Minimalist bathroom
More order in the bathroom
The architect and designer Ludwig Mies van der Rohe used a famous phrase to describe his way of constructing buildings – less is more. This motto sums up the principle of minimalism like no other.
Today, minimalism is a popular design method that works in both large and small bathrooms. We can show you the ins and outs of minimalist bathroom design.
What exactly is a minimalist bathroom?
Minimalism is all about focusing on the essentials. As a result, minimalist bathrooms are simple and rely on functional elements, such as furniture with a lot of storage space. Clear lines and a limited colour scheme ensure uniformity and a calm atmosphere.
Minimalism in the bathroom does not mean dispensing with decorative aspects completely. As emphasised by the slow lifestyle magazine Kinfolk, simplicity at home is instead the result of clever design.
What do I really need in the bathroom?
As the bathroom is often the smallest room in the house, a minimalist design could be the perfect solution. Ask yourself what you could do without in the bathroom.
The basics are often sufficient – a washbasin with tap, a washbasin cabinet with towel rail or hook, a mirror cabinet for added storage space, a toilet and a shower or bathtub. If there is space available, additional bathroom furniture (such as a tall cabinet) can also be used for storage.
The lighting plays a significant role in creating a homely atmosphere. As a result, you should pay attention to correct lighting – both on the ceiling and at the washplace itself You can find more information in our guide.
What are the advantages of a minimalist bathroom?
Firstly, minimalist bathrooms are practical and easy to clean. Reducing things to the essentials means fewer dust traps and improved access for cleaning. A wall-hung WC, for example, makes it easier to clean the floor.
Anyone focusing on just essential and functional elements has more storage space at their disposal. This in turn leads to a tidy bathroom and simplifies daily routines.
Finally, a simple bathroom is also the perfect place of relaxation and retreat, offering peace and quiet for the body and soul. It’s no wonder that interior design styles such as Japandi, Wabi Sabi and Scandi are so popular, as they focus on harmony, natural surroundings and a minimalist look.
Three tips for designing a minimalist bathroom
Tip 1: Choose a simple, functional bathroom design
A functional bathroom design is the first step on the way to a minimalist bathroom. Choose timeless, durable furniture with additional functions. Drawers without a trap cutout offer added space, for example. To make sure the bathroom furniture looks good for a long time despite moisture in the bathroom, pay attention to the material and surface finish during purchase.
Mirror cabinets are available with useful additional functions, such as integrated lighting, power sockets, adjustable shelves, magnifying mirrors and storage boxes for the inside of the door.
For small bathrooms without daylight, a simple idea among interior designers is to install a large mirror with integrated light above the washbasin to convey a sense of added space. This is an inexpensive way of enhancing your bathroom. Find out how a Danish architect is designing small, functional bathrooms.
Tip 2: Use simple colours
While bright colours have an invigorating effect, soft, subtle tones give a sense of calm. Typically, minimalist bathrooms are dominated by neutral colours such as white, black and grey, plus earthy tones such as beige or brown. Uniform colour schemes using shades of the same colour are also an interesting option.
Natural tones and organic materials such as wood give the bathroom a warm, inviting appearance, even if designed in a minimalist way. Birch or oak are suitable for the typical Scandi style, for example. Textiles made of linen, jute or wool and a few selected accessories such as clay pots or bamboo baskets give the bathroom a homely feel. Baskets are also a practical way of storing towels, toilet paper or soap.
If you don’t like the colour of your tiles but a renovation is too complex, then tile stickers are an inexpensive option. The self-adhesive film also works in wet rooms and can be removed or replaced with ease. Discover more tips on finding the right colour.
Tip 3: Keep the bathroom tidy
Storage space is the key to a tidy, minimalist look. Below are some ideas for maintaining order in the bathroom:
- Washbasin cabinet: Organising boxes in drawers are a good way of achieving an uncluttered washbasin cabinet. As a result, things used every day are well organised and are easy to reach. Some washbasins work with space-saving traps or, as an even better solution, the trap is installed in the prewall. This allows drawers to be designed without a trap cutout, thus creating added storage space.
- Mirror cabinet: Using a mirror cabinet instead of a mirror gives additional storage space for everyday items. Mirror cabinets installed in the prewall take up less space.
- Shower: Niche storage boxes are available for the shower and are installed in the prewall. This creates additional, concealed shelf space. Thanks to the mirrored sliding door, shampoo, razors and other items are not visible.
Last but not least, fewer belongings also lead to added tidiness. Why not follow the lead of Japanese expert Marie Kondo and try to declutter your bathroom? If you find it difficult to part with certain things, her famous KonMari method may be of use. Here, you get rid of things which don’t (or no longer) spark joy. Marie Kondo also has a lot of tips on the best way of storing items.
Geberit solutions for the minimalist bathroom
The minimalist washplace
The Geberit ONE mirror cabinet can be installed in the wall, thus making any bathroom appear larger. The integrated ComfortLight lighting concept offers different lighting moods depending on the time of day and ensures atmospheric room lighting.
Round mirrors create a typical minimalist look. The new Geberit Option Round illuminated mirrors are available in four sizes and come with direct and indirect lighting.
Minimalist washbasins are suitable for bathrooms with small or unusual floor plans. Geberit offers slim washbasins with reduced installation depths, particularly small models with a shelf on the side, or corner constructions.
Minimalist bathroom furniture relies on storage space. In particular, drawers without a trap cutout are a way of significantly expanding the space available. A practical organisation system for the washbasin cabinet as seen in the Geberit ONE and iCon bathroom series creates order, as does a magnetic board with flexible storage boxes.
The simple shower
Floor-even showers are elegant and allow for a uniform room design. Together with large tiles, the result is calm, aesthetic unity. Geberit shower channels combine design with functionality and hygiene. The new CleanLine50 in slim design prevents hidden deposits thanks to its open outlet surface, and can also be combined with very large tiles.
The Geberit wall drain is also a perfect minimalist solution. By moving the drain from the floor to the wall, you also no longer have to worry about standing on the drain.
Toilets for a small, minimalist bathroom
Geberit offers a wide range of wall-hung WCs that allow for the entire floor to be cleaned easily. Choosing a rimless model further reduces the amount of cleaning required. The uniform surface of the ceramic appliance means that hard-to-reach places where deposits can build up are now a thing of the past. WC ceramic appliances with small projections are suitable for small bathrooms or guest WCs.
Geberit AquaClean shower toilets impress with a range of additional functions. Cleaning with water has been proven as being more hygienic and beneficial than using toilet paper.
Geberit actuator plates also blend in perfectly in minimalist bathrooms. The new Sigma70 actuator plate with floating effect is available in various colours and materials to match the look of your bathroom.
