Let’s face it, not everyone has the luxury of having a massive, spa-like bathroom in their home. While it may seem like a big challenge to create a bathroom design if you only have a small space, using the right design-savvy goes a long way in not only making your small space stylish and practical but even making it appear bigger than it is.
There are several things you can do to take your small bathroom space and make it look and feel more spacious. The design experts at Columbus Bath Design can guide you through the options available, from storage and décor to design choices that don’t break the bank but make a huge difference.
What are some design projects that can help make my small space look bigger?
The first thing to do to make your bathroom look bigger is to take a step back and see if some easy projects could make a big difference. For instance, if each wall of your bathroom has a patterned wallpaper or paint job, it likely has the effect of making the space seem crowded and cluttered.
Painting
Consider ditching these wall coverings in favor of a simple, clean paint job. You’ll be surprised how that can instantly make your bathroom appear bigger. When making color choices for a new paint job, consider choosing something light, like a sky blue or a pastel yellow. Neutral shades like off-white and beige are also good choices.
A fresh paint job also gives you a blank canvas when you start considering the fixtures and accessories that will give you not only storage but pops of color and style.
Floor Tiling
You can look down to the floor to immediately make a small space look bigger. By installing the right floor tiling in the right way, you can create the illusion of larger floor space. While it’s commonly thought that small tiles installed in a small bathroom are the best way to make space seem larger, the truth is that the numerous grout lines have the opposite effect.
Busy, patterned tiles are likewise a poor choice for small spaces. Stay away from these, and instead use large, plain tiles with few grout lines. Like paint color, plain-colored tiles are more effective than patterned tiles, since check marks and other geometric designs lead to the impression of an even smaller space.
Mirrors
As with any room, lots of mirrors creates the effect of a bigger area, plus in a bathroom, they are useful and needed tools. When installed appropriately in conjunction with plain tiles, the effect can be multiplied, tricking the eye into a perception of even bigger space.
What about fixtures and showers?
While tiling, paint, and mirrors are the low hanging fruit when it comes to making your bathroom look bigger, more extensive projects include choosing the right fixtures and making sure shower and tub enclosures are properly designed to increase space.
Choose the Right Fixtures
For instance, if you use the right toilets and sinks, you can immediately realize space gains. There are tons of new models out there that attach directly to the walls, reducing clutter and increasing floor space. Also, wall-hung units are specifically designed to be as compact as possible.
By taking them off the floor, they don’t “stick out” as much. Anything with a long profile not only encroaches on valuable floor space but also draws the eye, making the room appear cramped and small. By taking up a smaller space than regular features, wall-mounted fixtures are an excellent way to make your small bathroom look bigger.
Pick the Right Shower
Likewise, making good design choices when it comes to shower enclosures is critical. Consider quadrant shower enclosures, which are enclosures with doors that fold in or slide. These are the perfect choice to maximize space in a small bathroom.
In-folding doors fold neatly in on themselves instead of opening into the room, and streamlined sliding doors use rails in the enclosure to slide without encroaching on your valuable space.
How about storage and shelving? Are there tricks to using them effectively?
Without question! Rails and hooks are a great way to free up space in a small bathroom and can be used for bath towels and clothing. Hooks only use a few inches on a wall or door without affecting the design flow of your bathroom.
Hanging storage in your shower is a fantastic way to save space. Using wire baskets for your shampoo, soap, and sponges gets them off the shelves or floor and creates an attractive look.
For shelving, consider open shelves as a smart way to visually open up space while at the same time providing a ton of storage. Plus that gives you the freedom to be creative with your towels and other beauty projects!
What should I do to get started making my small bathroom look bigger?
Another easy one – give us a call! The design experts at Columbus Bath Design know exactly how to make a small bathroom look bigger using the tricks described here, plus they are well-versed in all of the newest products and trends.
We look forward to helping you create the perfect bathroom oasis out of your small space!
