Bathroom Space Solutions

• Safety First
• Light approach
• Hang it all
• Split level
• Keep it simple

 
Safety First

• The only sockets allowed in the bathroom are sockets for shaving. Don't install these near the sink or bath.
• Consider buying a non-slip mat to lie over floor tiles that may become slippery when wet.
• If elderly share your bathroom its worth installing a fold down seat in the shower or fitting the bath with rails to make getting in and out easier.
• Do you really need a lock on the bathroom door? It's the worst place to be trapped in an emergency. A sign outside the door should let people know when it's in use.
• Thermostatic taps are a good idea as they regulate temperature to protect against scalding.
• Avoid trailing flexes or exposed wires.

 
Light approach
Bathroom lighting should be both practical and aesthetically pleasing. Clever positioning can also help make your room feel bigger.

• Install crisp low voltage halogen lights around the edge of your ceiling to enhance the space, consider highlighting sinks and recesses with directional lighting.
• Tile your bathroom floor to ceiling in glass mosaic tiles. They reflect light and bounce it all round the room. Accessories and furniture made from light reflective materials such as glass, chrome, stainless steel and polished granite will also do the trick.
• Use a mirror as a bath panel or completely cover one wall in mirror to open up the space.
• If yours is a windowless bathroom fit a skylight in the ceiling to let in light.

 
Hang it all
Lifting all furniture, fittings and fixtures off the floor is a clever way of creating a feeling of space.

• Free up valuable floor space by opting for a wall hung basin and loo and freestanding bath on raised chrome legs. This wall hung Jade suite by Vogue is perfect for small, awkward spaces. Tel: 01 812 8200 for stockist details.
• Conceal the cistern, all plumbing and wiring behind walls to create a more streamlined look.
• A slim, long vertical towel rail on the wall will lead the eye upwards as you enter the room. Painted vertical stripes will also visually add height to your room.
• Consider lifting all furniture off the floor and hang it from the wall too. A slimline chest of drawers could easily be mounted on the wall. You could also cut out niches in the wall for shelving.

 
Split level
Make the most of narrow rooms with a split-level; it's also a nice way of separating the bathing area from the toilet.

• If your room is really tall extend the split-level up to a window, and either install a bath or shower on top. The steps leading up to it can be used to store bath products or even folded towels. Kit your bathroom out with Villeroy and Boch's Japanese inspired Nagano range
• Use the same flooring on both levels. Laying tiles diagonally is a good way of fattening up thin, narrow room.
• Sinking a bathtub into the floor is another great way of adding to the feeling of spaciousness.
• Make use of awkward recesses and corners with built-in shelving and flush wall storage.

 
Keep it simple

• Avoid dark colours in small spaces. Paint walls, floors and ceiling in space enhancing white. Pale pinks, blues and water greens will work well too.
• Build cupboards flush against the wall and fit with push-click fittings. Keep furniture to a minimum and hide all bottles and beauty products behind closed doors.
• Stick to white sanitary-ware, nothing coloured or tinted, in friendly, curvy shapes. Ideal Standards Space Furniture range makes use of every available inch
• For the ultimate in pared-down perfection considering transforming your bathroom into a wet room.