Unless you live in a custom-built
home with a luxurious bath and dressing room, you probably wish your bathroom
were larger. Without adding any more square footage, you might feel less
cramped if you use some of our tips to make your small bathroom look and feel larger.
It's true that a small bathroom can
feel cozy and intimate. But it can also feel claustrophobic and depressing.
Depending on your decorating style, it can be quiet and
sophisticated, charming, or sparkling like a jewel box.
No matter what style you decorate
your small bath, though, it will always be a small bath.
But with a bit of visual magic,
color change, and lighting, you can transform your small bath into a cozy
retreat.
A bathroom is a very special space,
but the theories about space enlargement apply here as to any other room in the
house. Use some of these decorating tricks to make your bathroom look and feel
larger, even if it stays the same size.
Select Colors for Serenity
Pale, soft color schemes tend to give the illusion of more
space. I'm not saying that the small bath has to be pink, but avoid strong,
exciting colors. Use the brights for accessories and towels, but select pastel
tones, neutrals, and whites for backgrounds. "Cool" colors give the
feeling of serenity.
Brighten Up the Room
Without taking up any counter space,
you can add extra lighting to "open up" the look of your
bathroom and add interest. Recessed can lighting can be installed into the
ceiling and focused on any work space. Wall sconces or a countertop lamp will
add warmth. More expensive alternatives for bringing more light into the room
would be skylights, larger windows, or Solatubes.
Trade a Large Vanity for a Delicate
Pedestal Sink
A vanity cabinet provides nice
storage under a sink, but takes up lots of floor space in a small bath.
Replacing the vanity with a pedestal or wall-mounted sink can be be fairly
inexpensive. Your bath will definitely feel more open. Find alternative storage
space with a small shelf or organize a nearby linen closet. When you remove the
vanity cabinet, you'll probably have to repair the flooring.
Cut Back Anything That Sticks Out
Even the smallest piece of furniture
or accessory that sticks out into the room can stop where your eye goes and
make your room seem to "shrink". Remove wall shelves, hanging racks,
or decorative accessories on the walls that cut into the room and make it look
smaller. Of course, you may need some of the pieces for comfort and their
usefulness, but if the room feels bigger without them, think of some other way
to supply the space you need.
These decorating techniques work in
any small room, but especially in a bathroom. They'll help to provide the
illusion of expanding your small space without adding a single square foot.
Reflect the Space With Mirrors
If your space will hold it, get a
larger mirror to place in front of the bathroom sink. The mirror will reflect
all the light in the room, and pick up the color and pattern. You might
consider a collection of mirrors arranged artistically in the place of one large
mirror.
Choose a Light-Colored Flooring
Just like with the walls, the floor
will appear to open up if it's done with a light color. If you cannot replace
the flooring, choose a large, light-colored rug over your existing flooring.
Cut Out the Small Accessories
There's nothing like clutter to make
a small space feel even smaller. Pare down on towels and use just one large
floor rug. Select one piece of art instead of lots of small pieces. Use one
decorative accessory instead of lots of small ones. Store whatever else you
really need out of sight.
Get Rid of Any Visual Obstructions
Trade a frosted-glass bath or shower
door with a clear glass one. Or eliminate the door altogether and install a
shower curtain that can be pushed back to one side when not in use. You'll be
able to see all the way to the back wall. Your eye won't stop at the door and
think that the room is smaller than it is.
These decorating techniques work in
any small room, but especially in a bathroom. They'll help to provide the illusion
of expanding your small space without adding a single square foot.
