If you have a smaller bathroom, then it’s important to maximise the space you have by thinking more creatively about
how you design it in terms of layout and the fixtures that you use. It’s also worth bearing in mind that, while you
might assume there are certain things you can’t fulfil in a smaller space, with a little clever thinking, you can
actually achieve more than you might think.
In this blog we’ll therefore take a look at some ways in which you can transform a smaller bathroom into your
perfect relaxing space. Read to the end to find out our top tips and recommendations!
Getting creative with your shower room will help to maximise space.
Maximising style and space in your shower room
When it comes to creating a stylish shower room space, there are various things to consider. The first is to decide
what you want to prioritise in the room and what’s important to you in terms of overall functionality and
aesthetics. Do you want to make a feature out of the shower, or is this something which you’d rather have in the
background and not take centre-stage?
Deciding this from the outset will help you shape the rest of your shower room design, as it will influence the
other bathroom-ware you choose for the space, including where you position the shower and how you style it. The next
thing is to decide what type of
shower you want – if you enjoy bathing as well and don’t just want a shower, then a bath-shower combo might be best if
there isn’t room for the two separately. Alternatively, if you’re not a bath person or would prefer not to have it
taking up extra space, then opting for a shower only would be best. Whether this is a walk-in shower –
which would open up the space and help make the room appear bigger – or a corner shower, is another decision ...
All of this is before you actually decide what style of shower you would like, in terms of the shower kit (for
example rainfall shower, electric, power etc.) and the finish – be it brushed brass, polished chrome or a more
modern matt black. Shower panels and doors are then another consideration after this.
Our free online Bathroom Planner is
great for giving you an idea of how items will look in your bathroom. Simply pick the products you’re interested in
– in this case, a shower – and then use the 3D Explore tool to see how a range of different shower styles and sizes
would look in your space. All you have to do is pick your product, scan the room with your phone and you can view a
3D representation of it in your home.
Functional and stylish solutions for your shower room
If you’re finding it difficult to decide what way you want to lay out your room and what exactly is the best design
for your specific space, then here are some top tips which should help make the process easier.
Furniture like the Happi Wall-mounted Vanity Unit and Basin can create a focal point in your room.
Create a focal point: Be it a walk-in shower, vanity unit, mirror or feature wall, think
about what you’d
like to make the first impression when you walk into your shower room and then go from there. If it’s the
shower, then a walk-in style with feature tiling – think bold colours, quirky tile shapes or distinctive
shower panels and kit (such as a matt black finish) – is one way of doing this. Keep the other furniture
more neutral and position the shower (depending on your room layout) somewhere in the room where it’s more
noticeable.
If you don’t want the shower to be the main focus, however, then you could choose a feature vanity unit and
make that the central item, placing it more centrally and selecting one with a bold colour or design. For
example, the Happi Wall-mounted Vanity Unit and Basin is available in an eye-catching yellow
or pink tone, which will add instant character to your bathroom. Paired with the right tiling, you can subsequently create a
feature out of your vanity area.
Choosing a floating or wall-mounted unit like this will also maximise space in the room, keeping the floor
uncluttered. Meanwhile, adding a feature mirror or mirrored cabinet will add further visual interest (as
well as practicality) to the vanity area – and you can combine various useful features within these to save
on more space.
For example, an eco-friendly LED mirror or mirrored
cabinet will provide ambient lighting, so you don’t need bulky sidelights, as well as often having
demister benefits. Cabinets also combine internal storage space for toiletries and usually have shaver
sockets, while both mirrors and cabinets can also have Bluetooth
connectivity, depending on which style you go for. This means you can listen to your favourite tunes
or podcast while you shower, enhancing your bathroom experience.
Mirrors can also be framed, which will add further embellishment, or have a more minimalist, frameless look
which catches attention in a different way, by being sleek and stylish.
For example, the Brushed Brass Frame Mirror with Colour Change is a rectangular mirror which can
be hung either vertically or horizontally and has an attractive brushed brass frame. With ambient LED
lighting, you can choose from warm or cool white, while there’s also a demister feature to prevent the glass
from steaming up.
Mirrors like the Brushed Brass Frame Mirror with Colour Change can help create a focal area in your
bathroom.
Installing wall-mounted heated towel rails can help maximise space in a smaller bathroom.
Choose reflective materials: As well as creating a focal point in the room, mirrors can
also help to make it
appear more spacious, by reflecting light and maximising the natural light within the room. Large, unframed
mirrors are ideal for this, while gloss tiles and finishes, along with mirrored cabinets and frameless
shower screens can also help in the same way. Using good lighting is also
key, especially if you don’t have much natural light in the room.
Use floating furniture and maximise vertical space: As with the vanity unit mentioned
above, wall-mounted furniture like vanities and mirrored cabinets will free up floor space and help make
smaller shower rooms feel bigger. For heating, installing wall-mounted
heated towel rails and radiators is another top tip, while underfloor
heating is completely hidden, under your floor, if you want to go for this option.
Minimising the amount of furniture you place in the room is also key – so only put in what you think you really
need. If you won’t use it and it’s not essential, then don’t waste the space! Keeping furniture against one side of
the room rather than scattering it around will also help to create a more spacious look and prevent the space from
feeling cluttered. Using that vertical space – above the vanity area and toilet being prime areas – is also a good
way to add in the storage or other features you need, without compromising on floor space.
Storage niches: Creating an alcove within the wall of your shower is great for holding toiletries
and prevents the need for bulky shelving protruding out into the room or shower area.
Creating a niche/alcove in your shower for storing toiletries is a great space-saver.
Use large-format tiles: It’s always a good idea to choose larger format tiling for more compact
bathroom and shower spaces, as these help to make interiors appear more spacious where smaller tiles can make them
appear crowded. Rectified tiles also require less grouting, so if you choose large-format rectified tiles like the
Patmos Pulido Porcelain Wall and Floor Tile, for example, then you can open up the room
by creating a more seamless, flowing aesthetic.
Marble-effect tiling is also a good way to add luxury to your room, while the
paler tone will add an airiness to the space. Thinking of tile colour and texture to add depth and visual
interest to your shower room will also make it into a more appealing space. Matching the floor and wall
tiles can further help to create a flowing, cohesive look, so this is another idea when it comes to tiling
your space.
Walk-in shower vs bath-shower combo: If you want the shower experience then a walk-in
shower is a great option for smaller spaces as it can actually help to open the room up. Choosing frameless
shower or wet room screens and using one instead of two screens can also create an airier aesthetic.
Alternatively, if you want to keep a bath in the mix, then a bath-shower combo is another alternative
although, bear in mind that, while this is a space-saver, it also does bring a bulky bathtub into the room.
So, depending on the size of your space, this may or may not be a good choice for your interior.
Large-format marble-effect tiling is great for making spaces appear bigger and creates a luxury look for
less.
Choose a back-to-wall toilet: Keeping bathroom-ware close to the walls will free up
floor space and retain a more open-plan look to your interior. As well as using floating furniture, you can also opt
for a back-to-wall toilet, which is installed right up against the wall, making it easier to clean as well as
keeping the toilet back from the room.
Creating luxury in a compact space
There are lots of ways to add opulence to smaller bathrooms, with rainfall showers, for
example, offering a luxury immersive showering experience reminiscent of a spa. You can also add luxury with brushed
brass finishes for taps and shower kits, as well as fitting tiles with high-end looks like marble-effect and onyx.
Combining different textures and finishes will also make your space cosier, with textiles and heating further adding
to the effect. With smaller shower rooms, it’s all about using what you have to its advantage – adding pops of
colour to create visual interest and using bathroom-ware which is stylish and elegant.
Key ways to get that luxury look include:
- Opting for high-gloss tiles or polished surfaces.
- Introducing warm brushed brass tones for a timeless, gilded aesthetic.
- Installing a rainfall shower.
- Creating a walk-in shower space.
- Fitting large-format tiles.
- Using marble-effect tiling and/or countertops.
- Choosing LED mirrors (with optional Bluetooth connectivity).
- Adding textiles like rugs.
- Using good lighting, be it via mirrors or the overhead light/s.
- Not over-cluttering the space – a minimalist look exudes luxury vibes.
No matter what look you’re going for, at Bathshack we have a wide range of bathroom-ware to suit all spaces and can
help you fit out your smaller shower room with everything you need. Whether you want that walk-in shower, feature
tiling, floating vanity units or anything else, we have designs and finishes to suit all tastes, with great-value
prices always guaranteed.
Hopefully we’ve given you some inspiration for your interior, but if you need any more advice, just get in touch.
For more ideas on how to create your dream shower room, visit our website at bathshack.com. Alternatively, if you have any questions, just email our team at info@bathshack.com, call us on (028) 9077 0188 or use our online chat.