August 29, 2024
With small bathroom ideas, it’s all about doing more with less. In fact, there’s absolutely no need to sacrifice style, comfort or functionality in the small bathroom. The following article provides tips and ideas on how to think big with your small bathroom.
Hotel ensuites are one of the best sources of inspiration for researching small bathrooms ideas. These bathrooms are always efficiently designed and meticulously organised, nothing is overlooked. When it comes to your home you’ll want to put your own stamp on the design, with beautiful tiles and other finishes. The décor is the key to transforming an uninspiring small bathroom or creating an entirely new one from scratch.
In the following small bathroom ideas UK guide, we’ve compiled 12 of the best tips and tricks to help you transform your bathroom into a spa-like retreat.
Liem Dark 120×270 cm
For the smaller bathroom, it’s important to make smart choices and keep things simple to make the most of the limited space. Overall, when designing a small bathroom, it’s all about functionality, storage and light. Use neutral colours on walls and floors to make the space feel larger and be mindful of the scale of the fixtures and accessories you choose. Simple is best when it comes to small bathroom ideas.
The scope of this article includes ideas for large and small project budgets.It additionally offers advice on the small family bathroom, ensuite and small toilet ideas. We include everything from layout, configuration, finishes, accessories and lighting. We also explain how small bathroom ideas can add value and enjoyment to your home.
Most people are surprised by the functionality of small bathroom spaces. You can fit a lot into a tiny bathroom, even if you only have a few square metres available.
A small ensuite for instance can add greatly to the enjoyment of the home. And to its value. While a courtesy powder room or WC can solve privacy issues and improve the home layout. In a two-storey home, a toilet and sink can comfortably be provided under most staircases, if the height is available.
01. Tiny Ensuite ideas: The most efficient layout depends on the configuration of the space. In particular, the ‘three-in-a-row’ approach will work best in a rectangular room with all the bathroom artefacts lined up along one wall. However, a square space can make better use of the three corners to place WC, shower and vanity.
02. Small WC ideas: The courtesy powder room or guest toilet can be squeezed into leftover space, as little as 70 cm in width and 130 cm in length. This means that even a wasted space under a staircase can be comfortably converted into a WC.
credit @jandrkeystiles
With small bathrooms, especially ensuites, every inch or cm counts. Ensure that the door swings don’t take up too much space. There are several options that will help make the most of the space available.
Note: The pocket door is a handy and stylish way to make the most of every square centimetre of the small bathroom. The door leaf is stored in the thickness of the wall when open. This type of door requires a special flush handle to work properly.
credit @hrvhomes
One of the most practical small shower room ideas trending now is the wet room concept. In other words, the entire bathroom is turned into a shower. The floor tiling is laid to a fall with drainage directed towards a central drain. The WC and the WHB vanity should be placed as far as possible from the shower head. A shower screen can be added but is not strictly necessary.
For conventional showers with a tray and screen, we recommend a glass shower screen to prevent the space from looking claustrophobic. A more open shower cubicle with decorative wall tiles looks elegant and is also functional. The metal fixtures and fittings holding the screen in place also add to the décor and can match other accessories.
credit @marq_arquitectura_y_re
Once the general layout is fixed, there are still several ways to alter the perception of the bathroom space. This is principally achieved through the finishes like bathroom floor tiles, that shape the overall décor. The best small bathroom decor ideas should aim to open out the space and optimise the light.
Note: The warmth and cosiness of timber effect flooring add an inviting sensation to this small bathroom. The black and white wall treatment is softened by the continuous flooring that also forms the shower tray.
credit @sncvalencia
Similarly, wall tiles are also an excellent choice to amplify the sensation of space. The dimension and finish (matt or glossy) together with the colour choice will impact the small bathroom décor. The following small bathroom tile ideas will transform the overall space and help add dimension.
Note: These large format tiles recreate the look of luxurious marble. The colour and pattern ooze sophistication. The marble colours are picked up by the accessories such as the WC flush plate and furniture items. The overall effect is effortless elegance. Credit @mondreem_official
Sufficient small bathroom storage is essential to avoid clutter in the small bathroom. This will help make the most of the available space. As with everything else in the small bathroom, it’s all about making the most of every square inch or cm.
credit @clo_interiordesigns
It might seem counter-intuitive but a bathtub can make a small bathroom feel and look bigger than it is. There are two options with the bath, either built-in or free-standing. Both options can work in the small bathroom.
credit @clo_interiordesigns
The WC or toilet pan is a standard fitting in big and small bathrooms. There are two ways that the WC can add to small toilet ideas; a floating pan can be supported off the wall allowing the space to flow underneath. And the concealed cistern which hides part of the toilet from view.
The WHB is one of the two essential elements for the small bathroom, together with the WC. We recommend not skimping on size, the Wash Hand Basin is the one piece of kit that rewards generosity.
credit @marq_arquitectura_y_re
God is in the detail, or so the saying goes. With small bathroom ideas, this is doubly true. Small bathroom accessories including taps, radiators, towel rails and toilet roll holders should be sized correctly. Small furniture items like stools and storage units are versatile, serving more than one function. Make sure to scale the pieces correctly to avoid cluttering the space.
Apart from natural sources, all bathrooms must have ambient and point light, that is a light over the bathroom mirror. Indirect lighting around the perimeter or sconce light fittings will help with the perception of space. If natural light is available, even just a skylight, that will contribute enormously to the sensation of comfort and space.
Note: The continuous LED light strip draws the eye to the sophisticated textured wall tiles. The lighting adds dimension and visual interest to this very elegant small bathroom.
credit @cabaneslopezdeharoarquitectos
As well as wall tiles, paint, wallpaper and wall coverings are great options for introducing colour into small bathrooms. You can choose a combination of these finishes to create a custom look. Whatever material you choose lighter colours are a great way to expand small bathroom spaces.
Whatever style you choose for your small bathroom décor – rustic, modern, industrial etc. – there are some ground rules for the small bathroom. Follow these Top 10 Tips for a big bathroom experience.
1. Think bright and airy, and don’t put too many artefacts into the space.
2. Avoid clutter by providing ample storage.
3. Large-format floor tiles work best in small spaces. We recommend rectified tiles.
4. Try for a free-standing bathtub, if the space allows.
5. A glass shower screen is preferable.
6. Integrate furniture and sanitaryware with a storage unit WHB.
7. Colour schemes for small bathrooms should be bright and cheerful.
8. Provide a minimum of two sources of artificial lighting.
9. Keep accessories within a single material palette where possible.
10. Plants help evoke nature and so psychologically add dimension to the small bathroom.
Make an appointment at your nearest Porcelanosa showroom to explore all these checklist ideas and more. Discover how to convert your small bathroom into a Tardis-like space by doing more with less space. Meanwhile, if you have any queries regarding any of the topics raised here, just drop us a line.
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