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meredith_mcdonald6

Small Bathroom remodel?'s

3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago

Hi, I am remodeling my bathroom and downsizing the 43" vanity to a 36" or 30" to make more open space. Both the new vanity and toilet are more shallow so I'm hoping to gain 6" between the toilet and vanity.

Should I put the vanity in the corner or center it on the wall? Right now there is only about 4" between the vanity cabinet and the tub. So, if I went with the 36" there's only 11" of space to work with. If it's centered, that would give me 5.5" on either side. Is there a code about distance between tubs and vanities?

I wanted to add wall sconces-not sure I could work that out if the vanity is in the corner.






Comments (10)

  • PRO
    3 years ago

    Sorry to provide any useful advice we need a floorplan with dimensions including openings etc. Graph paper is usually easiest

    Mereditg mcdonald thanked HALLETT & Co.
  • PRO
    3 years ago

    What does reducing the size of the vanity gain you except a chopped-up bathroom?


    Any chance you can capture any space from the room behind the toilet so you can install a tank that's recessed into the walls to gain some space in front of the vanity?


    I don't find your bathroom objectionable. Why do you think you need to remodel it?

    I'd consider adding a glass screen and eliminate the shower curtain.




    Mereditg mcdonald thanked BeverlyFLADeziner
  • 3 years ago

    Are you wanting to shrink the vanity so you can buy a standard size replacement and/or because it's difficult to access the tub faucet in the current configuration?

  • 3 years ago
    last modified: 3 years ago

    You want to pull the vanity all the way to the left?

    Here is what we did when remodeling a small guest bath in our Florida home.

    It came with a vanity wall to wall.



    We replaced with a smaller vanity with a left offset sink. Now there is room on the right to hind the toilet bowl stand, room on the left for trash can.

    That bottom drawer holds so many hand towels. The drawers make more sense too than just doors.

    It appears you have a similar problem having in front of the toilet to wash hands.

  • 3 years ago

    I wonder if this IKEA vanity would work? 32 inches wide and 19 inches deep.

    drawers on left and cubbies on right( rolled towels)?

    The drawers might clear your toilet , since they are on the left

  • 3 years ago

    If you do an inset into the wall toilet, you would be able to mount the toilet paper on the wall within reach. So there would be one less thing on the floor.

  • PRO
    last year

    I don't know of a code that governs the space between a vanity and a tub but according to the International Residential Code there should be a minimum of 15" from the centerline of the toilet to any adjacent wall or fixture like a tub.

  • last year

    I like Tallulah's suggestion about looking into a shallower vanity if you're going to replace.

  • PRO
    last year

    For wallpaper-friendly bathroom layouts:

    1. No strict code for vanity-to-tub distance, but aim for at least 4" clearance for practical use/wall maintenance.
    2. Centering looks best with wallpaper patterns and allows symmetrical sconces (place them 30-36" apart). Corner installs can make walls feel cramped and disrupt wallpaper seams.
    3. With 11" leftover space, a 36" vanity centered leaves 5.5" each side – enough for wallpaper to wrap neatly without awkward cuts.
    4. For 30" vanities, corner placement could work if you:
    • Use large-format wallpaper to minimize seams
    • Install a single sconce on the open side (not against tub)
    1. Wallpaper tip: Choose vinyl-coated or paste-the-wall types for humidity resistance near tubs.

    Centered gives you better lighting options and a cleaner finish for your walls.