Not all of us are blessed with a cathedral-like bathroom space in which we can fit as many items as we like. If space is at a premium in your bathroom or cloakroom, you can still create a stylish sanctuary that works for you.
No matter how tiny your bathroom may seem, any space has the potential to look absolutely stunning. By simply applying a few tried and tested interior design tricks and choosing the right combination of furniture and accessories, your small bathroom will take on a big persona. So, to help inspire you, here are 5 big ideas for small bathrooms.
1. Declutter and simplify
Nothing makes a small bathroom look more complicated and confusing as the disorganised mass of everyday objects, such as toiletries, bottles and ornaments. If you simply cannot bear to reduce the clutter, then optimise your storage by buying new bathroom cabinets and hide it all behind closed doors. Alternatively, choose a few selected objects that work well together as design accents and display them on carefully chosen surfaces, such as window ledges or shelves.
If floorspace is at a premium, use your walls
2. Create a fluid interior design
In the same way that you should declutter all the small objects stored in your bathroom, you should also think about the overall effect of your bathroom’s design.
A small bathroom can be transformed into an elegant space with simple, clean lines and contemporary features, so keep patterns to a minimum and choose attractive finishes, like a large natural stone wall and floor tiles.
With fitted bathroom furniture, including a back to wall toilet unit and a vanity unit, you can squeeze loads of storage into a small space
3. Bring in the light
It’s an undeniable fact that light plays an important role in the overall perception of an interior. When natural light reflects off surfaces, it creates the illusion of a larger space. You can use this to your advantage, by maximising any natural light from windows or skylights with a mirror.
Think carefully about how you maximise lighting, especially in a windowless bathroom
If your cloakroom or bathroom has no windows, you can still install lights to create interesting lighting effects or even add an illuminated mirror. The materials that you use in a small bathroom will also play an important role, so opt for clear glass, instead of frosted glass, for shower screens and contemporary, frameless designs for shower enclosures, to help illuminate your room.
4. Go easy on strong colours
There’s a good reason why neutral decor has been so popular in recent decades. Light shades like taupe, cream and white create more light within a small room making it appear larger than it really is. Keep this in mind when painting walls, laying wall tiles or choosing floor tiles, as lighter materials will result in a warm and harmonious design with a timeless elegance.
Marble-effect white tiles are a great way to keep a small bathroom feeling light and spacious
If you prefer to inject some colour into your interior design, try using a border of gorgeous glass mosaic tiles as your main focal point, or place coordinated objects, such as towels, vases and flowers to create a bold splash of colour.
Find out the best colours for small bathrooms or check out our small bathroom tile ideas for further inspiration.
5. Use clever storage solutions
Modern bathroom furniture has been cleverly designed to make the most of a tiny floor space, so if you are buying new furniture for a cloakroom, try choosing compact furniture such as corner basins and units and install a shower instead of a full sized bath.
Raising your bathroom furniture off the floor also creates the illusion of a larger floor space, so choose a contemporary, wall hung or semi pedestal basin to make every inch of your floor space count. Consider how to maximise your available wall space with varying storage options, such as installing tall storage units, shelving and wall cupboards to create as much space above the floor as possible.
Complete your finished bathroom with some well-placed robe hooks on the wall or on the back of your bathroom door, or by installing a modern heated towel rail to create warmth and elegance.
Keep your floorspace clear and create additional storage space, with a wall hung vanity unit and basin, like this one from the Harrison white range
More small bathroom ideas
If you are looking for more inspiration to create that tranquil bathroom space, you’ll find plenty of superb design ideas for small bathrooms (and even large ones) at Victoria Plum. Simply click on the image below to begin.
