16 Small Bathroom Design Ideas

16 Bathroom Ideas to Maximise the Potential of a Small Bathroom
8 Min Read

Residential houses in the UK are getting smaller. It’s also a well-known fact that new homes in the UK are among the smallest in Europe. The ongoing housing crisis in London has not helped matters in any way either. It has actually left a lot of homeowners disappointed. And lack of space is the main reason for the dissatisfaction.  

It’s no wonder that in this dismal backdrop, small bathrooms are the norm in most homes. Designing a small bathroom is an art. Unlike bigger ones, are more reliant on intelligent design, calculated colour tones, and purposefully positioned furniture. So, we have come up with the following 10 small bathroom ideas after some painstaking research.

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How do I Maximise Space in A Small Bathroom?

Living in a compact space requires smart solutions, and your bathroom is no exception. Fortunately, with a little creativity and planning, you can maximise space and create a stylish and functional haven.

Let's start by utilising the power of corners in your small bathroom. Corners are often overlooked spaces that can be transformed into storage areas or functional features. Consider installing space-saving fixtures like corner shower enclosures, corner vanity units, or even corner baths to make the most of every inch available.

Another great way to maximise space is by embracing wall-mounted furniture. It creates a sleek, minimalist aesthetic while freeing up valuable floor space.

In addition to utilising corners and wall-mounted furniture, consider combining space-saving features in your small bathroom design. For example, opt for a shower bath instead of separate shower and bath units to save space.


Small Bathroom Ideas That Will Work Wonders For Your Bathroom

1. Use Bathroom Corners Effectively 

Corner Bath and Quadrant Corner Shower Enclosure

Regardless of the shape of your bathroom – square, rectangular, or irregular – using corners effectively is a practical space-saving solution and also makes better use of furniture already installed. An angled corner shower enclosure or corner vanity unit frees up a lot of valuable space.

The corner shower enclosure is a popular innovation in contemporary homes. This setup makes movement around the centre of the room easier. It also creates a more airy ambiance. Likewise, a corner vanity unit is sleek in appearance and provides an extra storage option.

You can also consider incorporating corner baths and corner basins into your layout. These fixtures not only save space but also add a touch of elegance to your bathroom.

Corner baths are a great option for smaller bathrooms as they fit snugly into the corner, leaving more room for other essentials. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can find one that works best for your space.

Corner basins are also a wonderful addition to small bathrooms, offering functionality without taking up too much floor space.


2. Invest in Wall-Mounted Furniture to Save Space

Wall Hung Vanity Unit and Wall Hung Cabinet

Wall-mounted furniture saves precious space and presents a clean, minimalist aesthetic. It also presents you with storage space, style and functional appeal. If your bathroom has only a pedestal washbasin and no storage, it’s time to get a bit creative.

You can invest in a wall-hung tallboy – a tall, narrow storage cabinet – that will exploit the height of your bathroom to store essentials. The choice of wall-mounted furniture is huge. You can pick from an assortment of traditional and contemporary designs in a broad range of colour options.


3. Combine Wall-Hung Basins and Wall-Mounted Bath Taps

Wall Hung Stone Basin and Wall Hung Taps

Now, let's talk about a winning combination that will not only save space but also elevate the style of your small bathroom – wall-hung basins and wall-mounted bath taps.

Wall-hung basins are a fantastic choice for small bathrooms as they create the illusion of more floor space, making the room feel larger than it actually is. Pairing them with wall-mounted bath taps adds to this sleek, modern look while also freeing up valuable counter space.

Not only do wall-mounted bath taps look chic, but they also make cleaning a breeze by eliminating the need for hard-to-reach areas around traditional deck-mounted taps.


4. Increase Floor Space with Wall-Hung Toilets

Luna Wall Hung Pan and Seat

A wall-hung toilet can be a game-changer for your small bathroom. By installing a wall-hung toilet, you can free up precious floor space, making your bathroom feel more spacious and open.

This is ideal for small bathrooms where every inch counts. Plus, the sleek design of a wall-hung toilet adds a modern touch to your space.

With no base to worry about, keeping your bathroom sparkling clean becomes much easier. And let's not forget the added benefit of adjustable seat heights for ultimate comfort.  


5. Add a Walk-in Shower to Create More Open Space

Odessa Black Three-sided 1200mm Shower Cubicle

Walk-in showers are the perfect tool for streamlining confined bathroom spaces. Because they're curved shaped, they not only conjure an illusion of space but also create a central bathroom feature.

The main advantage of adding a walk-in shower is it will help you eliminate the shower/bathroom barrier. It’s a fabulous idea to stretch the footprint of your small bathroom. In terms of their design, a walk-in shower not only looks fantastic, but it significantly increases your home’s value.

One thing you should pay attention to when having a walk-in shower in a small bathroom is that you need to regularly clean the shower screen. A clear glass shower screen not only keeps your shower sparkling clean but also adds to the space's visual openness.


6. Save Space with Sliding Shower Doors

Odessa Chrome Sliding Shower Door for Recess

Have you ever considered a sliding shower door instead of a standard swinging one? Sliding shower doors are a fantastic option for small bathrooms because they don't take up any extra space when opened.

Imagine this: you step out of the shower, towel in hand, and instead of worrying about bumping into a swinging door, you simply slide it open effortlessly. With a sliding shower door, you can easily enter and exit your shower without worrying about clearance for a swinging door.

Beyond saving space, sliding shower doors offer a modern aesthetic. The smooth gliding mechanism and streamlined design add a touch of contemporary style to any bathroom. You can choose from different sizes and styles to perfectly fit and complement your bathroom's overall design.


7. Choose a Shower Bath for a Practical Bathing Experience

Patello 1700 Shower Bath Left Hand P Shape

When it comes to designing a small bathroom, one practical solution you can consider for maximising space is to choose a shower bath. The main advantage of a shower bath is that it can save valuable floor space compared to having both a separate bathtub and shower enclosure.

A shower bath combines the functionality of a shower and a bathtub in one compact unit. This can be especially useful for homeowners who want the option to quickly take a refreshing shower in the morning or relax in a soothing bath at night.

The versatility of a shower bath also allows for more design possibilities in a small bathroom. With the addition of a shower screen, the bath area can easily be transformed into a minimalist shower enclosure.

Furthermore, shower baths come in various shapes and sizes to suit different bathroom layouts. You can choose from L-shaped and P-shaped baths to straight and corner baths.


8. Replace Shower Curtains with Bath Shower Screens

Eastbrook Black Curved Bath Screen

One simple yet effective hack when it comes to small bathroom design ideas that can make a big difference is replacing traditional shower curtains with bath shower screens.

Bath shower screens help to create the illusion of more space in a small bathroom. Unlike bulky shower curtains that can make a small bathroom feel cramped and closed off, bath shower screens are sleek and transparent, allowing light to pass through and making the space feel more open and airy.

Additionally, bath shower screens are easier to clean and maintain compared to shower curtains. Shower curtains can easily become dirty and mouldy, requiring frequent washing or replacement. On the other hand, bath shower screens can be easily wiped down with a squeegee or cloth after each use, helping to prevent the buildup of soap scum and grime.


9. Dash of Pastel Colours to Create Clean, Positive Vibes

Pink Pastel Colour Bathroom

Pastel colour schemes complement a variety of decorating styles, exude feelings of cleanliness, positivity, and space, so we recommend using these. Creamy mint, whimsy yellow, light azure, and millennial pink are some of the most popular pastel colours.

You only need to be creative with pastel palette ideas to usher in the freshness of spring. Saturate your bathroom interior with these irresistible colours. You’ll never be bored of them.

The most important point to remember is pastels really pop on white background. Hence, the easiest way to create an absolutely stunning combination is to blend pastels with gentle whites or even sophisticated greys.

In addition, we’d advise using wall-hung furniture as it gives you the storage, floor space, and finesses necessary to beautify your smaller bathroom.


10. Go Multi-Functional with Small Vanity Units 

Pelipal 600mm Cloakroom Vanity Unit with Countertop Bowl Basin

Small bathrooms deserve smart storage solutions, and that's where small vanity units come in. Don't let their compact size fool you - they're packed with functionality to help you maximise space and conquer clutter.

Small vanity units come equipped with clever features like multiple drawers and compartments, offering dedicated spaces for all your toiletries, cosmetics, and even jewellery. These can deliver a stress-free, pleasant experience as you get ready to step out.

You have plenty of options, small vanity units come in a variety of styles, finishes, and materials. Buy one that has more than enough space to accommodate all your self-grooming stuff.


11. Save Space with Fitted Bathroom Furniture

Oliver 1400 Navy Blue Fitted Furniture: Combination Vanity Unit with Gold Handles

Fitted bathroom furniture units are mass-produced nowadays. So they are available in a variety of styles. Despite this, you may still not be able to find the perfect fit for your bathroom. But when you buy fitted bathroom furniture in Bathroom City, you can fully customise the unit to match the dimensions of your bathroom.

The main feature of this reduced-depth, minimalist furniture is it saves space. And its organised shelving can simply make your mornings hassle-free.


12. Add a Big Mirror for Impact and Spaciousness

 Willow Standard Mirror

This is one of the best ideas for a small bathroom, as it makes the space seem bigger. A big mirror in a small bathroom can certainly make a huge impact. It can also create the illusion of more space.

Not only does a large mirror reflect light and make the room feel brighter, but it also adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to the overall design. When strategically placed, a big mirror can also help to visually extend the walls and make the bathroom appear more spacious.


13. Fit a Bathroom Mirror Cabinet for Combined Functions

 

Grove Mirror Cabinet with Open Shelves

An alternative to a big mirror, you can try to fit a bathroom mirror cabinet to maximise the space in your small bathroom.

One of the main benefits of installing a bathroom mirror cabinet is the combined functionality it offers. Not only does it provide you with a mirror for getting ready in the morning or doing your skincare routine, but it also gives you a place to store all of your bathroom essentials in one convenient location. This can help to keep your countertop clutter-free and organised, making it easier to find what you need when you need it.

By installing a mirror cabinet, you are not only adding storage space but also creating the illusion of a larger bathroom. Mirrored cabinets can be recessed into the wall to save even more space.


14. Use Combo Sets for Better Space Utilisation (Basin & Toilet Sets) 

Pemberton Gold 1100mm Combination Vanity, Basin & Toilet Unit

A basin & toilet combo is an awesome modern idea that saves valuable space without sacrificing the style. This combo set is, without question, a highly functional solution, especially for a small bathroom.

The sheer variety of the matching combo sets spans minimalist styling, traditional artistry, and contemporary chic. Take your pick from this vast collection and reinvent your bathroom. 


15. Tile Up the Floor Space

Bathroom Floor Fully Tiled

There’s no end to bathroom tile ideas. You have hundreds of options for durable, non-slip, and easy-to-clean tiles. And there are countless designs and arrangements, too. Create a unique bathroom tile design if you want. That’s up to you.

We suggest that you tile up the entire floor space of your bathroom. The reason for this is your bathroom will seem bigger when the floor is fully tiled. More light will reflect off the floor tiles and as a result, more light will bounce around the room.


16. Double Up Wall-Hung Radiators as Towel Rails

Sonix Heated Towel Rail Anthracite

Heated towel rails are an essential bathroom accessory. They enable you to say goodbye to damp towels on cold winter mornings. They are essentially cost-effective wall-hung radiators.

You don’t need a fancy radiator that consumes a lot of gas or electricity to heat a small bathroom. A base model of the bathroom radiator will suffice. It can serve the dual purpose of heating the bathroom as well as your towel. 


Shop Small Bathrooms Collection 

At Bathroom City, we stock all kinds of bathroom furniture and accessories for creating awesome small bathrooms. Regardless of the dimensions and type of your bathroom, you will be able to find the right accessories that complement your bathroom aesthetics.


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