Small bathroom ideas

With new builds and terraced houses becoming a popular purchase over recent years, the average bathroom in the UK has become a mere 2 metres by 3 metres. With so little space, creating an aesthetically pleasing bathroom that functions to your liking can be tricky. But figuring out how to design a small bathroom doesn't have to be stressful. That's why we’ve put together a range of small bathroom ideas to help you create the illusion of space in one of the smallest rooms in your house. From colour choices to compact yet functional bathing solutions, we'll help you get it right.

Compact fixtures like short footprint baths, shower baths, and bi-fold shower doors allow you to enjoy a full bathroom experience while saving valuable floor space.
Wall-hung vanity units, floating shelves, and LED mirrors clear up floor space and reflect light, immediately making a small room look much bigger.
Bold paint colours, bright white walls, and patterned floor tiles draw the eye to the design of the room, taking the focus away from its compact dimensions.

Maximising space with compact fixtures

Clutter makes any room feel smaller. Getting your small bathroom storage ideas right will help you keep the space tidy, creating a calm and open environment.

Bitesize baths and tiny tubs

We have a range of short and small footprint baths available, meaning you don't have to sacrifice that lovely long soak just because you have a small bathroom. If you are looking for a small bathtub, our compact baths still allow you to relax and unwind while being able to utilise the rest of the space in your room. We recommend that you opt for lengths of 1750mm or less.

Shower baths for the best of both worlds

Similarly, you can save space by combining your shower and bath. Choose a shower bath that allows extra width for a comfortable overhead shower and add a bath screen to keep the water where it's meant to be. We have several sleek designs available so that you can continue to inject character into your space. If you prefer a shower only, walk-in showers provide a modern, open feel that removes the need for bulky enclosures.

Bi-folding shower doors so your shower can fit anywhere

Shower enclosures are another great small bathroom idea, perfect for rooms that don't have enough space for a bath. You can try installing a bi-fold shower door on your enclosure. This will allow you to place the shower in any position without having to worry about obstructions when you open the door. It's a smart choice when looking for shower setups in small bathrooms.

What kind of sink should I choose?

Pedestal basins can take up unnecessary room on your floor. Instead, you can opt for a compact wall-hung basin to help free up that valuable floor space. This is especially helpful if you’re searching for ensuite bathroom ideas where every bit of space counts.

Clever small bathroom storage ideas

Clutter makes any room feel smaller. Getting your small bathroom storage ideas right will help you keep the space tidy, creating a calm and open environment.

Wall hung furniture for extra floor space

Don't have the room for cabinets? Give the illusion of more space and create some much-needed storage in a small bathroom by fitting wall-hung furniture and pottery. A towel radiator, for example, will leave the floor clear and your room will immediately appear larger.

Small cabinets help hide toiletries

If you want to hide away your toiletries, look for small cabinets for your bathroom walls. A wall-hung vanity unit combines your sink and your storage into one smart unit. It keeps your essentials organised and leaves the floor underneath completely clear.

Bathroom shelves utilise empty wall space

Make the most of your empty wall space. Installing bathroom shelves gives you a place to store folded towels or display a trailing plant. Adding a glass floating shelf reflects light and keeps your everyday items within easy reach.

How to make a small bathroom look bigger

If you're wondering how to make a small bathroom look bigger, it often comes down to clever lighting and smart reflections.

Smart use of lighting

Lighting can create the illusion of smaller bathrooms feeling larger, so you should think carefully about what you want and where. We think a great option is downlights, which provide bright lighting that opens up a space without dropping down from the ceiling.

LED bathroom mirrors for small bathrooms

LED mirrors not only incorporate additional lighting into a bathroom, but they reflect other lights, immediately brightening your room. Adding large bathroom mirrors bounces light across the room, tricking the eye into thinking the space is much deeper than it is.

Flooring and paint for small Bathrooms

When it comes to decorating, it's easy to feel limited by a compact footprint. But your walls and floors offer a fantastic opportunity to inject personality and style into your washroom. From durable luxury vinyl to splash-proof paints, we have exactly what you need to upgrade your space. Let’s look at how the right choices can transform your room.

Bold coloured patterns distract the eye

People often assume that using light colours in a room creates a bright and spacious effect. But by being bold with your colour choices, you'll soon reap the rewards. Visitors will instantly focus on the colour palette and patterns used in a small bathroom instead of the lack of space. You can even try using patterned tiles on the floor to give the illusion of more floor space.

What is the best flooring for a small bathroom?

As mentioned above for patterned tiles, we recommend using bright, bold colours and designs in your flooring too. You can also use luxury vinyl flooring or waterproof laminate to create a continuous, neat finish across the room.

What is the best paint colour for a small bathroom?

We recommend using eye-catching paint shades that immediately draw your attention. Think blues and greens, or even pinks, yellows and purples. On the other hand, a simple bright white can also work well for opening up the space whilst remaining more subtle in style.

We hope our small bathroom ideas have given you enough inspiration to maximise the space in yours. Knowing how to decorate a small bathroom simply means picking the right features that work for your exact dimensions. For more ideas on how to maximise your bathroom space, check our handy guide. You can also book a free design appointment with us to get started on a full bathroom transformation tailored to your space and style.

FAQs

Yes, you can. We have a range of short and small footprint baths available that offer a comfortable soak without taking over the room. We recommend that you opt for a compact bath length of 1750mm or less.

Keep your floor clear and your room well-lit. Fit wall-hung furniture and floating shelves to hide away clutter and store your towels neatly. Then, install downlights and LED mirrors to provide bright, ambient lighting that opens up the space.

A fresh coat of bathroom paint is an affordable way to completely transform your space. You can also update your small bathroom sink taps or add new bathroom mirrors to reflect light and instantly refresh the room.