People who live in palatial homes probably enjoy washing and bathing in huge spacious bathrooms but most of us, ordinary mortals, have to settle for medium and even small bathrooms. If you live in an urban apartment or condo, the odds are that your bathroom is small. You need not despair, however. Architects and interior decorators have come up with several ideas to add space to your bathroom without actually adding space to your bathroom.
Colors can make a lot of difference in the bathroom. If there are many dark colors inside, get rid of them. This includes the floor, walls, ceiling, and even the trims. Light colors make small bathrooms look bigger. For the floor, there are plenty of light colored ceramic tiles and natural stones you can choose from to give your bathroom the illusion of space. If you choose ceramic tiles, go for those sized 6- or 8-inch square. Smaller versions can actually make the bathroom look smaller. For the walls, you can use a light pattern whose hue is only slightly darker that the background. Patterned wallpapers or a faux finish will work well. The ceiling and trims should be white. You can also install a crown molding, also in white, to provide the illusion of height.
Cabinets and fixtures, except for the mirror, should be of small sizes. Recess cabinets if possible otherwise, you can paint them with light colors, preferably white. If you need to have shelves, use only glass but keep them shallow. The ideal enclosure for your shower is glass but if it is too expensive, a clear shower curtain will work almost as well. Mirrors reflect light making the bathroom appear larger than it really is so you can have a big one above your sink.
Allow natural light to come into the bathroom. If possible, remove window curtains. If you are still using incandescent bulbs, replace them with CFL light bulbs. They simulate natural light and are energy-efficient as well.
Try these ideas with your small bathroom. You will be surprised at how they can give it the illusion of a larger space.