Complete Guide to Making the Most of a Small Bathroom

Posted by Claire Davies on Monday 10th June 2019, updated on Monday 19th December 2022

Are you struggling to make the most of your small bathroom? Whether you’ve got a narrow ensuite, a compact guest room, or even a master bathroom that’s lacking on square footage, there is plenty you can do to make the most of your space.

Keep reading to find out how you can turn your small bathroom into a luxurious but practical space.

How do you maximise space in a small bathroom?

There are a few simple things to bear in mind when it comes to maximising space in a small bathroom. Some of our top tips are:

Read on for more information on how to maximise your small bathroom with our expert tips...

What is the smallest toilet and sink I can use?

People often wonder what the smallest basin and toilet suites are. It makes sense - you don’t have much space, so why take it up with a bulky toilet and basin?

Short-projection toilets are perfect for small bathrooms. This is because they have a reduced depth, so don’t extend outwards from the wall as much as a regular-sized toilet.

Read more: Toilet Buying Guide

However, there is more to consider than just the size of the toilet. Just as importantly, think about the shape of your room and how you can create an illusion of space. Corner toilets, for example, can be an ideal solution for awkwardly shaped bathrooms or where windows and radiators are getting in the way.

Another great small toilet option is a wall-hung toilet. These work well in small bathrooms because they feature a concealed cistern and no pedestal. This creates more of an illusion of space.

Finally, another great idea is a toilet and basin combination unit. These are fantastic space savers and are perfect for ensuites or cloakroom suites. By mounting a small basin on top of the cistern, they eliminate the need for an additional sink, so you can squeeze a restroom into the smallest of spaces.

Read more: Bathroom Basin Types

If you want to keep your sink and toilet separate, we also have plenty of small cloakroom basins. Using a wall-hung style again, this gives the illusion of space, plus allows you to add some storage underneath if required.

What’s the smallest bath size?

For some people, a bath is an essential, no matter how small your bathroom space is. Maybe you have small children, or maybe you just can’t live without a good soak at the end of the day!

The standard size for a bath is usually 1700mm x 700mm. However, the smallest bath sizes can be reduced to as little as 1400mm x 700mm.

Read more: What Size Bath Do You Need?

One of the best space-saving solutions for small bathrooms is to install a shower bath. While shower enclosures are ideal for small ensuites and guest bathrooms, a bath is a luxury that can really elevate your family bathroom.

Shower baths allow you to enjoy a quick shower or a relaxing soak without having to double up on floor space. Use a clear shower screen or a shower curtain to keep the space feeling open.

For more, take a look at our range of bathroom suites with shower baths.

Since many see their bath as their sanctuary in which to indulge and unwind, it’s also a good place to add a luxurious touch. A whirlpool bath is perfect for this, and luckily there are compact versions available for small bathrooms, too!

With spa-inspired jets and ambient LED lighting, you can get a Whirlpool bath that measures around 1700 x 700. You can even get them in a shower bath design, allowing you the freedom to enjoy a relaxing bath or shower.

Now, if you're looking to add a touch of luxury to your bathroom then why not consider a corner freestanding bath? Perfect for fitting in awkward corners but also providing that much-needed touch of luxury you really can't go wrong.

How do you build storage in a small bathroom?

Nothing makes a small bathroom look worse than clutter. So, it’s important that you find the right bathroom cabinets that give you plenty of space to tuck away toothpaste tubes and spare toilet rolls, while still maximising the size of the room.

Read more: Design Inspiration: Bathroom Storage Ideas

A good way to do this is to use a corner bathroom cabinet. These can easily be mounted in an unused area of the room without taking up too much of your wall space. Choose a mirrored option to give an illusion of depth and reflect some light back into the room.

Need a little more storage space? One of our small cloakroom vanity units are another great solution! Combining a compact basin with a sleek, built-in vanity unit, they make it easy to keep your bathroom looking neat.

Wall-hung options are a particularly good option for small bathrooms, as they leave some floor space free below. This helps keep the area feel roomy, or you could place a few storage baskets under it if you prefer.

What tile size looks best in a small bathroom?

Logic may lead you to believe that smaller wall and floor tiles are better for smaller bathrooms. However, more tiles mean more grouting lines, which can lead to a cluttered and busy appearance.

Instead, you should use slightly larger tiles with a plain design. If you do use smaller tiles, limit them to just one feature wall and keep the rest painted plain.

What colours make a small bathroom look bigger?

Your colour scheme can go far in making the most of your small bathroom! Use colours that are light and bright - this doesn’t just limit you to white though! Use light tones of blue, green, yellow or pink to bring in some character. It’s also a good idea to blend this in with your tiles and keep the same paint colour across all walls. You can always add a few pops of colour with accessories and plants to liven it up a bit!

If you're looking for further bathroom design inspiration, the following posts might be useful - How to Make Your Small Bathroom Look Larger - 7 Tile Ideas for Small Bathrooms - How to Design a Small Bathroom.

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