Size isn’t everything with your bathroom

Your bathroom is one of the most used rooms in the house, but very often it’s the smallest. So, if you’re pushed for space and are considering upgrading your bathroom, but can’t increase the space, here are some small bathroom ideas to give you some inspiration.

1. WALL MOUNTED TOILET

Save floor space and legroom with a wall mounted toilet, but check first that you have space in the walls to build in a toilet tank. As well as saving space, it’s also an easier solution if you are laying tiles and for clearing thereafter.

2. WALL MOUNTED SINK AND VANITY

Look for narrow washbasin designs and for the newer thin edge sinks build into a wall mounted vanity unit with drawers or cupboards for storage.

3. MIRRORS

A large mirror can make a small bathroom look much larger, especially above the vanity unit. Mirrors are also really effective along one side of a narrow bathroom and are great for reflecting light from the window or light fittings. They really add to the overall ambience of a small bathroom.

4. LOSE THE BATH

As baths take up twice the amount of floor space than showers, you may want to lose yours. Showers or wet rooms are great for small bathrooms and are suitable for all ages.

5. FRAMELESS SHOWER PANELS

Easy to install and maintain, shower panels are perfect for small bathrooms. They can be either fixed or hinged to swing. You can fold hinged glass panels inward when the shower is not in use as well. Avoid sliding glass panels which require top and bottom tracks and are more difficult to clean.

6. OPEN SHELVING

In small bathrooms, storage is key, and if you’re short on floor space for freestanding units, then utilise the walls. If there are any recessed areas, they can be lined with rows of open shelving to create high level storage.

7. DECORATING

If you are tiling a small bathroom, then use the same tiling on the wall and floor to create a seamless look. Or either stick to one colour if painting. Alternatively, a bold feature wallpaper can create a feeling of extra space. Another option is panelled woodwork with all round shelving which looks great, as well as adding additional shelving for storage.

8. LIGHTING

How you light your bathroom can make a huge difference to how big it feels. With the right choice of bulbs and fittings, in the right place, your small bathroom will feel more spacious. For overhead lights, choose bathroom spotlights and downlights with LED positioned evenly across the room. LED bulbs give a clean, bright light and last for an average of 15 years, so you wont need to worry that more lights mean changing more bulbs.

9. HEATING

A radiator can take up too much space in smaller bathrooms, so opt instead for a towel warmer. They are available in narrow options for tight spaces and in wall mounted sizes. They also do away with the need to fit a conventional towel rail, thus saving more space.

10. CLEAR THE CLUTTER

With a smaller bathroom, you must keep it clutter free. Have a place for everything and tidy toiletries. Keep toilet rolls and cleaning products neatly away from view.