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Lighting Design Dilemma Bathrooms

Help! How to best utilize space above sink/toilet in small bathroom?

5 years ago

Hi folks - getting ready to start a remodel on this bathroom. Everything is going except the toilet (it's new). We're going to replace the sink with a small pedestal (no wider than 22"), and then we've told the contractor to plan on a recessed medicine cabinet in that space.

Obviously a mirror or mirrored medicine cabinet is needed above the sink, but what recommendations do you have for the space above the toilet? Is it best to just get one long mirrored recessed cabinet that spans the length of the entire space (4 feet), are there other unique shelving options? Artwork? Etc. We don't need a ton of space, but there really is no storage in this bathroom without a vanity. Any ideas/inspiration are deeply appreciated.

PS - We've added a light in the shower/tub and will have another wafer light when you enter, but have not yet committed to vanity lighting. I love the look of lights on both sides of a mirror but I'm not sure we have the space. If anyone has ideas on this, let me know! Thanks again.

Featured Answer

acm

5 years ago

1) why a pedestal, not a vanity? especially if you're short on storage. There are lots of slim ones that offer a cabinet or drawers underneath.

you can get an after-market cabinet that might help too:

https://www.amazon.com/The-Pedestal-Sink-Storage-Cabinet/dp/B07B3SX3KT/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1547605820&sr=8-5&keywords=storage+under+pedestal+sink

2) I think a wide medicine cabinet would look unified and hold a lot. That might take some special planning, though, as you'd need to frame the studs to pass the weight around all that distance for a recessed cabinet. Otherwise, you could get a recessed cabinet there and a regular surface cabinet over the toilet, one with doors to keep things tidy.

Concord 2-Door Bathroom Wall Cabinet · More Info

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Comments (8)

PRO
J Design Group - Interior Designers Miami - Modern
5 years ago
It’s really best to have a plan with complete dimensions including ceiling to adequately assist.

J Design Group - Miami Interior Designer
225 Malaga Ave
Coral Gables, FL 33134
Ph: 305-444-4611
https://www.JDesignGroup.com
Alexandra thanked J Design Group - Interior Designers Miami - Modern
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PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
5 years ago
I would run a medicine cabimet all across that wall and it does not need to be recessed from what I see. Or a series of 3 recesssed ones
Alexandra thanked Patricia Colwell Consulting
elunia
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Here are a couple of visuals to go with @PatriciaColwellConsulting‘s suggestion:

UPPER EAST SIDE PIED-À-TERRE · More Info

modern cabinetry in tight bathroom · More Info

Or you could do a version of what you already have:

custom marble tile, bamboo cabinetry · More Info

Or if you decide storage isn’t a concern, your other idea of sconces and artwork:

Hinsdale Renovation · More Info
Alexandra
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks for all the replies. J Design - the ceiling is 8 feet high. To the left of the photo (unpictured), there will be a new 60x30x18 tub. The back wall, pictured, is 80" including where the tub is. That leaves 50" and realistically 48" to play with if I space the edge of the sink at least 2 inches away from the tub. After looking more closely, I'll need a pedestal sink narrower than 22", the sink pictured is 19" and the tub now is 29" on the most outer part.

ACM, I think unfortunately, having even a small vanity would seriously crowd the tub, or vice versa. We hope to put a partial glass enclosure but need to think about if we can hinge it at a place that still gives us room to exit the shower near the sink. Does this all make sense?
suzanne_m
5 years ago
I think if you can recess storage, you should. Also, here is a picture where you have a recessed cabinet but also an open space below that you can use as a counter top.

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Alexandra thanked suzanne_m
M Jane
5 years ago
I have a tiny bathroom (5’x6’8”) with a layout like yours. I got a 48” Kohler mirrored medicine cabinet (it’s just two 24” cabinets ganged together) to span the sink and toilet and installed a pedestal sink. No other storage. The cabinet over the toilet holds everything I would ordinarily put on the countertop for everyday use. I can keep it open while I’m going through my morning and evening routines, but I don’t have to keep it tidy because when I’m done, I can close the door. I couldn’t recess it because there was something in the wall, but I barely notice that. I highly recommend going this route.
Alexandra thanked M Jane
greenfish1234
5 years ago
Yes whatever you can do to maximize storage and counter space. I HATE having to use a pedestal to get ready. They are for powder rooms only. I would have the full width medicine cabs as shown above with a counter over the toilet as well
rguilmette
4 years ago
i have a similar situation and sized bathroom. I was leaning for a 3 door medicine cabinet that goes most of the wall across the toilet and 30" vanity to make the space look larger. I can't recess behind the toilet, so if I go this route it has to be surface mounted to be smooth across the full expanse But several people are cautioning me about things falling into the toilet, or falling out of the cabinet and breaking the toilet top. Is this a concern I should take seriously? My other option is to recess a cabinet over the sink, and just have shelves over the toilet. Anyone have experience with a problem having the full expanse of cabinet going over the toilet as well?

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