Making Use of Natural and Artificial Light
Having a dark room always makes the space feel a lot smaller than it is. Bringing light into a room can be achieved with two methods, natural and artificial light.
Natural light is achieved through windows, making them a focal point of the room and placing mirrors to bounce light into dark corners of the room can expand the sense of space. Of course windows in bathrooms aren’t always the most practical because of privacy, but opting for blinds instead of frosted glass means you can control the amount of light coming in and gives you privacy.
Not everyone has the luxury of lots of natural light, but you can still achieve a bright and airy feel with artificial lights. Consider the position and style of lights. Multiple spotlights built into the ceiling won’t take away space and will ensure light is spread out evenly around the room.
Adding Mirrors
Consider the placement of the mirrors in a room. Placed correctly they can give an illusion of extra space and bounce light into different areas. You may think having a smaller mirror will be best for the space but consider having something oversized to draw the eye in.
Use of Colour
Considering your colour palette when decorating a small room is a simple change that can be achieved. Avoid using dark colours as these tend to make a room feel a lot smaller. Going for a light or neutral colour gives the sense of more space, plus light is reflected so it is a great option to increase the sense of natural light.
Going for a neutral colour palette doesn’t mean you have to have a plain white box. Bringing in colour accents through accessories such as plants or towels gives a highlight or even bringing in one dark wall, for example tiles. If you go for a feature wall, be careful it doesn’t overpower the rest of the room.
Choice of Storage Units
If space is tight, you can utilise clever storage solutions to maximise the use of your space.
- Use the height of the room. Tall but thin units take up less space but can still provide the same level of storage.
- Install a mirror with a built-in cupboard, this gives you two items and is especially useful if you are lacking a clear surface on the wall. Storage like this also allows you to keep toiletries organised and out of view.
- Consider units that don’t go all the way to the floor. Whether it is a cupboard or a sink, installing something that seems to hover gives the visual effect of more space around the unit.
- Think about the colour of your units. If the rest of the room is a neutral colour and you have a dark unit in the middle. Your eye is automatically drawn to it and will seem to take up more space. Having them painted in the same colour or a similar shade to the floor will make them blend into the surroundings.
Other Things to Consider
If you are having a complete bathroom installation, have you thought about upgrading to underfloor heating. If this is a possibility it would mean that you could remove the radiator which can often look big and bulky in a small space.
Underfloor heating not an option? Having a heated towel rail gives you a source of heat and allows you to hang your towels neatly.
Having a door into the bathroom is essential but often limits the use of space to allow access to the room. If your door opens into the bathroom is there an option to reverse it? Could a sliding door be fitted, or a pocket door which when opens hides within the wall cavity. Both options mean the door doesn’t need to be opened, so the area of clearage around it doesn’t need to be as large.
Professional Bathroom Installations Bristol
Not sure if you are maximising the space available to you in your bathroom? At Bristol Bathroom Solutions we provide professional bathroom design and installation services.
We can also work with you, suggesting changes to existing plans to elevate your bathroom to the next level. Looking for inspiration? Why not check out our gallery to see some of the recent projects we’ve been involved in.
Contact us today on 0117 964 0078 or email hello@bristolbathrooms.com to book a consultation.