Decide if you want to achieve an open and airy feel in your small bathroom, or if you prefer a darker, cosier look. Using light paint colours on walls and tiles will open the space out as they reflect light, whereas dark colours absorb light to create a sense of enclosure and intimacy. Don’t shy from a bold colour or wallpaper because it might feel cramped. Make a statement and run with it as this customer has.
One top tip to create the illusion of height in a small space, is to hang curtains and blinds up higher than the window frame. Also, use walls for storage to keep floor space uncluttered. Wall mounted shelves and
hooks and racks are excellent for keeping coats, bags, hats and gym equipment tidy without encroaching on the space in a room.
4. CHECK YOUR IP RATINGS
For safety reasons, bathrooms will generally require lights with an IP rating to ensure they are protected from water ingress, especially if they are to be fitted near a shower or bath where there is lots of water vapour. The higher the IP rating, the more the light is protected. For this reason, bathrooms are divided into zones depending on how much water is likely to present. All our
bathroom ceiling and
wall lights are
IP rated 44 which makes them suitable for most applications (for fitting in zones 2 &3).
Bathroom Zones for IP ratings
5. THINK ABOUT SCALE
Before buying lights, think about how they will look in your small bathroom. Anything oversized can overwhelm the space, so we suggest opting for sleek, streamlined designs with a no-fuss, classic appeal that will complement the décor. You can experiment with making a paper cut out or blowing up a balloon to the to the size of your light, to gauge an idea of its size in situ.
6. LESS IS MORE
A small bathroom might only need a couple of lights to illuminate it fully. Ceiling fittings give the best ambience, so we suggest fitting a centrally hung pendant or
flush-fitting light combined with a couple of
wall lights either side of a mirror or vanity unit to ensure an even spread of light.
7. THE WONDER OF WALL LIGHTS
If your ceiling height is restricted, opt for wall lights as they are a wonderful way of introducing some personality and a focal point to your scheme, especially if used around a mirror or vanity unit. If you have a ceiling light, consider wiring your wall lights on a separate circuit so you have more control over when to switch them on.
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Bathroom Wall Lights8. CONSIDER SPOTLIGHTS
If you have a low or
sloped ceiling, or an awkward corner in your small bathroom, you may find it casts shadows that can diminish the sense of space. A well chosen spotlight could be the answer as they can be fitted on a wall or ceiling and are adjustble, so you can angle them wherever you need to brighten up shelves and eaves or to create a sense of height by directing the light upwards and illuminating a white ceiling.
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Spotlights9. GO FOR GLASS
We love glass, which is why so many of our bathroom wall lights feature glass shades. The beauty of glass is that it has a transparent, airy quality that makes the most of any available light without encroaching on the sense of space - ideal for smaller bathrooms. Glass naturally bounces light around - daylight as well as electric - creating a sense of ‘flow’ that opens up a small bathroom.
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Glass Bathroom Lights10. A MIRROR IS ESSENTIAL
Using reflective surfaces in your décor will make a small bathroom room feel larger. As well as being decorative, mirrors help to create a focal point in a room, adding depth and a sense of drama as well as bringing more light to an interior. Go as large as you can, and if possible, position your mirror opposite a window to maximize the natural light and create a feeling of depth as well as brightness.
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Mirrors
11. MAXIMISE METAL FIXTURES & GLOSSY SURFACES
In a small bathroom, it helps if fixtures are both functional and stylish to make the best use of space. Reflective metals like brass and nickel are hugely popular in modern bathroom designs as they lend a sense of heritage quality and character to a space. Consider using them for bathroom accessories,
cabinet pulls and
door handles, while glossy tiles on walls or backsplashes pick up the light and add a touch of elegance.
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Bathroom Ranges12. DON'T FORGET SMALL DETAILS
Nothing exudes well considered elegance in a small bathroom more than a metallic switch plate in warm brass, or our brightly reflective nickel. Not only will they add character to the room, but they also work to tie your scheme together, especially if used to match other fittings.
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Shaver Sockets ,
Ceiling Switches & Light Pulls and
Bathroom Door Handles