Tuesday, March 28, 2017

6 clever ways to make space in a small bathroom

Read article : 6 clever ways to make space in a small bathroom

Most Popular

Use these design, layout and storage ideas to make the most of a small bathroom.

1. MAKE A PLAN

Start by making a floorplan sketch of the room, noting the length of each wall, the position of the door, which side it opens on and any windows. Then make a scale plan on squared paper, cutting out paper shapes to represent the fittings. There are also online 3D planners you can use; try Ideal Standard. Rerouting the hot and cold water supplies to where they are needed shouldn't be problematic, but the waste pipe from the WC needs a short, straight run to an outside wall to join the soil stack. If that's not possible, fitting a macerator and pump allows a small bore pipe to be used, so you have more flexibility in positioning the WC. Don't forget to allow enough clearance around bathroom fittings so you can move around easily. As a rough guide, you need 70cm in front of a WC and basin and 100cm in front of a bath.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

2. CONSIDER DESIGN SOLUTIONS

There's no reason a small space can't be big on design. Be inspired by the latest wall-hung fittings, introduce luxe finishes for walls and floors, and add sparkle with chrome and glass. Choosing a statement piece of furniture or a bold basin will help create a focal point. When refitting an existing bathroom, there isn't always room to move fittings, but space-saving compact versions can make all the difference. Also consider underfloor heating instead of a radiator to free up more space. If your ideas aren't working, think outside the box and investigate whether moving a wall or window or simply changing the way a door hangs could free up space.

Most Popular

3. SELECT A SPACE-SAVING BATH

If you love a good soak, don't be denied this pleasure because your room is too small for a bath – there are several models at a compact 1,500mm x 700mm, while the Gem from Bathroom Heaven comes in lengths of just 1,200mm or 1,300mm. Squeezing in a roll-top bath might even be possible – some are designed with squared-off sides to fit neatly into a corner. Or consider a slipper bath; they tend to be deep but short. Rather than having a separate shower, a shower bath, which gets wider at one end to accommodate room to shower, is a good option. These L- or P-shaped baths come with bespoke screens to keep the water in and some are just 1,500mm long.

4. OPT FOR A SHOWER

Made-to-measure screens, £1,900 including fitting; HSK Renodeco shower panel in Limestone, from £295 for a 900mm x 2,550mm panel; all Frontline Bathrooms

Particularly in an extra bathroom such as a loft room or ensuite, a bath is not so necessary and a shower room will make better use of limited space. Enclosures with bi-fold, pivot or sliding doors are space solvers, as are pentangle or quadrant enclosures that nestle into a corner. Or consider a wet-room design without an enclosure, but with a fixed panel to prevent the whole room getting splashed.

5. PICK A PETITE BASIN AND LOO

Many basins and WCs are wall hung – a huge advantage in a tiny room since they don't eat into the floor space so the room appears larger. 'Short projection' basins and WCs and those designed to fit into a corner are other good solutions for space-starved rooms. Cloakroom basins and some 'quadrant' or corner basins can be tiny – good for rinsing your hands, but not ideal for washing your face without splashing. Opting for a single monobloc tap simplifies the basin design, more so if you select a handleless one that turns on and off via a sensor.

6. FIND FURNITURE TO FIT

High cabinet with two doors, £95; mirror cabinet, £50; washbasin cabinet, £115; storage bench, £40; all Silveran collection, Ikea

Fitted, modular or freestanding furniture? It's down to personal taste, though the current trend is to get everything off the floor, including cabinetry. Fitted solutions are tailored to the room for maximum space efficiency. Look out for reduced 21cm depth furniture designed for smaller rooms. Modular storage is a good halfway house, consisting of units in set sizes that you can combine for a personal look. Taking a leaf from kitchen manufacturers, bathroom designers have come up with clever drawers that fit around a basin, and deep drawers with shallower ones nestling inside. Streamline the look with push-close doors instead of handles.

Keep up-to-date with our inspiring ideas, latest looks, real-life homes and expert advice by signing up for our FREE newsletter…

1 comment:

  1. If you want a modern look for your new bathroom but are not constrained by available space or cost, you may consider installing short Projection Toilets. These toilets offer an extremely streamlined profile, while providing ample room under the rim for ample storage. Available in a variety of materials, including brass, stainless steel, chrome and wood, these stylish toilets will add value to your home, without detracting from its modern design flair. Get More Informtion Short Projection Toilets

    ReplyDelete