U.S. households spend fortunes renovating and improving their homes. U.S. residents spent between $800 billion to $1 trillion in 2022 on home remodelling projects. And while 39% of all renovations involve the kitchen, 25% of these renovations comprised bathroom remodels.
People have different preferences when it comes to bathrooms. Some may like it simple, while others might want a spa-like experience. And every person can have different motivations for upgrading their bathroom. In fact, according to a recent survey, 48% of people who renovated their bathrooms in 2022 said that they did it because they couldn’t stand the sight of the old ones. 24% of people said they wanted to make the bathroom more accommodating.
People often look at rooms and think, “Oh god, this place is too small!” Little do they know that all it takes is a few subtle, simple touches, and the room can instantly feel more spacious.
Moreover, with the Seattle real estate market encountering a major decline of 5.7% in terms of prices from last year, making major investments wouldn’t be such a good idea.
So, let’s take a look at some of the elements that work especially well with your bathrooms and in making even a small space feel expansive:
- Shower enclosures also make the bathroom feel bigger
Creating that aura of spaciousness with limited physical space is an intricate art form where the details matter. This is why, instead of hanging a curtain or having doors that separate your shower space, using glass is a more space-efficient solution.
In a city like Seattle, where the cost of living is much higher than the national average (nearly 50%), installing glass doors might seem like a major expense. However, you can get a free estimate and even some affordable suggestions from a reputable Seattle bathroom remodeling company like Luxury Bath of Seattle.
Not only does the glass give the bathroom a more lavish and modern feel, but it also allows light to flow more freely through the room, making it feel more open. You can also use frosted glass for privacy because that has a similar effect as normal, transparent glass.
- Establish continuity between the flooring and wall covering
Creating an illusion of space is all about playing with the lighting, textures, and glass. One of the most preferred ways in this regard is to uniform the walls with floors. Whether you have a combination of tiles and wallpaper or just tiles on both the floor and the wall, you can extend either one, as this enhances the actual measurements or at least gives the illusion of an extended space.
The continuity that is created when you install the same pattern or colour on the walls and ceiling not only improves the aesthetics of your bathroom but also makes it feel spacious. Most designers recommend using linear tiles as square ones can feel a bit bulky, defeating the purpose that you are pursuing.
- Use light colours on the walls
As with other aspects of the house, it is all about the colours and tones you set, which truly make the bathroom stand out and feel luxurious. However, when you intend to make the room feel bigger than it is, using lighter hues like beige, soft green, pale blue, or off-white works best. Since these colours reflect natural or artificial light, the bathroom feels more open and brighter.
When opting for wall colors, it is best to follow a different approach than the continuity principle because the concept is different with paints. Here, you should prefer picking a colour that is considerably different but still complements the flooring in some way or another. If you are able to get the colour combination perfect, the bathroom can feel bigger eventually.
- Mirrors are the best way to create an illusion of space
Light and reflections have a vital role to play in creating an aesthetic where a room feels larger than it is. Adding mirrors at strategic points can visually increase the space in your bathroom. You can go for smaller but more mirrors rather than one large one while also preferring thinner frames over broader bezels.
For example, you can add a hanging mirror over the vanity so that it can effectively reflect light. Even a small mirror can transform the space and do wonders for you. Alternatively, if you prefer larger mirrors, they can also elevate the aesthetic and perception of space in your bathroom. And, if handling and installing a big mirror seems challenging in your small bathroom, you can consider hiring a professional to assist with the Mirror Hanging process. So, basically, what you are trying to do is use the available light and use mirrors strategically to create an airy and larger, more spacious feel.
- Don’t underestimate the use of natural light
Artificial lighting with modern fixtures has its charm, but when the intention is to make the room feel larger, there is no substitute for natural light. If you’ve been to a home where large picture windows and a skylight allow ample sunlight to enter, you would have definitely felt that the room naturally feels bigger. You can browse a range of high quality openable roof light designs online and find the best fit for your bathroom.
You can make your bathroom feel bigger by adding windows to let more natural light enter the room. Since there is better visibility with the light, you instantly feel like the dimensions of the bathroom have expanded. Couple the light with natural and subtle colour tones to elevate that illusion of expansion.
- Go for fixtures that are smaller in scale
If your bathroom has poorly fitted hardware, sink, or shower heads, it can feel cramped. Also, many people ignore the limited space and go with large toilets or vanities, which makes it extremely uncomfortable and inconvenient to use the bathroom. The solution to all these issues is rather straightforward. Just fight the urge and go for small-scale fixtures instead.
Although these fittings will be smaller than you imagined, they will still serve their purpose, but more importantly, they will free up vital space to make the bathroom more breathable. You will feel the difference even if you substitute a single element like the sink or vanity.
Conclusion
Making a bathroom feel larger than it is can make the space feel more welcoming and refreshing. It takes just a few simple touches, and you can achieve this objective without breaking the bank. Ultimately, how you choose to make the bathroom look spacious depends on your preferences; are you a minimalist or do you want a fancy vanity with a compact toilet? Whatever your personal style, we hope these tips above can help make your bathroom feel more spacious without compromising aesthetics.