Having a small bathroom can be a challenge in terms of both style and practicality. Yet, there are plenty of tips to decorate a small bathroom and make it seem larger than it is. Just by selecting a light shade of paint, you can bring more light into the room and elevate your interior.
But decoration tricks can only go so far. There are real challenges to having a small bathroom which decoration only may not be able to solve. Here are some ideas to help you create a cosy, inviting, and stylish bathroom when you have a limited surface.
Battling mould
Unfortunately, small bathrooms are more likely to encounter ventilation problems, which can lead the excess moisture from the shower or the bath to linger in the room. As a result, your bathroom can be prone to mould growth. The breeding ground for mould and mildew can be difficult to manage. This can lead to a never-ending cycle of clearing mould before it reappears again.
So, it is important to tackle the real problem, which is the excess moisture in the air. Ventilation can only do so much. In small bathrooms, the addition of certain plants, such as aloe vera or fern, can dramatically reduce moisture levels in the air.
Declutter the mess
Small bathrooms are more likely to be messy as you’ve got limited space and storage. As a result, it can rapidly become cramped and cluttered. A tidy bathroom will need the introduction of smart organising habits. On the one side, you want to elevate your space with smart storage or organisational furniture. But on the other hand, you also need to organise your toiletry products effectively.
Some tips to declutter a small bathroom:
- Do not keep open makeup longer than six to 12 months
- Lotions and creams that are left unused should be disposed of
- Switch shower gel, shampoo and conditioner bottles for small solid bars
- Not everything needs to be kept in the bathroom (hand cream and sunscreen protection can also be kept in the entryway, for example, as you need to apply those before getting outside)
Get rid of bad odours
Bad smells can occur in any bathroom, regardless of its size. Small bathrooms are more at risk because any odour is rapidly noticeable in a small space.
There could be different underlying causes for a lingering smell. The first and most frequent occurrence is having blocked drains, even if they are only partially blocked. For instance, if the shower drain flows slowly and you notice a musty smell, this may be linked to a blockage inside the pipe. Blockages typically consist of hair, skin cells, and shower products build-up.
Open-lid bins can also emit unpleasant smells, especially if they are not emptied regularly. Make it a priority to empty your bathroom bin once a week, even if it isn’t full.
Finally, damp towels also count among the most likely culprits. As a rule of thumb, bath towels should be replaced weekly; otherwise, their surface can create a favourable terrain for bacterial growth.
There are plenty of trendy and stylish design solutions to elevate your small bathroom. But remember that great design also needs good habits to remain purposeful and enjoyable!
