You don't need to knock out walls or add a room to make your small bath appear bigger. Here are ten ideas that can help you get more from your small space and still make it functional and stylish.

LOOK UP
Low ceilings? Place moldings, wallpaper or tile borders where the walls and ceiling meet. The splash of color there will naturally draw the eye upward. Vertical stripes and wallpaper with a small airy print will also make your walls seem taller.

GO NEUTRAL
Neutral doesn't have to mean boring. Give a clean look with a shade of white such as ecru, oyster, almond or beige. These neutral tones will make a small bathroom appear larger.

Woodwork and doors will disappear if they are painted the same hue as the walls. You can further enhance the effect by using the same color on cabinets, counters and walls.

Liven up the space with bold colors through accessories, and linens. Add interest with a variety of textures such as woven baskets, textured fabrics and wooden pieces.

INCREASE YOUR FLOOR COVERAGE
Uninterrupted flooring stretches visual space. You can add extra space to the room when you install floating cabinetry and wall-mounted vanities because they translate into visible square footage.

FEATURE SMALLER FIXTURES
Bulky fixtures steal space. Consider trading in your existing space-stealers for a pedestal sink, a scaled down vanity or a tub with feet. Rather than the usual sizes, purchase instead fixtures designed especially for small baths and powder rooms.

While a bathtub makes for an elegant bath if you rarely use it consider replacing it with a shower stall instead. Shower doors help to establish a light, airy and open feeling. So choose from clear, smoked or etched glass to complement the décor of your room.

You'd love to have those his-and-hers vanities, but you have to consider the space constraints of your bath. To make the most of a small area, consider a single vanity. Many of today's styles come complete with molding, framed mirrors and drawers. Some are also designed to be taller, so you won't have to bend down as far to wash your face or brush your teeth.

MAKE IT SLEEK
Storage that is flush with the walls creates a streamlined look. Build in niches and alcoves which can easily hold small items like your perfume bottle collection. Use deeper units like shelves, drawers and cabinets for large items like linens, toilet tissue and toiletries in large bottles.

For added storage space, consider adding a glass shelf in the bath to display items that are reflective of your personality and design style.

Hooks, towel racks, cup and toothbrush holders are all accessories that can look classy while they hold bathroom gear (toiletries and towels). Hardware now comes in all types of finishes and materials to perfectly compliment the style of your bathroom. Try your best to stay away from bulky freestanding units, they use up actual as well as visual space

LET IN NATURAL LIGHT
Whatever the size or style of your windows, they enlarge the feel of any room when they are allowed to transmit light. Sky lights and clerestory windows are yet another way to harness and welcome natural light into your space.

If privacy is not an issue leave your windows uncovered or use only lace panels with or without a valance. Blinds and shades are another sleek and sensible solution because they can be drawn up and out of sight when necessary.

Alternatively use sheer fabric on a tension rod over the lower portion of the window to allow light in and provide privacy.

Glass blocks, a popular feature for baths create dramatic walls of light that can be extended to the ceiling if you wish. They also have patterns that distort images and guarantee privacy. Your other options are frosted, etched and stained glass panels.

DOUBLE YOUR SPACE
Mirrors multiply space so mirror the long wall in a bath and it will appear to be twice its actual size. Remember that the mirror must reflect your bath's assets, a wall hanging, a view or any other special feature. Two mirrors facing or at right angles to each other create the magnificent illusion of a never-ending room.

Glass does not have the same effect as mirrors, but a clear glass shower door is a better space stretcher than a patterned shower curtain.

We never seem to have enough space. Nevertheless, space can be manipulated to be more functional and to appear larger. The beauty of it all is that you can design a small bath with features that maximize the available space while reflecting your personality and style.

Cheryl Wright is a freelance writer who writes decorating, motivational and self-care articles and her work has appeared both in print and online.
You may contact Cheryl by e-mail below:

This article Copyright ©2004 - Cheryl Wright. Reproduced with permission.