Striking a balance between design and practicality can be tough. That’s why we asked the experts from Ideal Standard, the UK’s No. 1 bathroom brand to give you their considered advice.
When it comes to small spaces, the biggest concern is finding room for both style and practicality. This is arguably a more common problem in the bathroom, where certain fixtures are obviously essential and must be carefully integrated into the floor plan. This then takes up valuable space, giving you less room for those extra details that allow you to put your own stamp on the room.
However, if you opt for the right pieces, you can not only make the most of your space, you can also create a design-led look that creates real impact. Here, our Ideal Standard design experts talk us through just how to strike that perfect balance.
Strike the perfect balance in your bathroom, no matter how big or small it may be, with a suite from the Ideal Standard Studio Echo collection
Ahead of the curve
In a tight space, curved edges are your best friend. These allow you to maximise the space available, as right-angled corners take up that extra bit of room and can even become a hazard. A prime example of curved edges coming to the rescue is in shower enclosures, where curved corner trays, rather than the traditional square or rectangular ones, can make a world of difference.
Ideal Standard quadrant shower trays offer a great space saving option, and when paired with sliding door enclosures they have minimal impact on the usability of the bathroom. Not only are these trays practical, the clean lines help to create a minimalistic, modern feel, which is guaranteed to fit with any look.
Once you’ve opted for a quadrant shower enclosure, you should pair it with other curved pieces to tie together the design, such as a round or curved basin.
If you simply cannot do without your bath, why not choose a shower bath instead? Pair with curved ceramics like these from the Ideal Standard Studio Echo collection
Sophisticated metallics
When it comes to the overall wow factor, your choice of tap can really help to make a space pop. If you’re working with a small space, a bright and clean metallic finish can really help to brighten things up, without impacting on layout and functionality.
The Ideal Standard Calista bath mixer tap (pictured below) comes in a chrome finish, and features a simple, yet versatile design. We suggest pairing with other similar finishes, such as door handles and accessories, to really achieve a cohesive look.
Bring added sparkle to your bathroom space with the Ideal Standard Calista bath mixer tap
Keep clutter at bay
In busy households, it’s difficult to keep bathrooms clean and tidy. However, if your bathroom is on the small side, it becomes a necessity as the smallest bit of clutter can really let the whole look down, not to mention taking away valuable space. So, we suggest cramming all those toiletries, towels and loo roll in [clever storage solutions]https://victoriaplum.com/browse/bathroom-storage) that keep them out of sight and out of mind.
For a compact room, a small vanity unit is the perfect solution, and there are plenty to choose from in the Ideal Standard Concept Space collection, which is designed with small bathrooms in mind. The units are available in an elegant, sleek white finish, which means they are versatile and can fit a wide variety of products. To help trick the eye into thinking the space is bigger, we’d also suggest choosing a lighted mirror to hang above the basin, helping to really open up the space.
With cleverly-designed furniture from the Ideal Standard Concept Space range, even the smallest space can look incredibly stylish
So, it’s safe to say that when designing for a smaller bathroom, it doesn’t mean that style has to be sacrificed. By carefully considering your designs and then selecting the right pieces, you can strike the balance between design and practicality. For more handy styling tips and to find out more about our collections, have a read through all of our Ideal Standard blog posts.
Shop Ideal Standard
If you’re looking to strike the perfect balance between design and practicality in your bathroom, Ideal Standard have been perfecting the art of shape and space for over 100 years. That’s why they’re the UK’s No. 1 bathroom brand and, at Victoria Plum, we’re proud to be the largest online supplier of Ideal Standard products to retail customers like you. To browse our full range, simply click on the image below.
