A narrow bathroom is often a significant challenge when it comes to its arrangement. Especially if it is a room without windows. The most important aspect, besides placing essential fixtures, is to optically improve the proportions of the bathroom. There are several ways to achieve this. The main principle concerns colors - the lighter, the better. Equally important is adequate lighting.
Among the commonly used optical tricks are large mirrors hung in appropriate places. In today's post, we will try to convince you that arranging a narrow bathroom is not a difficult task at all!
How to Design a Narrow Bathroom?
A long, narrow bathroom, resembling a train car in shape, is a space whose arrangement can pose some difficulties. It is important to ensure that it is not only functional but also stylish and elegant. The first stage of the bathroom arrangement process is selecting furniture and accessories in appropriate shapes.
Bathtub or Shower? Which Solution Will Be Better?
When thinking about how to arrange a narrow bathroom, we often face the dilemma: bathtub or shower? Both a narrow bathroom with a bathtub and one with a shower stall are viable options. However, one should:
- choose a narrower shower stall equipped with folding or sliding doors;
- give up on the bathtub unless the room is really long, and placing large sanitary fixtures won't hinder the comfortable use of the bathroom.
Shower stalls are definitely the more common choice. If you want to save even more space, you can also opt for a walk-in shower, which is installed without a shower tray. Narrow bathrooms work great with such solutions.
If the bathroom is large enough to accommodate a bathtub, you can successfully combine it with a shower. An interesting option might be a rectangular bathtub equipped with a folding screen. Contrary to appearances, this is a very convenient solution.
How to Optically Enlarge a Narrow Bathroom?
There are plenty of arranging tricks that can significantly improve the proportions of the space. Obviously, a narrow bathroom won’t gain more space this way but will definitely look better.
Properly chosen colors and textures will help to enhance the interior optically. In narrow bathrooms, the best solution is bright tiles, placed on both the walls and the floor. It's wise to choose large tiles since uniform surfaces create an impression of space.
Whites, beiges, and light grays will make the narrow bathroom seem more spacious. It’s also worth using proven optical tricks, such as employing two colors.
A good solution might also be to use geometric patterns on opposite walls, which will also somewhat soften the room's disproportions. Light colors and a large mirror are must-haves in a narrow bathroom. A mirror on the shorter side will add the missing depth to the room.
Floors in a Narrow Bathroom - Don't Forget About Them
Forget about mahogany and other dark shades if you like natural wood colors. Brights and grays, like ash for instance, will work wonderfully here. Instead of classic ceramic tiles, a narrow bathroom should have vinyl flooring. They are fully waterproof, and if laid correctly, they can optically improve the proportions of the room. The panels should be laid across the narrow bathroom to give it a bit more width.
An interesting idea is also to separate the bathing area from the rest of the bathroom - just by using different floor colors. This arranging trick will also help shorten an overly long bathroom visually. It’s also worth remembering that a light floor will be an ideal background for other fixtures.
What Furniture Fits in a Narrow Bathroom?
The ideal solution is, of course, made-to-measure furniture, but we may not always be able to afford it. Fortunately, the bathroom furniture market is rich enough that you will easily find something that makes even a small bathroom comfortable and functional.
One thing to definitely avoid is tall cabinets, which combined with the bathroom's length can have the opposite effect. One should opt for simple shapes, without unnecessary embellishments - rather minimalism than glamour - and of course, light colors.
Hanging furniture would also be a good idea, as they not only don’t take up floor space but will also enhance the comfort of using the bathroom. It's worth considering this especially on longer walls, where items reaching the floor could additionally narrow the space.
Narrow Bathroom - What Else Should Be Remembered When Arranging It?
A narrow space can look great, but we must show a fair dose of resourcefulness during its arrangement. Otherwise, poorly thought-out decorating can lead to many problems. When considering how to arrange a small narrow bathroom, it’s worth taking into account the colors of the wall and floor coverings, as they have a huge impact on how we perceive the space.
Equally important is choosing appropriate furniture! It's wise to follow the principle: better less than more; otherwise, the narrow bathroom may end up feeling even more cramped.
Besides these elements, it is good to ensure proper lighting in the bathroom. Point lighting will be excellent here, as it will highlight selected areas of the bathroom. Lights installed around the sink will facilitate daily grooming.
The last thing to consider are mirrors. They will not only be functional elements of the fixtures. They will also add depth. Placed on opposite longer walls, they will visually expand the space.