JOIN USBathrooms are indispensable for every human accommodation; one cannot ignore the place where one starts her/his day. Everybody loves to have a big, fancy bathroom. But due to shrinking space, people are compelled to compromise when it comes to its size.
But don’t get disheartened, for those who smartly explore right alternatives are generally well-rewarded. There are ways to make a small bathroom look bigger because seeing is believing. A small bathroom can be designed to look bigger, if the following tips shall be sensibly considered before finalising the furnishing and layout.
Less is more
Always keep your bathroom junk-free; never allow the non-essentials. As every inch is precious, the management of clutter will allow you more free space, more tidiness and a broader look. Avoid piling up the towels or extra storage of cosmetics and personal hygiene products bought in bulk. The less you store in the bathroom, the more spacious it will appear.
Whiter the wider
White is the purest colour which soothes our eyes and gives a wider look. A theme-based concept in absolute white, fixtures and stunning white tiles, sparse white walls and, of course, white fixtures, will make your room look bigger. White is the only colour which reflects maximum light and gives a feeling of openness.
Therefore, the colour is highly recommended for those wanting to lend an illusion of space. And somehow, if you can’t go with a complete white makeover, select some lighter shades such as ocean blue, pistachio green and peach, because these lighter hues help in transforming a small bathroom into a bigger one.
Choose big wall tiles
Big tiles generate a seamless and bigger image than smaller tiles. Go for light-coloured tiles that may align well with the paint of your ceiling and colour of the floor tiles. If you’re planning a bathroom renovation, choose large tiles over small ones. Contrary to wall tiles, 12” X 12” tiles are preferable for the floor. And they must also be in the light shades.
Big mirror
It is always advisable to use a large mirror. And if possible, go for a wall size mirror. It is a proven rule that nothing makes a bathroom large and spacious like the placement of a huge mirror. This is because there is a great connection with the size of a mirror and look of a bathroom. Big mirrors create a real-size image when a person sees herself/himself in it. Secondly, great reflections of the lights you have installed in the ceiling intensify the effect to a great extent and your bathroom looks bigger than its actual size. But, never use double mirrors or mirrors on opposite walls of the bathroom as it will defeat the purpose. It will seem as if you are getting compressed between the two.
Clear glass, shower curtain
Clear and colourless glass doors in the shower zone and clear curtain give more length to your vision and it travels easily without any obstacle or hindrance. That’s why installation of clear glass and shower curtain is a smart strategy to make a small bathroom look bigger.
Open shelves
Open shelves grant a lot of free space to a bathroom and if you are able to make
inside wall shelves, it is the best way to save a lot of precious space. And if it is not possible for you to redesign your bathroom, then always prefer floating vanity without legs.
Open shelves help keep the floor clean and clear and give a feeling of spacious room. Open shelves in your bathroom deter you from keeping any unnecessary stuff in it, making it look bigger as well as cleaner.
Avoid large bathtub
If the size of your bathroom is not big enough, then choose a simple yet swanky bathtub, which allows enough room for free movement inside the bathroom. These days, one can find stylish bathtubs that not only save space, but also enhances the elegance of a well-managed bathroom.
No bulky pedestal sinks
Minimal pedestal sinks are the gift of the modern era. They are sensuous, captivating and space-saving. Avoid bulky pedestal sinks as they are neither trending, nor are they suitable for small bathrooms. To make it more stylish, use an open glass door cabinet along with it for the storage of your toiletries.
(The author is executive director, ED&P)