The Secret To Designing Stunning Bathrooms In Limited Spaces

Did you know that the average person spends over a year of their life in the bathroom?

You're already tuned in to the fact that, in a small home, every square foot counts, making bathroom design and function more important than ever. This article explores practical solutions and creative ideas to help you maximise your bathroom space without sacrificing comfort or style. Discover how you can transform even the tiniest bathroom into one of your favourite places to hang out...

Access and Usable Space

You’ve created a list of needs and wants for your new bathroom, but in the planning stages it’s easy to find that things don’t quite fit as expected – It’s something we’re familiar with. There's a lot to think about:

• Door opening into the bathroom

• Shower door clearance

• Toilet access

• Towel rail reach

• Space around the vanity

• Room to dry yourself comfortably!

Top Tip: Consider a cavity sliding door instead of a traditional hinged one. While it’s an extra cost, it can greatly improve both accessibility and functionality.

The Toilet (aka The Throne): Don’t overcomplicate your decision... it's a toilet and a good one doesn't have to break the budget. There are options of wall hung or floor mounted, but this really comes down to preference (you'll find wall hung may cost a bit more for the unit and plumbing) — Prioritise accessibility by ensuring there’s enough space on each side for comfort. Also, pay attention to where you place the toilet roll holder so it’s within easy reach!!

Sink or Vanity

Are you looking for the classic appeal of a freestanding pedestal sink, which saves space, or do you prefer the storage offered by a vanity unit? We always recommend incorporating a vanity for its modern aesthetic and practicality.

Wall-Hung vs. Floor-Mounted:

Floor-mounted vanities provide more storage, while wall-hung options create an illusion of space by revealing more floor area. The open space underneath can accommodate a bin or linen basket which is often overlooked but very useful.

Size Tips:

Aim for a 3ft / 900mm wide vanity if space allows; otherwise, a 2ft5" / 750mm option works well in most bathrooms, providing enough room around the sink and sufficient storage.

Shower or Bath

Do You Need a Bath in Your Small Home? This depends entirely on your lifestyle. If soaking in a bath is important for relaxation or family needs, consider a shower-over-bath combo for practicality. Otherwise, we usually recommend prioritising a larger shower—even an extra 4 inches / 100mm can greatly improve comfort. Cubicle showers are generally the go-to for a small space, but we like to do away with the ‘go-to’ and apply a more modern open plan feel to design—always check local regulations. Where a partial or fully enclosed shower is required, it can be achieved with glass screen walls and doors—we think the extra costs are worth it, it looks great, and offers a spacious, modern, sophisticated deign element. For wall and floor finishes, tiles are popular and give a luxurious look.

Top Tip: To save money, only tile essential areas, for example, floors and showers. Using plasterboard walls elsewhere allows easy colour changes for future updates at minimal cost.

Smart Storage

Great storage is essential in any bathroom—after all, we all accumulate lotions and potions that need a home! Prioritising clever storage solutions will improve both the look and functionality of your space. Make use of vertical space with tall, narrow shelving units to store towels and essentials. The wall above the toilet is often underused; if you don’t want funky toilet art, consider installing shelves for extra storage. As already mentioned, a vanity with ample drawer space is a must-have. For added organisation, use dividers or small containers in drawers and on shelves to keep toiletries and makeup neat and tidy.

Ventilation

It goes without saying that a bathroom needs good ventilation. It removes excess moisture, helps prevent mould growth and damage to fixtures, and keeps the space fresh and comfortable. If you have a mechanical ventilation system in your design, you’re all set. Otherwise, a quality extractor fan combined with an opening window will effectively remove moisture and keep your bathroom well ventilated.

Heating

If you’ve opted for a tiled floor, installing an electric underfloor heating pad is a great idea. It’s a simple yet highly effective way to heat your bathroom. You won’t need it year-round, and the system will come with a user friendly interface so that you can set timers, to help manage power costs. The only other heating element we recommend is a heated towel rail. Not only does it provide warm, dry towels, but it also adds extra warmth to your small bathroom. It’s cost-effective and doesn’t need to be on all year.

Lighting & Electrical

Bathroom lighting doesn’t need to be complicated. A couple of overhead lights will sufficiently illuminate the main area. For added function, include an overhead vanity light—especially important if your bathroom mirror is your primary mirror at home.

You'll need a power outlet for all those beauty appliances you rely on! Installing outlets with USB ports is a smart choice, as many devices now use USB chargers. This setup allows you to conveniently power hairdryers, straighteners, electric razors, and even charge your phone. There are obviously regulations around placement of power outlets — your electrician will be all over this.

Mirrors

Don’t choose a mirror that’s too small—25 x 39 inches (650 x 1000mm) is an ideal size for most small bathrooms. Top Tip: consider a mirror heating pad to keep it fog-free; these can be wired to the same circuit as your vanity lights and are a cost-effective upgrade. This may prove essential for putting on a face or taming your hair if your bathroom mirror is the main mirror in your home.

Small bathrooms aren't a compromise—They're another space where clever, thoughtful design creates a room that will rival any McMansion throne room—just with fewer steps to the shower!