How To Style a Small Bathroom

kateymcfarlanstyleasmallbathroom

When we chose an old home over a newer build, I knew two things were inevitable: a small bathroom and a small closet. Granted, everything is kind of small! I joke with Paul that I think the one thing I’ll appreciate most in our forever home is a normal pantry! We have an awkward shelving unit to store food on. Do you know how hard it is to fit Paul’s cereal addiction?! It’s like Tetris every morning! haha.

kateymcfarlanstyleasmallbathroom

But surprisingly, a small bathroom didn’t bother me. Our bathroom has a built-in vanity that I sit at while I get ready so it hasn’t been bad at all! Of course when we are hosting I wish we had another half bath, but I think I’ve learned how to make it as functional as possible. If you are planning to install a walk in tub in your bathroom, make sure to hire professional installers, see page here for more info. And if you have a smaller bathroom, you may consider doing considering bathroom renovations. It would be fun also to share my tips for styling a smaller bathroom!

kateymcfarlanstyleasmallbathroom

First things first, when picking a color palette I decided to go the neutral route. I honestly, thought if I did a turquoise shower curtain or something it would look smaller and mess with lighting. Can’t have a blue-hue while putting on foundation! 😉 The next step was to use every space as a functional space. Smaller books can create a flat-top on your commode for perfume or q-tip/cotton ball storage. I use old diptyque candle jars to hold bathroom must haves!

kateymcfarlanstyleasmallbathroom

Our shower curtain is a simple white monogrammed one from etsy. Here is a similar one!

kateymcfarlanstyleasmallbathroom

Monogrammed towels are a must for me in terms of bathroom styling. It’s a way to incorporate your taste or color [if you wanted to do something other than black thread!] without adding clutter.

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This vanity is seriously the biggest life saver we have! Paul stores his goods in the medicine cabinet [and I MIGHT keep a few things there too 😉 ] and I sit here. Peaches sits in my lap while I do my makeup and she just stares. It’s so funny!

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Bobbi Brown Blender Brush: Link

kateymcfarlanstyleasmallbathroom

This wall was a bit dark and awkward so I leaned a mirror from One Kings Lane up against the wall.

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Bracelet: Baublebar

I love my GLAMbox and have the Petite version. In my old apartment I had the Luxe size, but I just do a better job of decluttering old products and the Petite works great! You can get free shipping on them today with code COF at checkout!

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Deborah Lippmann Gel Kit: Link

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Nars Glosses: Link 

Favorite Shades: Turkish Delight, Striptease, Easy Lover, Chelsea Girls

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Leopard Bench: LivenUP Design [c/o]

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I try to keep the vanity area as clean as possible because I know if I didn’t organize my GLAMbox pretty frequently it could look disheveled. Before you go to bed, just spend 5 minutes placing your makeup up properly and you won’t ever have a huge mess to deal with! If you go a neutral route in the bathroom add in some florals for color pops! If you don’t want to deal with real ones dying, these are my favorite faux ones!

kateymcfarlanstyleasmallbathroom

Below I’ll break down a list to help you shop for yours!


Small Bathroom Styling Checklist:

1. Monogrammed Shower Curtain

2. Sunburst Mirror

3. Diptyque Candles

4. Book For Storage

5. Mirror for Vanity

6. GLAMbox [free shipping with code COF]

7. Leopard X-Bench

8. Monogrammed Towels

9. Flowers

10. Diffuser

I hope this post inspired you in your bathroom! Do you have any favorite pieces in yours you use to style?!

XOXOKatey-2

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20 Comments

  1. Melanie wrote:

    I have been thinking about getting a Glam Box, but quick question about yours. Is the organizer on the top that you have your lipsticks in included or is that a separate piece?

    Published 19 May 16Reply
  2. Morgan wrote:

    Lots of inspiration here! The little vanity nook is so cute and functional for you! It’s like they knew this would one day be your house 😉

    -Morgan
    How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com

    Published 19 May 16Reply
  3. Hallie wrote:

    Is the Glambox worth the splurge, or have you found a cheaper option? I’ve been looking at them for ages but I just don’t know if I can justify the money! #recentcollegegrad probs!

    Published 19 May 16Reply
    • Irina wrote:

      I have a dupe from Bed Bath and Beyond which is awesome, but I do hear that GlamBoxes are much more durable overall. I guess if you’re not going to be dropping it it’s OK to grab a cheaper alternative 🙂

      I have a couple of organizers that I’ve gotten either at Bed, Bath & Beyond or the Container store and I think they’re just as good. Just my 2 cents 🙂

      Published 19 May 16Reply
      • Katey wrote:

        Hi y’all!

        If you head to my snapchat [kateymcfarlan] I just did a review on the difference of both brands! 🙂 I hope that is helpful!!

        xo,

        Katey

        Published 19 May 16Reply
  4. Camille wrote:

    Your bathroom is done so well. Love your style. That GlamBox looks amazing but it’s so expensive. It really makes an impression however.

    http://www.thecocooners.com

    Published 19 May 16Reply
  5. Kerri wrote:

    Hi, can u please provide the link to your gold mirror from one Kings lane? It doesn’t seem to link to the specific one. Thanks!

    Published 19 May 16Reply
    • Katey wrote:

      Hi Kerri!

      I totally would but unfortunately One Kings Lane is a flash sale site! So things are really only in stock until the sale is over and this isn’t available anymore. 🙁 Im sorry!

      xo,

      Katey

      Published 19 May 16Reply
  6. Alyssa wrote:

    I wish I had a built-in space for a vanity! Our bathroom is both small and awkwardly shaped (we have one of those little inlets, too, but there’s no built-in so I have a storage cabinet there). I had to create a vanity space for myself in our master – which you can see here.

    Alyssa @ Feathers and Stripes

    Published 19 May 16Reply
  7. Kiki wrote:

    Hi! I love the vanity! Where is that from? Such a cute little space, well done 🙂

    Published 19 May 16Reply
  8. I die for the photo of the window shutters and your monogrammed towels! Also love the little nook you have for makeup <3

    BlondieInTheCity.com

    Published 19 May 16Reply
  9. Jess wrote:

    I love how white and bright everything is!! Those monogrammed towels are gorgeous and I think the leopard print bench is my new favourite thing. Like, ever.

    Published 19 May 16Reply
  10. Kathryn wrote:

    Such great post! Love the tips.

    xx Kathryn
    http://www.chicandshimmer.com

    Published 19 May 16Reply
  11. Hailee wrote:

    I love what you are wearing in the photos!! Where can I find it!!

    Published 19 May 16Reply
  12. This post is so helpful! I have been wanting to get a GlamBOX! They seem wonderful for keeping everything all organized!

    Jordan: The Teacup of Style
    Instagram: @teacupofstyle

    Published 20 May 16Reply
  13. taylor wrote:

    Hi there!
    Where is your robe from I love it!!

    Thanks
    xoxo Taylor

    Published 21 May 16Reply
  14. Reagan Stofcheck wrote:

    Hi Katey!

    Where did you get the monogrammed cosmetic bag from? It’s so cute!

    Thanks,
    Reagan

    Published 11 Nov 16Reply
    • Katey wrote:

      Hi Reagan!

      My mother in law got it for me as a gift!

      Xo,

      Katey

      Published 11 Nov 16Reply
  15. Jewel wrote:

    I love the look of your powder room, and wanted to know what color trash can and rug did you use in it?

    Published 02 Feb 17Reply