Designing Small Bath Spaces

Here are some great design ideas to make a small bathroom appear larger without sacrificing aesthetics, comfort and functionality.

One of the simplest ways to make a small bathroom appear larger is to choose light colors for the décor and the appropriate style and size for your sink design. If you want to add some bright, bold colors to your small bathroom, use accent colors in your border or decorative accessories like mirror frames and bathroom hardware.

Choosing light colors for your bathroom flooring will aid in making your bathroom appear more open and roomier. Some of the more popular colors for bathroom floors are tans, light grays and light blues. By incorporating light colors on your walls and floors, you will have created the basis for a light colored décor that will give your small bathroom design the appearance of a much larger space.

Companies like Benjamin Moore® and Sherwin Williams® both offer full lines of green paint products. Look for Benjamin Moore's Green Promise® label on its Aura®, Natura®, ben® and Aura Bath & Spa® paint lines so you know you are getting the lowest VOCs and odor without sacrificing style or performance. Above is a bath designed using tea light green, which is the perfect color to compliment the stone, tile, wood and water found in this bathroom design.

Another great idea for a small bath design is to use a pedestal or vessel sink rather than a traditional vanity. Today's pedestal and vessels sinks come in a wide range of styles, sizes, colors and materials to match any bathroom décor. By installing a pedestal or vessel sink in your bathroom you can gain an extra floor space. A great option for a vessel sink is to choose a faucet with a long neck or a wall-mount faucet.

When it comes to lighting your small bathroom, be sure to choose fixtures that give off a lot of light but don't take up too much space, like recessed lighting. And use higher wattage bulbs whenever possible. By making your bathroom brighter and more inviting you will create the illusion of a wider space. If possible, try and increase the amount of natural light that comes into your bathroom by using a large horizontal window or skylight.

Don't be fooled by the name, because LAMPS PLUS® carries a unique collection of furniture and décor including bath vanities. They have assembled an elegant bathroom design featuring a wide frosted glass bath fixture and wide wall sconce from the Possini Euro Design Lighting Collection®; walnut finish marble top glass basin sink console; Kimberly Rattan® accent chair; Post Collection® nickel finish wall mirror and brushed nickel towel rings from the Danze® Bannockburn™ Collection. This would be perfect in a small bath space or powder room.

Try to limit the amount of items that you have in your bathroom, because they can easily clutter your bathroom and detract from your design. Keep decorative items to a minimum and items such as storage shelves and hampers can easily be moved elsewhere. You can store most of your bathroom items, like extra towels, health & beauty supplies and paper products in a small storage cabinet in the hallway or a hall closet.

Don't overlook the value of mirrors, they are not only essential in a bathroom design, but adding extra mirrors can add depth to your bathroom and work as reflectors to capture available light and make the room brighter.

By incorporating most of these ideas into your small bathroom design, you will be creating a bathroom that is big on style and functionality.