Small bathrooms can make homeowners and their guests feel claustrophobic. Bathrooms are typically added to some of the smallest spaces within a home’s floor plan. No need to despair though, because there are a few design tricks that you can use to make your bathroom appear bigger than it might initially feel.
Use the Best Colors
When choosing, stick to light colors both on the walls and floors. Dark colors tend to make spaces feel smaller, so by using lighter tones you can create an illusion of a larger room. This doesn’t mean that you have to have an all-neutral bathroom, you can still add layers of color with tile accents, accessories, and towels. Color also enhances mood, so choosing soft, cooler colors can enlarge a space both visually and mentally by creating a sense of calm.
Get Creative With Lighting
The second most important factor in making a space feel bigger is lighting. In bathrooms, we often rely on a single overhead light which can leave the room feeling cold and flat. To make your bathroom appear more spacious, use a combination of different light sources including sconces, pendant lights, and natural light. Eliminating shadows will brighten up the room and make it feel more cheerful and open.
Strategize the Layout
In a small bathroom, every inch counts so it’s important to make the most of your space. If possible, move the sink and vanity away from the door to create an airy feel and make sure that both are scaled to optimize your bathroom’s space. If you have a bathtub, consider a tub to shower conversion which makes your floor space seem much larger. If you have children that have grown out of taking baths, converting your tub to a shower can help conserve space and water. Of course, it’s important to start by reaching out to a professional to determine what your conversion options are.
Make the Most of Mirrors
Adding mirrors is one of the most effective ways to make a room appear larger. By placing a mirror opposite or near a window, you can reflect the natural light and make the space feel brighter and more open. If you don’t have a lot of natural light, consider using a backlit mirror which will give the illusion of a window and make your bathroom seem more luminous.
Keep Things Tidy
A cluttered room will always feel small, so it’s important to keep things clean and organized. Make sure that all surfaces are clear and that there is a place for everything. Use baskets or bins to store items that you don’t use daily out of sight. If there was ever a room that should inspire minimalism, it’s a small bathroom.
Whether you’re working with a small space or just want to make your bathroom appear more open, following these simple tips can help create the illusion of a larger room. With a few strategic additions, you can turn your tiny bathroom into a spacious oasis.
About the author:
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information, contact Brooke via Facebook at facebook.com/brooke.chaplan or Twitter @BrookeChaplan