The trick is to make every centimetre work harder. The right fixtures can free up valuable floor space, clever storage can keep clutter under control, and a few simple visual tricks can make the room feel considerably more spacious. Here are some ideas to help your small bathroom live up to its full potential!
Keep the colour scheme light
White and other light colours reflect available light and can make a small bathroom feel more open and spacious. This doesn't mean everything has to be stark white, though. Soft neutrals, pale greys and other light shades can work just as well.
If you want to introduce stronger colours, use them for towels, artwork and other accessories that can easily be changed when you fancy a new look.
Choose a floating vanity
A wall-mounted vanity can be a great choice for a small bathroom. Because it doesn't sit directly on the floor, you can see more of the floor underneath, which helps the room feel less crowded.
The space underneath can also be useful for a small storage basket or simply left clear for an uncluttered look. Just make sure the vanity provides enough storage for the things you actually need.
Make use of the space above the toilet
The wall above the toilet is often overlooked, but it can provide useful storage in a small bathroom. A shelf or slim wall-mounted cabinet can give you somewhere to keep spare toilet rolls, towels and toiletries without taking up valuable floor space.
If you're installing a shelf over the cistern, make sure it is securely mounted and positioned so it doesn't interfere with access to the toilet or plumbing.
Look beyond the walls for towel storage
When floor and wall space are limited, don't overlook the back of the bathroom door. A towel rail or hooks mounted on a suitable solid door can provide a handy spot for towels without using up wall space elsewhere.
Hooks can also be useful for robes or everyday items, although it's worth avoiding the temptation to hang everything you own from the door!
Consider wall-mounted taps
Wall-mounted taps can allow you to choose a smaller vanity or basin because the tapware doesn't need to take up space on the vanity itself. In a particularly tight bathroom, those extra few centimetres can make a surprising difference.
They can also give the bathroom a clean, streamlined appearance. As with any renovation involving plumbing, make sure the placement is planned carefully before the walls are finished.
Go big with the mirror
A large mirror can make a small bathroom feel considerably more spacious by reflecting light and creating the impression of greater depth.
If the layout allows, consider a mirror that runs across much of the wall above the vanity. You don't necessarily need an enormous decorative frame either - a simple, streamlined design can help maintain the feeling of openness.
Make the shower work harder
If there isn't enough room for a separate shower and bath, a shower-over-bath combination can give you both without requiring separate areas.
If a bath isn't important to you, removing it altogether and installing a well-planned shower can also free up considerable space. A frameless or minimally framed shower screen can help maintain an open sightline rather than visually dividing the room.
Get the lighting right
Good lighting is particularly important in a small bathroom. A dark, poorly lit room can feel much smaller, while well-planned lighting can make the space feel brighter and more inviting.
Don't rely on a single ceiling light if you can avoid it. Combine general lighting with good lighting around the vanity and mirror, particularly if the bathroom is used for tasks such as shaving or applying make-up.
Make every centimetre count
A small bathroom may not give you much room to play with, but that doesn't mean you have to compromise on comfort or style. Choosing appropriately sized fixtures, making use of overlooked spaces and keeping clutter under control can make a surprisingly big difference.
Before renovating, take the time to think about how you actually use the bathroom and where everything needs to go. A little planning before the work begins can help you avoid wasting precious space - and make sure your new bathroom works beautifully for years to come.
Contact your local, experienced bathroom renovator who will have some great ideas for bathrooms of every size.
