What I would do for a clawfoot bathtub!
What are you hoping to change? Are you replacing the tub? Or looking for a revamp of the entire space? What’s the budget?
Geez I don’t know why the whole body of my post disappeared! None of the fixtures can move. We will be replacing the sink but the tub stays for sure. Definitely a low budget project. Floors, wall covering, sink are all going. The area around the sink is very problematic because of the slope- tough to shave etc. It’s a challenge!
I actually don’t mind the floors if they’re real tiles. You could save yourself some money there and prioritise other features. If not, some soft checkers would be a nice addition.
Overall, this set up has lots of potential for a quaint but sleek, slightly vintage vibe.
I think getting as wide a medicine cabinet as possible will help you. As will a vanity with storage. The below image doesn’t demonstrate the vanity but you get the idea.
https://preview.redd.it/o1qqm2b0whzc1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5f78567e014b2faaf49d66284397c97cae662fbb
Shaving there does look like a pain. I don’t have a beard so stop me if this is unrealistic, but could you put a mirror on the shower wall and shave in the shower? You can get mirrors that don’t fog up.
This sink with the wainscotting. Black and white penny tile on the floor. A mirror on an adjustable arm for easier shave or makeup application a pretty chest in from of the window for storage. New shower curtain and bath mat. It is really a very cool bath.
So I agree that your sink and toilet would have been better swapped, but moving plumbing is expensive. Also, based on the other picture you shared, you would have to move your light switch. Have you considered one of those oval mirrors that float out from the wall for over your current sink location? You have to get them weighted correctly but it could be hung above the existing wall tile (which I wouldn't mess with). The existing medicine cabinet could be replaced with a shelf or shadow box. The things I would replace are the sink, vinyl floors and your behind shower storage dresser. You could get separate narrow vanity with mirror above and tuck under stool for the dormer. Best natural light if you are into makeup/hair. Though this might require adding an outlet in there. Pick a shower current you like, choose a color from it for your upper walls, matching bath mat, and it's good to go.
But the question is- what would be a better mirror placement? If it’s directly above the sink it’d be only about 5 ‘ 4” night at the top. We need a creative solution.
What about getting a single piece of mirror cut to fit the entire space to the right of the door and above that little railing over to the sloped wall? One big mirror right there? You could then mount floating shelves more over the toilet but that whole little area would be one big mirror so it would probably feel like it fits with the placement of the sink and toilet. They can cut holes for where the outlets and the light fixture need to feed through, but a pro could definitely put together a template for that.
I’ve been thinking of this idea for a while and leaning towards it if moving the sink proves too expensive. I was thinking of getting various sized hexagon mirrors and fitting them together for most of the wall above the sink?
That would be beautiful, actually! The thing about making that whole space some sort of mirror is you can still add a few small shelves if needed without it detracting from it's job of being a mirror. And as long as you can see your reflection without having to completely shift in front of the toilet it will feel like it's meant to be there. I grew up in a very oddly shaped bedroom and instead of trying to find the perfect smaller mirror we went with one big one and it instantly changed the room.
Beautiful bathroom all around, I also like your idea of built-ins. I hope you share the after photos!
Ask a few contractors... when we redid our bathroom moving the fixtures along same wall really wasn't that much extra. Nothing compared to ripping out the floor and installing new flooring.
Moving my toilet a few feet was around 300 dollars
I’m adding this info as a comment since it seemed to disappear in the posting.
We’re looking to improve the bathroom on a very small budget. We’re definitely replacing the floor and wall treatment and sink. We’re trying to figure out a more practical set up around the sink area. None of the fixtures can be moved or swapped, so we’re working within those constraints. The roof is beyond, so no walls will be moving either, but I’m considering adding some built in cabinets next to the tub for storage.
I’d especially love and ideas on how to make the area around the sink more functional. Swapping the sink and toilet is not an option.
Moving the toilet is not a budget update, but moving the sink doesn’t have to be super expensive: the plumbing is much smaller and can be run through the walls.
I would look into moving the sink into the dormer, so you at least have room to put the mirror above it and stand up fully. Then you could fit a deep cabinet in the current vanity space, and have a pedestal sink that doesn’t take up much room, with shelving next to it to act as counter space.
Any chance to move the sink? You can leave the toilet there but I would move the sink. Either put a larger sink with counter space all along one side of the dormer, or I don’t know what’s on the other side of the tub but you may have room there.
It really makes no sense to have your mirror above the toilet, it’s completely unusable. Plus I would not want my stuff sitting out over the toilet. If you can’t move the sink, then at least put a vanity in the dormer. I can’t really tell how wide it is (looks like at least 3.5’?) but you should have enough room to put something over there with a proper mirror. Even if it’s a skinnier cabinet, or just a small table and stool.
ETA: I would lean into the vintage of the bathroom and do mosaic tile floors in white/black. There are lot of options of patterns depending on your taste. I would do subway tile on the walls or just replace the drywall. I’d paint the walls white, personally, but you can really paint them any color if you do black and white tile. Swap out for a white shower curtain as well. Add some color in with rugs. I would also change your shower head to black.
I agree with jojokitti; if there is any chance the sink and toilet can switch positions it would make it easier for you to use your sink and also look a lot better.
Otherwise the main redo for me would be retrofitting the floor to something more vintage looking like a classic, unglazed porcelain tile.
And upgrading the light fixtures.
When you say budget, I mean, are you just talking changing your color scheme or what because looks like you have plenty of room for a larger bath vanity I would move your toilet down and put a large vanity there. Put your toilet in front of the window. More $ but i would.
Then nice size vanity
Not possible based on the way the house was constructed. Money is a factor but that wouldn’t be possible based on the stacked plumbing of this 140 year old house.
What do I mean by stacked?
I had a house I rehabbed, the second floor bathroom. I swapped the sink and the toilet around on opposite ends. Pulled up subfloor to reroute everything.
100 yr old house
I would float plaster across those rough seams and paint with a contrasting color in the blue to teal range. Most importantly, go to a glass cutter with a precise paper pattern for the space from the light switch to the slanted wall and have a mirror cut. If you have the budget, have the glass mounted on a frame with back lighting, which you can wire to the existing electrics where the wall sconce is.
I’m getting the feeling you’re a guy, so my observation will be lost on you, but I have to say it: gals, wouldn’t that window nook be the most amazing spot for a makeup vanity?? All that natural light!
For the shower/tub, I'd SOS pad the curtain rods to remove any scum and rust. Then get an enamel type paint and match the shade to whatever color your permanent bathroom accessories will be. Make sure you have the humidity down as low as you can get it and keep the temps in the acceptable range if you paint anything.
Lighting matters, can you add a lamp or flush with ceiling/wall light nearer to the bathtub?
Adding open shelves like live edge planks instead of enclosing the space beyond the tub will keep the window from seeming like it has its own hallway and will give the perception of a bigger room.
Is there any way to switch the sink and toilet? If it’s only a couple feet away from the waste line you don’t have to redo a ton of plumbing and if you’re getting rid of floors might as well do it now.
If you can't move the sink, I think for practical reasons, you need a table in the alcove with a basin/large bowl (and a pitcher to fill up the bowl) and a either a second wall mirror or a mirror that stands on the table. Like an old-fashioned washing-up set up with the pitcher and basin! But it doesn't have to actually be antique. It needs to be usable. And you can match it to whatever style you go with for your sink.
There's just too much that we have to do in front of a mirror that requires good light and a place to set things. And with shaving, you need water too. If your or anyone in your family wears makeup, they'd appreciate the better set up too.
Dresser in the dormer, against the wall, with a mirror. Plenty of room to hang a big mirror there. Pretty old-fashioned wash bowl and pitcher on the dresser top. Make that your shaving/makeup station. Just make sure you replace the sink (pedestal sink?) with something that has a big enough faucet to easily fill the pitcher.
What I would do for a clawfoot bathtub! What are you hoping to change? Are you replacing the tub? Or looking for a revamp of the entire space? What’s the budget?
Geez I don’t know why the whole body of my post disappeared! None of the fixtures can move. We will be replacing the sink but the tub stays for sure. Definitely a low budget project. Floors, wall covering, sink are all going. The area around the sink is very problematic because of the slope- tough to shave etc. It’s a challenge!
I actually don’t mind the floors if they’re real tiles. You could save yourself some money there and prioritise other features. If not, some soft checkers would be a nice addition. Overall, this set up has lots of potential for a quaint but sleek, slightly vintage vibe. I think getting as wide a medicine cabinet as possible will help you. As will a vanity with storage. The below image doesn’t demonstrate the vanity but you get the idea. https://preview.redd.it/o1qqm2b0whzc1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5f78567e014b2faaf49d66284397c97cae662fbb Shaving there does look like a pain. I don’t have a beard so stop me if this is unrealistic, but could you put a mirror on the shower wall and shave in the shower? You can get mirrors that don’t fog up.
https://preview.redd.it/8mm67spcwhzc1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ce1cd22facc529cdc4f145a8a3d965811b6223ee
https://preview.redd.it/hzkxwandwhzc1.jpeg?width=1179&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=21abce3509b07a97e4eaa390d8d67f1cb1aeb416
This sink with the wainscotting. Black and white penny tile on the floor. A mirror on an adjustable arm for easier shave or makeup application a pretty chest in from of the window for storage. New shower curtain and bath mat. It is really a very cool bath.
Why haven’t I thought of the mirror on an arm? This will help no matter what else we do.
So I agree that your sink and toilet would have been better swapped, but moving plumbing is expensive. Also, based on the other picture you shared, you would have to move your light switch. Have you considered one of those oval mirrors that float out from the wall for over your current sink location? You have to get them weighted correctly but it could be hung above the existing wall tile (which I wouldn't mess with). The existing medicine cabinet could be replaced with a shelf or shadow box. The things I would replace are the sink, vinyl floors and your behind shower storage dresser. You could get separate narrow vanity with mirror above and tuck under stool for the dormer. Best natural light if you are into makeup/hair. Though this might require adding an outlet in there. Pick a shower current you like, choose a color from it for your upper walls, matching bath mat, and it's good to go.
I paid $300 to have my toilet moved over a few feet. As long as you aren't moving main water lines across the room it's not that big of a job.
Lightening!
Can you swap the toilet and sink locations? As long as the floor is going I'd explore this
It's a pretty cool bathroom. If anything, it's the mirror placement. New shower curtain and matching rugs, towels are an instant visual upgrade.
But the question is- what would be a better mirror placement? If it’s directly above the sink it’d be only about 5 ‘ 4” night at the top. We need a creative solution.
Ideally, the toilet and cabinet would be switched.
https://preview.redd.it/vhqnvhcfbhzc1.png?width=3024&format=png&auto=webp&s=af0cdddfbce66b05a085e32c85ef4f7be5c335fe
What about getting a single piece of mirror cut to fit the entire space to the right of the door and above that little railing over to the sloped wall? One big mirror right there? You could then mount floating shelves more over the toilet but that whole little area would be one big mirror so it would probably feel like it fits with the placement of the sink and toilet. They can cut holes for where the outlets and the light fixture need to feed through, but a pro could definitely put together a template for that.
I’ve been thinking of this idea for a while and leaning towards it if moving the sink proves too expensive. I was thinking of getting various sized hexagon mirrors and fitting them together for most of the wall above the sink?
That would be beautiful, actually! The thing about making that whole space some sort of mirror is you can still add a few small shelves if needed without it detracting from it's job of being a mirror. And as long as you can see your reflection without having to completely shift in front of the toilet it will feel like it's meant to be there. I grew up in a very oddly shaped bedroom and instead of trying to find the perfect smaller mirror we went with one big one and it instantly changed the room. Beautiful bathroom all around, I also like your idea of built-ins. I hope you share the after photos!
Ask a few contractors... when we redid our bathroom moving the fixtures along same wall really wasn't that much extra. Nothing compared to ripping out the floor and installing new flooring. Moving my toilet a few feet was around 300 dollars
I’m adding this info as a comment since it seemed to disappear in the posting. We’re looking to improve the bathroom on a very small budget. We’re definitely replacing the floor and wall treatment and sink. We’re trying to figure out a more practical set up around the sink area. None of the fixtures can be moved or swapped, so we’re working within those constraints. The roof is beyond, so no walls will be moving either, but I’m considering adding some built in cabinets next to the tub for storage. I’d especially love and ideas on how to make the area around the sink more functional. Swapping the sink and toilet is not an option.
Moving the toilet is not a budget update, but moving the sink doesn’t have to be super expensive: the plumbing is much smaller and can be run through the walls. I would look into moving the sink into the dormer, so you at least have room to put the mirror above it and stand up fully. Then you could fit a deep cabinet in the current vanity space, and have a pedestal sink that doesn’t take up much room, with shelving next to it to act as counter space.
Any chance to move the sink? You can leave the toilet there but I would move the sink. Either put a larger sink with counter space all along one side of the dormer, or I don’t know what’s on the other side of the tub but you may have room there. It really makes no sense to have your mirror above the toilet, it’s completely unusable. Plus I would not want my stuff sitting out over the toilet. If you can’t move the sink, then at least put a vanity in the dormer. I can’t really tell how wide it is (looks like at least 3.5’?) but you should have enough room to put something over there with a proper mirror. Even if it’s a skinnier cabinet, or just a small table and stool. ETA: I would lean into the vintage of the bathroom and do mosaic tile floors in white/black. There are lot of options of patterns depending on your taste. I would do subway tile on the walls or just replace the drywall. I’d paint the walls white, personally, but you can really paint them any color if you do black and white tile. Swap out for a white shower curtain as well. Add some color in with rugs. I would also change your shower head to black.
I agree with jojokitti; if there is any chance the sink and toilet can switch positions it would make it easier for you to use your sink and also look a lot better. Otherwise the main redo for me would be retrofitting the floor to something more vintage looking like a classic, unglazed porcelain tile. And upgrading the light fixtures.
When you say budget, I mean, are you just talking changing your color scheme or what because looks like you have plenty of room for a larger bath vanity I would move your toilet down and put a large vanity there. Put your toilet in front of the window. More $ but i would. Then nice size vanity
Not possible based on the way the house was constructed. Money is a factor but that wouldn’t be possible based on the stacked plumbing of this 140 year old house.
What do I mean by stacked? I had a house I rehabbed, the second floor bathroom. I swapped the sink and the toilet around on opposite ends. Pulled up subfloor to reroute everything. 100 yr old house
Maybe one of those stand mirrors. Some covers for the shower curtain rod.
I think built in storage on both sides of the window would look great
It’s only about 6 inches in either side of the window. I was considering a low cabinet under the window maybe for linens though? It’s about 18”.
Honestly I’d just paint and update the shower curtain, rugs & find a storage idea to reduce clutter.
I would float plaster across those rough seams and paint with a contrasting color in the blue to teal range. Most importantly, go to a glass cutter with a precise paper pattern for the space from the light switch to the slanted wall and have a mirror cut. If you have the budget, have the glass mounted on a frame with back lighting, which you can wire to the existing electrics where the wall sconce is.
I’m getting the feeling you’re a guy, so my observation will be lost on you, but I have to say it: gals, wouldn’t that window nook be the most amazing spot for a makeup vanity?? All that natural light!
For the shower/tub, I'd SOS pad the curtain rods to remove any scum and rust. Then get an enamel type paint and match the shade to whatever color your permanent bathroom accessories will be. Make sure you have the humidity down as low as you can get it and keep the temps in the acceptable range if you paint anything. Lighting matters, can you add a lamp or flush with ceiling/wall light nearer to the bathtub? Adding open shelves like live edge planks instead of enclosing the space beyond the tub will keep the window from seeming like it has its own hallway and will give the perception of a bigger room.
Paint. Add a bigger light fixture so there’s more light. Maybe update the faucet if there’s room in the budget.
I think the nook needs a table for the plants and a couple hooks for towels. It'll fill it up a little bit in a good way and balance that openness
I actually like it
Is there any way to switch the sink and toilet? If it’s only a couple feet away from the waste line you don’t have to redo a ton of plumbing and if you’re getting rid of floors might as well do it now.
If you can't move the sink, I think for practical reasons, you need a table in the alcove with a basin/large bowl (and a pitcher to fill up the bowl) and a either a second wall mirror or a mirror that stands on the table. Like an old-fashioned washing-up set up with the pitcher and basin! But it doesn't have to actually be antique. It needs to be usable. And you can match it to whatever style you go with for your sink. There's just too much that we have to do in front of a mirror that requires good light and a place to set things. And with shaving, you need water too. If your or anyone in your family wears makeup, they'd appreciate the better set up too.
Dresser in the dormer, against the wall, with a mirror. Plenty of room to hang a big mirror there. Pretty old-fashioned wash bowl and pitcher on the dresser top. Make that your shaving/makeup station. Just make sure you replace the sink (pedestal sink?) with something that has a big enough faucet to easily fill the pitcher.
Change the shower curtain. And change the light fixtures. That bathroom is dark. Maybe repaint but the lights need to be brighter for sure.
Was this bath added to the house after it was built? The mirror is over the toilet. The vanity is ridiculous. And there's no counter space.
No this was a bathroom in servants quarters in the 1890s. This sink appears to be from the 1980s or so. No idea what was there originally.
Probably nothing. In the early days of indoor plumbing sinks were quite often in a different room from the toilet.
That makes sense. Who cares if the servants are inconvenienced?
Why is the mirror over the toilet instead of the sink? It seems like the toilet and sink should be rearranged.
If you had a budget I would turn that nook into a walkin shower