Designing a small bathroom isn’t easy. There are must-have elements, distances to factor in and needs to consider in order to create an aesthetically pleasing and functional space.
The challenge, especially when dealing with tight quarters, is managing to save space while creating a comfortable environment with a personal feel.
Here are our seven design tips for a small bathroom.
1 – Choose wall-mounted fixtures
Toilet, bidet, basin, bathtub or shower: a functional bathroom doesn’t require many elements.
In a small bathroom, large pieces that visually crowd the space should be avoided. Alternatively, wall-mounted bathroom fixtures and basins create the illusion of more space. The more flooring visible, the bigger the space appears.
2 – Use light colours
Pay careful attention to colour choices for your small bathroom. Dark colours could visually weigh down the space while light or cool colours tend to relax us and give the bathroom a roomier feel.
3 – Opt for a clear glass shower enclosure
If you are designing a small bathroom, a clear glass shower enclosure is practically mandatory. The transparent surface cuts down on visual obstacles that make a small bathroom feel even smaller. For a narrow, long bathroom, you could also consider a walk-through shower which offers easy-access and a continuous look.
4 – The right light is essential
It’s not unusual to find small bathrooms tucked in windowless corners of the house.
In this case, consider carefully the lighting design in order to compensate for this lack of natural light.
A mirror with LED lighting is an excellent option as well as recessed lighting above the shower or bathtub.
5 – Properly utilize shelves and niches
In a small bathroom “less is more” is the rule to follow. Avoid filling the bathroom with storage units, heavy wall-mounted shelves or cumbersome elements. Instead, you can gain extra space by building recessed niches inside the walls or hanging small shelves in empty spaces. Glass shelves, in particular, add storage space without creating a cluttered feel.
6 – Don’t give up your dream bathtub
Having a small bathroom does not necessarily mean having to give up the pleasure of a warm bath in a cosy tub.
Today it is easy to find bathtub models with a clean design and small dimensions. The extra idea? Place the bathtub on the short side of the room, perhaps in front of the window.
7 – Prefer sliding doors
Opening the door can take up valuable space in a small bathroom and also make it even more difficult to move around in its space. Sliding doors are strategic in this respect, as they save space and avoid visual breaks in the room.
