Homeowners dream of having large bath spaces that will accommodate all the amenities of a resort spa, but in reality, most bathrooms are small. Defined as a space between 15 to 40 square feet, a small bathroom can range from a half bath to a ¾ bath and/or a full bath. The challenge for designers is to make these small spaces feel spacious. Here are five clever ways to make a small bathroom feel more expansive and give clients the spa feel without the spa space.
- Floating Vanities
Wall-mounted vanities can make a small bathroom space feel larger. Floating vanities reveal more floor space and allow more light to be reflected which creates a feeling of airiness in a small space. Floating vanities offer a clean, minimalist look while also offering flexibility since the space under the vanity can be used for storing items like step stools to help small children to reach the sink or for storing baskets with extra towels or other bath items. Another benefit of bathrooms with floating vanities is the ease of maintenance. There is plenty of space under the vanity for a robotic vacuum, broom or mop so it is easier to keep the bath clean with less effort.
- Bright and Shiny
Smaller spaces immediately feel larger when the color palette is lighter. Choose from whites, neutrals, or pastels to make any space feel more open. Reflective surfaces can help brighten small spaces and make them feel larger. Sparkling quartz countertops have tiny mirror chips that catch light and provide a luxurious shimmer. Strategically positioned mirrors and polished metal surfaces also reflect light for a more open feel.
- Lighten Up
Windows in a small bath bring in natural light and make it feel larger, but privacy can be a concern. Solar shades are a great way to let in light while maintaining privacy. They allow you to see out the window and let sunshine in but don’t allow outsiders to see in. LED light fixtures and accent lighting under vanities and around mirrors make small bathrooms feel larger and more luxurious. If the LED accent light will be visible, select products that provide dot-free, seamless lighting that is not only more elegant but more durable. It’s also important to select products that are IP-65-rated for installation in wet or humid environments like bathrooms.
- Strategic Storage
Keeping bathroom counters free of clutter not only makes the space feel larger but also creates a spa-like ambiance in any size bathroom. Make the most of vertical space with floor-to-ceiling cabinets that feature standard shelves for towels and pullout drawers for easy access to stored items like soap, shampoo, and toilet paper. Drawer spaces in the bathroom can be kept organized with vanity drawer inserts specifically designed to store multiple personal care items in a compact space.
- Hidden Power
The bathroom is a space where users need easy access to light and power, but that doesn’t mean light sources and power outlets need to distract from the goal of an airy, open space. Motion sensor lighting in the bath not only provides safety but also ambiance. Automatic shut-off features not only save energy but can also give clients peace of mind. Powered vanity drawers and/or pullouts provide storage and easy access to hair appliances and styling products. Give your clients peace of mind by specifying products ETL or UL listed and have an automatic shut-off feature that cuts power to plugged-in appliances when the drawer is closed. No more worrying about hair appliances being left on when you leave the house! Talk about priceless peace of mind!
If you have some tips for making small bath spaces feel larger, let us know in the comment section below. For information about Hardware Resources products that can elevate your next small bathroom product, check out the links below.
Gardner & Tempest Floating Vanity Collections from Jeffrey Alexander