Content: 967 words
Reading time: 2 min 54 sec
Article by: Ryan Thomas
Older houses tend to have smaller bathrooms. In past times, the bathroom was a necessary and practical room but not much else.
These days we all like to spend a little more time relaxing in our bathroom. Unwinding and pampering especially on cold winter days. Everyone knows a nice long bath is perfect for winding down.
But, if your bathroom feels small and cramped, it can be hard to relax. So here are some tips to make your bathroom look and feel bigger.
White Paint for a Brighter Spacious Feeling Bathroom
If you have patterned wallpaper on your bathroom wall, it will make it feel cluttered. Remove pictures and decorations and consider a fresh, light colour paint. White works so well in small spaces as it reflects the light.
Choose a paint made specifically for bathrooms. Bathroom paint is water-resistant and mould proof to ensure it stays clean. It will stay fresh and bright for quite some time. Consider painting the ceiling too, it will make it look as fresh and clean as the walls.
Choose Simple but Stylish Floor and Wall Tiles
Patterned tiles don’t work well in small bathrooms either. It's better to choose plain wall and floor tiles and light-coloured flooring.
There are some excellent vinyl floor planks available in a light wood effect. They are splash-proof so won’t be affected by baths and showers. Plain doesn’t have to be boring though. You can choose tiles with a subtle fleck through them or the oversized spa-style tiles. Perhaps some brick-shaped or hexagonal tiles.
Choose matte or gloss and consider pale greys, whites or sandy colours. Or, for something low maintenance and easy to install. You could opt for a tile effect or concrete effect composite wall panels. But, look for a reputable retailer to ensure the panels are fire retardant and hard-wearing.
Swap Your Toilet for a Space-Saving Unit
There are many types of toilet to fit every size of room. It’s amazing how much toilet design has evolved in the last century!
These days, compact toilets can protrude around 40cm less from the wall. That means they will instantly free up floor space in your bathroom. Choose a hanging wall toilet for something small and smart.
And if your bathroom is square, look for a square style seat and bowl. Also, you could choose a smaller basin to free up even more space.
Clear Shower Curtains or Clear Panels
Shower curtains and shower poles can quickly attract mould. They also block out a lot of natural light.
If you have an over-bath shower, it’s quite cheap and easy to install a glass panel instead. For around £100 you can have a sturdy, smart glass panel fixed to the wall. It will replicate the shower curtain and stop water splashing onto the floor.
A glass panel will open up the shower area completely. It makes for a much better shower time with no curtain in the way. A single glass panel is much neater and easy on the eye. You can have a folding glass panel but they are a bit more involved.
If you have a separate shower cubicle with a patterned glass door, consider a replacement. Patterned glass can look dated, so think about a plain glass door instead.
Bathrooms Look Bigger with Wall Mirrors
Every bathroom needs a mirror. And, the bigger the mirror the better!
If you have enough wall space above the basin install the biggest mirror you can afford. Cover the entire wall if possible. This is the luxury look that’s often seen in high-end hotels. It gives the illusion that the bathroom is twice the size that it really is.
You can also swap the radiator for a chrome heated towel rail. That will give you more, but only slightly more space.
If you have windows in your bathroom, choose light coloured Venetian blinds. With the blades angled correctly, they allow the light through whilst maintaining privacy. Brighter rooms always appear bigger.
LED Lighting is Brighter
LED light bulbs are much brighter than standard light bulbs. And, did you know, they are healthier for you as well. It's a fact, LED bulbs have health benefits. And these benefits will not only help your body but your mind as well.
Another plus is that LED light fittings are smaller and neater. That allows them to fit flat on the ceiling and go virtually unnoticed.
That isn’t possible with the older style ceiling lights. Many of those contained standard GLS or CFL bulbs. They both made light fittings look bulky and dated.
The brighter LED lights create fewer shadows. That helps the room give the impression it is far larger than the actual size.
Do you have built-in cupboards in your bathroom? If you do, you could install LED lights in the plinth. It would look super-modern, and modern bathrooms tend to look roomy.
For a full spa effect, you could even choose coloured LED lights. Soft blue and green colours really make you feel like you’re under the ocean.
Clear Clutter for a Bigger Bathroom
Get rid of knick-knacks and unnecessary ornaments from your bathroom. Then empty your liquid soap, shampoo and gels into matching decanters for neatness. A tidy and minimalist bathroom gives the appearance of space.
Do you like to have a lot of bathing equipment in your bathroom? If so, find ways to make them look tidier. A bath or shower rack can work well to keep everything in one place.
Failing that, most bathrooms have storage space of some sort. So, hide everything away that’s not in constant use.
The Benefits of a Bigger Looking Bathroom
With a few small changes, your bathroom could feel twice the size it used too. And, apart from feeling bigger, you’ll find it’s easier to keep clean and tidy.
You will certainly find you take a warm relaxing bath more often. And, you might even find mornings less stressful too!
There is one more added benefit of sprucing up your bathroom. It could be that you add extra value to your house as well.
