September 10, 2019 | Updated: February 17, 2023
When it comes to 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.
If you’ve ever stayed in a boutique-style hotel and fallen in love with the bathroom, you’re not alone. The idea of having a pristine, luxurious space with beautiful tiles is a common aspiration. However, not all of us have the same spacious, opulent bathroom as hotels do.
Don’t worry though, there are still many ways to make your small bathroom feel larger and more luxurious. In this small bathroom ideas guide, we’ve compiled 15 of the best tips and tricks to help you transform your bathroom into a spa-like retreat.
Products: Linkfloor Kingdom Perisa 22.8X180X0.55 / Marmol Carrara Blanco 45X120 / Hotels Basin Mixer / Urban C Soft-Close Toilet Cover / Hotels 45 cm Towel Rail
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. And includes advice on the small family bathroom, ensuite and small toilet ideas. We include everything from layout, configuration, finishes, accessories and lighting.
If you are starting from scratch, take a scale piece of graph paper and cut out (to scale) the various sanitary elements you want to include in your small bathroom project.
Every house plan is different in one way or other. You will be surprised at how many ways there are to fit everything into space. The small bathroom layout must ensure that each artefact has enough space around it to be used correctly.
Products: Forest Maple 22×90 (Available in-store) / Rodano Caliza 33.3X59.2 / Mosaico Rodano Caliza 33.3X59.2 / City Shower Pack Chrome / Hotels Robe Hook / Hotels Wall/Free Sanding Brush Holder
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.
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 must be positioned away from the shower head for the best results. A shower screen can be added but is not strictly necessary.
Products: Nantes Caliza 45X120 / Mosaico Nantes Caliza 45X120 / Tono Basin Mixer Rib Handle / Nk Shower Pack Chrome / Berna Topo 120X120 (Available in-store)
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.
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 ideas are a starting point:
Products: Bottega Acero 60.2X60.2 / Bottega Acero 33.3X59.2 / Spiga Bottega Acero 31.6X59.2 / City Shower Pack Chrome
After wall tiles paint is the most popular finish in UK bathrooms. A brighter, more reflective colour palette helps open small spaces. Nevertheless, colour ideas for small bathrooms don’t have to be boring.
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.
Products: Marmol Carrara Blanco 45X120 / Oval Black Flush Plate / Minimal XL Bath 180X80 (Available in-store) / Hotels Black Roll Holder / Hotels Black Robe Hook
No matter how small your bathroom having a bathtub is non-negotiable for some people. There are two options with the bathtub, either built-in or free-standing. Both options can work in the small bathroom.
In the small bathroom choosing the most appropriate sanitaryware is critical to its layout. Nowadays we recommend visiting your local showroom to see the range of options available. Aim for the ‘goldilocks rule’, neither too big nor too small.
Products: Smart Vancouver Nude 22X90 (Available in-store) / Newport Natural 33,3X100 / Old Natural 33.3X100 (Available in-store) / City Shower Pack Chrome / Acro Compact Suspended Toilet Set / Circle Flush Plate / Pure Line Wood 80X50 cm Mirror
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.
God is in the detail, or so the saying goes. With small bathroom ideas, this is doubly true. With the right accessories and lighting, the entire perception of the space can be radically altered. Small bathroom accessories including taps, radiators, towel rails and toilet roll holders should be sized correctly.
Products: Hotels Accessories Pack / Carrara Blanco Brillo 59.6X59.6 / Arquitect Wall Hung Toilet Pack / City Shower Pack Chrome / Mirror 30X90 cm
Adding the right furniture also can make a small bathroom appear more spacious. Small bathroom furniture ideas include a storage unit below the WHB, a small stool, a table to place a feature Wash Hand Basin, planters to hold verdant planting, etc.
Like every other space in the house small bathroom lighting requires thought. 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.
Products: Newport Natural 59.6X59.6 / Newport Natural 33,3X100 / Old Natural 33.3X100 (Available in-store) / Arquitect Wall Hung Toilet Pack / Hotels Shower Pack (Available in-store) / Circle Flush Plate / Slate 140X90 cm
When it comes to selecting the colour scheme for a small bathroom, it’s vital to opt for hues that can make the space appear more spacious and brighter. While there are several options to consider, off-white is an excellent choice as it creates an illusion of spaciousness and enhances natural light.
However, if you’re looking to add some depth and character to your bathroom, combining white with a more neutral colour palette, such as pastels, can create a relaxing and inviting atmosphere. The subtle shades of pastel colours, like light blue, pink or green, can make the space feel calm and serene while also adding a touch of elegance.
If you want to add a pop of colour to your bathroom, using a strong accent colour can be a great trick to create a focal point and highlight other contrasting tones. For instance, you could use a bold shade of navy blue or emerald green on the walls, towels or accessories, paired with neutral or off-white tones to make the colour stand out. Just make sure not to overdo it with too many bold colours as this can make the space feel overwhelming and cluttered.
Remember, when it comes to choosing a colour scheme for a small bathroom, it’s all about creating a balance between light and dark tones and using colours that complement each other to create a harmonious and inviting space.
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.
With all this choice of products and accessories, as well as decorative possibilities we recommend a visit to your nearest bathroom showroom. The small bathroom can be Tardis-like, seemingly much larger on the inside than it looks from the outside. Get the small bathroom right and it can add value to your home. However, to fully realise its potential, professional help is required with converting these small bathroom ideas into reality. We guarantee surprises!
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