The Small Bathroom Dilemma

You get up every morning and head straight for thethick or dark colored shower curtains and draperies.
bathroom. It's the first and last place that you visitInstalling clear doors on the shower extends the eye
every day. If it is cluttered and small, it can seempast the bathtub all the way to the wall, adding
cumbersome and depressing. If things are hard toabout three feet of space. Having sheer curtains or a
find or get to it can be frustrating and make you latepull-down window shade that lets in light can make a
for work or other appointments and obligations. Ifbig difference.
you are stuck with a small space, follow these tipsInstall extra lighting where ever you can. Bad lighting
for getting organized and making the space seemmakes spaces seem small and dreary. Bright
larger than it really is.fluorescent bulbs, recessed lighting, sky lights and
First, the more floor space that is visible, the biggeropen windows can make all the difference. Use light
the room will feel. Utilize your linen closet. Clear outcolored paint and bathroom accessories to brighten
the clutter and get rid of expired medicines andup the room. Light blues and greens are the most
make-up. Most of us have a drawer stuffed full ofpleasing to the eye and signal your brain to consider
old make-up, medicines and hair accessories. Usethe room an open space.
plastic containers that you can see through andMirrored surfaces also add to the illusion of space. If
separate your stuff. Put the make-up that you reallyyou have a small mirror, replace it with one that is as
use in one container. All manicure/pedicure productsbig as possible. Add mirrors to other walls if possible,
should go in their own container. Medicines can go innot just above the sink. A mirrored medicine cabinet
their own box, and if you have children, you mayadds space and is also a practical solution for storage.
want to separate child and adult medicines. ShavingReplace old brass doorknobs, cabinet pulls, toilet
cream, razors and blades, toothbrushes andpaper holders and faucets with bright reflective
toothpaste can go in a box together. Hair-dryer,chrome. Towel rods, shower curtain rods and hooks
curling irons and hair accessories can go into theirreflect light around the room adding to the illusion of
own container as well. Dedicate an eye-level shelf inspace. If you have a small table in your bathroom,
your linen closet for all of these items. Add a shelf ifcover it with a mirrored surface, or replace it with a
you need to, making extra space. This should getpedestal and glass top.
everything off of your counter.Keep things simple and open, colors light and patterns
The next step is to get as much as possible off ofsubtle. Use wooden hangers to organize your linen
your floor. Unnecessary rugs, laundry baskets andcloset or hang your robe and keep things looking
garbage cans can make the space seem smaller thanuniform. Opening up space in your bathroom can
it is. If you have the budget, opt for a wall-mountedrejuvenate you for the day and relax you for the
toilet and pedestal sink. These two things free upnight.
floor space and help keep things open. Take down