The Problem Of Creating Space In The Small Bathroom

By James Frederick Harrison

Creating extra space in a small bathroom at the planning stage is a common and, at times, frustrating problem that many homeowners face. This occurs when building a small, new bathroom, or renovating an old one. However, if you have a clear idea about the furniture, fixtures and amenities you wish to fit into your bathroom, this problem can be easily addressed. In fact, this should be your starting point. For example, you will be wasting space by installing a shower, when a simple bath would be good enough. By furnishing your small bathroom with items you and the family will be using more often, you will not only create useful extra space, but make it appear larger than it really is.

Take Precise Measurements - First measure the length, width and height of the space reserved for your bathroom. Then draw a scale model, either on paper or with the help of a good graphics program on your computer. 10 cm =1 meter is the most common scale used. Use this scale to draw outlines/shapes to represent the amenities and furniture you propose to include in your bathroom. Move them around until you have achieved the best possible arrangement. However, make sure to reserve enough space around each item for convenient use and unhindered movement. Another crucial aspect that must not be overlooked, are the current locations of installed power and water lines. Of course, a significant amount of money and time can be saved, if existing utility points are maintained during construction or major renovation work.

Use Smarter Storage Ideas - These can get the maximum out of a small area. Although often overlooked, the area below the wash basin is ideal for installing a small single or dual-door cabinet to store soap, shampoo, toilet rolls and other bathroom cleaning items. You may even fix shelves in the cabinet for more organized storage. Another area to look at is the space between walls and ceiling. Even if this space is not too wide or high, you can still use it to install a shelf or two for storage of items like wash cloths, folded or rolled towels, and other toiletries.

Equip Your Bathroom With Smaller Elements - By furnishing your small bathroom with compact-sized, furniture and amenities, not only will this free up floor space, it will also make the bathroom look more spacious. Therefore, make sure the wash basin, shower, toilet bowl and bidet are selected in sizes that are proportionate to the overall area of your bathroom. Small and standard-sized bathroom elements may be placed alongside each other. However, it would be better to choose items that are symmetrical in terms of size and design to achieve a more homogenous look.

Invest In Smart, Space-Saving Solutions - Add a heated towel rack. This is a smart addition for a small bathroom, because it is designed to serve two purposes - holding towels and heating the bathroom simultaneously. Similarly, install a bath cum shower rather than separate units which gobble up space which could come handy for other things. Remember, dual-purpose items are the most practical options for a small bathroom.

Liberty Bathrooms is an online bathroom retailer specialising in everything you need to maximise the space in a smaller bathroom, including furniture and cheap bathroom suites.

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