The Best Ideas for a Practical Bathroom

A bathroom is a sacred space. The space that gives utmost privacy.

So, isn’t it only fair that you devote some serious time to plan out a practical yet attractive bathroom for your house?

There are many factors that make a bathroom a comfortable space, but there are very few that will make it a highly functional one too. We delved deep to give you these ideas.

Lighting

Lighting is one of the most neglected aspects in a bathroom. Shockingly so. It’s essential for not just aesthetics but also for safety. A well-lit bathroom reveals wet spots, thresholds and corners, and prevents accidents.

A carefully planned bathroom will have light fixtures in the just the right places so that safety is taken care of and design is not compromised.

How does a carefully planned bathroom look?

The perfectly designed bathroom should have bright (but not harsh) lights that can transform the space with a combination of ambient, functional, and decorative lighting.

If your bathroom is big enough then consider having a full-length mirror with soft lights above or along the frame. This will not only give you an unflattering view of yourself but also avoid unnecessary shadows.

Our top tip: Consider having a night light. This can be an LED strip that runs discreetly along the floor or concealed ceiling panels. This will help you keep your sleep mode on when you visit the bathroom in the middle of the night.

Flooring

Apart from the lighting, it’s the bathroom floor that gives the ‘wow’ effect when someone walks in. Feeling that cool and dry floor (or heated floor depending on where you are) as soon as you step in is inviting and comforting. The bathroom being a space separate from the rest of the house allows you to be a little more creative even in the flooring.

How does a bathroom with perfect flooring look?

Waterproof vinyl flooring is one of the most practical and safest options for the bathroom as it prevents mould and other damp or humidity-related problems. Not only is it easy to maintain but is also pocket-friendly and durable. Waterproof glazed ceramic tiles look classy and are relatively easy to maintain. Don’t forget to pick a skid-proof and non-slippery version of these tiles. Choose a design that blends in with the rest of the house and yet sets your bathroom apart as an elegant space!

Storage

The word storage is generally not associated with bathrooms. And yet, a good, practical bathroom must take storage into account. Wet towels on the side of a bathtub, toiletries jostling for space on the basin countertop, and grooming accessories lying around not only make your bathroom look unkempt but can also be potential hazards. While the idea is not to cram the space with things, the right amount of storage will allow you to keep your bathroom organised and tidy.

How does a bathroom with perfect storage look?

An ideal bathroom will have just the right shelving and drawers to keep all of these items. If your bathroom is fairly big-sized, consider adequate drawers or mini-cupboards under the sink or floating shelves on the wall where you can keep hand and bath towels.

Extra supplies of toothpaste, soap, handwash etc. can also go into them. Ensure that there are enough hooks and rods to hang clothes and towels on. Not to worry if your bathroom is on the smaller side. Consider hampers and trendy baskets for the towels. Ever considered the space above the door? Put that to good use with a shelf that can hold those extra toiletries that are infrequently used.

Five creative and practical ideas to make your bathroom look good

Now that we have the must-haves out of the way, let’s look at some of the ways in which you can transform your bathroom into a stunningly gorgeous space.

Discreet hand towel holders

Aren’t those hand towels distracting when you can see their corners reflected in the mirror? Hold on to that precious mirror by eliminating the hand towel holders from its vicinity. Space under the sink is generally underutilized. Fix a small towel rod there and have your mirror all to yourself.

Bring nature inside

Plants are always a refreshing addition to any space. Go for a row of small potted plants affixed along the wall. Or if your bathroom is big enough, place a large-ish pot as a centrepiece.

Use everyday items differently

Who said that bathroom design could not be funky and inexpensive at the same time? Put that creativity to good use, and you will find yourself making the utmost use of all the items in your house.

Replace fancy bathroom racks and keep a small ladder inside and use it as a towel hanger. Use a screen with mirrors to keep the shower stall separate. Reuse wooden crates and stack them up for efficient storage.

Enhance window aesthetics

Bathroom windows are woefully neglected most of the time, especially if they are small. It takes very little effort to dress them up but makes a world of difference to your bathroom’s looks. Instead of those plain slats, go for trendy curtains or faux woven wood styles. Consider valances even if your bathroom is small because they add that much needed splash of colour.

Built-in spaces

Reduce the wall fixtures and simply add small “caves” into your walls. These little nooks are not only good for storing small items but also for adding mood lighting with candles.

They can also hold plants, artworks or just about anything that will make your bathroom stand out.