When designing a bathroom for your ADU, or accessory dwelling unit, making the most of your limited space is key. No one likes a cramped bathroom, and even with the limited footprint of an ADU, you don’t have to live with one! A well-thought-out layout can enhance both functionality and aesthetics, transforming a small area into a comfortable and stylish retreat.
Our team at Little Home Builder is a locally-owned, women-led company that specializes in tiny homes, ADUs, and backyard cottages in Colorado. We’re excited to discuss ADU bathroom limitations and help you get inspired with five ideas for your ADU bathroom layout.
The Limitations of ADU Bathrooms
Just like tiny homes, ADU bathrooms are typically smaller than standard bathrooms, which means you’ll have to be strategic with your design choices. Limited floor space, plumbing restrictions, and building codes can all impact your layout options. However, with careful planning, you can create a bathroom that feels spacious and serves all your needs.
(check out our blog: Is There a Difference Between an ADU and a Tiny Home?)
ADU Bathroom Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid common pitfalls when designing your ADU bathroom. Overcrowding the space with too many fixtures or ignoring the need for adequate storage can lead to a cramped, cluttered environment. You’ll want to go minimalistic where you can, and choose multi-purpose fixtures and furniture. For example, a mirrored medicine cabinet will take up less wall space than having both a cabinet and a mirror mounted.
Another must: you should always ensure your ADU bathroom is well-ventilated, and if possible, add a fan to circulate air. Skipping on ventilation won’t just feel inconvenient when your bathroom is all steamed up – it could lead to mold problems down the road.
Choosing the wrong lighting can also make the bathroom feel dark and uncomfortable, so you’ll want to make sure you get lots of lighting in your space. Just one light may not cut it, especially if you don’t have windows.
Our Best ADU Bathroom Ideas
While there’s plenty of gorgeous Pinterest boards out there to figure out your style, we like to recommend the following five ADU bathroom ideas regardless of aesthetic:
Maximize Floor Space With a Walk-In Shower
A walk-in shower is a great way to save space in your ADU bathroom. It eliminates the need for a bulky tub, freeing up valuable floor space. You can even take it to the next level by opting for a clear glass shower enclosure – guaranteeing your room will feel more open and airy.
Consider a Skylight For Natural Lighting
Incorporating a skylight into your ADU bathroom design can flood the space with natural light, making it feel larger and more inviting. Natural light not only enhances the room’s aesthetics but also helps reduce energy costs.
Maximize Your Functional Storage With Wall Mounts
Wall-mounted storage solutions, such as floating shelves or cabinets, can help you make the most of vertical space. This keeps the floor area clear and uncluttered, making the space look larger as well. It also saves you from stubbing your toes against cabinet bases, which we think is a bonus!
Layered Lighting Opens Up Your Space
Layered lighting can create the illusion of a larger space. By combining ambient, task, and accent lighting, you can guarantee every corner of your ADU bathroom is well-lit, making the room feel more expansive and welcoming. We recommend using a backlit mirror, adding an overhead light, and ensuring there’s at least one more light source – either in the shower area or using our skylight idea to bring in sunlight!
Large Mirrors Add Dimension
Installing a large mirror can make your ADU bathroom feel more spacious by reflecting light and creating the illusion of depth. This can really open up a small space, ensuring it doesn’t feel claustrophobic. We recommend choosing a mirror that complements your bathroom’s style while enhancing its overall sense of space. Ideally, you’ll want to avoid thick or dark mirror frames, since they can add weight to a room’s aesthetic.
Start Building Your Dream ADU In Colorado
Whether you’re building a new ADU or hoping to convert an existing space into an ADU, Little Home Builder is here. With over 20 years of building experience on our team, we offer elite craftsmanship and the specialized knowledge in ADU permitting across Colorado that you need to navigate ADU planning. Explore our ADU home models and contact us today to start planning your dream ADU.
