Make Use Of A Small Hall Closet With This Stunning Home Reno Project

Sure, storage is important, but nobody lives in a storage space, pantry, or closet. The smaller the house, the more important it is to utilize every square foot for living space and convenience. One case in point is this idea to turn an ordinary hall closet into a much-needed convenient half-bath for the comfort of residents and guests alike.

With a touch of imagination, you can address an unfilled need at your house, repurposing a small closet as anything from a half bath, to a laundry room, to a unique loft bed that kids will love. Adding a half bath (toilet and sink) or a three-quarter bath (toilet, sink, shower) to your home increases its value. Realtor.com indicates that splurging on a new bath has an ROI (return on investment) of up to 54%, especially if your addition is the second bathroom in a house with just one full bath (toilet, sink, tub, and shower).

Items to consider before adding a bath are location, materials, and ventilation, since bathrooms by definition are damp places that need to allow air in and out. As with any potential DIY project, cost and time also figure into the mix. If you're very handy and have the right tools, you may be able to install much of the new bath yourself. Otherwise, consider the cost of general labor, but also a plumber and an electrician.

Investment is the key word here, as experts estimate converting a closet into a bathroom can cost $5,000 to $40,000. Adding on a new addition costs more, closer to $20,000 to $100,000 or higher. If that seems steep, think about the cost being amortized over the years of living in your home. Then there's the additional value when it comes to selling. If you break down the costs over years of convenience and the potential sales bonus, the investment may resonate with more positive benefits to you in the long run.

Even a tiny closet may accommodate the most basic bath — toilet and sink. When making your plan, keep the size of the room in mind when you're obtaining the items. Toilets come in several standard sizes, but a round bowl takes up less space than elongated bowl. Even if you keep the accouterments small, don't forget about the rough-in space. This is the measurement from the toilet's flange (the drainpipe) to the wall. Most toilets need a 12-inch rough-in, while some can accommodate just 10 inches.

If you're really cramped for space, consider a wall mounted toilet. These are not only stylish with a minimalist vibe, but they're also easier to clean and clean around. However they are more expensive than the average commode. They must hang on a wall 10 inches thick or more. They are also harder to install, so professional help might be required. Wall mounted sinks, sometimes called floating sinks, are also readily available and save space.

Your final cost depends on the materials you use to decorate and complete the new bathroom. The rule of thumb here is to use the best materials you can afford, including stone, tile, wood, and good plumbing, and don't forget the light fixtures. Ceramic is the go-to material for sinks and toilets, while metal in a variety of finishes is a durable substance for faucet hardware and vanity trim. Finishing the walls with paneling, paint, or wallpaper will pay off in ambiance. Easy-to-clean tile comes in all colors but also patterns, and it can be used as a backsplash on the full wall or on the floor.

Once installed, the décor of your new bath is completely up to you. From our TikTok example, the walls of that tiny powder room simply glow with the dark, floral wallpaper design reminiscent of a William Morris print. A glamour-filled bath may have a mirrored wall and extra lighting from neon to candlelight, while a farmhouse-style home may have painted or stained wood paneling, or perhaps shiplap on the walls.

To make a small bathroom feel bigger, choose a neutral matching palette. White or light walls and flooring give an open, airy look to the room. Take a minimalist approach with very little storage, no clutter, and only a few color-coordinated decorative items to expand the space visually. With just a little work, you'll forget you ever had a closet where your appealing new bath now stands.