Make Your Small Bathroom Feel Larger

by Sherry Holetzky | More from this Blogger

08 Aug 2007 10:01 AM

While some of these tips may help free up a bit of space, they probably won't add much in the way of square footage in your small bathroom. Still, they will help make it feel larger and less confining.

A great way to make a small bath feel more spacious is to remove shower doors, especially those that are not clear glass. Remove the entire structure, clean the area thoroughly, and hang a shower curtain rod and curtain in its place.

While most people close the shower curtain after use to allow it to dry, it is a good idea to open the curtain afterward. Looking straight through to the back wall of the tub or shower area, instead of cutting off a few more feet of room space with the curtain, will make the area look and feel larger.

Lightening up the space is a given. Light colored walls, shower curtains, and window treatments are good choices. However, don't forget ceilings and floors. If the ceiling is the same color as the walls, even if it is a light color, you might want to paint it even lighter or perhaps white. Also, adding a band of the lighter color at the top of the wall or adding molding and painting it the same color as the ceiling will also add height. If you can't change out the flooring right now, add a light colored accent rug to brighten up the area.

It is important reflect light well to make a space feel larger. Glossy paint reflects light the best and is the easiest to clean. Clear glass accessories will let light pass through where solid objects stop the flow of the light. Clear items also stand out less, keeping the space feeling less cluttered. Clutter makes any space feel smaller, but the effect is especially harsh in an already small space.

Keep this in mind when adding shelves, racks, and other pieces as well. Instead of using contrasting shelves, paint them the same color as the wall. Furniture pieces should also blend in as much as possible.

A monochromatic look in a small space tends to make it feel airier, but that doesn't mean it has to be boring. You can add interest by mixing and blending different shades of the same color and by choosing great hardware for cabinets and furniture pieces. Also, inject some texture with extra thick, fluffy towels and rugs. Baskets work great as do stones, beeswax candles, or dried naturals such as curly willow.

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Learn more about Sherry Holetzky

Sherry Holetzky is a work at home mom and freelance writer. Married to her best friend, Sherry and her husband are raising their family in a quiet rural setting in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

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