Although some may not agree, a larger bathroom isn’t necessarily better than a smaller bathroom. There are a number of ways to make a smaller bathroom appear bigger than it actually is and there are also a number of ways to actually free up space using the latest innovations in sanitaryware, such as combined baths-and-showers. For those who like a challenge, designing around a difficult or small space will present a fun and constructive project.
Making The Bathroom Seem Bigger
As with many, if not all, aspects of physical space design and decoration, whether it be a bathroom, lounge, kitchen etc, the mood within the space is dependent upon the human psyche. Lighter shades and colours promote spaciousness. For more information on lighting and mindset see chromotherapy.
Well-positioned and bright lighting is another great way to “expand” your bathroom. By illuminating areas that would otherwise be prone to shadows you’ll find that your bathroom seems more “airy” and spacious.
Mirrors are a great way of promoting the illusion of space. A large wall mirror may double the apparent depth of the space you occupy. Imagine standing a metre from a mirror. The reflected image is another metre into the reflected side; meaning a perceivable (albeit virtual) metre of space has been created.
Make Use Of Difficult Areas & Spaces
Low level
First of all divide the bathroom into two areas in your mind – high level and low level. Now let us consider the low level areas. Most people automatically employ a bathtub, which also happens to be the most floor-space-consuming object within a typical bathroom. A great way to free up storage space, say for bathroom consumables or towels, would be to install shelves under the bath.
This solution would require that the bathtub be installed on a raised frame or on legs. If the bathtub is floor mounted, then this obviously isn’t an option. If it is, a bath surround unit may be another good idea to make any shelving appear flush and integrated. Many bathtub surrounds are available in various materials such as wood, plastic, aluminium (expensive) or you could even make one yourself.
The sink is another sanitary appliance that normally creates an overhang or free-space area beneath it. A vanity unit or solid surround, which would also hide any unsightly pipework, would be a valid option for installing cupboards and shelves. However fixed units can also be detrimental to apparent spaciousness, even though they actually reduce clutter and storage requirements elsewhere. This is because they give a permanent presence.
For the more adventurous, flush mounted floor boxes may be installed – effectively trap doors with storage space underneath, but great care must be taken to fully seal such compartments against water ingress. Again, this is dependent upon another variable – is there sufficient space/depth below the floor to accommodate this?
Other than below bath, below sink or underfloor storage, there are few other obvious options for significant space saving at low level.
Free up wall space by replacing wall-hung radiators with underfloor heating. For more information on underfloor heating and heated tile click here.
High Level
In light of high-level space saving, many gurus or self appointed experts might recommend the use of robe hooks, towel rails or other wall-hung components. In my opinion, within small spaces such items only promote the negative feeling of a lack of space, and become objects that loom over the bathroom. Instead, given that we are talking about a small space, I would recommend avoiding any wall-hung accessories where possible, opting for freshly painted, well-lit walls.
Using Multi-Functional & Combined Appliances
In light of the above sub-heading, the immediate sanitary appliance that springs to mind is a combined bath and shower approach. This, for those who are unaware, is exactly what it says – a bathtub with a screen or shower curtain and a shower fitted at one end. The shower may be a wall-mounted type (electric or mains fed - see types of showers here) or an extended hose and spray head from a combined mixer tap. Below are images of variations:
Full Combined Option Screen Option
Full Combined Option- Shower Mixer Tap Luxury Corner Version
For those who prefer to shower, a bath may not be necessary at all. In today’s higher-paced society, I rarely take a bath, opting to shower by both preference and available time. Not requiring a bathtub would certainly free up space. Ultimately this decision is yours to make.
Title:
Making Small
Bathrooms
Seem Bigger
Author:
A.Jeffers
Date Written:
07 Aug 07
Updated:
08 Aug 07
20 Aug 07
02-Oct-07
23-Oct-07
Site Navigation:
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