Utilising a Small Bathroom Space
A small bathroom doesn’t have to be dark and pokey. Creating the perfect bathroom with limited space is all about getting the balance right.
Follow our tips and check out some ideas on our Pinterest board for making a small bathroom feel spacious, functional and one that you enjoy spending time in.
Let in the light
Sunlight is known to enhance your wellbeing as well have disinfectant qualities, so let the light stream into your bathroom by adding a skylight or Tubular Daylighting Device (TDD). Skylights reduce the need for electricity (thereby lowering your power bills) and minimise the impact on the environment.
TDD is a good option if space is at a premium. TDDs are small and quick to install and also effective at letting in light without losing or gaining heat.
Recommended products / retailers
Solatube Skylights
Solatube Skylight Products are Tubular Daylighting Devices that use optical technology to capture sunlight.
Image credit: Solatube
Velux Opening Skylights
The Velux Opening Skylights are a great way to let in natural light and provide draught-free and efficient ventilation. They prevent the build up of condensation and minimise the growth of mould in bathrooms.
Image credit: Velux New Zealand
Home Tech
Home Tech offers skylights, roof windows and tubular skylights and have a range of home lighting products to suit your bathroom needs.
Keep it clean
Use smart storage solutions to hideaway extra towels, toiletries and clutter. Try using the often forgotten about wall space above the toilet to add a floating shelf.
Recommended products / retailers
Bunnings
The floating shelves at Bunnings come in gloss or matte white and very easy to install.
Image credit: Bunnings
Yoyo
Yoyo has material oak veneer floating shelves with aluminum brackets, which come in three sizes.
Image credit: Yoyo.
Add glass
Shower curtains can often make small bathrooms look even smaller, so swap yours for a pane of safety glass (10mm is the recommended thickness for frameless showers).
Shiny surfaces like tiles, glass, metal and safety mirrors do a great job at reflecting light and adding the illusion of space. Make use of these materials where possible.
Recommended products / retailers
Metro Glass Tech
Metro Glass Tech has a range of bathroom glass and mirrors for the bathroom. Their frameless shower enclosures are made of TempaFloat toughened glass so are extra safe.
Image credit: Metro Glass Tech
Keep the colour palate simple
Keep the decoration of a small bathroom to a minimum. The less that is going on in terms of colour and design, the more spacious the bathroom. A bathroom is going to appear lighter if it is mostly light in colour, so keep the paint and tile colours neutral and add pops of colour via your accessories, for example, towels.
If painting your bathroom, use a paint that will resist moisture and resist mould. Look for a bathroom specific paint with superior durability.
Image credit: Resene
Recommended bathroom colours
The colour you choose is, of course, a personal preference. At Butterfield Construction we recommend using Dulux paint colours. Not only are they more durable but they can replicate any colour from another brand! Use the Dulux colour chart to find your perfect bathroom hue.
Replace floor fittings with wall fittings
Maximise the feeling of space by replacing bulky floor cabinets, toilets and storage with hanging ones. They create the space below and gives the appearance of more room in your bathroom. Go one step further and add strip lighting under wall-hung vanities to create more light. Replace bulky storage with floating shelves.
Image credit: patlans.com
Use medium sized tiles
If you’re dealing with a small bathroom then used medium sized tiles. Small tiles increase the amount of grout visible, whereas medium sized tiles require less grouting and cutting.
Avoid unnecessary visual breaks in your bathroom by tiling or painting the whole wall.
Image credit: pivotech.com.au
Feature image: Tom Blachford
