The small bathroom - top tips for making the space a big success
In case you missed it, this week on The Block the contestants were tasked with creating small bathrooms for their studio terraces, with the challenge of getting the most function out of a small space.
If you’re facing a similar conundrum, here are Reece Bathrooms’ top tips for making the most out of a tiny bathroom footprint.
Measurements - what are you working with?
The first thing you’ll need to figure out is how much space you have to work with. Take measurements of your bathroom before you start browsing online and before you head into a showroom, as this will allow you to determine a layout that works best for your space.
Establish your needs -
When working with limited space, you need to ensure that the room will be able to meet the user’s needs. After you’ve factored in the essentials like the toilet, shower, basin, vanity and taps, luxuries like additional storage or heated towel rails can be worked into the equation as space allows.
Once you’ve determined what you’ll need in the bathroom, you can start to plan the layout in the form of a 3D planner. Consider how – and when – people will use the space and avoid placing obstacles in the way. For example, does a cabinet door hit the shower screen upon opening? Or is the toilet the first thing you see when you walk in? Experimenting with your layout with the Reece 3D planner will help you work out the best way to maximise functionality in the room.
Let your heart win
As we saw on The Block, even in the smallest of bathrooms you can still incorporate the features you love. Here are some ways you can save space to make room for your must-haves:
1 - Reduce the bulk of your toilet
By opting for a cistern that lives behind a wall, you can free up inches of precious space whilst keeping the toilet profile sleek and minimal. With ample colour and finish options available in the cistern buttons, you can ensure colour cohesion in the space, too, with finishes from sleek matte black to a luxurious champagne available.
2 - Make room with your vanity or basin
Choosing a wall-hung vanity will free up the area below and create the illusion of additional space. If your bathroom is super tight, consider a wall-hung basin instead, like the American Standard Studio Corner Wall Basin, which is designed for complete functionality in a tight space.
3 - Be smart with your shower
The way you configure your shower can make all the difference in a small bathroom. For example, a sliding shower door creates space, unlike shower doors that swing outwards. When it comes to the shower itself, a rail or hand shower can have a much narrower profile than an overhead shower, so this may be a better selection if space is tight. If you can’t take bath time out of your weekly routine, consider a combined shower/bath instead of a larger freestanding bath.
Space-saving hacks
Aside from big picture design and product choices, there are many small tweaks you can make to help your tiny bathroom punch above its weight:
Select sleek taps with a minimal profiles like the Mizu Stream range, which tie in seamlessly to any aesthetic without making the space look bulky.
Choose a neutral, light palette to create a sense of openness, as opposed to dark colours which can minimise the feel of the space.
Use floor-to-ceiling feature tiles to draw the eye up.
Make the most out of the room you have – if you know your space and how to work with it, you can hack it for big success.
For the ultimate renovation inspiration, The Reece Bathroom Kit has everything you need to create a bathroom better than you imagined. Order a free copy, available from 30 September. www.reece.com.au/thebathroomkit