Make the most of a small bathroom

Posted on 10th January 2013

In most modern homes it is typical that the bathroom tends to be one of the smallest rooms in the house, though it is probably one of the most used.

Because of this it is important to make the most of the space available whilst achieving a beautiful and tranquil place to which you can retreat. Use this guide to help you transform your bathroom in to a thing of beauty.

The design

It is important not to rush in to anything when re-designing your bathroom. Look at magazines and DIY stores for inspiration and create a mood board with pictures and clippings of ideas you like. Ask for paint samples and colour charts to see what works well. Browse online stores like http://www.smrbathrooms.co.uk for inspiration – such specialist sites will offer advice from inception to decoration on all aspects of bathroom design – including bespoke work.

Colour scheme

The majority of bathroom suites are now white, giving them a modern appearance. Thankfully gone are the days of avocado and salmon pink suites. However, this does not mean that your bathroom needs to be devoid of colour. Decorating can be an expensive option, so instead pick an accent colour and use this in the room through a choice of candles, towels, flowers, shower curtains and accessories. This way if you get board or fancy a change you simply change the accents and do not need to worry about re-decorating.

Changing fixtures

As simple as it sounds, changing your bath or sink taps can have a significant Impact on your bathroom. Not only will they have a cleaner, modern feel, it is also a cheaper alternative than replacing the entire suite. Changes can also be made to radiators and shower heads in an effort to modernise a suite. Heated towel rails are a perfect example of this. They are sleek, modern, affordable and can be self installed. Browsing a comprehensive catalogue of heated towel rails like the one athttp://www.smrbathrooms.co.uk/acatalog/Heated_Towel_Rails.html will give you a better idea of the range of shapes and designs available, and further spark your imagination.

Window dressing

Look at the window dressing in your bathroom. Curtains can look tired and dated and can be difficult to clean, so opting for blinds is an alternative solution. These can range from metal and wood to fabric, and they can even be chosen to tie in with your colour scheme. If you are feeling crafty, some blinds are also easy to make yourself. Look online for DIY guides to help you – these can be great fun and can also save you a lot of money in the long run.

Storage

Clever storage solutions are key to making the most of a small bathroom space. Consider made-to-measure units to fit around the sink basin, while wall-based storage also lets you see more of the floor space that gives the room a larger appearance. Experiment with different types of shelving but make sure they are functional. You can also use Baskets for storage which further adds a decorative touch. By using these to store your toiletries you remove the clutter and once again give the illusion of space.

Shop on a budget

You do not need to spend a lot of money to get a high-quality finish in your bathroom. A number of discount stores provide excellent products for use in a bathroom, while end-of-range lines in DIY stores offer useful ideas. Always ask whether they can offer you a discount: if you don’t ask you don’t get.