The right fittings, control of clutter and careful choice of color and pattern can make a small bathroom work just as well as a larger one.
A bathroom that's too small to be either comfortable or efficient is a problem many home owners share. In most cases, extending the room is impossible because the pressures of family life mean space in the house is already being used to maximum effect.
If fittings are in bad condition, it makes sense to start again with equipment more suitable for the shape and size of the room. Replacing old fittings gives you the chance to choose individual items that best fit the actual shape of the room.
Alternatively, make the most of existing fittings by adding storage space and improving the layout of the room. Since it is often a lack of places to put things drawers for make-up, a cabinet for medicines and shelves for toiletries that makes a bathroom feel cramped and cluttered, simply adding carefully thought out storage may solve the problem.
Paler colors and simple designs can also help to maximize the feeling of space. Keeping the overall look of the bathroom as coordinated as possible will make it seem larger. Even a little thing like using matching towels will make a difference.
Although bathroom equipment is often thought of as a suite complete with bath, it is best, when working with a small area, to choose pieces individually, then you can find something to suite the space available. As bathroom colors are standard, you can select the wash basin and toilet (WC) from one manufacturer and a bath from another without worrying that the pieces won't match. The WC and wash basin come in three basic versions:
Floor standing is the familiar basin on a pedestal and a WC with a visible cistern. These sorts of fittings can make a small room seem even smaller because they occupy both floor and wall space, and pipes and cisterns are visible.
Back to the wall sanitary ware is much less intrusive, if you are starting from scratch in a small bathroom. In these ranges, the basin is wall hung and usually set into a vanity unit, so the U bend can't be seen. The WC is floor standing, but the cistern and pipes are hidden away behind panels or specially made fitted furniture. The effect is neat and uncluttered and if you choose a fitted furniture system, you'll gain storage space. Back to the wall fittings are slightly more expensive than ordinary sanitary ware.
Wall hung sanitary ware is the most expensive choice of all, with the basin and toilet all hung from the wall.
The WC is usually suspended 6-12 inches (15-30cm) from the floor. A metal frame cemented into the wall takes the weight. The cistern and pipes are hidden behind paneling or fitted furniture. The effect is sleek and stylish, and as the sanitary ware doesn't touch the floor, small spaces appear larger.
A single or double basin can be wall hung, with the U bend concealed by a ceramic cover, or the basin can be a counter-top or semi-counter-top type built into a vanity unit. Counter-top basins are set into the center of the top of the unit. Semi-counter-top basins project from the front of a specially made slim line vanity unit and are ideal when space is limited.
Building a basin into a vanity unit give useful extra storage space and a hiding place for toiletries, cleaning materials and all the other essential clutter that can make a small room look untied. The simplest sort of unit is a cupboard or an old washstand with the basin built into the top. Modern designs have plenty of storage space, an illuminated mirror, a built-in linen bin, towel rails and a locking section more medicines packed into one unit.
A standard size bath measures 67 x 27 inches (170 x 70cms), but smaller versions are available. The shortest conventional bath on the market is 55 inches (140cm) long, but for comfort it is better to shop around for a deep, continental style sit-bath.
If you choose a very deep design, you can sit up to your neck in water. For maximum comfort, look for a model with an integral seat. Setting the bath into a platform, so that there is a step around the edge, makes getting in and out easier.
Fitting a separate shower enclosure is often impossible when space is tight, but adding an over-bath shower overcomes the problem. Showers can be run from the taps, where the water is diverted to either a hand held or wall mounted shower head by pulling a lever, or you can choose a separate controlled fitting.
Whatever your choice, you'll need to screen the bath to keep the water off the floor. A sliding or bi-fold shower screen is effective and doesn't need clearance space for opening.
Even if you don't want to replace fittings or reorganize your bathroom in a big way, it is still possible to create extra space by making more practical use of the areas around and between the fittings. Start by looking at your problems.
Does the way the door opens restrict floor space and make it difficult to get into or out of the room? Replacing the door with a sliding or folding model will solve this problem.
Nowhere to put clothes or towels? Wall or door mounted hooks can be used for clothes and bathrobes. A bit ladder radiator will do double duty as a heater and towel drier/warmer. Avoid towel rings as they only hold one towel and look untidy. A three tier towel rail or a wall mounted towel shelf above the bath is a better choice. A big wicker hamper or a pine box can be used for either dirty laundry or clean towels. Add a cushion to make a comfortable seat.
Short f storage space for toiletries and cleaning products? Curtaining the area under the basin provides a hiding place for cleaning equipment. Tiered baskets can be hung from the ceiling to provide attractive storage for toiletries. Wall hung baskets are another option. If you decide to add shelves, place them high enough so that you can stand up in the bath or at the wash basin without hitting your head. The gap between the top of the door and the ceiling is a good; out of the way place for fixing a shelf to store spare toiletries or towels.
Curtains occupy a lot of windowsill space? Hanging compact Roman or roller blinds at bathroom windows leaves the windowsill clear.
A there bottlenecks at busy times? Avert friction by installing a mirror over the basin that's large enough for two to use, making sure it's well lit along its length.
Choose the color of your bathroom suite and tiles carefully. Pale colors with a shiny finish which will reflect light are better than dark or matt shades. White is the obvious choice, but will make a north facing room seem cold and unwelcoming. Think instead about soft creamy shades. Use blue, gray and green if you want a cool feel.
Cut down on clutter by storing toiletries and other bits and pieces out of view.
Keep pattern to a minimum. Choose plain tiles, and add interest with either a border or dado tile, or by fixing the tiles vertically. A tile mural on the longest wall beside the bath will add color without clutter. Choose plain towels in toning colors.
Use a wall of sheet mirror or mirror tiles to give the illusion of extra width or length. Make sure the room is well heated, or the glass will permanently fogged by condensation.
Have a plain, light colored floor to make the room look bigger. Ceramic tiles are had wearing and easy to clean but slippery when wet, so use a bathmat.