Natwerk Designs

What are some simple ways to make a small bathroom seem larger?

We are semi-remodeling our bathroom. It's very small, with a sink, toilet and tub/shower. There is also a large cabinet hanging on the wall that we are removing to make the room seem larger. We want to replace the cabinet with a shelf that doubles as a towel rack (although I'm a little worried because the studs are off centered and I'm afraid that hanging a shelf is going to be a problem). Anyway...what are some ways to make the space seem larger? We're keeping the configuration the same.

Public Comments

1. Pedestal sink or narrow "furniture style" base with sink that protrudes out the front, recessed medicine cabinet, light wall color, skylight, tile tub or shower all the way to the ceiling, light natural tones for floor and wall tiles / surfaces.
2. Bright colors! White, yellow, blue... Little clutter. Keep out only the bare necessities, store the rest in cubboards/drawers. Sink with a narrow bottom. Lotsa mirrors.
3. Mirrors, pedestal sink, standard toilet, maybe one piece with short tank, light colors, built in medicine cabinet.
4. We used a corner shower to gain a slightly larger shower stall area. Also we took a little space out of an adjoining closet to make a set-in shelf area for towels, toothbrushes, and TP.
5. hallucinogenics will make the space seem larger
6. More natural light will help with this. In particular a solar tube that installs from the roof to the ceiling. Or you might try putting translucent panels in the door. The fixtures can be modified also. Instead of a out of the box sink try making your own out of a barsink an some creative woodworking. It is more hassle an work but it makes an interesting space.
7. When you get around to doing the tile, lay down 12" tile....it helps.
8. Don't overdecorate, don't make the mistake of painting everything white (white can make a bathroom look like a laboratory closet, and every drip will show), and keep the walls as clear as you can. I'd really avoid making one wall a big mirror. It can add space in a room, but it's also a pain to keep clean, and in a bathroom with steam condensing you'll need to clean it constantly. Pain in the end.
9. Paint it a light color. Install an in wall medicine cabinet that fits between the studs. Install a large wall mirror; it will make the room look twice as large. Skylights or a window may help as well. Anything that adds more full spectrum light. Replace the bathtub with a walk in or corner shower. Install your towel bars on the back of the door. Some places sell towel racks that hang from the back of the door. Install a pedestal sink instead of a vanity.
10. If you paint it a light color and do not decorate it with a lot of things the bathroom will apear to have more space in it Good Luck