Big ideas for small bathrooms
Making the most of the smallest room in the house can be a bit of a challenge. But that shouldn’t put you off. With a little inspiration and know-how, you can soon transform even the most snug of spaces into a beautiful bathroom.
With so many different styles, shapes and sizes of shower available, there are almost limitless ways to make that small room a big feature in your home.
“There are so many ways you can combat lack of space” explains Matki designer Dominic. “The team here at Matki really are experts in shower solutions for bathrooms of every shape and size. So bathroom designers have a huge choice when it comes to sourcing the perfect shower set up. To get you thinking, here are just a few ideas on making the most of a small space…”
Go off the wall
When floor space is a premium, wall-mounted sanitaryware is a great solution. With sinks available in a wide range of finishes – from porcelain to glass and stone – you can really let your imagination run wild and install something that reflects your taste in bathroom décor. Wall mounted toilets on the other hand add a really contemporary look and on the practical side, are easier to clean than their standard counterparts.
Conceal shower fittings
Another effective way to reduce impact on available space is to conceal any shower pipework and recess your shower valve into the wall. Not only does this ensure smooth clean surface lines, it also helps create a feeling of overall space. You just need to be aware that doing this means added preparation but really pays dividends on the finished look.
Swadling Brassware is Matki’s sister brand and has a wide range of concealed Shower Fittings in a variety of styles and finishes to suit your bathroom.
Raise your glass
By changing the glass in your shower panel to a low iron option you’ll see a clear difference to your surroundings. The lower iron content increases transparency, resulting in a light airy environment that generates a deceptive feeling of space.
That sliding door moment
A hinged door on your shower can be a little awkward in a confined space. So to avoid any yoga-like contortions to get into your shower, why not consider a sliding door that tucks tidily away into a recess in the wall? Or if your bathroom build doesn’t allow for that, then a door that opens inwards into your shower keeps the area around free and unrestricted.
Join the fold
Speaking of doors. If you really need a bath (and you can squeeze one in) then a folding bath screen is a great way to keep shower spray at bay – and then simply fold away. So no extra space is taken up when you’re not in the bath or shower. Perfect.
The Eleganza Single Bath Screen can be folded flat against the wall when you’re using the bath
The wet room option
Of course, an ideal option for a small bathroom space is a wet room. Basically, a walk-in shower room that’s been fully tanked to prevent leakage and has a central drainage point. The trick is not to get everything wet and to make sure that you can control the shower spray. A wet room panel offers the added benefit partitioning the showering space as well as making a feature of the shower area.
Polly and Howard added a wet room to their bathroom to stunning effect. The panel’s position partitions the bathroom stylishly and keeps the surrounding area a bit less wet.
Tailor made shower trays
Quite often, a small space can prove a little awkward when it comes to accommodating an off-the-shelf sized shower tray. However, do not despair.
Bespoke shower trays can be cut to fit around alcoves or internal pipes and don’t always have to be rectangular or square.
Their low-profile nature also means they really aren’t intrusive so don’t fall into the ‘space invader’ category.
Lighten up
Just like the movies, the right lighting can make all the difference to your bijou bathroom. With options ranging from illuminated mirrors that reflect light to amplify space, or task lights around the sink and shower, you can mix and match to create a beautifully layered approach to create a welcoming ambience.
This striking designer bathroom plays with light to achieve changing moods. Reds, greens, purples and blues are all on the agenda, transforming the ambience with the flick of a switch.
Go big and bold
Whilst it may seem counter-intuitive to go big and bold with wallpaper in such a small space, it actually works. Quirky or geometric wallpaper is a great way to detract from the diminutive dimensions of the room. Also, it turns your walls into mini-works of art, enhancing the quirky nature of a small bathroom. And with so many designs out there, there’s something to suit every taste, from the weird to the wonderful.
Radiate style
Big bulky radiators can eat up space and quite often lend a dated look and feel to a room. A simple solution is to replace old ground level models with smart wall mounted radiators. Space saving and heat-efficient, they add a splash of contemporary architectural styling to your bathroom. Some of the designs available really are like art installations in their own right and add a real point of difference and interest to any space.
Treat your shelf
When it comes to increasing the perception of space, keeping your bathroom free of clutter is an easy win. And with so many stylish shelving options out there, practical doesn’t have to mean boring. From free standing units to recessed storage and mirrors with built-in shelving, there are all sorts of ways to make a place for everything and keep everything in its place.
Bold as brass
Instead of the usual gleaming chrome, why not go for some retro detailing?
A brass finish adds a vintage period detail that provides a slightly unusual twist on your bathroom’s interior. It catches the eye and draws the attention to the charm of the fitting’s design and away from the snug surroundings.
Hopefully there’s plenty of food for thought here if you’re looking to create your own perfect small bathroom. Overall, go for a minimalist approach and strip back everything from bottles on the shelf to a few carefully selected objets d’art. Before you know it, you’ll have a little space that has a big place in your home.