Increasing the Impression of Space in a Bathroom

Don't worry if you are stuck with a small, cramped bathroom. Take inspiration from these handy hints and tips on using your space more efficiently and increase the appearance of roominess in your bathroom.

Spatial illusions:

• Keep your scheme monochrome. One color used on walls, windows, blinds and floors will dramatically increase the sense of space - the lighter the tone, the better.
• Maximize space with dual-purpose furniture, reflective surfaces and clever lighting. Look for accessories that work twice as hard, for example, towel rails that incorporate soap dishes.
• Use the space below and above fittings. Position shelving and/or cupboards beneath and above basins, around the bath and in the wall space above it. Be creative with shelving units - standing at a right angle projecting into the room may take up less wall space and form effective room dividers.
• Build a solid surround around the bath to provide extra surface for toiletries, soaps, candles and other items, and to provide space for built-in shelving or underneath cupboards.
• Fill an empty wall - one with a window if at all possible - with a built-in bathroom bench. It provides an ideal place for relaxing on or pampering yourself after a bath. Add a cupboard or shelving unit underneath to create extra storage. If you don't have enough room for a bench, you can still make clever use of an empty corner by installing a shelf that can also be used as a corner seat.

Further considerations:

• If storage space around the bath and sink is limited, use the walls. Hang a stylish chrome shower caddy from hooks or shower fittings, use a wall-mounted toothbrush holder and soap dish. Check out accessories with suction fittings, which attach easily to tiles or glass.
• Bath racks in a range of materials are ideal for over-bath storage.
• Place colorful plastic or stylish steel baskets on the floor of the shower and group shampoos, shower gels and soaps in them.
• If you have the floor-space, give an old chest of drawers, sideboard or small wardrobe a new lease of life by using it in the bathroom. Revamp it with paint, wood-stain or varnish to match your design scheme - remember to add a moisture-proof finish in the bathroom, such as polyurethane varnish, for long life. Use it to store towels, make-up, cleaning products - to keep the room clutter-free.
• Stich small squares of voile to a voile panel to make pockets for lightweight storage and drape it over a window or shower rail, or use it as a screen in front of shelving to hide clutter. You can also buy custom-made shower curtains with pockets for storage.
• Use baskets, trays, pretty bowls or glass jars to divide beauty products into easy-access categories such as lotions and face creams.