A small bathroom can feel cramped and cluttered, but with the right design approach, it can be transformed into a stylish and functional space. At EPM, we believe that with a little creativity and thoughtful planning, even the tiniest bathrooms can be both practical and beautiful.
If you’re looking to make the most of every inch, this guide offers expert tips and ideas to maximise space in your small bathroom—whether you’re renovating or simply refreshing your current setup.
1. Opt for a Space-Saving Layout
The layout of your bathroom plays a significant role in how spacious it feels. A well-planned layout can make even the smallest room feel much larger.
How to Do It:
- Consider a corner sink: Corner sinks and vanities can free up valuable floor space and create a more open feel.
- Choose a floating vanity: Floating vanities create the illusion of more floor space, making the room feel less cluttered and more open.
- Install a sliding door: Replacing a traditional swinging door with a sliding door can save you a significant amount of space and prevent it from getting in the way.
- Reposition windows: In some cases, repositioning a window (especially in properties with tricky layouts in Exeter) can help maximise the space for a shower, allowing you to fit larger or more efficient fixtures into your layout.
2. Maximise Vertical Space with Shelving and Storage
In a small bathroom, it’s essential to think vertically. Wall-mounted shelves and storage units can free up floor space while providing much-needed storage.
How to Do It:
- Install wall-mounted shelves: Use open shelving to store towels, toiletries, or decor. This keeps everything within easy reach without cluttering the floor.
- Use recessed shelving: If you’re updating your shower or bath area, recessed shelves in the walls can be a perfect space-saving solution for shampoos and soaps.
- Opt for a tall, narrow cabinet: A slim, tall storage unit can offer a lot of storage without taking up much floor space.
3. Choose Compact Fixtures and Fittings
In a small bathroom, larger fixtures can overwhelm the space and make it feel even smaller. Opting for more compact versions of common bathroom elements will help maximise space without sacrificing style.
How to Do It:
- Choose a smaller toilet: A compact or wall-hung toilet can free up floor space and make the room feel less cramped.
- Select a space-saving shower: Walk-in showers with sleek, frameless glass enclosures tend to feel less bulky than traditional shower tubs, offering a more open and airy atmosphere.
- Opt for a narrow sink or pedestal: Instead of a large vanity unit, consider a pedestal sink or a slimline basin to create more floor space.
- Invest in multi-functional fixtures: A toilet with a basin mounted on top of the cistern is a fantastic option for space-saving. This clever design also recycles the tap water, using it to flush the toilet, which is both practical and eco-friendly.
4. Keep Things Light with Colours and Finishes
Lighter colours can make a space feel larger and more open, whereas darker hues can have the opposite effect. By using the right colour scheme and finishes, you can visually expand the space and create an airy, spacious feel.
How to Do It:
- Use light colours: White, light grey, soft pastels, and other light colours reflect more light, giving the illusion of a bigger space.
- Incorporate reflective finishes: Glossy tiles, mirrored surfaces, and shiny metals can help bounce light around the room, making it feel brighter and more open.
- Keep patterns subtle: Bold patterns may work in larger spaces, but in a small bathroom, opting for simple, understated patterns can keep the room feeling less cluttered.
5. Use Mirrors to Create the Illusion of Space
Mirrors are a game-changer when it comes to making a small bathroom appear bigger. Not only do they serve a practical function, but they also reflect light and create depth, making the room feel more expansive.
How to Do It:
- Install a large mirror: A full-wall mirror or a large statement mirror above the sink can visually expand the space and enhance the light in the room.
- Use mirrored accessories: Small mirrored trays, soap dishes, or light fixtures can also help reflect light and create the illusion of a larger space.
6. Keep Clutter to a Minimum
A cluttered bathroom can feel overwhelming, so it’s important to create a clean, organised environment. By using smart storage solutions, you can keep your bathroom tidy and maximise the available space.
How to Do It:
- Use under-sink storage: Opt for under-sink storage solutions like baskets, drawers, or shelves to keep toiletries and cleaning supplies out of sight.
- Keep toiletries neatly stored: Use baskets, jars, or trays to organise products. Wall-mounted or floating storage units are also great for keeping everyday essentials within easy reach but out of sight.
- Avoid unnecessary accessories: While decorative touches are important, keeping the number of accessories minimal will prevent the bathroom from feeling too crowded.
7. Consider Multi-Functional Items
In a small bathroom, every piece of furniture and fixture needs to work hard. Look for multi-functional items that offer more than one purpose to save space.
How to Do It:
- Choose a mirrored cabinet: A mirrored medicine cabinet with built-in storage can save space while providing functionality.
- Install a shower-bath combo: If you’re tight on space but want both a shower and a bath, consider a shower-bath combo that allows you to enjoy both without sacrificing valuable square footage.
- Opt for a fold-out or collapsible feature: For example, a fold-out drying rack or collapsible laundry basket can be stowed away when not in use, saving space.
8. Create the Illusion of Height
In small bathrooms, the feeling of height can make a significant difference. By using design tricks that draw the eye upward, you can make the room feel taller and more spacious.
How to Do It:
- Use vertical lines: Incorporate tiles or patterns that draw the eye upwards, such as vertically stacked tiles or a vertical feature wall.
- Install a tall showerhead: Consider a high-mounted showerhead to add a sense of height and grandeur to the space.
9. Choose Smart Bathroom Accessories
While you might want your bathroom accessories to be stylish, you should also ensure they are space-efficient. Opt for accessories that help organise and utilise space effectively.
How to Do It:
- Invest in compact towel rails: Choose towel rails or hooks that are space-saving but still provide enough storage for your towels.
- Use compact shower caddies: Rather than letting products clutter up your bath or shower area, opt for compact, mounted shower caddies to keep everything organised.
10. Plan the Lighting Wisely
Lighting can play a huge role in making your small bathroom feel larger and more inviting. Proper lighting can highlight the space’s best features and add brightness to otherwise dark corners.
How to Do It:
- Incorporate ambient and task lighting: Layer your lighting with ceiling-mounted lights for general illumination and task lights around mirrors or showers for focused brightness.
- Use recessed lighting: Recessed lights can be installed in the ceiling to provide ambient light without taking up any visible space.
Final Thoughts: Make Every Inch Count
Maximising space in a small bathroom requires careful planning and smart design choices. By following these expert tips, you can make your bathroom feel open, bright, and highly functional—no matter its size.
Need help designing your small bathroom? At EPM, we’re experts at creating beautiful, practical bathrooms that make the most of every inch. Contact us today to get started!
