Deep-hued sinks, toilets, and tubs can look dramatic in a large bath, but induce claustrophobia in a small one. Go with classic white and express your sense of style with the design of the fixtures.
Trade a standard door for a sliding pocket door to gain additional floor space once reserved for the door swing. Bifold doors (doors that fold up like a screen) can also save space.
Small spaces call for good lighting to avoid feeling cramped and depressing. It's doubly important in bathrooms where shaving and applying makeup require strong light. So don't skimp on light fixtures. Instead, consider using both wall-mounted sconces and ceiling-hung fixtures. Remember, windows provide natural light, which is an easy and inexpensive way to open up a small room.
Glass shelves increase the room's sense of space because they can sometimes appear invisible. Items placed on them seem to hover in air, which gives a much lighter effect in a small space than heavy cabinetry can provide.
A pedestal sink is a great way to open up a small bath because it eliminates the space-hogging vanity. The downside to a pedestal sink is that it doesn't allow for much storage. If you need more room to store bathroom essentials, add a small ledge or shelf above the sink, a space-saving alternative to a bulky vanity.
Mirrors stretch space by reproducing it. Mirroring the long wall of a narrow bath, for example, can change the room's proportions and make it seem wider. Be sure to place mirrors so they reflect the bath's assets...whether that's a wall hanging, a panoramic view, or the widest room angle. Two mirrors positioned opposite each other create the illusion of a never-ending room.
In a small bath, space is too precious to be taken up by clutter. Pare down your bath countertop to the things you really like or need to have handy, then store the rest. Customize the space beneath your sink with wire racks, bins, and shelves. By putting possessions in order, you make the most of the space you have.
For a sleek, clean look, keep storage flush with walls whenever possible. Narrow shelving units also help you edit what you keep in your bathroom. With just enough storage, you'll have space to store the essentials, with no room left over for clutter.
Adopt a zen-like approach to your decor. Leave only what you absolutely need in a small bathroom: a few hand towels, a bar of soap, and extra toilet paper stashed away in a slim storage unit. A pedestal sink saves space and is a showstopper in marble.
Replace space-stealing fixtures with smaller versions, such as these scaled-down sinks. You can also find small basins or slim-and-trim pedestal sinks designed especially for small baths. Other space-saving fixtures can free up real estate in your bathroom, too. Consider replacing a typical tub with a soaking tub. It's deeper but smaller in circumference. And if you rarely use your tub and want to gain space, you might want to replace it with a sleek shower stall.
