While larger and bigger bathrooms that can be turned
into personal retreats are the trend of the day, many of us have to do
with small or tiny bathrooms. Scaled-down fixtures can be a blessing in
a tiny bathroom but you have to be careful that they are actually
usable. A toilet, sink or tub slightly smaller than average can make
your bathroom look more expansive, especially in rented apartments where
you cannot build additions to your home or break down a wall or closet
to free more space for your bath. Small and petite fixtures are
available with many customized options and you can find some easily in
specialty showrooms. They are available in lots of colors, shapes and
patterns and are often available at same or slightly higher price than
standard models.
For Lilliputian bathrooms, you can find small bathroom sinks, pedestal
sinks, wall hung sinks and corner sinks. If you have a small lavatory,
then the location and size of the faucets are very important. Make sure
that the diminutive sink you are choosing is big enough to allow you to
wash your hand comfortably in it. Positioning the faucet in the corner
is the best way to optimize space in small sinks. Normally small sinks
have wall mounted fittings with single control and 4 inch center. Sinks
are available in all types including ones that fit snugly into a corner,
make best use of smaller bathroom space with style, can accommodate a
wall-mount or countertop faucet well and that are custom-made to fit
into unique situations.
Wall hung sinks are great for small baths bur some people may prefer
small diminutive vanities for their storage cabinets. However,
customized vanities with vanity tops that have integral sinks or
standard countertop with small countertop sink may cost much more. Plan
your bathroom layout well. You may use smaller than average bathtubs or
corner tubs and whirlpools for tight space but make sure that they are
actually usable. In a tiny bath tub with less than 36 square inches of
space, make sure that the rim height of tub is high enough to hold more
water for bathers, especially for taller people. If space is too
limited, you can use neo-angle showers in the corner instead. In
toilets, rough-in refers to the distance between the wall and the center
of the closet bend or toilet drain, which is normally 12 inches in
modern homes. Lesser the rough-in space of the toilet, it will be closer
to the wall and takes up lesser pace in the bathroom.
Other factors that decide the space taken up by the toilet is its tank
design and whether it is one or two piece and shape of the seat, whether
it is rounded or elongated. The best use can be made of a small bathroom
space by using a 12-inch rough-in with a rounded or compact elongated
front and use one-piece low toilet tank as it seems to take less space.
Rounded bowls tale lesser space than elongated ones though they may be
less comfortable for some people. Generally, round-front toilets extend
25 to 28 inches from the wall while elongated toilets extend 29 to 31
inches.
If the toilet is just opposite the door, which is normal in smaller
bathrooms, an elongated toilet seat may restrict the swig of the door.
You can use compact elongated bowls instead. Make sure that the material
of bathroom fixtures should be coordinated well so that everything fits
visually. In a tiny bathroom, use fixtures that are in same colors as
walls and floor of the bathroom. Use colors, lighting and visual space
enlargement decorating tricks just like other rooms of the house to make
your bathroom look and feel larger. Pale, soft and cool color schemes
look more serene and make the space look larger. Avoid strong colors
though you can add towels and accessories to add visual variety in your
bathroom.
