Before designing any bathroom, you must have a library of bathroom designs in your head. If your bathroom is smaller than usual, it might seem even more challenging. However, small does not always mean bad. There are many intelligent solutions for small bathroom designs that also look pretty awesome.
How do I maximize space in a small bathroom?
Bathrooms are notoriously daunting to decorate because of their tiny size, lack of natural light, and abundance of appliances that must be squeezed into the available space. However, if you do it correctly, the entire area will feel lighter and more open. It won’t cost a dozen dollars to cut a hole in the wall and install a window.
Getting rid of unnecessary items and making full use of any open space is essential, as is resorting to eye tricks to give the impression of more room where there isn’t much. And don’t fear; it won’t cost as much as you imagine.
10 Tips To Create Stunning Bathroom Designs in Small Spaces
According to your needs and taste, we will help you choose the best layouts, pick out some spa-like features to add and select the optimum color palette that can help you relax after a long day. Here are ten practical tips that will help you create beautiful bathroom designs:-
1. Remove all visual obstructions from the way
Avoid anything that appears as a visual barrier in the bathroom. A rule of thumb for small bathroom designs is decluttering as much as possible. To maximize floor space, consider removing obstructions such as washing machines, trash cans, scales, and laundry hampers. Try to find other solutions for these items or place them in another room, such as storage rooms or laundry rooms; otherwise, they will clutter your space and make it unbearable.
The ceiling can also visually appear as an obstruction if it is low. Consider a high vaulted ceiling that gives an illusion of height to the bathroom.
2. Consider a non-conventional bathtub shape
Let’s face it, the largest unit in any bathroom is the bathtub which always occupies the most significant footprint in the bathroom. However, a small bathroom does not always have to be flawed. Many unconventional bathtub solutions occupy smaller spaces in the bathroom.
If you do not like the idea of a small shower tray and are a marked bathtub kind of person, then your solution is here. The walk-in bathtub combines both benefits as it has a square footprint yet functions as a bathtub. Be aware that you need enough space for the bathtub door to open.
Consider using a corner-half hexagon-shaped bathtub or a Japanese bathtub. Other than the walk-in bathtub, you can use free-standing, built-in, or recessed bathtubs, depending on your bathroom dimensions. This will reduce the footprint occupied by the bathtub and add a unique flair to your bathroom.
Also, read:-15 Calming Shower Plants to Transform Your Bathroom!
3. Mirrors are your best friend
Use a tall mirror that accentuates the height of the bathroom. Mirrors reflect the depth of any room and double the effect of lighting fixtures, adding extra brightness. Using reflective finishes and reflective ceramic tiles also gives a similarly brightening effect. Glossy finishes are prevalent in bathrooms because they are much more practical to clean.
4. Select a soothing color palette
©Houzz
It is no coincidence that many spa designs use calming tones of aqua or pale blue. Select a soothing color palette consisting of light colors and cool bluish tones. As for the metallic items in the bathroom, select shiny fixtures and crisp white finishes.
5. Avoid dark colors at any cost
If you are not a big fan of blues, then at least choose light colors and try to make all the walls with the same paint of ceramics. Especially for the flooring, it is best to use light colors not to shrink down space even more. This will make the bathroom seem larger rather than emphasizing its corners. Remember that focusing on the corners will make the bathroom appear even tinier.
Also, read:-How Are Tiny Homes Changing Our View Towards Thinking Big in Small Spaces?
6. A little sink never hurts anyone
Accept that the tiny bathroom, in most cases, will not have a large sink or vanity. Additionally, a small sink functions perfectly fine and does not cause any discomfort for its users.
7. Be clever with storage
A small bathroom does not necessarily mean you must sacrifice storage space. There are multiple ways you can include secret hidden storage areas. For instance, in some bathrooms, it might be possible to create confidential storage space by making a hole behind one of the ceramic tiles on the wall. Try to make use of vertical space as much as possible.
If you insist on using metal cloth hangers, be extra careful with the material selection. It is a must to use corrosion-resistant coatings in a bathroom.
Here are some sneaky bathroom storage ideas:
- Built-in compartment next to the sink
- Interactive 3D tiles
- Mirror cabinets
8. Consider a wall-mounted vanity
As mentioned in the previous point regarding storage, you need to use the vertical space of the bathroom as much as you can. You can create more storage spaces with a wall-mounted vanity or sink by using the lower part for storing all bathroom tools.
9. Eliminate shadows as much as possible
Excessive shadows make the bathroom appear more petite and might even give a feeling of claustrophobia. To treat this, you need to ensure that the restroom is well-lit and that there are no large bulky walls next to the shower. It would be best if you also decreased the solids in the bathrooms. For starters, use a glass door or lightweight partition rather than a door, or go without any doors.
Make the whole cabinet around the shower tray out of frosted or patterned glass for maximum transparency. They come in all shapes and sizes and can be one of the most flattering elements in any bathroom design.
Regarding shadows, note that you should never place the ceiling fixture above your head, or it will ruin any chances of applying makeup in the bathroom.
10. Prioritize proper lighting
Bathroom lighting is one of the most critical elements that will flatter or dull your bathroom designs. Make sure all areas in the bathroom are illuminated. When it comes to bathrooms, it is much preferred to use high windows, which allow for proper natural ventilation and lighting.
Lighting the bathroom with natural sunlight makes people perceive it as more spacious and balanced. This applies to all bathroom designs. So, try to add window slits that allow beams of sunlight to enter your shower.
Of course, artificial lighting is a must in any bathroom, and you must be extra careful if the bathroom is small. Use wall-mounted lights next to the mirror if you do not have enough wall space. Use incandescent, CFL, or waterproof LED lights or “shower location rated” to ensure safety.
What Is The Best Color For A Small Bathroom?
According to the fundamentals of interior design, using lighter colors to decorate a small bathroom, such as white, crème, pastel blue, grey, or yellow, will make the space appear larger, whereas using darker colors, such as a rich red, green, or brown, will make the room feel more restrictive.
Also Read: 12 Color Trends in 2023 That Will Dominate Interior Design-From Soothing to Vibrant Hues
Is It Better To Use Small Or Large Tiles In A Small Bathroom?
©Brennan + Company Architects
While a mix of large and small tiles can look fabulous in some small bathroom designs, the best option for choosing tiles for your bathroom is a medium-sized tile, no bigger than 1′ x 1′. Some experts, however, agree that a large tile can help make the most of a limited space in a tiny bathroom by reducing the visual clutter caused by the grout lines on the walls and floor. That being said, you should compare the two sizes in person before settling on one.
What Are The Trends For Small Bathrooms In 2023?
You might assume your tiny bathroom isn’t big enough to make an impression, but you’d be wrong. Small bathroom design trends can have a considerable impact, and they can do so with much less money than would be needed to redesign a more oversized bathroom. Let’s explore three of the hottest small bathroom trends in 2023.
1) Wallpapers Incorporation
©Joy Green
It’s easy to worry that covering a small bathroom with wallpaper will make the space feel even smaller, but the correct wallpaper can make a huge difference. Wallpapers are a great way to add character to any bathroom, particularly in smaller ones like powder rooms. Your small bathroom is a great place to experiment with patterned wallpaper that you might not want to use elsewhere in the house.
2) Make Use of Bathroom Movable Storage
©Overstock.com
Storage space is often cited as a significant issue for those with smaller bathrooms. Instead of relying on temporary solutions, like a shoe rack, try repurposing existing furniture to create portable storage. Make your storage elements, such as drawer dividers, floating shelves next to the sink, and baskets for stowing towels, sheets, and other household necessities, adjustable so you can reorganize them as your requirements change.
3) Innovative Tile Installations
©Stacy Zarin Goldberg; Mike Schwartz
Tile is a great alternative to wallpaper if you want to express yourself in a compact bathroom without the hassle. Using tiles also allows for some imaginative expression. Make a statement with a brightly colored penny tile, or add joy with a striped pattern made from subway tiles. Furthermore, tiling the walls up to the top can add a vintage touch to your bathroom and make washing easier when the time comes for your weekly cleaning routine.