How to Maximize Bathroom Space for Multifamily Living

Choosing the right bathroom sink is usually the best place to start designing your sink area. First, let’s talk about the best mounting option.

After installation, the edges of an undermount bathroom sink are contained within the vanity. This contrasts with top-mount sinks, which take up more space by resting above the countertop surface. Undermount sinks provide more usable space inside the sink without reducing counter space.

Residents Love Undermount Ceramic Sinks for Bathrooms.

Without a lip hanging over the top of the basin, it’s easy to keep the countertop clean. 

Debris and water can be swept directly into the basin and residents won’t need to worry about buildup around the edge of the sink.

Residents also tend to prefer the more modern and streamlined look of an undermount sink. They can create a luxurious, high-end look without adding a lot to your expenses. 

When to Choose a Top Mount Bathroom Sink

Some projects won’t have the budget for stone countertops. Since undermount sinks need a finished edge all the way around the basin, laminate and tile counters won’t work in most cases.

If you don’t have room in the budget for stone, a top mount ceramic bathroom sink is the way to go.

Top mount can sometimes also be the better choice for very small bathrooms.

Choosing an undermount sink for bathrooms where space is at a premium makes sense. But stone can only be cut so thin without creating weakness in the material.

If the bathroom is too small to accommodate an extra inch or two to cut stone counters wide enough (more details on that in the next section), you may need a top mount bathroom sink.

What is the most popular bathroom sink size?

Most people prefer bathroom sinks with a bowl size of around 16-20 inches side to side, if the space allows.

Depending on the shape and layout of the bathroom, you may be able to choose a basin that’s wider side to side, but lower profile front-to-back.

For example, check out these rectangular basin options:

As you consider the best sink size for your build, clear space is going to dictate how big your vanity–and therefore your bathroom sink size–can be. 

Of course, residents usually appreciate a larger sink if it fits. But they also love to have at least some counter space they can use for toothbrushes, soap dispensers, and other supplies.

If possible, go for a sink size that will give you a good balance between the basin and the counter space. Even better, look for a space-saving bathroom basin design.

Since undermount sinks won’t eat up additional counter space, they give residents a solid surface for cosmetics and other items. 

You’ll also have a fair amount of space to the sides of the faucet, especially if you choose a compact faucet design (more in section 2.2).

If you can, try to leave a few inches of extra counter space to one side of the basin as well.

Should you use a modern black ceramic sink, which is in high demand for bathroom designs in 2024? Or is it better to stick to classic white? 

Ceramic bathroom sinks come in lots of color options, but white and off-white are most common. And there's a good reason for that.

White and biscuit ceramic sinks are usually best for multifamily builds because they’re neutral. Which means residents can tailor the bathroom to their own unique tastes.

• Light colors around the bathroom sink and vanity will also help to create an airy, spacious feel, which is perfect for small bathrooms.
• Just as importantly, white and off-white sinks don’t show spots as easily. Many of the products we use, such as toothpaste, can leave a chalky white film behind if they’re not rinsed away completely. Hard water can also leave white spots in the sink.

So while a black ceramic sink can certainly be an eye-catching feature, it may be better for custom single-family jobs.

Rectangular Bathroom Sinks 

Rectangular sinks have sharp angles and straight lines that are very appealing to current tastes.

PROS:

• Modern look makes the bathroom more appealing to discerning residents who want a high-end home. 
• Most in-demand for design trends in 2024.
• More elbow room.

CONS:

• Take up more real estate. 
• The corners stick out into the available counter space but don’t add much function to the basin.
• More expensive than oval sinks.
• More difficult to clean.

BEST FOR:

• Layouts where you have room for a larger vanity.
• Modern, high-end bathrooms.

Oval Bathroom Sinks

For small bathrooms, oval bathroom sinks are almost always the way to go. 

PROS: 

• Without large corners, an oval bathroom basin leaves more usable counter space.
• Can be mounted into a rounded vanity, creating more room to move around.
• Timeless look that can go with any aesthetic.
• Easier to clean.

CONS:

• Some people see them as outdated and less attractive. However, you can keep an oval bathroom basin from looking dated by pairing it with a sleek, modern faucet.
• Smaller sizes can look unbalanced in larger bathrooms.
• Less elbow room.

BEST FOR:

• Small bathrooms with limited space for a vanity.
• Homey, classic aesthetics.

Once you have your luxurious undermount ceramic bathroom sink in a beautiful color, it’s time to choose the right faucet to go with it.

Here’s what to look for in the best faucet for a small bathroom.

2.2.1 Single Hole Faucets Save Space

As we’ve seen, the space to either side of the faucet can be invaluable for making a small sink area as functional as possible.

That’s why a single hole bathroom faucet is the best choice if you’re looking for space-saving fixtures.

Not only is a single-hole design more space efficient. It’s also easier to install, which will keep your project running on time and save you money in labor costs.

2.2.2 Single Handle Faucets are easier to use 

Most single-hole bathroom faucets have a single, lever-style control. Which is perfect for multifamily builds because it’s easy to use and maintain.

Single handle bathroom faucets are ideal for ADA bathrooms and generally make the sink more accessible for everyone. It’s also safer for families with small kids, who might turn on just the hot water on a two-handle faucet and burn themselves.

Two-handle faucets also need more clearance than many single-handle faucets. The user needs enough space to fully grasp and turn the knob or handle without running into the wall or backsplash.

Single-handle faucet designs with a lever on top of the spout eliminates the need for hand space around the lever. So that’s your best bet to save as much space as possible.

2.2.3 Bonus reasons to choose single handed faucets

Another side-benefit of single-handle faucets is that they tend to be more affordable (as they’re easier to make). And because they’re simpler, they also tend to be more durable. With fewer moving parts, there is less that can wear out or break over time. And if something does go wrong, This streamlined design with fewer components is also typically easier to diagnose and fix.

To be sure your bathroom looks updated and fresh, opt for modern or transitional faucet designs. Especially if you chose a rounded basin, since it will keep the sink from looking dated.

Modern and transitional faucets have sleek, clean lines that can elevate the look of a bathroom sink. They’re also easy to keep clean since they don’t have decorative flourishes that can build up hard water and debris.

One of the best ways to make a small bathroom appealing is to choose enticing finishes.

Matte black bathroom faucets are currently in very high demand. They add a bold visual statement that can keep the room from feeling bland. 

However, black is harder to keep clean and can show water spots and fingerprints.

Check out the specially-manufactured Allora matte black bathroom faucets, which feature a fingerprint-resistant finish.

Check your pricing before choosing a black faucet because they tend to be one of the most expensive options, so it might not be right for all projects.

Next best option? Choose a satin or brushed finish. 

These finishes are very popular for many reasons.

• They soften the look of the faucet, helping the bathroom feel more welcoming.
• They add warmth to prevent the bathroom from feeling too stark.
• They don’t show water spots, fingerprints, or scratches as easily as high-shine faucets.
• They prevent glare from lights over the bathroom sink.

Not every project will have room in the budget for luxury finishes. Fortunately, high-shine chrome is always a beautiful option. Especially if you choose a streamlined faucet design.

In section 2.1.2 above, we talked about how big your vanity can be while leaving appropriate clearance for standing room and other fixtures.

But even once you’ve picked the right size vanity, there are lots of design options to choose from. Here’s what to look for in the best bathroom sink vanity for small bathrooms.

1. Floating vanities give residents more usable space.

Floating vanities are very popular for 2024 bathroom design, and with good reason. 

By removing the toe kick, you effectively open up what would otherwise be unusable space.

Residents can use the space under a floating vanity to store everything from a bathroom scale to low-profile baskets. 

Floating vanities also look great and they’re one of the best options for how to mount ADA bathroom sinks.

2. Drawers make better use of available space than cabinets.

Wherever possible, opt for a vanity that has more drawers than cabinets. 

Most bathroom supplies come in small containers. Think toothpaste tubes, razors, cosmetics, floss, and extra toothbrushes. 

It’s far easier to keep bathroom supplies organized in drawers than it is in cabinets, which often leave a lot of empty vertical space unused.

However, since the vanity will also be covering the supply lines and drain pipe, there will usually need to be cabinet doors directly under the sink. 

If possible, add built-in racks or basket drawers to these areas. That way, residents can make better use of the space and avoid clutter, which can make a small bathroom feel claustrophobic.

3. Skip the wall-mounted or pedestal sink unless absolutely necessary.

There are some bathrooms that just do not have room for a vanity at all. 

In these cases, you’ll still have options like a wall-mounted bathroom sink or pedestal sink. But we recommend avoiding them unless absolutely necessary.

The area under a bathroom sink is frequently the only storage residents will have in their bathroom. Losing the vanity altogether can make a bathroom very frustrating to use since there’s nowhere to store supplies out of the way.

They also don’t have counter space to set down a toothbrush, hairdryer, or razor. You can see how annoying that could be for residents.

Wall mounted sinks also don’t fit with current tastes and can make a bathroom feel institutional. 

They’re a better option for utilitarian and commercial spaces.

Let’s put that all together. 

The ideal bathroom sink for small bathrooms should look something like this:

The Sink

• Undermount bathroom sink
• Oval shaped basin
• 15” or larger side-to-side
• Biscuit or white ceramic sink

The Faucet 

• Single hole, single handle bathroom faucet
• Faucet with lever on top if possible
• Modern or transitional faucet design in a brushed or matte finish

The Vanity 

• Enough clearance in front and to the side of the vanity sink
• Floating vanity with plenty of drawers
• Additional racks or storage in cabinets if possible.

Next, let’s look at the best toilets for bathrooms with limited space.

An alcove tub is the most common choice for multifamily builds. 

They fit into a 3-wall alcove, with only the front of the bathtub accessible. They come with or without a built-in apron along the exposed side. 

If there is no apron, your team will need to build one to cover the exposed side of the tub.

PROS:

• Generally most affordable.
• Space-efficient.
• Easy to install.
• Can come with an integrated shower and storage.

CONS:

• Limited design options.
• Only available in a restricted range of sizes that may not work in some bathroom setups..
• Less accessible for elderly or disabled residents.

In general, most builds will use an alcove tub if for no other reason than protecting your budget. They’re easy to source, easy to install, and work well for most property types.

A drop-in tub fits inside a 4-wall frame. 

They’re reversible and can be mounted in either direction, depending on the location of your drain.

PROS: 

• Flexible design options available.
• More aesthetic appeal than an alcove tub.
• Deeper and more spacious, creating a luxurious bathing experience.
• Versatile mounting options (won’t need different models for multiple layouts).
• Because they’re mounted further from the wall, drop-in tubs have a larger ledge for storage around the edge of the bath.

CONS:

• Does not usually come with an integrated shower, requiring extra framing and waterproofing.
• More expensive.
• Harder to install.
• Take up more space.
• Deck around the tub can be hard to keep clean.
  

A drop-in tub is a great option if you have a slightly larger budget and are looking for ways to increase storage space. 

You can even add storage like cabinets into the side of the tub deck, which many residents will love.

Drop-in tubs are better suited for high-end properties.

Similar to an alcove tub, a corner tub frequently comes with a built-in apron. However, they also come in freestanding and drop-in designs as well.

However, a corner tub only needs 2 walls rather than 3.

PROS:

• Most efficient use of space.
• Huge aesthetic appeal; add elegance and a unique feature.
• Come in many designs and shapes, including two-person models.
• Spacious and comfortable.
• Often come with integrated features like jets.

CONS: 

• More expensive than alcove tubs.
• Harder to install.
• Still take up significant floor space, even though they’re very space-efficient.
• Larger capacity means they take more water to fill.
• Less suitable for showers.

Corner tubs add a lot of luxury and interest to a bathroom. So they’re a great choice if you want to increase your wow factor with limited space.

However, they’re not ideal for extremely small bathrooms, even though they’re space-efficient. Depending on the tub, you may need a separate shower stall to make the bathroom as functional as possible.

For your main bathroom, a tub with an integrated shower will make the best use of limited space. But if you have floor plans that include a second bathroom, a shower stall or walk-in shower is a great option.

There are endless possibilities for adding a shower to a bathroom. You can go with a quadrant or curved enclosure to tuck the shower into a corner without eating up space.

In many cases, you can even go with a level shower or “wet room.” 

Because level showers aren’t separated by a tray, they don’t divide the room visually. They also feel spa-like and high-end. You can add glass partitions to prevent splashing and further enhance the feeling of luxury.

However, wet rooms feel luxurious precisely because they’re more expensive. They can add about 20-30% to the cost of your install because of the complexity of waterproofing the room.

A walk-in shower of some kind is a great addition for accessibility, and often the best option for ADA bathroom designs.

No matter what kind of shower or tub works best for the space, choosing the right showerhead and trim kit can make any bathroom feel like a luxurious oasis.

Now you know how to make smart selections for the three main fixtures: the sink, the toilet, and the tub.

What else can you do to maximize bathroom space in a multifamily home?

Great storage solutions can turn even tiny bathrooms into an inviting oasis. Next, let’s look at what you can do to  maximize storage by utilizing space that would otherwise go unused.

One thing to avoid in a small bathroom is chopping the space up visually. So your tile choices should create interest without interrupting the flow of the room.

Penny tile is a great option for small bathrooms because it’s easy to fit into tight spaces. It also creates a sense of texture rather than cutting the floor into blocks.

Subway tile makes a great addition to an accent wall, backsplash, or bath alcove. You can even mount it vertically rather than horizontally to draw the eye up and create the illusion of extra height if the ceiling is low.

Terrazzo tile is making a comeback. It adds subtle variation and texture without grout lines.  Light terrazzo with touches of gray and a bit of shine help a space feel airy and interesting.

You can even add it as a backsplash or accent, or use it as your countertop.

Speaking of countertops…

6.1.3 What Countertop Material Is Best for Small Bathrooms?

As we saw in section 2, undermount ceramic sinks for bathrooms are the best choice if space is limited. And you’ll need countertops with a finished edge to make that work.

White quartz is in high demand for bathroom designs in 2024. And it doesn’t show any signs of losing its popularity in the next several years.

Granite, marble, terrazzo, and other natural stone counters are also very popular. Which works perfectly with undermount bathroom sinks. 

If you go with white counters, a subtle backsplash and textural faucet are ideal to make the sink area look like it came out of a high-end spa. Especially if you pair it with those wood-tone cabinets we mentioned earlier.

You could also add a pop of contrast with a black faucet to break up the uniform look of a white sink in a white countertop. High-contrast accents give the eye a focal point that prevents the room from looking institutional.

Warm lighting is a great touch to help a small bathroom feel inviting.

Lighting fixtures can make a huge difference in helping a small bathroom feel luxurious.

The key here is to think in layers. Try to include:

• Task lighting
• Accent lighting
• Overhead lighting
• Lighting for ambience

The main areas for task lighting are the sink and the shower. But in a very small bathroom, one central light toward the middle of the room may create enough illumination for tasks.

If you have the budget, pot lights deliver brightness without taking up space.

If not, flat mount lighting will give you a low-profile glow and prevent the glare of an uncovered bulb.

The bathroom sink is a great area for accent lighting like sconces or pendants. However, many people also love the warm indirect glow of a backlit bathroom mirror, which can function as both an accent and create ambience.

We’ve already seen a few ways that the bathroom mirror can enhance a small bathroom. It can add storage and become a lighting source.

But bathroom mirrors can do much more than that!

Consider going with a large mirror over the bathroom sink. Small mirrors are frustrating to use for self-care like shaving or putting on makeup.

Plus, limited mirror space can make the whole room feel cramped.

As you already know, large reflective surfaces trick the eye and make the room feel bigger.

You can also add small accent mirrors or mirrored sconces to set off your accent lighting and brighten the room with indirect light. 

If you have space to add a full-length mirror, such as to the back of the bathroom door, do it! Residents will love having a place to check their full outfit and every additional mirror adds to the illusion of space and brightness.

Hopefully we’ve given you some inspiration for:

• How to build a space-saving bathroom sink.
• What kind of toilet is best for small bathrooms.
• Possibilities to make the most of your tub or shower area.
• How to maximize storage and eliminate dead space.
• Creating the illusion of space with clever color and lighting choices.

Now you know what to look for in the best fixtures for small bathrooms in multifamily builds. We can help you get started with the perfect bathroom sink!