When planning the interior architecture of a house, whether it’s a cozy house, a nice apartment, or something in between, it’s often the bathroom that is one of the last places to get valuable window space. This makes many of us feel a bit closed with no windows in their bathrooms. Luckily, designers have a lot of tricks up their sleeve for making your bathroom bright. Here are five tried-and-true methods.
White is one of the best (if not the best) ways to reflect light through space. It’s even more powerful than a mirror.
Keep in mind that white can also be introduced through accessories, not just walls. The paint here has a hint of color, but the room still feels fresh, with breezy chairs, rugs, tiles and fixtures introducing elements of white.
If you don’t have windows that let light in, then you don’t want something that will take the light away. Polished metal, glass, mirrors, and plexiglass are great materials for adding interest and drama without absorbing light. Even if there are few colors, the space will feel even.
Plexiglass accessories are particularly useful for functional items that are needed on the counter; They will feel like they’re encroaching less on your space than opaque parts, so the whole atmosphere won’t be as cluttered.
Admittedly, a long-legged, open vanity offers less storage space, but if you can cram bathroom items into your wardrobe, a longer line of sight from an open vanity will help you feel less constrained. I am often in the compact bathroom.
A ventilated vanity can also include a towel rack (which can also be used as a basket for small items) and still feel light.
Mirrors do help to expand the space, especially near the floor, and they allow the floor to stretch (you can also create the look by using a mirror on your bathroom toes or on your closet door).
Also note how this bathroom and the one in the previous photo use glass doors instead of curtains for maximum openness. Fixed glass panels with swing doors are one of my top picks, even for standard bathtub installations.
An entire wall of mirrors (or at least extending to the dresser) can really add extra distance and double the visual space.
The windows introduce horizontal light to counter the overhead light. Without windows, all you get is vertical light coming straight down – which isn’t flattering. Wall fixtures will bring sparkle to your face (and your space).
In relatively small bathrooms, layering lighting over glass is a great solution. It is also suitable for rooms with large mirrors. When it’s not possible to cut an existing mirror, you can use a hanging drop-in pendant to create an appearance.
Consider adding some elements to make the room feel as if it has windows. I’m sure the windows in this space are real, but can you see that? Ultimately, bathroom shades are usually closed, so adding a shade in front of a blank wall (with a cool running light behind it) will create the illusion of a window and a diffused glow.
