How to create space in a small bathroom...

A bathroom is possibly one of the most used rooms in a house and with so many amazing products available making the most of a small bathroom isn’t as hard as you think.

Before you rush off to choose new bathroom fittings it’s really important to plan your project carefully.  While a bathroom is generally a small room, it is also a complex room to renovate with several different trades required to get the job done.  

Set a budget and get quotes before you start.  A lot of your budget will go on tradesmen so it is important to know all your costs upfront.  Advice from a professional during the planning stage could save you from making costly mistakes and oversights.  An Interior Designer specialising in bathroom design can help you make the most of the available space and provide invaluable advice on small bathroom ideas.

Whether you are renovating your existing bathroom or building a new bathroom, it’s important to consider the primary function of the room.  This will determine the most practical layout for creating a functional small bathroom.  

Here are my favourite small bathroom ideas to get you started with planning your bathroom project…

Maximise floor space… Finding ways to maximise your floor space will always make your bathroom appear larger

A wall-hung toilet with an in-wall cistern takes up considerably less space than a traditional toilet suite.  If you can’t stretch your budget to a wall hung toilet, consider a compact back to wall toilet suite.  A rounded shape will allow for better movement around the pan and take up less space than a toilet with a more square shape.

A floating vanity gives the illusion of more space and allows floor tiles to extend right to the wall making the floor appear larger.  If your vanity floor waste can’t be moved a set back plinth can be designed to hide pipes and still give your vanity a floating appearance.

Maximise storage... include as much storage as needed to hide toiletries away and improve functionality.

Drawers in a vanity make reaching bathroom essentials easier and reduce bending, which can be difficult in a small bathroom where space is restricted.

Consider installing a recessed mirrored shaving cabinet or tall recessed cabinet for additional storage.  Continue the floating theme to avoid using the valuable floor space in your small bathroom.

A recessed shower niche is invaluable in a small bathroom where shower size can be tight.  Toiletries are neatly tucked away making a small shower look and feel roomier.

Minimise doors... space in small bathrooms can be compromised by the swing of a traditional hinged door. It’s not uncommon for the entry door and shower door to be fighting for the same space in a small bathroom.

Changing a hinged bathroom door to a cavity sliding door can dramatically improve access to your small bathroom by freeing up valuable floor space.

A single glazed shower screen can eliminate the need for a door in some bathrooms.  It’s important to consider access into the shower and any splash that may occur.  Combining a shower and bath side by side can create a ‘wet area’ that can be screened by a single glass shower screen.

Minimise clutter... clutter can make your bathroom feel small and cramped.

Hide toiletries out of site by installing adequate storage.

Focus on creating a bathroom with simple, clean lines.

Do away with framed shower screens and install frameless glass.  It’s amazing how much bigger a small bathroom appears when there are less visual lines distracting us.

Get advice on selecting tiles that enhance the space in a small bathroom.  Depending on your space tiles can be laid horizontally or vertically.  Consider large profile tiles for clean lines and less grout lines to clean.

Maximise light... consider colour choices and lighting to instantly create space in a small bathroom.

Pale colours create brightness and reflect light.  Choosing the right colour to suit the orientation of your room is important.  A small bathroom that doesn’t receive much natural light relies on clever colour choices along with the addition of the right artificial light.

Lighting needs to provide enough brightness for early morning and late night. Task lighting at the vanity is essential to allow sufficient light for shaving and make-up application.  Feature pendants can be included provided they are not obtrusive.  Look for pendants that are small or made from glass.

Include mirrors where possible.  A polished edge mirror or mirrored shaving cabinet above the vanity is a must.  Consider the front of tall cabinets for full-length mirrors to create the illusion of space.

Armed with these small bathroom ideas you can now start planning the layout of your bathroom renovation or new bathroom.  If it all seems too daunting, enlist the help of an Interior designer.  Bathroom design packages are available to make planning your project easier and professional advice can save you money on your bathroom project. 

For Bathroom design inspiration see Bella Vie Interiors on Pinterest, Facebook, Houzz and Twitter. 

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Images from Pinterest, Houzz