Elegant Small Bathroom Walk In Closet Layouts

Incorporating a walk-in closet into a small bathroom is an ingenious way to add storage and functionality to a compact space. With mindful design choices, you can create a closet that seamlessly blends into your bathroom's aesthetic.

Optimize Floorplan for Maximum Usability

Optimizing the floorplan and layout is paramount when adding a walk-in closet to a small bathroom. Thoughtfully consider doorway placement and interior arrangement to make the most of every square inch. Here are several layout options:

• Corner Doorway - Tucked into the corner, an angled closet doorway preserves precious floorspace while enabling natural traffic flow from the vanity. The corner location also allows shelving and storage on both adjacent walls for multiplied storage capacity.
• Center Doorway - Centering the door on one wall creates visual symmetry and balance. Allow at least 32 inches of clearance so the door can fully swing open without obstruction. While this layout sacrifices some floor space, it provides a straight interior closet layout perfect for traditional double hanging rods and versatile modular storage components.
• Angled Interior - Angle the interior layout up to 45 degrees. Hanging rods and adjustable shelving can be installed in the same direction as the angled walls. This layout works well for narrow, deep closets to fully utilize the available depth.
• Straight Interior - Ideally suited for wider closet spaces, a straight interior layout positions storage perpendicular to the doorway. Double hanging rods maximize clothing capacity while modular shelving cubes and drawers provide customizable options.
• Built-in Storage - Maximize every inch by incorporating custom built-in cabinets, drawers, shelves, and smart storage solutions tailored to your needs. While more costly upfront, built-ins make the very most of the available space.
• Modular System - Adjustable modular storage components allow you to reconfigure your closet down the road. Mix-and-match drawer units, shelves, cubbies and hanging rods to adapt the space as needs change over time.
• Lighting - Properly illuminate the closet interior and exterior. Install lighting on the ceiling, shelves, interior walls and even consider toe-kick lighting along the floor. Multiple lighting sources eliminate shadows and dark corners.
• Mirror - A mirror on the interior wall opposite the door visually doubles the compact space. For small closets, resist the urge to use a full-length mirror that may make the room feel cramped. Consider a slightly angled mirror to reflect light deeper into the closet.

Select Materials to Match Your Bathroom

Choose materials and finishes that coordinate with the rest of your bathroom's design for a cohesive, pulled-together aesthetic. Consider these options:

• Tile Flooring - Use the same tile on the bathroom floor to seamlessly flow into the closet. Tile size, texture, and color should match or complement the bath flooring.
• Vinyl Flooring - Waterproof luxury vinyl plank provides durability and moisture resistance necessary in high-traffic bath areas. Many patterns mimic wood or tile looks. Installing the flooring slightly higher than the bathroom floor helps contain water.
• Laminate Flooring - Laminate offers the beauty of wood with more moisture resistance. A floating floor allows for easy DIY installation. Use an AC3 rated laminate in bath areas.
• Painted Walls - Continue the bathroom wall color into the closet to make the spaces feel connected. Light neutral hues keep things bright and airy.
• Wallpaper Accent Wall - Use wallpaper sparingly to define the closet as a distinct zone while relating it to the rest of the bath. Keep the print small and consider moisture-resistant materials.
• Doors - Pocket, bifold, shoji, and barn door styles eliminate swing space. A sliding barn door with a sleek modern handle can be a striking focal point.
• Baseboards - Match height and trim style to the bathroom baseboards for a cohesive look. Consider waterproof PVC or marine-grade lumber materials.
• Trim - Trim framing the closet entry should coordinate with the bathroom door and window trims. Paint or stain to match or contrast the baseboards.

Storage Solutions for Optimal Organization

Strategic storage is key for staying organized in a small walk-in closet. Make smart choices to stow away every item while retaining easy access. Useful storage elements include:

• Double Hanging Rod - Install two staggered height rods to double hanging capacity. Lower rod can hold shorter items like skirts, shirts, and blouses while longer dresses and coats hang from the upper rod.
• Adjustable Shelving - Shelves that can shift up and down lend flexibility. Sturdy steel ventilated shelving allows light and air circulation while supporting weight. Round down shelf edges for safety and to prevent snagging.
• Drawers - Perfect for neatly corralling folded clothes, undergarments, accessories, and toiletries. Stack drawers evenly or combine sizes. Soft-close slides prevent slamming. Custom built-in drawers maximize space efficiency.
• Shoe Racks - Wall mounted racks or freestanding units like over-the-door shoe bags add storage. For floor space, consider sturdy plastic under-bed boxes on casters.
• Laundry Hamper - A lidded hamper contains dirty clothes and towels. For small spaces, use a collapsible pop-up hamper that can be tucked away when not needed.
• Jewelry Storage - Hooks, trays, mounted displays, and narrow drawers keep jewelry organized. Full-extension small drawers provide easy access to delicate pieces.
• Baskets - Mesh, woven, or fabric covered baskets neatly corral accessories, toiletries, underwear, socks, and other small sundries.

Special Touches to Enhance the Space

Include these special details to elevate the form and function of your walk-in closet:

• Island or Bench - A furniture piece provides a place to sit while getting dressed. Stylish options like a padded bench or linen trunk offer concealed storage as well.
• Ottomans - Round or square ottomans function as moveable seating with the bonus of stash space inside. Look for water-resistant leather or woven materials.
• Artwork - Inject personality by accessorizing walls with framed prints, floating shelves displaying cherished objects, or wallpaper with a subtle pattern as an accent.
• Plants - A potted fern, succulent, or flowering plant brings life to the utilitarian space. Ensure proper light conditions and use planters with drainage trays to protect floors.
• Vanity Space - Even a small wall-mounted folding desk or narrow console table provides a spot to apply makeup or style hair. Include a mirror and storage for toiletries.
• Charging Station - Stay powered up by mounting a charging dock or USB hub at an accessible height. Corral cables neatly with clips or tubes.
• Ambient Lighting - Install dimmable lighting to create a relaxing vibe. Wall sconces, under cabinet lights or toe kicks provide glow and visual interest.
• Full-Length Mirror - A slim full-length mirror is useful for head-to-toe outfits checks. Place it near the closet entry or angle diagonally across a corner.