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.
