I love my flat, but there is one real issue with it: the bathrooms are small. And I do not mean small as in slightly on the smaller side. I mean small as in I reckon the crew on the Artemis II space shuttle had roomier bathrooms than I do.
While I cannot do much about the size, I have noticed there are many people on social media sharing how a few design tricks can at least alter the appearance of tiny spaces. Google searches for 'small bathroom tips' have skyrocketed nearly 7,500% over the last year, with bloggers sharing their simple methods for making rooms look breezier and bigger.
But given I do not want to spend a fortune on products I am not entirely sure will make a difference, I decided to get some expert advice to tackle my interiors issue. Helen Belcher, senior interior design consultant at Heal's, has plenty of experience helping shoppers make the most of their smaller spaces. Here, she shares her five top tips for making a tiny bathroom appear more spacious – and honestly, they will save you a fortune knocking down walls or seeking therapy after realising your bathroom has more beauty product bottles than actual space.
Use Layered Lighting
I do not know about you, but my bathroom has annoying fluorescent overhead lights that make me look as though I have not slept for a month. Apparently, this is the first point I need to address.
'Lighting is an incredibly important tool, especially in a small bathroom,' Belcher explains. 'The trick is to avoid relying on a single overhead light, as this can create shadows that make the space feel closed in.'
Instead, try focusing on multi-layer lights that visually expand your space, by casting light evenly in all the little nooks. 'For example, wall sconces positioned either side of your wall mirror at eye level will cast light outwards,' Belcher says, 'which makes your space appear wider.'
'Uplighting using carefully placed LED strips above cabinets or pelmet details also helps by casting light upwards. This softens the boundary where the wall meets the ceiling, which gives a lifting effect and makes ceilings appear higher.'
Stop Using Dark Colours
Everything in my bathroom is dark – largely because I do not want it to get stained in one of my tri-weekly tanning sessions. But according to Belcher, this is another simple mistake I am making when it comes to making my room look smaller.
'Lighter colours naturally bounce more light around a space,' she explains, 'so using lighter shades in a small bathroom will help to keep the space feeling spacious and airy.' In comparison, 'dark colours can create an enveloping feeling, making a space feel small and enclosed.'
If you are after a quick DIY job over an upcoming weekend, Belcher has a suggestion. 'Using wallpaper in a small bathroom or powder room can also introduce depth and personality, adding impact and turning a smaller space into something memorable.' Basically, own your small space proudly – and it might end up distracting from the realisation it is so small.
Take Your Wall Colour onto the Ceiling
Low ceilings are one of those things that are near impossible to change – and even if you do have space to raise them, that likely means renovations costing four or five figures.
Belcher's top tip if you are in this position? 'Paint the ceiling the same, or a slightly lighter, colour as the walls. This harsh line that typically defines where the walls end and the ceiling begins is one of the main culprits for drawing attention to the small size of the space. By painting the ceiling you blur this line, creating a more continuous surface that naturally draws the eye upward, and give the illusion of higher ceilings.'
This works best, as per the above wisdom, if you opt for lighter, airier shades. 'Lighter colours naturally bounce more light around a space,' Belcher explains, 'so using them helps keep the space feeling roomy. Anything too dark will make the space feel more closed in.'
Opt for Wall-Mounted Storage
This is one I am very guilty of: buying helpful standalone storage units, only to find my bathroom barely has the floorplan to fit them in. If you have a small space, 'floating vanities and wall-mounted cabinets will free up valuable floor space,' Belcher explains, 'and make the room feel less cramped and cluttered.'
'Having more floor space visible to the eye gives the impression of more space overall, allowing the eye to travel further before meeting the edges of the room.' So while mounted storage may be a smidge more expensive, it is definitely a worthwhile investment if you are short on floor space.
Use Mirrors Strategically
I usually place mirrors wherever they are easiest to access for applying make-up, but it turns out a slight repositioning could actually open my whole space up. 'Like lighting,' Belcher says, 'mirrors are one of the easiest ways to make a small space feel much larger visually. When placed strategically, they do not just reflect the room, but they can actively double the perceived size of the bathroom by bouncing light around the room and extending sightlines.'
So where exactly are they best placed, and what is the right size mirror to buy? 'A mirror above the sink is a common option,' Belcher advises, 'but opting for a wall-width mirror can really expand the space by blurring the edges of the wall, making the room feel wider than it is.'
'If you want it to feel more considered, then placing mirrors opposite light sources such as windows or wall lights will maximise brightness and reduce shadowed corners that can make a space feel small.'
