Renovating a small bathroom is no longer a problem

Renovating or refurbishing a small bathroom can be a big challenge, but it can be done. Actually, there are numerous ways to make a room look bigger, and several design solutions for small bathroom décor.
This post will show us the best ideas for saving bathroom space and suggestions for improving our perception of space in small rooms.

1 | Washbasin area: space-saving cabinets for small bathrooms

If the bathroom is very small it may be difficult to insert a usefully capacious cabinet. Here are some ideas to help you choose items for the washbasin area:

• Opt for reduced depth (36 cm) vanity units with a semi-inset washbasin (or top with integrated bowl). In this way, although the cabinets are not so deep, the washbasin is comfortable and normal sized;

  

• Take advantage of height by choosing floor-standing units (not suspended), to gain an extra drawer or top;

  

• λ Yet again, take advantage of height by adding wall units above the cabinet to keep all the items you use daily to hand;
• Place tall units or wall units in areas different from the washbasin unit, for example on the wall above the bidet, not usually equipped;

  

• Use shelves or small open units to hold things. If they are transparent their impact is minimum.

  

  

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iIf possible (e.g. during a total renovation project), a storage cabinet can be inset into the wall, concealing its depth. In this way the doors will be flush with the wall.

2 | Illuminating a small bathroom

In a small bathroom light is a fundamental issue to consider at the design stage. Once the lighting system calculations have been made, also considering the effect of natural light, there are many spotlights and lamps that will illuminate some parts of the bathroom (certainly the washbasin and central areas), providing light where necessary.
There can be special lighting for shower or washtub areas so that they stand out. In any case, never underestimate the need for lighting in a small bathroom, otherwise it could look even smaller!
Combining a mirror and lamp can create striking effects like the one illustrated in this project.

3 | Mirrors for small bathrooms

It’s always useful to install large mirrors (covering the wall if desired, as in the project above) to double the perception of space.
Maxi round mirrors are very trendy, placed in the center or to one side of the bathroom cabinet. Useful and never out of date are the storage mirrors that combine two functions, acting as a space-saving solution in small bathrooms.

[PORTFOLIO] Renovating a small, narrow bathroom: original ideas for making use of every centimeter

This project by a German architect combines our products to create a composition that doesn’t waste a single centimeter, providing plenty of storage space, a comfortable shower and a cabinet to house the washing machine. The cabinet top goes through the glass of the shower enclosure to create a shelf inside the shower.
A great idea to copy when renovating a small bathroom with shower: the long, narrow room becomes luminous and functional, and is made extremely elegant by using neutral shades and pastel color contrasts.

4 | Fittings, bathtubs, showers: the best solutions for small bathrooms

Last but not least, we must consider the other bathroom elements: fixtures, bathtubs and showers.
Nowadays design comes to the aid of bathrooms that tend to get smaller (in ever smaller houses), and provides ingenious solutions to make maximum use of every centimeter.

• There are WCs and bidets with smaller depths than standard (to assess carefully according to users’ build);
• Renovating a small bathroom with a bathtub is easier when dimensions are smaller than standard (i.e. 70×170 cm);
• The shower enclosure can be made to measure – with the help of shower trays to cut to shape in situ – and closed with sliding doors or doors that do not encroach on the area. However, this subject needs further consideration, and will be discussed in a future post.

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Coverings and tiling for small bathrooms
The color factor and choice of wall/floor coverings also affect the end result, so it’s better to have an overall idea of the project complete with color scheme and selected cover materials.
Quite simply, light, pastel colors illuminate and expand perceived space, whereas dark ones make the room look cramped. In the same way, glossy finishes reflect light (natural or artificial) more than matt finishes.