Designing a compact bathroom can be a challenging but rewarding experience. When working with limited space, every decision counts—from the choice of tiles to the placement of vanities.
By following a few key principles while also embracing a bit of creativity, you can make even the smallest bathroom feel like a personal oasis. Here are our expert tips to guide your small bathroom designing journey!
1. The Rule of Design: Go Light
When it comes to smaller spaces, the rule of thumb is to stick with lighter color palettes. Light shades such as whites, soft greys, or pastels make a room feel larger and more open. This approach is often a safer bet, as dark tones can make the room feel more confined. Opt for light-colored tiles, walls, and fixtures to maintain an airy, spacious vibe.
2. Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment
While light colors are a safe option, that doesn’t mean you have to shy away from creativity. Compact bathrooms can still reflect your personality! Add texture with patterned tiles, or consider a feature wall with a finish unique to your tastes.
You can experiment with accessories, hardware, or even pops of bold color in moderation. Dark colours can often make a small space much more compact, however they can add a cozier, sanctuary-like feel: perfect for your daily unwinding.
3. Use Floating Vanities and Wall-Mounted Toilets
Floating vanities and wall-mounted WCs are game-changers for compact bathrooms. By raising these fixtures off the ground, you free up floor space, which not only makes the bathroom look cleaner but also makes it easier to maintain. This design choice creates a streamlined, modern look, adding both style and practicality.
4. Keep the Floor Clear for a Clean Look
Leaving the floor as open as possible in a compact bathroom is key. A clutter-free, open floor creates a sense of cleanliness and hygiene, ultimately making the room feel more spacious. Avoid placing unnecessary objects like storage units or laundry baskets on the floor; instead, consider wall-mounted solutions to maximize vertical space.
5. Limit Contrasts in a Small Space
Too many bold contrasts can break up a compact bathroom, making it feel even smaller. Consider the use of subtle, cohesive transitions between materials and colors. A maximum of one or two complementary tones is ideal. For example, pairing a soft grey with white or a beige with cream will keep the space feeling united and visually expansive.
6. Choose Only a Couple of Colors for Simplicity
When designing a compact bathroom, limiting your color palette helps create a harmonious look. Stick to one or two main colors for a clean, cohesive design. You can introduce variety through textures or finishes rather than relying on stark color contrasts, which can make the space feel jam-packed and in a constant disarray.
7. Carry Design Elements to Elongate the Space
To make a small bathroom appear larger, try using continuous design elements. For example, carrying the same tile from the floor up the walls or using the same color across the entire room can help elongate the space. This trick creates the illusion of height and depth, making your bathroom feel less cramped.
8. Oversized Mirrors for Illusion of Space
One of the oldest design tricks in the book: use an oversized mirror to create the illusion of a bigger space. Mirrors reflect light and open up the room visually, making compact bathrooms feel much larger than they are.
A large mirror over the vanity can do wonders for a small space, adding function by multiplying space visually and adding style, as the mirror’s design can serve as a reflection of your own aesthetic goals.
9. Feel Free to Break the Rules
While these tips serve as a guide, remember that you don't have to live by them. Feel free to break the rules and experiment with your own style. After all, it’s your space, and personal taste should always shine through. Whether that means adding a bold accent color, an eclectic tile pattern, or unique lighting, the choice is yours.
Final Thoughts.
Designing a compact bathroom doesn’t mean compromising on style or function. By strategically choosing light colors, maximizing vertical space, and incorporating clever design tricks like oversized mirrors, you can create a bathroom that feels much more spacious and luxurious than its square footage suggests. And remember, while there are design rules to guide you, don't hesitate to make the space your own!
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