- Kohler's Diana Schrage says the clean surface of an undermount bath sink visually expands a space. Another option is to use a glass bowl sink such as those in Kohler's Vessel line. “The sink itself is large, but because it is glass mounted on a bracket, it's visually open,” she says. Remodelers can also opt for a small pedestal sink as long as it has a minimal presence.
- Gray Uhl of American Standard says that a corner wall-hung or pedestal sink can easily be tucked into an existing room. “You can install a diagonal wall in a bedroom to create a bath and put the sink in the corner,” he says.
- Uhl points out that a clear glass shower enclosure helps expand the look of a small bathroom. “A shower curtain or frosted glass cuts off your view and removes that whole volume from the visual,” he says.
- Homeowners do not have to give up a bathtub just because they are working with a limited space. Schrage suggests products such as Kohler's four-foot Greek tub for such small areas.
- Do not use heavy-looking widespread or center-set faucets. For a clean look, Schrage recommends a single-handle or a wall-mounted fitting.
- Uhl says that storage is critical in a small bath. He suggests using scaled-back shelves or wall-hung shelving.
- Schrage recommends deep medicine cabinets. “If the bath backs up to a bedroom closet, extend into that closet with a recessed cabinet. An 8-inch deep cabinet has space inside for electrical outlets, so there is less clutter on the countertop,” she says. Recessed cabinets with built-in lighting eliminate the need for sconces that might project into the room.
