Add the Illusion of Space to your Bathroom
Not surprisingly, the average size of the home bathroom has almost doubled during the past few decades. Still, many of us live in homes with considerably "smaller" bathrooms; those that are 75 square feet or less. While they might be short on space, these smaller bathrooms need not lack style, character, or most importantly, the feel of a more spacious spa-like bath.
You don't have to spend thousands of dollars to pump up a pint-size bath. The following tips provided by Moen® can be used to "trick" the eye into seeing more space than is truly there.
Materials Checklist:
- Picture Depot® 24" x 36" Framed Mirror
Blain # 500806 - Philips Natural Light Plus Halogen Bulb
Blain # 540525 - Shur-Line® The Original One Coater® 5 - Piece Set
Blain # 410915
View Detail - F&F® Legend Premiere Bath Paint
Blain # 592864
View Detail - Titebond® Molding and Trim Glue
Blain # 251185
View Detail - Small Hidden Mirror Holder
Blain # 596509
Instructions:
- Expand the Ceiling: You don't need to raise your bathroom ceiling to create a roomier feel. Create the illusion of a taller bathroom by painting a lattice or molding design around the edge of the ceiling. Or, install crown molding - just remember to make sure to paint the crown molding the same color as the ceiling.
- Add Depth: One of the most cost-effective and easiest ways to "optically enlarge" a small bathroom is through the use of paint. Pick soft creams, light neutrals and pastels to open up this small space. And to lend some contrast, consider adding bright towels or accessories.
- Let There Be Light: Light has a profound effect on the perception of room size. If you don't have a bathroom window, halogen lighting is a good solution because it offers precise light rather than the scattered light provided by fluorescent bulbs. If you have enough height in the room, consider installing soft-diffused lighting, or use several recessed lights.
- Reflect on the Space: Mirrors are a welcome addition to any small bathroom because of the light-enhancing and reflective qualities they provide in visually opening up a space.
- And remember, just because your bathroom may be small, doesn't mean that it has to be dull. Visually opening up a bathroom can turn it into a warm and inviting retreat that would rival any larger bathroom!