8 Half-Bath Ideas That Help the Bathroom Stand Out

Best Places to Put the Half-Bath

The half-bath can be positioned either in the center of the house (bordered by interior walls only) or on the exterior. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.

• Interior: A half-bath positioned more toward the center of the house makes it more accessible. Not only that but you free up walls for areas like living rooms or bedrooms, where window space matters more. But a bathroom without windows can feel small and dark. Also, any interior half-bath cannot use a window for ventilation. By code, the bathroom will need to be mechanically ventilated.
• Exterior: Positioning the half-bath against a perimeter wall means that a window can, by code, be used for ventilation. By keeping the half-bath to the side, it's easier to maintain an open floor plan.

Ventilate the Half-Bath

A high-velocity fan is necessary for the half-bath, especially if it is situated near living areas. Building code states that, as long as you have a 3-square-feet window to the outside, you do not need a fan. That window only needs to be half-openable. Even if your half-bath meets these code requirements, you should install a quality, high-velocity fan in your half-bathroom.  

Large Tiles Make a Small Bath Feel Larger

Using large tiles in small bathrooms can actually make these small spaces feel larger. Though it may seem counter-intuitive, large tiles mean fewer grout lines. Grout lines can make tiles look busy or chaotic. Keep the grout color close to or matching the color of the tile to help disguise the grout.

Positioning the Toilet in a Half-Bath

Working with diminished space, you have fewer options as to the toilet position. Placing the toilet facing the door is sometimes the only option. But some feng shui experts say that positioning the toilet facing the doorway creates a sense of disorder and that tucking it away to the side is better.

Consider a Pedestal Sink

Pedestal sinks help maximize space in a small room. Cabinet-style sink bases not only take up floor space but feel ponderous.

Pedestal sinks look cleaner and airier when space is at a premium. Storage can be transferred to separate shelves or small storage units. Some items can even be stored in a hallway linen or storage closet.

Keep the Decor Simple and the Items Few

Over-adorning a half-bath only leads to clutter. Aside from the toilet and pedestal sink, keep other items to a minimum. Choose a smaller waste can. Hang a frameless mirror. Keep pictures and curios small and few.

Use Neutral Colors

Maintain a majority of neutral-color surfaces on the flooring and walls. But that doesn't mean you can't have a bright accent wall. 

Dark colors are imposing and make a bathroom feel smaller. But that applies only to large expanses of dark colors. Brown, gray, and black touches in moderation can create a dramatic effect in half-baths.

Grab Storage Space Wherever It Is

Storage in a half-bathroom can be a challenge. Rearranging the floor layout is likely not an option. This is such a small space that you cannot move things around much, so you'll be working with what you already have.

Storage is often one reason not to switch to a pedestal sink from a bathroom vanity. Bathroom items like cleaners and the plunger can be tucked away in the vanity.

Otherwise, build storage in out-of-the-way areas of the half-bath. Or bring in a small cabinet or set of shelves. Medicine cabinets sunk into the wall provide storage without taking up any space.