In Brooklyn, a small bathroom is part of city living. Whether you own a brownstone, a pre war co op or a newer condo, you may be working with a bathroom that is narrow, windowless or awkwardly shaped. The good news is that small bathrooms often offer the biggest rewards for thoughtful design. With smart layout choices, well chosen fixtures and clever storage, even the tiniest bathroom can feel calm, bright and surprisingly spacious. Here is how to plan your remodel.
In this guide
- Plan a layout that makes every inch count
- Choose fixtures sized for small rooms
- Add storage, light and ventilation
- Navigate building rules and approvals
Start With the Layout
In a small bathroom, every inch matters. Measure carefully and note the positions of existing plumbing, windows and doors. Keeping fixtures in their current locations usually saves time and cost, and in apartment buildings moving plumbing may not be permitted. Within those limits, small changes, such as replacing a swinging door with a pocket or barn style door, can free up valuable space.
Tub or Shower?
Many city bathrooms have a tub and shower combination. If no one in the household takes baths, replacing the tub with a walk in shower can make the room feel larger and easier to use. If you want to keep a tub, compact soaking tubs and tubs with straight, clean lines take up less visual space. A glass panel instead of a shower curtain keeps sightlines open.
A low or curbless shower entry makes the floor look continuous and the room feel larger, though it depends on the floor structure and building rules.
Fixtures Sized for Small Rooms
Wall mounted vanities and toilets leave floor space visible, which makes a room feel larger and makes cleaning easier. Compact and corner sinks fit tight spaces. Look for shallow depth vanities designed for narrow bathrooms. Wall mounted faucets free up counter space on small vanities.
Storage That Disappears
Recessed medicine cabinets, niches built into shower walls and shelves above the toilet provide storage without taking up floor space. Tall, narrow cabinets fit beside vanities, and hooks on the back of the door hold towels and robes. Mirrored cabinet doors double as storage and reflect light.
A small bathroom done well can feel more luxurious than a large one done poorly.
Choose Finishes That Expand Space
Light colours, large format tiles and continuous flooring make small rooms feel bigger. Running the same tile from floor to shower walls creates a seamless look. A single bold element, such as a patterned floor tile or a coloured vanity, adds personality without overwhelming the space. Classic hexagon and subway tiles suit pre war buildings and brownstones.
Lighting and Mirrors
Many city bathrooms have no window at all. Layered lighting is essential: an overhead fixture, vertical lights on either side of the mirror for even face lighting and perhaps a light in the shower. A large mirror, ideally running the width of the vanity, reflects light and makes the room feel larger.
Ventilation Is Essential
Windowless bathrooms need effective exhaust fans to remove moisture and prevent mould and peeling paint. In apartment buildings, fans often connect to shared ventilation shafts, so options may depend on the building. Quiet, properly sized fans with humidity sensors are worth the investment.
Waterproofing Protects Your Neighbours
In row houses and apartment buildings, a leak can affect the home below. Proper waterproofing membranes behind and under tile, careful plumbing work and a final inspection are critical. Many co op and condo buildings require waterproofing details and inspections as part of their approval process.
Many co op and condo buildings do not allow bathrooms or kitchens to be moved over living spaces in the apartment below. Check before planning a new layout.
Approvals in Co Ops and Condos
If you live in a co op or condo, your building will likely require an alteration agreement, drawings, proof of insurance and approval from the board or managing agent before work begins. Some buildings limit work hours or the length of renovations. Starting this process early helps avoid delays.
Permits and Licensed Trades
Bathroom remodels that change plumbing or electrical work generally require permits from the Department of Buildings and must be performed by licensed plumbers and electricians. In the city, contractors who perform home improvement work must hold a home improvement contractor licence from the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection. Ask to see licences and insurance before signing a contract.
Accessibility for Every Stage of Life
Even small bathrooms can be designed for safety. Add blocking in walls for future grab bars, choose slip resistant floor tile and consider a handheld shower on a slide bar. These details make the bathroom easier to use for everyone, including older relatives and guests.
Plan for the Timeline
Bathroom remodels in city buildings can take longer than expected because of approvals, deliveries to walk up buildings and restrictions on work hours. Plan where you will shower during the work, especially if your home has only one bathroom, and ask your contractor for a realistic schedule.
Small Changes With Big Impact
If a full remodel is not in your plans, updating the vanity, mirror, lighting and fixtures, regrouting tile and adding a quiet exhaust fan can refresh a bathroom quickly. These smaller projects often avoid major approvals while making a noticeable difference.
Heated Floors and Towel Warmers
Small bathrooms are ideal for a little luxury. Electric radiant floor heating under tile warms the room on cold winter mornings and helps floors dry faster. A wall mounted towel warmer takes up little space and adds a spa like touch. Both require planning for electrical circuits and controls early in the design.
Choosing Materials That Last
Porcelain tile is durable, water resistant and available in many looks, from marble to terrazzo. Quartz vanity tops resist stains and need little maintenance. Brushed metal finishes hide water spots better than polished ones. Choosing durable materials means the bathroom will look fresh for years with simple care.
Working in Walk Up Buildings
Carrying materials up narrow stairs and removing debris without disturbing neighbours takes planning. Ask your contractor how deliveries will be handled, how common areas will be protected and how noise will be managed during permitted work hours. Good communication with neighbours and the building helps the project go smoothly.
Questions to Ask Your Contractor
Ask how they handle co op and condo approvals, which waterproofing system they use and who will perform plumbing and electrical work. Ask about the schedule, cleanup, protection of common areas and warranties. Request a detailed written proposal that lists fixtures, finishes and allowances.
Remodel Your Bathroom With Perfect Nest Way
Perfect Nest Way designs and builds beautiful small bathrooms for brownstones, co ops and condos across Brooklyn. We plan every inch, coordinate building approvals and permits and use careful waterproofing to protect your home and your neighbours. Contact us to start planning your bathroom remodel.