Long Narrow Bathroom Remodeling Offers Numerous Challenges
For the homeowner with a long narrow bathroom, remodeling options offer some different challenges from the typical bathroom. One of the busiest rooms in the house, second only to the kitchen for daily use, the bathroom is also a place where visitors will spend some time. Updating a bathroom is usually accomplished with new fixtures and cabinets and possibly a new coat of paint. However with a long narrow bathroom, remodeling options may preclude some of the larger furniture items.
If there is no means of expanding the size of the room to make it wider, It still may be possible to make it more user-friendly by rearranging the floor space. A long, narrow cabinet along one wall is one option, but depending on whether there is a shower, a tub or both in the room, long narrow bathroom remodeling will generally allow for a change in style or color, but rarely in floor plan.
If there is a window on one of the longer walls, using lighter window coverings will make it appear larger. Darker, heavier window treatments in long narrow bathroom remodeling will make the room appear closer and tighter, which may be the affect the homeowner is trying to achieve.
Position Of Plumbing Can Help Traffic Flow
Many times when people consider long narrow bathroom remodeling they are of the opinion that plumbing fixtures have to remain in their original position. While it may require extensive work and additional costs, water lines and drain pipes can be moved. Placing the commode on the same wall as the sink and vanity can create a hall on one side of the bathroom and unless it is too narrow, the tub can be placed at the end opposite the entry door.
If possible, a tub can be recessed into one of the side walls during a long narrow bathroom remodeling, preferably opposite the sink. It may require losing some space in an adjacent room, but the area in the other room and be used as a built-in closet or a recessed space in which a dresser or chiffarobe can be placed.
When coming up with ideas for a long narrow bathroom remodeling, draw the floor plan without the existing plumbing fixtures in place and then place them, on paper, where they will allow the best use of the existing space. From there, it can be calculated how much additional work will be needed to accommodate the plans, but the end result can be a much better looking and friendly environment.
