Opinions needed-bathroom redo

TinaL99

We're working on sprucing up our basement bathroom.  Nothing major, just some paint, new mirror, maybe a new vanity and tile.  It's a small 3/4 bathroom with a stand up shower, toilet and small vanity (maybe 24" wide). 

DH wants to put wainscoting on the bottom 1/2 of the walls.  He thinks it will make the room look bigger.  I think it will look stupid b/c there isn't a ton of wall space anyway.  And we plan on doing wainscoting when we redo the main bathroom upstairs and I'd rather not have it in both places.  Plus it's just extra money and time we don't need to spend. 

It might be easier if I PIP'd but I don't have a pic.  Any opinions?  PIP bathrooms if you wish!

GlenLakeLove

I always think for smaller bathrooms, simple is better. I agree with you on no wainscoting...I think it's $$ that doesn't need to be spent. I think I'd just stick with a nice light calming color and then get a nice vanity and mirror (I love the look of vintage mirrors and that could be a way to spice it up a bit). GL!

ArcticFox

I agree that it could look busy, and for a small space, it would probably make it look cramped.  I would just try to choose a light shade of paint and keep it light and simple in the bathroom / theme.

Labbie

I honestly would not bother with the basement bath. I'd save the $ and put it towards something in your main bath.

I like the look of wainscoting, but I disagree with your DH re. it making the room look larger. Our main bath is teeny tiny, and had a wallpaper border when I moved in- hello 1980 floral- ugh. We recently redid it with a solid color paint and even with no new paint, removing that border made the ceilings seem so much higher. I'd have to think the same is true for something cutting the wall in half.

abba916

not a fan of wainscoting period but the others girls had some good advice on it making the room look small or busy...just say no..

SeptemberBride'08

If it's not a main bathroom and not used often I would keep the investment to the minimum. Why spend lots of money on a bathroom or any room that is barely used?

Otherwise I do think wainscoting can help a small bathroom look bigger. We did it on our main bathroom on the 2nd floor and it helped soooo much!

Mitzzi23

I say no.  No need to spend the extra money especially if you will be doing it in another bathroom.

goosh24

Is there a window in the bathroom?  And what's the flooring color?  I don't think you said anything about redoing flooring, so the color could be based on that.  Over the summer I painted our upstairs a light blue that looks nice with our shower curtain.  I'll try to remember to PM you a pic tomorrow.

TinaL99

goosh24:

Is there a window in the bathroom?  And what's the flooring color?  I don't think you said anything about redoing flooring, so the color could be based on that.  Over the summer I painted our upstairs a light blue that looks nice with our shower curtain.  I'll try to remember to PM you a pic tomorrow.

Well the floor is dingy carpet right now but it's going to be a light tan tile.  And there is no window in the bathroom.  The walls are going to be a very light blue (Honesty by Olympic).

goosh24

I PM'd you a pic.

Two*True

I think one of the best things you can do to make a small bathroom look bigger is to get rid of the vanity cabinet.  Honestly, if you don't need storage (which in a basement bathroom you probably don't), try going with a pedestal sink.  If you really need storage I'd just get small cabinet or shelf to hang above the toilet