Creating a practical and beautiful design for small bathrooms is not always an easy task. After all, the perfect combination of functionality and attractive aesthetics sometimes requires smart and creative ideas. That's why you should take advantage of a few tips that show how to make a small bathroom comfortable, practical and beautiful. Choosing the right style and making the best use of the available space are essential factors.
Small bathroom design: interesting and practical ideas
With the right layout, you can transform your small bathroom into a functional and visually appealing dream room. Just because you have a small bath doesn't mean you have to sacrifice style. With a few optical techniques and practical space-saving solutions, you can make a limited area appear larger and more attractive. Take a look at these great small bathroom ideas and see how you can feel at ease even in the most cramped of spaces.
Bright bathroom design: the role of lighting
If you're looking for space-saving ideas for small bathrooms, it's worth considering creating the right lighting. Recessed lights make even the smallest and narrowest rooms seem much larger. Natural light coming through a large window is undoubtedly the best solution. Windowless bathrooms can also be greatly transformed by the right lighting. For example, replace individual large light fixtures with multiple spots on the ceiling and run floor-level lighting that will look great. When entering a room, all the right places are illuminated, giving a feeling of more space.
Mirror for decoration design
One idea for small bathrooms that makes the room feel more spacious is to use a mirror. Not only does it look elegant and especially useful on the wall, but it's also a clever trick for making a small bathroom look bigger. A mirror visually enlarges the space. Don't forget that it's best to light it from three sides. The light source from the left, right and top does not change the mirror image.
Using practical furniture and organizers
Due to their size, small bathrooms quickly become dirty and cluttered, so you should ensure that you have as much storage space as possible. Of course, it is very practical if such an area serves as a useful area. For example, a vanity with a spacious vanity is an ideal solution for quickly storing supplies, towels and toiletries. If you have open shelves in your bathroom, you can use matching boxes and baskets in different sizes to provide even more organization and clarity. In addition, having sorted hygiene products at hand saves valuable time.
A narrow and tall cabinet is another space-saving idea. It doesn't take up much space but offers enough storage for small cream tubes, towels or cute decorative items. Another idea for small bathrooms that are used by multiple people is to use wall hooks without making the room look crowded.
No. 3. Mirror surfaces
It was not for nothing that it was said above about mirror tiles, which are capable of reflecting and thereby visually enlarging and doubling the space. If such design nuances are not included in your plans, then be sure to find a place for a large mirror on the entire wall above the sink : it will not only fulfill its functional duties, but also significantly expand the space.
An alternative to a large mirror in the bathroom can be mirrors mounted into the wall instead of some parts of the tiles: you can also save a little on materials and achieve an interesting effect. In this way, you can lay out a large mirror on the wall, or arrange the mirror parts of the tile randomly.
Not only a mirror surface, but also any glass, glossy, etc. has the ability to expand space. That is why if you need to create a feeling of more space in the bathroom, then use transparent sinks, transparent glass shower doors , because they are invisible at first glance, as if they dissolve in the interior of the bathroom and do not clutter up the space with their massive ceramic appearance.
Glossy tiles, stretch glossy ceilings and other surfaces have all the same properties It is important not to overdo it with reflective surfaces and not turn the bathroom into a parody of a funhouse with dozens of mirrors. You need to find a middle ground, a state of harmony and not overload the room.
Tiles for a small bathroom
Tiles in the bathroom are almost mandatory. How to find the best option for a hygiene room, even if it is small? In recent years, the bathroom has become one of the most important in the home. Today its importance is much greater than it was several decades ago, since the room is not only functional and easy to maintain, but should also provide good rest.
Choose a neutral tile color for a small bathroom. Use similar shades for wall and floor tiles. Dark colors in a small bathroom will make the room feel more cramped. If possible, use towels and bath sets of the same color. Install built-in wardrobes, wall shelves in niches, and a mirrored cabinet. In a small bathroom, you can also introduce natural materials such as wood and stone. Their colors are very suitable for small spaces and give a small bathroom an especially comfortable atmosphere. To add chic to the room, the walls and floor should be made of the same materials. It also opens up a small bathroom and makes it more attractive.
Mosaic
Fine mosaics are not only very popular nowadays, but they also give every bathroom a glamorous, high-quality look. Another plus is the numerous tiny tiles that attract everyone's attention and thus distract the eye from the narrowness of the room. When it comes to the size of tiles for small bathrooms, there are two options: small mosaics, which can be used to create complex patterns, and large tiles measuring 30 x 60 cm.
White tiles
It's no secret that in small rooms you should focus on light colors. So even the tiniest bathroom with white tiled walls looks more spacious, bright and airy. This choice is especially recommended for the interior of bathrooms without windows.
Black and white bath
If you have a small bathroom, you must make the room look cohesive. The fully tiled bathroom with open shower is inviting. When placing furniture in an oversized space, you should also ensure that the furniture is not rearranged. Otherwise, furnishings can act as barriers in small bathrooms and create an undesirable effect. Choose large and wide tiles, they also make the room appear larger. Your bathroom will have a calm atmosphere when the tile joints are tight. If you want to bring dynamics to the room, you can alternate black and white. To prevent a small bathroom from appearing too dark, there should be more white.
Patterned tiles
Just because your bathroom is a little smaller doesn't mean you have to go without stylish patterns. On the contrary, these patterned tiles have the same effect as the original mosaic: their attractive appearance attracts all attention and makes you forget about the small number of square meters.
Do you like bright patterns and rich colors, an ethnic vibe and a certain retro style? Then colorful folk tiles are what the bathroom needs, no matter how small it is. However, to avoid over-coloring, you should be careful not to cover all the walls in this manner. One surface in a folk print is enough. The rest should be restrained.
Wide tiles
In general, small bathrooms with large tiles look more spacious. In this case, you can even use darker flowers. The feeling of space becomes even more uniform and open when walls and floors are made using the same materials and colors.
Marble tiles
As mentioned, small bathrooms can work well with large tiles. You can easily make your dream of noble marble come true in a mini-bath. Tiles should only be laid on a small area, so it won’t take a lot of money to decorate a luxurious bath.
No. 1. Attention to finishing
The best friend of all small spaces is a light color . In a bathroom where there is no natural light, it is better not to experiment with dark and rich shades, but to stick to tiles in light, delicate shades. It is better to decorate the walls with white, light blue, light green, light gray small tiles . It would be good if the tiles had a reflective property, or even mirrored tiles, which would expand the space.
Another great option for a small bath is to use monochrome shades . So, if you choose a black, white and gray color scheme, then your bath will become as simple as possible, its walls will move apart, increasing the space. To prevent the interior from being so boring, you can always complement it with some bright shade: use tiles of a contrasting color somewhere, hang a bright picture if there is space left, or dilute it with artificial or natural greenery.
To decorate a small bath, it is better to use cool shades , which bring a feeling of freshness and do not cramp the room.
A good idea is to lay the tiles on the floor at an angle of 45 degrees . This is how the illusion of more space is created, and you will feel more comfortable on your modest square meters. But you need to think about this before the renovation, since the consumption of tiles in this case will increase.
Small bathroom: shower or bath?
A narrow, small, often windowless bathroom is a problem in many apartments. With the right bathroom furniture and a little skill, you can create enough usable space to operate the space comfortably. A small bathroom can quickly look cramped if the toiletries and furniture are too large. However, for such a space you can choose both a shower and a bath.
Small baths for small bathrooms
A standard bathtub size of 170 by 75 centimeters is not suitable for small bathrooms. You should consider compact options.
Corner baths
A corner bath fits perfectly into a limited space. With such plumbing fixtures, the corners of the room can be perfectly filled. This will also open up a lot of storage space around the bathtub. This type of bathing bowl is available in different sizes. They have a length of 135 to 180 centimeters and a width of 135 to 145 centimeters. As in classic bathtubs, the height of corner models ranges from 42 to 50 centimeters.
Asymmetrical baths
Asymmetrical bathtubs provide plenty of space for the upper body and taper at the feet. Therefore, they can be installed on the narrow side next to the front door, while still leaving a sufficiently large passage. Typical dimensions: length from 150 to 170 centimeters, width from 70 to 100 centimeters, height from 42 to 50 centimeters.
Extra deep baths
Extremely deep bathtubs are ideal for spaces that have a maximum length of 160 centimeters. These bathtubs are suitable for sitting bathing, as they have a height of 50 to 70 centimeters.
Small bathroom with shower
The problem is that standard shower trays with an opaque curtain make the bathroom appear smaller. In a small bathroom, the shower should be installed from floor to ceiling, and the stall should be made of glass. This way, the eye perceives the entire surface as a single whole, and the bathroom appears larger. You should use the following types of shower trays, which are especially suitable for limited space in the hygiene room.
Square shower tray
Available in sizes from 70 by 70 centimeters. Some manufacturers offer from 65 to 65 centimeters. The advantage is that the shower tray does not have to be placed in one corner of the room, it can also be mounted on the wall.
Rectangular shower tray
For narrow bathrooms, rectangular shower trays are recommended, which can be purchased from 75 x 80 cm.
Pentagonal shower tray
This shape is suitable for a corner shower and has a floor area of 75 by 90 centimeters or 80 by 80 centimeters.
Corner round shower tray
Quarter circles are shower trays, which must be at least 80 centimeters long. These models also offer more shower space than pentagonal options. The rounded shape requires a shower stall with rounded doors.
Without shower tray! Your best bet is to ditch the shower tray and tile the base of the shower with the same tiles as the rest of the bathroom. This is how the room looks bigger. This way, users of a small bathroom will have more usable space. Water in this option can flow through the shower channel or drain at floor level.
Linen basket in the bathroom: a bright style accent
A laundry basket can be either a utilitarian item (in this case it is better to hide it from prying eyes) or become a decorative element that emphasizes style. Modern manufacturers of such products offer many options:
- Solid plastic;
- Plastic wicker;
- Rattan;
- Fabric bag of any design (nautical, country, romantic) with folding legs;
- Willow wicker basket with a fabric cover (it is decorated with lace, bows, stitching, ribbons);
- A wooden lattice box on rollers that slides under a wall-mounted sink or base;
- Container hidden in a closed niche on retractable brackets.
If the laundry basket is in plain sight, then a closing element should be provided so that the appearance of used linen does not spoil the overall atmosphere of the cozy relaxation area. This can be a separate lid, or, in the soft bag version, a drawstring cord. The main requirement is the presence of ventilation holes so that items put aside until the next wash do not acquire a musty, unpleasant odor and are ventilated.
Small bathroom with toilet
In small bathrooms, old sanitary objects often take up a lot of space. This is because of their standard sizes, which are not suitable for small spaces. In addition, in general, the shower, bathtub, sink and toilet were previously installed next to each other along the wall, which additionally took up useful space. An excellent solution would be a hanging installation that allows you to arrange bathrooms in a new way. The system is simple: specialists attach water and drainage pipes along the wall of the room. At the second stage, the cladding is done with plasterboard. Special mounting elements help with attaching the sink and toilet. The advantage of this approach is that there is no need to open walls to install new lines.
Wall mounting at half height creates space for hygiene items, representing a shelf. The mounting blocks have a depth of 17 to 25 centimeters, their height varies as needed. The wall projection can be immediately used as a storage option. If the wall element cavities lack technology and pipes, this space is ideal for hidden shelves.
Visual enlargement of the combined bathroom
A small combined bathroom is the norm in small apartments rather than the exception. The designer’s task is to expand its volume using decorative techniques and ensure versatility without sacrificing the feeling of free space.
The following design options that can change the given geometry are used:
- Neutral colors for wall decoration;
- Smooth surfaces of walls and ceilings;
- Hiding pipes in floor, wall boxes or grooves;
- The use of suspended installations for plumbing;
- Large volume mirror elements;
- Glossy finishing materials;
- Light flooring.
To ensure that the bathroom fully meets all the necessary requirements, it is equipped with plumbing fixtures and equipment of a reduced format. Here it is important to accurately calculate how much it is possible to reduce the size of plumbing fixtures so that their use is convenient.
Sink and furniture under the washbasin
Hooks and vanity can be used to create plenty of storage space around the sink. A lot of storage space can be lost around a vanity with a wall-mounted design without a base. Additionally, standard-sized sinks are often too bulky for a small bathroom. To avoid wasting a lot of space, a furniture washbasin with a small sink is recommended. They are available in many options and sizes. If guests also use the bathroom, a closed cabinet is recommended as it hides all the cans. If the bathroom is for family use only, open shelves provide easy access to daily toiletries. The sink must be built into the cabinet. This opens up storage space around the sink and makes the surface of the fixtures appear larger than with countertop fixtures. In terms of shape and size, the range of built-in sinks is large. Accurate measurement is important to find the optimal sanitary facility.
No. 10. Correct arrangement of furniture
Even if you have chosen small-sized sanitary ware, if you approach its placement in the bathroom incorrectly, you can get a sad result. Before making a final decision, you need to think through several different layout options, taking into account the parameters of the room, the location of communications, etc.
When the space in front of the door remains free, the bathroom feels more spacious. It is ideal when there is a sink with a mirror opposite the door , and not a toilet, so if this option is possible, it is better to prefer it.
It is better to hide household appliances, such as a washing machine or water heater, in cabinets and niches. This way they will not catch the eye, distract attention, and the room itself will not look so rich in details, which means it will seem a little larger than it actually is.
Modern small bathroom design: storage space
Using free space for shelves and wall cabinets creates ample storage space. Small bathrooms don't have enough space for regular cabinets. Therefore, storage space must be created in other ways. In principle, it is important not to overload small spaces with furniture. Instead of a lot of small cabinets, it is better to choose the following storage spaces, which offer enough space and make a small bathroom look tidier:
- customized niche settings are optimally suited, providing custom-made shelving or cabinets for small corners;
- shelves offer additional storage in small bathrooms;
- baskets for small items are either placed on a shelf or hung on hooks;
- plastic containers can often be found in the office furniture department, but they are also suitable for the bathroom, being portable;
- A mirrored cabinet above the sink serves multiple functions: it offers storage space as well as a mirror surface and lighting.
- wall mounting of mirrored cabinets or shelves using a flush-mounted model or as a built-in cabinet saves space;
- narrow wall cabinets above the toilet or shelves above the bathroom door are irreplaceable;
- short shelves can also be installed above the toilet.
Furniture and hardware stores have many accessories that can be placed in the bathroom:
- curtain rods extending along the ceiling provide space for hangers and bags;
- a rope ladder in the bathroom, which is attached to the ceiling, acts as a holder for towels and small hanging baskets;
- You can attach a basket to the ceiling for rarely used items, which is lowered or pulled up with a rope.
Important! All interior accessories used in the bathroom must be waterproof so that they are not damaged by excessive humidity.
Bathroom in a small apartment with heated towel rail
The problem is that the classic finned radiator is not suitable in height and width for small bathrooms, as it takes up a lot of wall space and reduces the usable space inside the room. In a small room it is advisable to use heated towel rails. Their slim and flat design fits perfectly into small bathroom corners. In addition, heated towel rails are excellent at drying textiles. Remember, the greater the heating capacity, the higher the radiator. Models are available from 50 centimeters.
Washing machine in a small bathroom
In a small bathroom, the washing machine takes up valuable storage space and doesn't look very nice. If you need to place the washing machine in the bathroom, you can use a kitchen cabinet with two doors under the sink to store the washing machine. The appliances are located under the countertop. If the washing machine is located behind a door or, for example, between a wall and a shower stall, it usually does not provide a good view. It can be hidden using folding walls or blinds that are attached according to the instructions in front of the washing machine.
Shower cabin is a worthy alternative to a regular bath
An interesting solution might be to design a combined bathroom in a loft-style panel house. A small room is not cluttered with objects, a light gray coating “a la velvety concrete” is chosen for the vertical walls, metal pipes for supplying water can be left in sight, a large bathtub is replaced with a shower. It is preferable not to use stationary cabin options, but to separate the shower compartment of the required size with glass partitions, be sure to provide an inclination to the drain hole in the floor.
Today, not only boring square or round plumbing drains are offered, but corner, linear, and channel products. There are options, the top of which is a decorative lattice. Its pattern can repeat the main decorative pattern of the house.
Trendy small bathroom: 6 tips to make the space feel bigger
In addition to choosing the right bathroom and vanity furniture, there are other ways to make a small bathroom feel larger.
Tip 1: Create more usable space
For small bathrooms, it's worth fighting for every centimeter of free space. Therefore, saving space is of utmost importance. To keep items that are regularly used from standing around, you can install containers on the wall. This applies, for example, to a soap dispenser, hair dryer or toothbrush. To fix them, you do not need to drill holes in the tiles. They are available with special adhesive strips that are easy to remove or can be purchased with suction cups. Again, use niches. A narrow piece of wall behind a door or between hygiene items can be considered as a place for additional hooks. It can be attached to baskets or hangers with several small pockets. This creates new space for small details.
Tip 2: No visual outline
In large bathrooms, it makes sense to visually separate separate areas. In small rooms it is better to emphasize the unity of space. Furniture placed throughout the room in long, narrow baths, as well as the use of different colors, take the form of optical barriers. Instead, it is better to arrange the bathroom evenly.
Tip 3: Color Design
Colored accents are allowed. This is achieved, for example, with the help of accessories. Don't forget that colors have a significant impact on the effect of a room. Anyone who wants a small bathroom to look great uses light colors or colors from the same palette for tiles and furniture. For example, you can combine beige and brown, white and yellow, or different shades of gray. The fewer contrasts and complex transitions contained in the color scheme, the calmer and larger the bathroom will look. Classic white remains popular because the eye recognizes fewer outlines in a given tone, which makes the room feel more spacious.
Tip 4: Smart Wall and Floor Design
In a small bathroom, you should choose large tiles. Because a small number of joints between tiles creates a smooth surface. Laying slabs with polished edges reduces the joint width. In addition, it is advisable to buy material that is already the right size for the walls. This means the row can be glued to the wall without having to cut the molds. Trimming can result in thick grout edges in the corners of the room, reducing wall surfaces. If you want to completely avoid joints, you must plaster the entire bathroom wall. This creates a uniform surface without tiles.
If wall and floor designs with monochrome tiles are too monotonous, you can add a little luxury to your bathroom. Accents with shiny mosaic options or gold leaf elements are real masterpieces. Reflection of light allows you to further illuminate the space. Shimmering mosaic tiles give the bathroom a sophisticated look.
Tip 5: Free surface
Free surfaces make rooms feel more spacious. Therefore, wall-mounted plumbing is optimal. In addition, it is worth cleaning up everything that is on the floor. These items include a weight scale, hair dryer, or towels. Also, bath mats should be used sparingly. Instead of several small ones, one larger one is recommended.
Tip 6: Pay attention to the door
Instead of a traditional interior door, use a bathroom sliding design that slides into the wall. Install a shower enclosure made of glass and a glossy surface to visually open up the room. Instead of a standard vanity, opt for a wall-mounted vanity for more space. Replace a large bathtub with a smaller version or consider a walk-in shower. Use corner furniture and plumbing fixtures.
How much does it cost to renovate a small bathroom?
The total cost of a small bathroom depends on the equipment requirements, as well as the share of your own contribution. Square meters play only a small role. The price of hygiene products varies depending on the brand, shape and quality. Standard white ceramic products are cheaper than colored sanitaryware models. Even those plumbing fixtures that have at least one special function, for example, a bathtub with a Jacuzzi, are already more expensive. Special designs, such as shower walls beyond standard dimensions, are also impressive in cost. The same applies to special sanitary ware and furniture for small bathrooms.
The finishing of the room also varies in price, whether it is, for example, tiling up to the ceiling or only halfway. Because when the tiles are laid halfway up, the master must plaster and paint the rest of the wall. Here it is worth comparing which of the two options is cheaper. Therefore, it is impossible to give a fixed guide for renovating a small bathroom. Whether it's minor repairs, replacement of fittings or a complete bathroom renovation, room modernization is possible for any budget.
No. 9. No massive parts
If there is not so much space in the bathroom, then using large pieces of plumbing, decor and furniture is prohibited. Huge cast-iron bathtubs, large Soviet sinks, large chests of drawers, pretentious accessories - you need to get rid of all this if you want to make the bathroom elegant and spacious, but without depriving it of proper functionality.
If possible, choose the smallest
possible sink, toilet, bidet , choose small but spacious cabinets, shelves , give preference to transformable furniture . Even the door, which in theory should open into the bathroom, can be replaced with an accordion sliding door , so as not to hide the space at all.
By using space-saving fixtures and neat decorative items, you'll see that your miniature bathroom can hold a lot more stuff than you might have previously thought. For example, there will be a place for a washing machine, albeit small, or with a vertical loading, but it can be moved from the kitchen, which will be one of the steps towards your comfort. The free space can also accommodate a pencil case, shelving unit or other necessary items.
All textiles in the bath should also be as simple and light as possible: this applies to bath curtains, towels, curtains, etc. By the way, it is better to hang blinds on the windows, if there are any, and choose towels to match the tone of the wall tiles.
How to save money on renovating a small bathroom?
It is worth taking on as much work as possible in advance, even if the craftsmen have been tasked with designing a new bathroom. This includes the removal and disposal of old sanitary installations, furniture and tiles. In addition, you can independently prepare the floor and walls for the new flooring: after removing the old tiles and glue residues, it is necessary to prime the gypsum plaster so that the new material adheres well. It is recommended to apply sealant around water spray areas such as showers and bathtubs.
Depending on the manufacturer, there are large differences in the cost of shipping plumbing fixtures. It's worth comparing. Installing new pipes and pipelines initially entails additional costs, but in the long run such costs pay off. As for Khrushchev buildings, their energy and water consumption is often significantly higher than in new buildings, where more economical sanitary facilities are installed.
The trend shows that the bathroom is increasingly becoming a wellness oasis and a refuge from everyday stress. Not all rooms have a lot of space, so it is important to use the available space wisely, because even with a little money, your bath can become a relaxing place that perfectly combines convenience and beauty. Consider photo ideas for arranging a comfortable small bathroom.
