Complementing your bathroom with the right accessories will add character
and meaning to an otherwise drab functional space. Natasha Menezes has some fab ideas to help you achieve this look
You must have at least one bathroom at home that you can use for relaxation in the bathtub, pampering yourself or taking long hot showers. A spa-like bathroom is very easy to create even when you have a small bathroom. All it takes is some amount of colour, texture, lighting, tidiness and finally, accessorising.
While designing a small bathroom, you must also think of smart ideas to save space that will create an illusion of a large room. This can be partly achieved by using lighter shades and hues on the walls. Complementing your bathroom with the right accessories will then add character and meaning to an otherwise drab functional space. It was the Greeks who made the discovery about ratios and proportions that are pleasing to the eye. These rules, to date, are relevant for accessorising.
Golden section rule
This rule is often used in architecture while designing window proportion or room sizes. But it also applies to accessorising. The most commonly used ratios are: 2:3, 3:5, 4:7 and 5:8. For example, a 3:5 ratio would imply that if your sink is five-feet wide, then you must hang a three-feet wide mirror or vanity shelf or a group of shelves above it. If you hang a six-feet wide mirror, then it would seem top-heavy and out of place.
Golden mean rule
“The golden mean rule simply means that one must avoid centre-alignment and go for arrangements that fall between half to one-third instead”, says Parul Amla of Antrik Design Studio, New Delhi. For example, if you were to create a bathroom vignette, don’t mount it in the centre of the tabletop. Instead, place it slightly off-centre — it is visually more pleasing.
Rule of the triangle
The pyramid or triangular shape is the most basic form in accessorising. Imagine a triangle or pyramid in the area where you want to place your accessories. Mount an object at each end of the triangle. They should be of varying heights and widths, with the tallest way behind and the shortest right in front. Make the objects overlap. Now that you’re aware of the three Golden rules of accessorising, let’s look at some simple ways to accessorise the bathroom.
Bathroom vignette
You can create exciting bathroom vignettes using sea shells, sand, small soaps in mason jars or clear bottles with plants. Arrangements must be in odd pairs and of varying heights. In winters, use dark, rich colours in the bathroom while in summers use light colours.
When in doubt, use white. All your metal fixtures like faucets, sink assemblies, toilet paper holder, towel racks and shower taps must match.
Light fixtures must also match with this metal. The key to accessorising a bathroom is declutter. First start with the basic accessories and then move on to filling up the space with other decorations.
Wall hangings
Artwork in the bathroom needs to be simple and neutral. There needs to be an overarching theme between the artworks when placed together. For example, all the frames have to be of similar colour or material. Mounting a large painting right above the toilet or towel rail can also help achieve this.
Shower curtain
Shower curtains are great accessories for the bathroom, as they add height, provide a dash of colour, create visual interest and make the room look more extravagant. For a more luxurious look, mount the curtain rod near the ceiling. Buy a shower curtain that is white or neutral in colour. Alternatively, for a contemporary feel, look for one with geometric patterns. Keep the curtain open by at least two-thirds to expose the shower area; this will also add visual space. But if you want to make your room appear bigger, then replace shower curtains with glass encasing. In case you want to make the room even bigger, don’t frame the glass shower door.
Vanities, shelves & medicine cabinets
For a small bathroom, installing the right shelves is crucial to achieving optimal storage and functionality. Make use of any underutilised space in the bathroom, like above the bathroom door, over the toilet, near the window or next to the bathtub. These are great places for fixing your medicine cabinet or vanity shelf and will also help you reduce clutter. You can choose from a variety of sinks — wall mounted sink, pedestal sink, vessel sink and vanity or under-mount sink.
Towel rails, rings & racks
Almost every bathroom comes with a towel rail, ring and rack, because, it is simply the basics of any bathroom organisation. It is rare to find a bathroom without these. The best place for your towel ring is right near the vanity or sink. Towel racks should sit near the shower or bathtub but within easy reach.
Towel rails on the other hand should be near the shower or bathtub. For a luxe spa feel, choose a rail and ring that is made of chrome. In case you’re looking for a more luxurious setting, then you can go for specially crafted heating towel racks customised to your bathroom design, colour and texture, to keep you warm during cold and dry winter days. Roll hand and face towels and place them in an aluminium or wooden box for an elegant feel.
Floor rugs
Floor rugs for bathrooms are visually appealing and are increasing in popularity. They are available in interesting colours, textures, fabrics and patterns. Some are also easily be washable. Cotton, polyester and bamboo are the three commonly used materials for bathroom rugs. Cotton rugs are a good idea if your floor is kept dry most of the times; else, bamboo is a good choice. However, it is not as soft as cotton. Polyester is the most durable of the three. If you have a lot of people using the bathroom, the latter would be your best bet. While buying rugs for the bathroom, make sure they come with anti-skid features.
Mirrors
Mirrors are absolutely essential for bathroom design and accessorising. But you can play around with their frames and make them more interesting or visually appealing. Mount a large mirror right above the sink; preferably, go for a circular one. Mirrors will also make your bathroom look bigger by reflecting light around the room. The best place to hang them would be right across a window with a view or a sparkling light fixture. The size of the bathroom mirror should be enough to help you apply makeup or shave, as in the case of men.