Smart Tips for Renovating a Small Bathroom
Are you looking to renovate your bathroom but worried about dealing with a small space?
Here are tips to maximize your limited square footage.
Bathtub
If a tub is an absolute must, consider a back-to-wall model. While it looks like a freestanding bathtub, it doesn’t take up as much space or create that awkward to clean area between the bath and wall. Choosing a thin-rim model as opposed to one with thicker sides will be a space saver, too.
Shower
Should you opt for a standalone shower over a bathtub, plan for one with a clear glass panel and a flush-fitting tray or walk-in shower to maximize space and create the impression of a more expansive area.
Consider installing a built-in shower niche or shower shelf, eliminating the need for freestanding storage or space-consuming shower caddies. When tiling the shelf or niche, use the same tiles as the rest of the wall rather than going for a contrasting colour or style, which will make it stand out.
Toilet
Check the dimensions of the toilet that you’re considering installing, as sizes can vary considerably. If you can, go for a concealed cistern or wall-hung toilet to save space. However, these can be awkward to access if needed, so a compromise is a back-to-wall model. These are typically more space-saving than a close-coupled toilet.
Vanity
A wall-mounted vanity will make a bathroom look bigger as you are freeing up floor space. It may be slightly more expensive, but it can be a worthwhile investment in the long-term.
Wall-mounted taps give you more room in your sink and bathtub. They can also give you the opportunity to have a slimmer vanity.
Another possibility is a vanity on tall legs, which lets you see the floor beneath it. This gives the impression of more space and also making it easier to clean underneath.
Storage
Using vertical space is a must in a small bathroom, so plan for wall-mounted storage as part of your renovation. Think about floating shelves, hooks and the back of the bathroom door for some smart storage that doesn’t take up floor space.
A mirrored cabinet above the sink can serve several purposes, providing a necessary function as a reflective surface, helping to bounce light around the space, and offering handy storage.
Tiles
Choosing a large-format tile for a small bathroom may feel counterintuitive but it’s a good idea. Larger tiles mean fewer grout lines to break up the visual continuity on the walls and floor. As well as making the room feel bigger, fewer grout lines also mean less cleaning.
Picking the colour of wall and floor tiles is hugely important in a small bathroom. If you choose contrasting colours for the walls and floor, it can draw attention to the boundaries of the room, visually dividing the bathroom into different sections. Instead, use the same tiles on the walls as you use on the floor. If you have a low ceiling, consider using vertical tiles to draw your eye upward. For narrow bathrooms, use horizontal tiles to make the space look wider.
Mirrors
The mirror in your bathroom plays an important role in bouncing light around and making the room feel more spacious. A large mirror will help to open up the room through reflection and light enhancement.
Lighting
There are plenty of options, including LED mirrors, wall lights and ceiling lights. The style of light fixtures should reflect the design of the bathroom (for example, modern or traditional) and work well with the rest of the decor.
Also, having lights on either side of your mirror helps to balance out the light coming from the ceiling fixture, which on its own will cast shadows on your face.
David Cruz has worked in the plumbing industry for more than 15 years on countless domestic and commercial projects. He also works closely with MyJobQuote to provide expert plumbing knowledge to homeowners, tradespeople and news outlets.
Clare Tattersall and www.realtorontowest.com disclaim any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness or currency of the contents of this article and disclaims all liability in respect to the results of any action taken or not taken in reliance upon information in this article. The opinions of the writer are their own and are in no way influenced by or representative of the opinions of Clare Tattersall or www.realtorontowest.com.
