Options label.

Don’t Forget Style
Just because a renovation is driven by function and practicality doesn’t mean your new family bathroom has to lack style. The Home Depot carries many stylish suites and collections of coordinated products by major manufacturers like Kohler. These collections allow you to select fixtures that meet your needs as well as the specific space configurations of your bathroom. They make great style affordable and help you maximize your investment with timeless traditional, casual and contemporary designs that won’t go out of fashion. Shopping these collections is easy. Visit our online Style Gallery and discover how affordable great style can be.

Small Details Can Make a Big Difference
The Home Depot carries everything you need for your bathroom project, including items that can refresh a bathroom’s appearance on a limited budget. Update cabinetry with new handles and drawer pulls. Install attractive new door hardware. Paint the room or put new wallpaper on the walls, or run a border around the top of your walls to accent room colors. Refresh window treatments. Use interesting containers for items kept on countertops like cotton swabs, soap, and toothbrushes.

Find Everything You Need at The Home Depot
From start to finish, we are your convenient, one-stop resource for everything you need to make your bathroom project a success. You’ll find innovative products available exclusively at The Home Depot by leading manufacturers and brands you trust. Explore our wide variety of bath fixtures and accessories, and be sure to ask our helpful associates any questions you may have.