Practical Small Bathroom Design

Small bathroom design is very challenging, especially if you’re starting from scratch and are given the option to choose everything from toilet to cabinet, sink, and shower/tub size. So designing a small bathroom can be divided into two parts: 1) determining the basic layout of the main items 2) working with color and accessories to maximize the remaining area and create a sense of style.

So let’s be realistic; if you have a tiny bathroom, the most practical move would be to invest in a toilet with a shorter projection, small sink (which can either be grounded on the floor or smalller and attached only to the wall), and probably a shower minus the bath tub. You can include a bathtub, but be prepared for the consequences in terms of losing extra space that could be very useful for storing items such as towels and other knicknacks.

I would hold off on the traditional bathroom cabinets in favor of more modern storage, which tends to be highly compact and uses vertical space more effectively and creatively.Since these cabinets take up less space and are more flexible, I would begin with sorting out the location of the sink, toilet, and shower first in relation to eachother and the door. A word of advice; make sure that you take your measurements correctly so that entering and exiting the bathroom or even the shower is comfortable and not a challenge.

Once you’ve sorted out the basic layout and measurements, we can begin to look at ways to enhance the bathroom design. A major element in creating an illusion of space is the use of lighter colors, so consider painting your bathroom in a light color scheme and also working with natural light. If you do choose to go with darker, warmer, colors, make sure you have enough lighter colors in the bathroom to contrast to keep the bathroom from becoming too suffocating.

Accessories such as colorful flowers, candles, and soap, in addition to creative shelving are very important in creating the actual style of the bathroom. Many stores sell sets of bathroom accessories so that there is a consistent feel in the design which helps reduce the impression of clutter.

You can find beautiful soap holders, toothbrush holders, trash cans, tissue holders, and much more. Themed towels (in various colors or white, depending on the color scheme you chose for the walls), perfumes, lotions, and even a well-chosen painting can also contribute immensly to the overall look of the small bathroom. And last but not least, choose a elegant, simple, mirror that will be noticable but not dominant.

By combining an effective layout with an attractive color scheme and the right accessories, you can be proud of yourself for creating and implementing a gorgeous small bathroom design.

Small Room Furniture

For those of us living in a bustling metropolis on a tight budget, a large apartment or house is but a faraway dream. If you’re like me and you the feeling of space in a room, you’ll want to maximize every inch you’ve got!

When decorating your small space, arranging furniture needs to be done thoughtfully. Putting different pieces together properly can make your room seem larger than it is.

There are different opinions out there regarding what size furniture you should use for small space decorating. Although you may want to avoid wide, bulky pieces tall furnishings can actually give your walls the illusion of height. Accessories such as plants, vases, bowls and lamps can be placed on top of high bookcases, shelves or other tall pieces to make them seem higher than they are.

When it comes to the couch, try to find one with legs, so that it doesn’t sit directly on the ground. By having visual space underneath your furniture, the eye is drawn underneath increasing the perceived room space. The extra space under a couch can also be a great place for extra storage containers! Just make sure they are always pushed towards the back.

To make your room seem larger, try using backless bookshelves that let light pass through. Another trick is to paint your bookshelves the same color as the wall. It makes them seem almost as though they’ve disappeared into the background.

Just like when you are decorating any room in your house, make sure to have a focal point and keep furniture to scale.

And of course, the more multi-functional your furniture is the better. Always go for pieces with built in storage space whenever possible. Nothing makes a small room seem smaller than extra clutter!

For more small room decorating ideas, check out Lighting for Small Room Decorating

Lighting for Small Room Decorating

Proper lighting can make a big difference to a small space. Light opens up small room and creates an illusion of space. When decorating a smaller space, definitely keep these lighting tips in mind!

If your room has a lot of natural light, you can maximize it by staying clear of heavy thick drapes, and using thin airy ones instead. Put in large windows if you can. “See through” furniture, like backless bookshelves that divide a room or nightstands and chairs elevated by legs, let the natural light flow through the room without being blocked. Plants and lamps next to a window draw attention outside give your room the expansive feeling of the outdoors.

Creating artificial light in a room can be fun and inexpensive. There’s always the option to install track or recessed lighting fixtures but although this is beautiful, it can be costly. In general, light fixtures that bounce light of the ceiling forces focus upward and gives the room a feeling of height. This effect can also be created by tall lamps. Additionally, lamps, pendant lights, even Chinese and paper lantern fixtures can creatively and attractively add light to any room. Hanging pendant lights lower will make your ceiling seem taller. Also, try lighting all four corners of the room and

Mirrors are great for creating an illusion of space in a room. They reflect natural and artificial light and create an impression of depth. One room decorating idea is to hang a large mirror facing the window, to reflect a lot of sunlight. Placing a mirror behind your sofa that is the same length as it is a bold move that helps circulate light and adds a ton of décor.

Keep in mind; good lighting is one of the essentials of small room decorating. If you want your small space to feel breathable and open, start with
lighting, for day and night.