Today, we’re tackling a common issue: making a small bathroom look and feel larger. We may not be able to knock down walls, but we can use some clever interior design tricks to create the illusion of space. Let’s dive into these 12 simple and effective techniques.
1. Choose Light-Coloured Tiles
Always opt for light-coloured tiles, whether for your walls or flooring. Lighter shades reflect more light, making the space feel open and airy. A study conducted in Germany in 1860, known as the “Irradiation Illusion,” proved that lighter colours make objects appear larger, while darker colours have the opposite effect.
2. Use Large Tiles
When selecting wall tiles for a small bathroom, go for the largest size you can find, such as 2×4 feet or even 2×8 feet tiles. Fewer tile joints create a sense of continuity, making the bathroom appear more spacious. More joints and partitions can visually chop up the space, making it feel smaller.
3. Keep Tile Patterns Simple
Avoid busy and complex patterns on your tiles. Opt for plain or subtly textured designs. Patterns like continuous lines or heavy motifs can make the bathroom feel congested. The “Figure-Ground Relationship” theory explains that our brain perceives cluttered patterns as smaller, compact areas.
4. Consider Seamless Tile Transitions
Look for “jointless tiles” that allow patterns to flow seamlessly across the surface, giving the illusion of a continuous slab. This minimises visual breaks, helping the space feel larger.
5. Maintain Uniformity in Tiles
Avoid using different tiles to separate areas like the shower, WC, or washbasin. Using the same color for all walls and flooring prevents the room from feeling visually segmented, which can make it look cramped. This trick utilizes the “Contrast Effect” to enhance the feeling of spaciousness.
6. Extend Tiles to the Ceiling
Instead of stopping wall tiles at a lower height, extend them all the way to the ceiling. This may require more cutting and might cost extra, but it avoids dividing the wall and enhances the feeling of height and openness.
Now, you might be wondering, “Won’t all these plain designs make my bathroom boring?” Let’s solve that with some clever fixtures!
7. Choose Unique Fixtures
Instead of standard chrome fittings, consider black, gold, rose gold, or even colourful fixtures. Make sure to match the color scheme of your tiles. For example, if your tiles are white with gray streaks, go for black fittings. If your tiles have brown or golden hues, opt for gold fittings. Brands like Kohler, Asian Paints, and Hindware offer various color options to enhance your bathroom’s aesthetic.
8. Opt for Frameless Glass Partitions
To avoid breaking up the space, choose a frameless glass partition for your shower area. It provides functionality without visually cutting the bathroom in half. Use 8-10mm thick toughened glass secured with minimal fittings to keep the look sleek and airy.
9. Use Vertical Storage Solutions
Maximise your bathroom’s vertical space to keep the floor area clutter-free. Install towel racks above doors, or add cabinets above the toilet. You can also use recessed storage behind mirrors or install built-in soap and shampoo dispensers in the shower area.
10. Install a Large Mirror
A large mirror is one of the most effective ways to make a small bathroom look bigger. Don’t settle for a small one. Cover an entire wall if possible. Mirrors reflect light and give the illusion of a much more expansive area.
11. Declutter and Organise
An organised space feels more spacious. Keep toiletries off countertops and store them in cabinets or organisers. Invest in minimalist designs to maintain a clean, open look.
12. Use Recessed Lighting and Reflective Surfaces
Finally, install recessed lighting to create a soft glow. Reflective surfaces like glass, glossy tiles, and shiny fixtures will enhance the light and open up the space even more.
By following these 12 simple tricks, you can transform your small bathroom into a visually spacious oasis.
