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.

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<h3>1. Glossy wall tiles</h3>
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.

<img class="size-full wp-image-30426 aligncenter" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/ReimageDecor-BayshorePark-3.jpg" alt="" width="450" height="600" />

Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/reimage-decor/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reimage Décor</a>

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<h3>2. Storage over the toilet</h3>
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.

<img class="size-full wp-image-49099 aligncenter" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/ReztRelax-Yishun-Ring-BTO-7.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="1337" />

Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/rezt-relax-interior/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rezt &amp; Relax Interior</a>

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<h3>3. Wall-hung toilet</h3>
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.

<img class="size-full wp-image-34776 aligncenter" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/TheDesignMinistry-61Bedok-5.jpg" alt="" width="399" height="600" />

Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/the-design-ministry/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Design Ministry</a>

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<h3>4. Shower curtains</h3>
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.

<img class="size-full wp-image-47768 aligncenter" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/TheScientist-Bendemeer-Light-10.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="840" />

Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/the-scientist/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Scientist</a>

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<h3>5. Glass partition</h3>
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.

<img class="size-full wp-image-32109 aligncenter" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/Versaform-TanjongRhu-13.jpg" alt="" width="823" height="960" />

Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/versaform/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Versaform </a>

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<h3>6. Keep the palette bright and white</h3>
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.

<img class="size-full wp-image-13731 aligncenter" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/i-chapter-28Jansen-05.jpg" alt="" width="640" height="960" />

Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/i-chapter/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">I-Chapter</a>

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<h3>7. Separate the sink from the shower</h3>
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.

<img class="size-full wp-image-40043 aligncenter" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/80studio-CommonwealthCres-10.jpg" alt="" width="641" height="960" />

Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/the-80s-studio/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The 80's Studio</a>

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<h3>8. Recessed niches for storage</h3>
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.

<img class="size-full wp-image-27597 aligncenter" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/Linear-Space-KimTian-010.jpg" alt="" width="1000" height="1431" />

Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/linear-space-concepts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Linear Space Concepts</a>

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<h3>9. Recessed niches for a seamless appearance</h3>
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.

<img class="size-full wp-image-29472 aligncenter" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/TheScientist-450DTampines-7.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="900" />

Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/the-scientist/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Scientist</a>

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<h3>9. Make the most of your corner</h3>
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.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-49172 size-full" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/Museworks-JalanKathi-9.jpg" alt="" width="822" height="960" />

Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/museworks/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Museworks</a>

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<h3>10. Hack away the walls</h3>
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!

<img class="size-full wp-image-22711 aligncenter" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/TheAssociation-181SanctuaryGreen-04.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="954" />

Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/the-association/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Association</a>

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<h3>11. Blinds for more privacy</h3>
Not ready to go full exposure? You can still use glass walls, but add blinds for privacy when needed.

<img class="size-full wp-image-22713 aligncenter" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/TheAssociation-181SanctuaryGreen-06.jpg" alt="" width="637" height="960" />

Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/the-association/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Association</a>

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<h3>12. Corner tub</h3>
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.

<img class="size-full wp-image-40782 aligncenter" src="https://d213h1b7vxzzl3.cloudfront.net/editor/WhiteCorporate-AMK2-5.jpg" alt="" width="533" height="800" />

Design: <a href="https://www.renonation.sg/professional/white-corporate/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">White Corporate</a>

<em><strong>Which space-saving idea will you go for in your small bathroom? Let us know in the comments! </strong></em>

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12 Ways to Make Your Small HDB Bathroom Feel Less Squeezy

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