5 m² is the standard size of a bathroom but it is not uncommon to find smaller ones. This then creates a real headache to optimize the space especially since this room requires bulky equipment.
Do you see Tetris? Almost the same with the constraint of a shower or bathtub a sink, and sometimes a toilet. How to design a modern functional and comfortable bathroom with little space?
Challenge accepted. Because I have no shortage of ideas and advice to guide you in your project.
Tip 1: Optimize space with a shower
One of the first questions to ask yourself when designing a bathroom: shower or bathtub? In a small room, the choice is quickly made:
- The dimensions of a shower are on average 90 cm x 90 cm (width x length)
- For a bathtub, you need up to 170 cm in length.
You can also find shorter bathtubs but remember that a spacious shower is always more functional than a cramped bathtub. If you are lucky enough to have another larger bathroom in your house, reserve the bathtub for it.
Italian style or not: choosing the right shower
There are many types of showers: the classic square the corner shower the arc shower and of course the walk-in shower. The latter is not only reserved for large bathrooms but far from it.
On the contrary, the walk-in shower enlarges the space of a small bathroom thanks to its single-story layout. And this is even more true if you choose a tile floor without demarcation.
A shower with a door or a curtain?
To optimize the surface area or not lose any forget the hinged shower door. The sliding door (if possible glass) and the shower curtain are much better options for moving comfortably in a small bathroom.
Another possibility you may not have thought of for your project: no door at all. This is especially true if you have chosen a walk-in shower. Impression of space and modern touch guaranteed.
Tip 2: Opt for wall-hung or corner bathroom furniture
Storage is the key to a successful layout. Especially in a small bathroom where you need to store linen toiletries and other everyday accessories.
A corner vanity unit
Corner units are the best allies for small spaces because they allow you to optimize the layout and circulation in the bathroom. So if the configuration of the room allows it do not hesitate to choose a corner vanity unit with integrated storage.
Countertop sinks are for their part very aesthetic but require a lot of space: Gnews Portal does not recommend this option in a small bathroom.
Tip: Even if you need lots of storage avoid choosing oversized furniture which tends to “eat up” the space available in the bathroom. Also, favor a modern and refined design for your furniture.
High shelves and storage
In small bathrooms, storage space takes on more height. Take advantage of the wall space with cupboards or shelves to store your bathroom linen.
Don’t forget to keep the products you use most often close at hand. For this, column-type furniture is very practical.
Finally, if your bathroom also has a toilet take the opportunity to use the space above by installing shelves or a hanging cupboard.
Tip 3: choose the right colors for the floor, walls, and decor
As in every small room in the house, the “good” colors are those that give a feeling of space and avoid feeling oppressed.
In the bathroom the principle is simple: focus on light colors that provide maximum brightness.
Use light colors well
- Neutral shades like white and beige are elegant and timeless and contribute to that feeling of an enlarged interior. Don’t hesitate to use them to paint the walls of the bathroom. On the floor tiling in these tones is ideal favoring small-sized tiles.
- Also think about light woods for decorative accessories or storage: oak-pine even teak an exotic wood species with golden nuances.
- Do you prefer a more colorful decor? Blue-green celadon terracotta or even pink, everything is possible as long as you favor pastel tones.
Bring touches of style to the decor
Light colors do not mean a lack of fantasy. You can give depth to the bathroom by dressing the back wall with graphic design wallpaper or contrasting paint.
Bright or dark colors are welcome in small touches:
- Towels
- Shower and sink faucets
- Colored joints with white tiles etc
Tip 4: Install a large mirror
As useful as it is in a bathroom a well-chosen mirror can help you optimize and enlarge the space. Like colors it allows you to take advantage of natural light.
Some ideas to inspire you:
- A full-length mirror: an original solution in a small bathroom to benefit from maximum light (and check its outfit before leaving in the morning)
- A large mirror fixed to the wall above the sink: classic but still effective, choose a large one
- A mirror with a storage shelf to display your favorite products
Tip 5: a sliding door to open the bathroom
To optimize an interior there is nothing like a sliding door that avoids wasting precious square meters. With it no travel constraints. This system is very often installed in master suites which have an adjoining bathroom.
Depending on the nature of your project and the configuration of your house, you can choose an overlay door or a pocket door.
A surface-mounted sliding door
- The surface-mounted door is the simplest type of sliding door to install. Simply attach a rail along a wall, above the bathroom opening.
- The door remains visible outside the bathroom whether it is open or closed. Take the opportunity to choose a workshop glass roof-style casement for the modern side.
- This arrangement implies that the wall is completely available and free of furniture or decoration.
A pocket door
- The particularity of the pocket door: the leaf disappears into the wall when the room is opened.
- This system is more complex to install. It is necessary to double the existing wall or redo a partition so that the door can slide into the wall.
- Here the space-saving is double because the space remains available against the wall.
Tip 6: Play with the lighting in the room
Lighting fixtures are also great allies in small spaces: optimized lighting makes all the difference, especially in a bathroom that does not have a window. Here are some good tips for choosing your lighting.
Indirect lighting
Instead of a single light fixture to hang from the ceiling of the room opt for indirect lighting:
- Sconces on the walls to catch the eye
- And/or spotlights to multiply the light sources on the bathroom ceiling
Mirror lighting
Consider bringing light to this star of the bathroom if it does not have integrated lighting. Here too, you can choose wall lights to install on each side of the mirror. Without forgetting to favor white lighting to look good.
Warning: for safety reasons, check the protection index of bathroom lighting fixtures. It is made up of two numbers: the first indicates the level of protection against foreign bodies and contacts and the second the degree of waterproofing.
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