8 Top Tips to Maximising Space in a Small Bathroom

A wall-mounted vanity or basin can make a significant difference in a small bathroom by freeing up floor space and creating a cleaner, more open look. Traditional freestanding vanities take up more room, whereas a floating unit provides storage without making the space feel crowded. Many modern designs offer integrated drawers with internal organisers, helping to keep toiletries and essentials neatly stored away.

Wall-mounted toilets with concealed cisterns are another great space-saving solution. By housing the cistern within a wall or a slim furniture unit, the toilet takes up less physical and visual space, making the room feel more streamlined. These types of designs are commonly used in high-end bathrooms and can be seen in brands like Laufen, known for their contemporary, space-saving solutions.

Lighting plays a crucial role in making a small bathroom feel larger. Maximising natural light by using sheer or frosted glass window treatments helps maintain privacy while allowing daylight to filter through. If the bathroom has no windows, installing layered lighting with ceiling spotlights, wall sconces, and under-cabinet LED strips can create a sense of depth.

A well-lit mirror is particularly effective, as it provides both practical illumination for daily tasks and enhances brightness in the room. Brands such as Dansani offer illuminated mirror cabinets that combine storage with enhanced lighting, a smart solution for compact spaces.

A bulky shower enclosure can make a small bathroom feel even more restricted. Opting for a walk-in shower with a frameless glass screen creates an uninterrupted sightline, making the room appear larger. Unlike traditional cubicles, frameless designs allow light to flow freely and prevent the room from feeling divided.

If space is limited, a wet room-style shower with a linear drain eliminates the need for a shower tray, creating a sleek, seamless floor. High-quality brands like Matki offer elegant shower solutions that fit perfectly into smaller bathrooms without compromising on style.

Clutter can make a small bathroom feel even smaller, so integrated storage is essential. Built-in recessed shelves in the shower or above the sink provide convenient storage without encroaching on the space. A mirrored cabinet above the basin is a great way to combine storage with functionality, helping to keep surfaces clear.

Tall, slim storage units make great use of vertical space, and floating shelves can provide additional storage without making the room feel enclosed. If you’re planning a bathroom upgrade, our bathroom design service can help you find storage solutions that maximise every inch of your space.

Tile selection can have a major impact on how a small bathroom looks and feels. Large-format tiles with minimal grout lines create a seamless effect, reducing visual clutter. Lighter shades reflect more light, helping the room feel open and airy, while glossy finishes can enhance brightness by bouncing light around the space.

A continuous floor tile that runs into the shower area can also make the room feel larger by avoiding harsh breaks in the design. High-quality tile brands such as Porcelanosa offer a variety of stylish options that are ideal for small bathrooms.

Mirrors are one of the most effective tools for making a small bathroom feel bigger. A large, frameless mirror above the vanity creates depth and reflects light, giving the illusion of more space. If possible, positioning a mirror opposite a window or light source enhances this effect even further.

For a contemporary look, mirrored wall panels or mirrored tiles can be incorporated subtly to increase brightness without overwhelming the space. Many homeowners opt for mirrored storage cabinets, which provide both functionality and design benefits.

Traditional inward-opening doors can take up valuable space, making the bathroom feel more confined. Sliding or pocket doors are excellent alternatives, as they remove the need for clearance space. If a pocket door isn’t an option, a bi-fold door can still help free up room.

For shower enclosures, opting for a sliding glass door rather than a hinged one can make a significant difference in accessibility and layout flexibility. Frameless designs ensure the room doesn’t feel visually divided, adding to the sense of openness.

Lighter colours help create a sense of openness in a small bathroom. Soft whites, greys, and pastel shades make the room feel brighter by reflecting light. If contrast is desired, adding a darker accent wall or feature tile can create depth without overwhelming the space.

A cohesive colour palette across walls, tiles, and fixtures ensures the design feels seamless rather than segmented. Using coordinating finishes for taps, handles, and accessories helps maintain a uniform, uncluttered aesthetic.

Traditional radiators can take up valuable wall space, limiting storage and layout options. Underfloor heating is an excellent alternative, providing warmth while keeping the floor free from obstructions. If underfloor heating isn’t an option, a slimline heated towel rail can provide both heating and towel storage without taking up too much space.

Brands like Karndean offer luxury vinyl flooring that works well with underfloor heating, making it a great option for those looking to maximise comfort without sacrificing space.