Space constraint is perhaps the biggest challenge that apartment dwellers struggle with. It is easy to feel claustrophobic when you run low on square footage. Even your tiny bedroom or kitchen may make you feel restricted, bathroom space is often the top concern. It gets hard to fit in multiple fittings and fixtures in a small bathroom, while limited light and floor space can make decor a real struggle.
Image by Barry D
Thankfully, you can make the place look brighter and more spacious by getting the decor right. The best part is that you need not spend a fortune on the makeover project. Just think about making the most of what you have, and you can come up with some brilliant ideas to redecorate your small apartment bathroom in the budget. Here are some ideas that can help you nail space and aesthetics.
Stick with light and bright colors
Experts highlight the value of light and bright hues when it comes to creating an illusion of space for the smallest rooms. The first thing you must do for a small bathroom makeover project is to paint it in a light and bright hue. White is ideal, although you can pick soft pastels like mint green, peach, or powder blue if you are looking for some color for the place. It will light up the area and give it a fresh look and feel. Lightweight curtain fabric in a breezy print for the windows maximizes the light and complements the decor perfectly.
Cover a wall with a mirror
You can open up a tiny space by covering a wall with a mirror. Pick one for the whole wall rather than hang it above the vanity. The mirror doubles up space instantly by reflecting the light and pattern. It also serves a functional value if you use your bathroom as a dressing area. But make sure that you choose the wall strategically when hanging up a full-length mirror. Alternatively, you can consider installing multiple mirrors around the bathroom for an impression of space.
Choose the tiles wisely
Tiles are an integral element of a bathroom, and you may use them for a segment of walls or from top to bottom. You need to choose them wisely for small areas because the wrong ones can visually fragment an already compact space. White subway tiles are ideal for opening up the look, while you may opt for trendy hexagonal tiles if looking to create a new look for an outdated bathroom. Hexagonal floor and wall tiles are in vogue, and you can find endless options if you shop around.
Keep the floor clear
It is easy to cover the floor when you don’t have a lot of open space to place things around, but it is the worst you can do for a tiny bathroom. Placing a vanity or storage containers on the floor cramps up the place and even causes tripping hazards. Installing floating storage is a better alternative as it lets you open up the floor area effortlessly, and you still have everything at arm’s length. There are plenty of stylish options for such installations, and they can add as much to aesthetics as functionality.
Get a makeover for the cabinets
After working on the floor and walls of the bathroom, you need to pay attention to storage. Clutter can make the place appear even tighter, so ensure that you have enough storage with cabinets. A makeover for the cabinets should be next on your small bathroom remodeling checklist. Look for vertical designs rather than horizontal ones to nail the available space. Apart from the fittings, you can hang around large baskets and small trays to store the knick-knacks like shower essentials, makeup, and more.
Add a shower niche
A shower niche is a brilliant space-saving idea for apartment bathrooms. It lets you use up the shower area that often goes to waste. The best part is that you have everything you need right at hand, and it makes showering a lot more enjoyable when you don’t have to reach out for soaps and shower gels. A shower niche, therefore, deserves a place in your makeover plans. If you cannot have one within the wall, consider adding some vertical shelves for storage and functionality.
Install a pocket-door
If you are willing to spend a little more on the bathroom makeover, a pocket door can be a great idea. A pocket door tucks away into the wall, and you get an open illusion for a tight space. The task may be labor-intensive, but it is worth the effort and expense as you get a contemporary feel for the place. You only have to find another spot to hang up the towels after adding this element.
Opt for a longer shower curtain
Another simple and cost-effective idea for opening up your small apartment bathroom is to get a new shower curtain. Consider taking the fabric all the way up to the ceiling rather than reaching up to the usual height of the tub. It will elongate the walls and make the area appear bigger vertically. The idea works if you have a claustrophobic space you want to enlarge without spending a lot.
Upgrade the accessories
When it comes to a bathroom makeover, you cannot forget an upgrade for the accessories. They become all the more important if you are looking to deal with the space woes. Lighting can make all the difference as it adds pops of personality and an open feel to the place. Bath fixtures can add to the visual appeal and take attention away from space constraints. You can consider a facelift for the sink and find a smaller designer variant.
A bathroom makeover for your apartment may take some good thinking, but it is worth the effort. It is best to let an expert handle the project because they know the best when it comes to achieving more with less. They can give you a perfect remodeling plan to overcome the space constraints within your budget.