April 30, 2008
When renovating a small bathroom you want to try and give the illusion of space. Consider the following:
The illusion of height
Vertical lines add height to a room by drawing the eye upwards. Tiles that are extended to the ceiling can make a small bathroom feel larger. Painting a vertical stripe or using a similar wallpaper pattern is also a good idea.
Another way to draw the eye upwards is by lining the edge, or ‘crown’ of the ceiling with a border; perhaps a cornice, or a patterned tile around the top of the walls.
Lights and mirrors
- Mirrors are a great way to add depth, width and length to a small room but be careful not to over do it, one mirror is generally enough. The mirror will also help to distribute light throughout the room.
- Clear shower screens as opposed to opaque gives the illusion of more space and light. A fully frameless shower screen doesn’t create any visual barriers at all and can work brilliantly in a small bathroom.
- Make use of natural light. A skylight will solve problems if the room is oriented away from the sun.
- Illuminating the perimeter of the room will make it seem larger, and also get rid of dark corners. A good idea is to place shelves on the walls near the ceiling and fit lights underneath them.
Colour
- The key word is ‘simple’. For example, don’t use a busy wallpaper pattern, as the room will seem smaller and more cluttered.
- Light coloured walls, floors and décor can make a room seem larger. We suggest using pastel tones, neutrals or whites.
Tiles
- Larger tiles create a sense of space, as do rectified porcelain tiles. Because of the way they are made, rectified porcelain tiles are identically-shaped, meaning narrower grout lines and less visual fuss.
- The feeling of space can be generated by more visible tiled floor. This can be produced with floating cabinets and a pedestal or wall mounted sink. The vanity unit on the other hand, takes up a lot of floor space and is best avoided.
Storage, sinks and baths
- Pedestal basins are a great way of adding space, as they don’t sit atop a bulky structure. However, when choosing one of these basins, keep in mind your storage needs, and look for one with a bench.
- Make sure you include adequate storage as clutter only exacerbates the problems of a small bathroom. Exposed shelving, recessed cabinets and floating cabinets are a good option, with the latter leaving more exposed floor space.
- Placing your windows near the ceiling will free up wall space for your storage needs.
- Placing the toilet in an alcove will make efficient use of a small bathroom, and above the toilet is a great place to fit a shelf, too.
- If you want to include a relaxing bath then head for a small but deep model.
Doors
- A sliding door gives more room than a normal hinged door, and can be hidden in an in-wall cavity for a clean look.
- If you are using a hinged door, don’t clutter your walls with towel racks. Hang them on the back of the door instead.
Original Article: Sebastian Vasta on 16 Aug 2007 9:19am


Hi, great article, i’m trying to find a white vanity that has storage space underneath, and an above counter basin that will fit into a very small bathroom. I don’t want a pedestal basin because i need to use the space underneath for hiding my bathroom products. can you help?
Comment by Hayden — April 30, 2008 @ 11:09 am
[…] rety wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptMake sure you include adequate storage as clutter only exacerbates the problems of a small bathroom. Exposed shelving, recessed cabinets and floating cabinets are a good option, with the latter leaving more exposed floor space. … […]
Pingback by bath » Blog Archive » Small Bathroom Design Tips — April 30, 2008 @ 11:15 am
Hi Hayden,
Check out our pre-made vanities, some of these vanities are as little as 360mm wide and many are available with lots of storage space underneath
Comment by bathroomwarehouse — April 30, 2008 @ 11:44 am
[…] Bogie wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptMake use of natural light. A skylight will solve problems if the room is oriented away from the sun. Illuminating the perimeter of the room will make it seem larger, and also get rid of dark corners. A good idea is to place shelves on … […]
Pingback by sky » Blog Archive » Small Bathroom Design Tips — April 30, 2008 @ 12:06 pm
I am looking for an undersize bath to fit in small roomsmaller in length and width and depth.is there any available.Ken
Comment by ken hibbert — June 26, 2008 @ 5:46 pm
Hi Ken, Check out our Berlin Baths
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