To create a complete atmosphere, lighting must be thought out in any room, because it is impossible to do without it, especially in the evening, and in a room where there are no windows it is impossible without it during the day. This mostly applies to the toilet, so when starting renovations, you should think in advance about the lighting in the toilet. After all, this is exactly the case when there is very often no window in the room.
It is worth noting that lighting should not consist of one light bulb with a lampshade in the center of the ceiling. Of course, such a technique is also possible, but if you want to add something new to its interior, then you should think about other methods. That's what we'll talk about in the article today.
Lighting in the toilet photo
Features of organizing lighting in the toilet room
To create a complete lighting system in the toilet, it is necessary to provide for all the features of this room. As a rule, in multi-apartment residential buildings a very small area is allocated for these premises. Therefore, it is very difficult for them to determine the optimal interior solution.
Since the main problem is the lack of space, lighting equipment should first of all visually make it larger. Properly selected toilet lamps will allow you to achieve not only an expansion of the area, but also other aspects that can improve the perception of a specific room.
Choosing an interior style
The main mistakes when creating the design of a small toilet are too bright a palette of colors, an abundance of decor and a lack of overall balance. We will consider those style directions that will fit most harmoniously into a small area.
Small toilet in minimalist style
Functional simplicity and comfort are the ideal combination for a small toilet. Minimalism includes soft contrasts of light and dark shades (coffee and peach, white and gray, yellow and green), natural finishing materials (glass, wood, stone), as well as the absence of bulky decorations, which can be replaced by compact decorative lamps and panels on the ceiling.
Small toilet in classic style
The toilet should be decorated in a classic style if the overall interior design is made in such a luxurious direction. Large chandeliers, ancient statues and metal mosaics will not be relevant for a small room. It is worth giving preference to antique sink shapes, antique mirrors and marble floors.
Small toilet in Provence style
The elegance of each individual detail and light color scheme can give a small toilet additional lightness and space. It is necessary to pay attention to textiles and decor. Preference should be given to linen towels and rugs, as well as paintings and mosaics that include floral elements and discreet ornaments.
Small toilet in eco-style
The name of this design largely speaks for itself. Ecological finishing materials and textiles will highlight the uniqueness of the room, and minimalist stone souvenirs and ceramic tiles will make the atmosphere more stylish. Colors should be as consistent as possible and harmonious with each other.
Small toilet in loft style
Industrial notes in design are becoming more and more popular every year. This is not surprising, because for a modern person, not only aesthetic, but also practical aspects are important. The ideal option for a small loft-style toilet is flat facades, wooden elements, a wall-mounted toilet and brick finishing on one of the walls. It will look simple, original and comfortable.
Basic requirements for lighting devices
- Increased level of moisture protection. It is recommended to purchase lamps marked IP65/66, which provide protection for lighting equipment even from direct exposure to water flow.
- Tightness of the lighting device . The connecting sections of the housing must be as tight as possible in order to completely prevent not only moisture but also dirt from entering the lighting fixture. Otherwise, its electronic mechanisms will quickly fail.
- Resistance of lighting equipment to temperature changes . This indicator must be taken into account when a bathroom is combined with a bathtub.
Important! When connecting a ceiling chandelier yourself, it is important to prevent contact between electrical wiring and water.
Small Toilet Design: 75 Best Design Ideas and Tips
How can we design a small toilet design? The toilet is one of the most important rooms in an apartment or house, and it defines us as civilized people. It is important that the toilet is functional and comfortable, as well as clean and hygienic. There are many things to consider when designing a toilet. So how to choose a small toilet design and arrange it correctly? How to choose furniture, decoration and accessories? What else is important to remember? About this in our article.
Here we will look at all the elements that should be considered when designing a small toilet.
Backlight levels
Before choosing lighting equipment for the toilet, you first need to decide on the lighting level option. There are several of them for this room.
Overhead ceiling lighting
This option involves the use of ceiling lamps, of which there are many models on the modern market. Therefore, when choosing, it is worth taking into account the main requirements for organizing lighting systems in wet rooms. It is also necessary to provide for the ceiling height.
For your information! Ceiling placement of light sources will provide an opportunity to avoid reducing the space of the toilet on the wall side. This is an ideal option for a small room.
Wall lighting
This option for organizing a lighting system is suitable for toilet rooms with low ceilings. The main nuance in this case is the correct location of the lighting fixtures on the wall. They should not interfere with entering/exiting the premises.
Bottom floor lighting
This option for organizing the lighting system involves the use of flexible light sources or point lighting fixtures built into the floor base.
As a rule, such systems are used quite rarely when compared with the first two options, and most often for spacious toilet rooms in private houses, country cottages or combined bathrooms with a bathroom. This could be additional decorative lighting.
For your information! Any presented option for organizing lighting systems in toilets and bathrooms can be done independently.
Decorating a small toilet
The focal point of a small toilet is, of course, the toilet seat. A toilet seat with a length of no more than 60-65 cm is best .
Toilets are divided into standing toilets with an upper tank, standing compact and wall hung. In a small toilet, the first option is unlikely to work. A small, compact toilet seat is a good option, but a hanging toilet seat is even better. It takes up little space and is easy to clean.
There should be 60 x 60 cm of free space under the toilet seat. In addition, it is worth adjusting the toilet to the style of the room. Round, angular, white or cream - choose the one you like best.
When choosing the type of wall decoration in the toilet, you can turn to a proven combination of paint and tiles. With this solution, we recommend laying the tiles to a height of approximately 120 cm. This will ensure that all surfaces most exposed to splashes are properly protected. You can paint the walls with waterproof paint over the tiles.
Wood-effect tiles accurately imitate natural materials, combining the practicality of tiles and the visual qualities of wood. This type of tile is often used in rooms directly adjacent to the toilet - a corridor or a spacious living room. In the toilet, it is recommended to use the same type of tiles, for example on the floor or on the wall behind the toilet. Using the same material in most rooms will create a unified space.
When designing a toilet trim, consider large tiles like the ones seen in the photo above. Large tiles create the illusion of higher, wider ceilings and pair beautifully with neutral wood accents. It also pairs beautifully with subtle touches of greenery.
If you choose to wallpaper your restroom, choose a white or light background to create the illusion of a large, open space. Choose an open, airy design with a white, yellow or neutral color palette.
Layering a patterned floor in a small closet is a sure-fire way to add a lot of personality as it is an attractive trend that suits all styles. The rest of it should remain relatively simple compared to the balance of the space
Lack of decorative space can often make small toilets look dull. Display artwork, structural greenery and special occasion toiletries in groups, and make sure you remember to dust regularly. Buy stainless steel sets to avoid corrosion.
Bare walls, the space above the toilet is often overlooked, but thinking about how to properly make it attractive is the right solution for additional storage. Shelves, thin cabinets or even baskets can become a decorative accent. You can put anything there - toilet paper, books, magazines, and all within easy reach.
Avoid furniture with handles and choose drawers and doors that spring open when pressed. This may seem like a very small detail, but every extra millimeter makes a difference in a very narrow space.
It is possible to create a modern design and interior in a small toilet. One way to do this is to paint it a trendy inky charcoal gray or navy blue. Combine it all with pastel colours, copper plumbing and fluffy towels and you're guaranteed a chic ambiance.
Radiators can make a stylish design feature, but they can take up valuable wall space, so let them double their functionality as heated towel rails. Some heated towel rails have shelves where you can also store spare toiletries.
Hide the toilet door by covering it with the same material as the rest of the wall. You will truly feel like you are escaping the stresses and strains of everyday life into a true sanctuary hidden in the center of your home. Choosing to hide the doorway with a horizontal pattern will also help visually expand a small closet.
Small toilet design - small tiles, big changes
If you are choosing tiles for your toilet, choose medium sized tiles. The big ones can be overwhelming. Uniform, smooth and shiny tiles look good in a small toilet. You can also use natural materials such as stone or wood. They will add depth to the interior - enlarge, lengthen and expand.
It is recommended to install them so that they touch the edge of the adjacent wall. Thanks to this, the boundaries of the walls will not be visible. Even better, place a large mirror in front of the entrance - the toilet will seem deeper from the threshold. Photo wallpaper with a realistic print will fulfill the same role.
Selection of lighting equipment
Properly selected lighting fixtures are the basis for organizing effective illumination of a small room. The model and appearance of the lighting equipment will depend on the selected backlight level.
Ceiling type
In this case, it is recommended to give preference to small-sized ceiling chandeliers or spotlight models.
- When choosing a small-sized chandelier, one light source placed in the center of the ceiling surface is sufficient.
- You will need several spotlights, depending on their power. They are evenly distributed over the entire ceiling area.
Important! Spot-type lighting devices are suitable only for suspended ceiling structures.
Wall type
In this situation, it is quite possible to use wall sconces. For a small toilet room with low ceilings, there is no more ideal option. But it is important to give preference to flat models of wall lamps, which will take up the least amount of space. Otherwise, they will constantly interfere when moving around the room.
Floor type
When designing a floor lighting system, you can use spot light models. There are options for luminaires with a high-strength body, built directly into the floor base and into the walls (as a rule, they are placed from below). You can also use flexible neon or strip with LED elements.
For your information! The required number of light sources is calculated based on the area of the room and lighting standards according to SNiP.
Color palette
The right choice of shade for a small toilet can smooth out any imperfections, visually enlarge the space and emphasize its advantages.
White small toilet
The most optimal option for a small space, not only in terms of aesthetics, but also from the point of view of rationality. Snow-white tones can amazingly visually expand an area, making it more spacious. To prevent the room from looking too strict, you can use lamps of unusual shapes, a sink with designer patterns, or textiles with bright elements.
Green small toilet
The olive color of the walls will harmonize perfectly with yellow, pink, beige, peach, and gray. This combination of two desired shades (with a predominance of green) can create a special stylish atmosphere without the use of additional decor.
Brown small toilet
Coffee shades in toilet design always look stylish and expensive. The main thing is not to overdo it. Brown colors look great in combination with metal and wooden decorative elements, as well as with snow-white plumbing fixtures, which will visually appear even whiter. A harmonious combination of contrasts will create a special style of bathroom interior.
Blue small toilet
Sky colors can appear either cool or warm. It all depends on the desired effect. There are many options for decorating a toilet using a blue tint. This could be blue and white mosaics on the walls, delicate turquoise wallpaper or marine patterns on the floor.
Yellow small toilet
Sunny colors go well with all other bright and neutral shades. The best options are yellow with turquoise, yellow with white and yellow with olive. Plain sand motifs can be diluted with bright textiles and LED strips built into the mirror.
Advantages of using LED spotlights
- Saving electrical energy . Even though the light in the toilet turns on very rarely and for a short time, everyone wants to save as much as possible. LED lighting sources are the most suitable option for this, especially for older people who may well forget to turn off the light and it will remain on all day.
- Quite bright light radiation that does not strain the eyesight . Even several lighting devices installed in the corners of the room, which will create a soft, all-encompassing glow, will not adversely affect the eyes.
- Easy installation of lighting equipment . Compact LED lamps can be easily installed independently, without the involvement of specialists.
- High degree of equipment protection from moisture . Despite the fact that the air space in the toilet is not as saturated with moisture as in the bathroom, extra precaution does not hurt. But for a combined bathroom, this criterion is quite important.
Lamps installed in the toilet
Finishes and materials
The main rule for good design of a small toilet is to follow the rules that will help visually lengthen and expand the space thanks to individual elements.
A small area of the toilet can be covered with a single-color self-leveling floor, reminiscent of gloss, which, in combination with light, will give the room additional space. The ideal choice is 6 or 8-angled tiles with small patterns. Large drawings and bulky ornaments will make the toilet even narrower, so you should avoid them. The color scheme can be monochromatic, or it can combine two shades of the same color (cold and warm).
Walls
An original and practical type of wall covering for a small toilet can be plastic/wooden panels, glazed ceramics, vinyl wallpaper or decorative stone. In the design, you should give preference to calm shades (sand, beige, white, blue, gray), as well as zoning bright and neutral tones. For example, white with gray, black with white, green with light green. This simple move will also help visually expand the space.
Ceiling
One of the most successful options for a small toilet can be considered a suspended ceiling (PVC film). Among its subspecies you can find glossy, silk, matte, pearl. The main thing is not to forget that the high quality of the ceiling and the overall design of the toilet can only be appreciated in combination with good basic and additional lighting.
Lighting system installation
Connecting lamps installed in the toilet is a rather important stage of repair work. The duration of its operational period will depend on the quality of installation and connection of the lighting device.
Important! When performing electrical installation work yourself, you must follow safety requirements to avoid injury.
Installation of the illuminator itself is given in the instructions that come with it. But you need to carefully understand the correct electrical wiring connection.
Optimal lamp type
When organizing lighting for a bathroom or toilet, you need to take into account the characteristics, pros and cons of different types of light bulbs.
There are the following types of lighting elements:
- Incandescent lamps are the most affordable light sources. However, their service life is no more than 1000 hours. They emit bright light, but heat up quickly, so they cannot be used for closed, plastic or textile shades.
- Halogen - their luminous efficiency is high, they last a long time. However, it is recommended to use them for lamps with a special metal diffuser. For lamps with a voltage of 12 V, a special step-down transformer is required, which is quite expensive.
- Luminescent - have a wide range of colors, they can emit daylight, warm or cold light. However, at low voltage they begin to glow dimly or turn off completely. In addition, their bulb is filled with mercury vapor, which is dangerous if the bulb breaks.
- An LED lamp is the best light source of all. They last about 50,000 hours, consume a minimal amount of electricity, have a wide spectrum of light, and emit a soft but bright light. Their only disadvantage is the high cost and the need to connect a power supply and dimmer. However, this disadvantage is compensated over time by saving energy.