Ensuite bathroom ideas
An ensuite bathroom is a private space isolated from the rest of the house, accessed through a bedroom. This means that this space can be a secluded area away from the potentially hectic nature of your main family bathroom. The privacy of an ensuite means you can employ innovative design ideas to create a truly unique space without worrying about matching the rest of your home.
Whether you’ve got a busy household that requires extra bathroom space or are looking to add a touch of luxury and convenience to your home, an ensuite bathroom may be exactly what you’re looking for.
This guide explores various ideas to inspire your ensuite project, drawing inspiration from contemporary trends and practical considerations to help you bring your dream ensuite to life.
Space-saving small ensuite bathroom ideas
Since your ensuite is an extension of your bedroom, it’s likely that it isn’t as big as your main bathroom, meaning you may feel limited in terms of design. However, we have plenty of small ensuite bathroom ideas to help you make the most of your space.
Sliding doors: a traditional swinging door requires a lot of free space to avoid contact with any bathroom furniture. For smaller ensuites, sliding pocket doors are not only a great space-saving solution, but their sleek design will give your space a better flow between rooms.
Wall-hung fixtures: why not try creating the illusion of more space in your small ensuite by installing mounted fixtures to keep the floor clear? This not only makes cleaning beneath your wall-hung basin or toilet easier, but it can provide more opportunities for storage.
Corner shower enclosures: rather than opting for a full-sized bath, a corner shower enclosure or shower bath is perfect for smaller ensuite bathrooms. Their compact design is perfect for even the smallest spaces, and their clear screens and doors create an open feel across your ensuite. For another space-efficient option, walk-in showers can be perfect for even the smallest of ensuites.
Luxurious ensuite bathroom ideas for larger spaces
Your ensuite doesn’t have to be a small space tucked away at the back of your bedroom. For those with larger ensuites, there is the opportunity for more adventurous design options, incorporating larger pieces of furniture. This can be useful for many homeowners, whether you’re looking to create a more functional room or transform your ensuite into a tranquil, spa-like space.
Freestanding baths: the epitome of bathroom comfort and luxury, a larger ensuite bathroom is perfect for accommodating a freestanding bath. From sleek, modern designs to classic fixtures, freestanding baths instantly add a touch of class to any space.
Double vanity units: vanity units are the perfect way of adding a functional focal point to your space, providing plenty of counter space and storage. A double vanity unit is the perfect option for couples, providing ample space for you both to get ready in a morning or unwind side-by-side at the end of the day.
Underfloor heating: while not a feature exclusive to larger spaces, the demand for underfloor heating is likely to be higher in areas where cold temperatures may be more apparent first thing in the morning, such as on the tiles in your ensuite.
Ensuite storage solutions and ideas
Regardless of the size of your space, effective storage is vital for keeping your ensuite tidy and organised. While you may struggle to fit large pieces of furniture in more compact bathrooms, you have plenty of options for maximising your storage efficiency.
Mirrored cabinets: recessed mirrored cabinets have all the functionality and style of a typical bathroom mirror with the added extra of recessed shelving inside. Some mirrored cabinets even come equipped with LED lights to give your bathroom an ambient glow whilst holding hidden storage within.
Open shelving: perfect for smaller ensuites, open bathroom shelving allows you to tuck away frequently used items. This allows you to easily access toiletries or towels without taking up space.
Towel warmers: not only do towel radiators have the practical purpose of heating your bathroom and drying your towels, they’re also handy for keeping your towels neat and tidy when you aren’t using them. With both horizontal and vertical towel warmers available, you’re sure to find an option to fit your space.
How to design your dream ensuite bathroom
Bathrooms aren’t just a functional space; they’re another room in your home to incorporate a splash of personality and design. For your ensuite bathroom, you may want it to feel like an extension of your bedroom, or like a portal to a more tranquil environment away from the rest of your home.
Colour palette: the best colour palette and bathroom paint for your ensuite will depend on your desired style for your space. However, light, neutral colours are best for small ensuites as they can make your bathroom feel larger. Light colours also allow you to achieve bold contrasts through darker designer towel radiators or striking grout lines around white bathroom tiles.
Tiles: your choice of tile is a major design decision when it comes to decorating your ensuite bathroom. Large, natural tiles are the perfect choice for making a small ensuite appear bigger, whereas mosaic or patterned tiles provide striking, intricate details which can help bring a larger space to life.
Lighting: while most bathroom lighting is comprised of a central ceiling light or downlights, with task lighting to provide illumination around sinks and mirrors, you may want something more versatile for your ensuite. Smart lighting or a dimmer switch can allow you to easily turn your ensuite from a functional space to the most relaxing place in your house, all at the flick of a switch.
Ventilation: ensuite bathrooms are often tucked at the back of a bedroom, meaning they don’t always have windows for natural ventilation. That’s why it’s essential your ensuite has a suitable extractor fan to control humidity and prevent the build-up of damp.
Planning your ensuite project
Now you’ve got plenty of ensuite bathroom ideas to work with, there are a few practicalities which are important to consider before you start bringing your dream space to life.
Price: if you’re looking to build out your ensuite from scratch, you may need to consider labour and materials costs. If you’re simply looking to give your existing space a new lease of life, there are more cost-effective methods of achieving your dream ensuite.
Plumbing and drainage: while some bathroom installations are simple DIY tasks such as installing a toilet or fitting a towel radiator, others may require a professional fitting to ensure a quality, long-lasting installation.
With Wickes, it’s never been easier to build your dream bathroom. You can check out our step-by-step new bathroom guide for more information. If you’re looking to start bringing your brand new ensuite to life, you can book a FREE design appointment today and get started. Or if you’re looking for more ensuite ideas, check out our bathroom ideas and advice hub.
More inspiration
Wet room ideas
Refresh your ensuite bathroom with a sleek, functional and modern wet room for a spa-like luxurious feel to the space.
Learn more
3 stylish bathroom tile ideas
Complete the style and functionality of your ensuite bathroom with tile ideas and options available for your project.
Learn more
Small bathroom ideas
With the average UK bathroom being a mere 2mx3m, these tips can help you to make the most of the space available.
Learn more