12 Ways to Make Your Small HDB Bathroom Feel Less Squeezy

Bathrooms in HDB flats today probably give many of us claustrophobia. While the small space does mean your dream for a large, freestanding bathtub is off the cards, it doesn’t mean you have to resign to the fate of the square footage and live with a cramped shower stall for the rest of your life. Here are 12 simple ways that will create the impression of a bigger bathroom – all without sacrificing style.  

1. Glossy wall tiles

HDB bathrooms tend to have small windows that don’t invite too much daylight, which is why it’s necessary to make the most of whatever light that comes through – using glossy tiles. Shiny surfaces help to bounce light around, opening up the sense of space in a tiny bathroom while also making the area considerably brighter. Design: Reimage Décor  

2. Storage over the toilet

Here’s an area in a bathroom that’s often overlooked and underutilised – the space surrounding the toilet. Install an over-the-toilet rack with open shelves that help to organise your toiletries, towels and toilet rolls neatly without having to clutter the vanity top. Design: Rezt & Relax Interior  

3. Wall-hung toilet

You might want to consider having a modern wall-mounted toilet. With the tank concealed behind the wall, you’ll not only be getting a more clutter-free bathroom, you’ll also be freeing up a couple inches of (precious) floor space. Design: The Design Ministry  

4. Shower curtains

Shower curtains are a great way to add personality and design to a small bathroom without sacrificing too much space. This waterproof fabric affords more elbow room as well as better and more versatile accessibility compared to a solid enclosure since it can be pulled this way and that. Design: The Scientist  

5. Glass partition

If you still prefer a solid enclosure, go for one that is made of clear glass. Clear glass dividers are the perfect splashguards while their transparency gives an airy and spacious feel to the bathroom. Make sure you choose a good quality tempered glass that will not break easily. If you’re going for a full glass shower enclosure, opt for a sliding door that requires less room compared to a hinged one. Design: Versaform  

6. Keep the palette bright and white

Going for a white colour scheme adds to the illusion of a larger bathroom space since the colour tends to recede visually. Like shiny surfaces, white also helps to reflect light so your washroom will appear brighter. If you don’t want things to look too clinical, inject patterns and textures for interest. Design: I-Chapter  

7. Separate the sink from the shower

For HDB layouts that permit the dry zone e.g. the vanity area to be kept outside the rest of the bathroom, consider doing so to free up more space inside. Not only will you have a bigger shower area, it will also help to keep your vanity area free from bathroom humidity – an important consideration if you store hair or makeup products on the vanity counter. Design: The 80's Studio  

8. Recessed niches for storage

Recessed niches are one of the best ways to add storage space in your compact washroom. They are tucked away in the wall, so they don’t stick out, preventing your bathroom from looking like a clutter-fest. Add shelves to larger niches for even more storage and organisation. Design: Linear Space Concepts  

9. Recessed niches for a seamless appearance

We’ve mentioned the glorious ability of recessed niches for storage, so why stop there? Use them to keep things more seamless in your bathroom. Here, a recessed niche houses the mirrored wall cabinet. Design: The Scientist  

9. Make the most of your corner

Choosing to confine your shower area into a corner in your bathroom helps to free up the rest of the space. Opt for sliding doors as they take up less room compared to hinged ones. Design: Museworks  

10. Hack away the walls

For the bold and adventurous (and those with exhibitionist tendencies), you might want to obliterate your bathroom’s solid walls for glass ones. No longer will you feel claustrophobic in your bathroom! Design: The Association  

11. Blinds for more privacy

Not ready to go full exposure? You can still use glass walls, but add blinds for privacy when needed. Design: The Association  

12. Corner tub

While a freestanding tub is out of the question, you can still opt for a corner tub that will feel just as luxurious while only taking up half the room. A glass enclosure keeps the splish-splash activities at bay, while ensuring that your small bathroom still looks spacious. Design: White Corporate Which space-saving idea will you go for in your small bathroom? Let us know in the comments!  

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