How To Open Up A Compact Bathroom With Clever Use Of Design

As the summer progresses and we appreciate the impact of the extra daylight hours and brightness in our homes, it can be the motivation we need to rethink cramped and cluttered spaces. The bathroom is often one of the smallest rooms in the house, yet it is also heavily used, and it should be a welcoming space for occupants and guests. 

Increasingly, homeowners are aware that the time we spend in the bathroom isn’t just functional, but also therapeutic. Showering, bathing, or applying cosmetics treatments is relaxing and soul-restoring, and having a light and pleasing environment adds to the quality of the experience. Here are some ways to make a small bathroom feel bigger.

Frameless shower screens

A metal framed shower screen or bulky shower curtain can make a small bathroom feel boxed in. Swapping it for a frameless screen secured with a stainless steel glass channel can be a real game changer, bringing in more natural light and allowing it to flow uninterrupted through the space. 

Combine the shower screen with a pivot or sliding door system and low-profile tracks to save space. Opt for contemporary chrome or brushed nickel fixings for a clean and stylish finish. 

Floating glass shelves

Storage is always at a premium in small bathrooms, but it can be a dilemma as you don’t want to take up space with bulky cabinets. Installing floating glass shelves mounted on sleek brackets is a stylish solution that doesn’t block out light or take up precious floor space. They provide useful surfaces to store fresh towels, toiletries, or to place decorative items. 

Add large mirrors

Large mirrors help to bounce light around the room and make a significant difference to the feeling of space in a bathroom. For a streamlined and modern look, opt for concealed fixing systems such as low-profile clips or adhesives. Combine the mirror with backlighting for extra brightness when carrying out tasks such as applying makeup and shaving. 

Anti-fog mirrors with hidden in-built heaters will prevent the glass from steaming up, even when you have had a long hot shower. This will keep the bathroom feeling clean, light and spacious. 

Stick to light colour palates

While some people lean into a small bathroom with a dark and dramatic colour scheme, using a light colour palate is a tried and tested method of giving the illusion of more space. Whites or off-whites, pale greys or soft pastel colours reflect light and help to ‘push the walls out’. 

Combine light tiles or paintwork with light finishes for hardware, such as satin chrome, polished stainless steel, or brushed nickel. 

Use large tiles

Larger tiles mean there are fewer grout lines to distract the eye, giving the illusion of more space. This can help the bathroom to look less cluttered, and also provides more clean surfaces to reflect the light. 

Declutter and organise

Clutter is the enemy of a small bathroom, taking up every surface and feeling unpleasant to the eye. Invest in a shower caddy and only keep out those toiletries that you use on a daily basis. Store the rest in baskets or on wall-mounted shelves or units, or keep them outside the bathroom if there’s no room for extra storage.

Install wall mounted fixtures

If it’s time to update fixtures such as toilets and basins, consider installing wall mounted versions to create more floor space and keep the room feeling light. Make use of dead space, such as the wall area between the top of the door and the ceiling, to install floating shelves.