How to get the best from a small bathroom space

If you have a smaller bathroom space, then it’s always useful to know some tips and tricks, so you can make the most out of what’s there. Some simple styling advice will ensure that you not only use your interior to its best advantage but also enjoy your dream space without too many compromises.

You might not be able to fit your ideal floorstanding bathtub into a tiny bathroom, for instance, but there are always alternatives to achieving your vision – with a little creative thinking. Meanwhile, you can make your small bathroom appear larger than it is with some strategic thinking, so if you want some inspiration for getting the best out of a small bathroom space, then we’ve got a few ideas to help.

Tiles

• Choose large-format tiles: While some people might think the opposite, using larger size tiles in a small space will actually make a room appear bigger than it is. So, if you have a smaller bathroom then this is an easy way to create a roomier feel to your interior. Large format tiles trick the eye, as they require fewer grout lines, so the resulting look is more seamless and flowing. Practically, you’ll also have fewer tiles to buy, so it’s a win-win …

Large format tiles like the Lusso Large Grey Tile-effect Wall Panelling can make a bathroom look bigger.

• Use the same tiles on the walls and floor: If you use similar looking – or the exact same – tiling on the walls and floor (or a similar tone for wall panelling), then this again tricks the eye and creates a more cohesive look. The bathroom will subsequently appear larger than it actually is. Choosing a more natural colour palette or lighter shades will also help to open up the room and make it appear more spacious. It therefore also goes that it’s usually better to avoid darker shades, as these can make a room feel smaller.

Floating furniture

If you have less floor space in your bathroom and don’t want it to appear cluttered, then floating or wall-mounted furniture is ideal. This can apply to everything from toilets and vanity units to bathroom cabinets and heating.

By attaching your furniture to the walls, this will free up floor space and also make moving around the room easier.

The Linea Wall-hung Toilet and Soft-close Seat in Ceramic is one example of a wall-hung toilet and comes with a gloss white finish which will integrate into any bathroom décor.

Meanwhile, the Happi Wall-mounted Vanity Unit & Basin in Gloss White has two soft-close drawers and looks great alongside the Linea toilet, with the same white gloss finish.

Floating furniture like the Linea Wall-hung toilet and Happi Wall-mounted Vanity Unit and Basin will help save space in a smaller bathroom.

Back-to-wall toilets can also save on space, being fitted against the wall, so are another option if you don’t want a floating one.

Clever storage options

The Mia LED Cabinet Single Door Demister and Shaver

Some sort of storage option in your bathroom is always useful and if you have a smaller space then thinking creatively about this is key. Luckily, there are lots of practical options for storage which don’t take up too much room.

The key, of course, is to combine usage, so bathroom cabinets are ideal as they are not only wall-mounted, so are up out of the way, but can combine a mirror and internal storage space for those bathroom essentials, including chargeable ports.

A vanity unit is another useful storage option and these come in a range of sizes, so, depending on what you can fit into your bathroom, you can opt for a smaller vanity and then incorporate the basin. This can be either freestanding on top of the unit or recessed into it.

Corner baths and bath-shower combis

Small spaces are also ideal for corner baths, as these can fit snugly into one corner of the room – and you can also combine the bath with a storage unit. Meanwhile, a bath-shower is also great, if you have room for a straight bath, as you can simply install a shower at one end and then attach a shower bath screen and enjoy the best of both without needing to install a separate shower enclosure. If you prefer one over the other, then you can also just install a corner shower, or bath, individually without the need for both.

Meanwhile … if you retain a dream of a floorstanding bath then you might be able to fit in a freestanding slipper bath, as these are available in smaller sizes than traditional roll-top baths, so this could also be an option.

The Viktor Benson Elemi Freestanding Slipper Bath.

Magical mirrors

Mirrors reflect natural light as well as serving a practical function so, to maximise this and open up the space, hanging a mirror in your bathroom is a no-brainer. It will help to create depth in the room while also adding style and character. Bathroom cabinets can combine a mirror with storage for those bathroom essentials, so you incorporate your mirror this way, or hang an individual one instead.

Artificial lighting should also be considered, as sidelights by a vanity unity, or simply the type of overhead lighting you have, will all contribute to how well-lit your bathroom is and how the space is perceived.

Heated towel rails

If floor space is minimal in your bathroom, then a wall-mounted heated towel rail is an inspired choice over the traditional floorstanding radiator, as it will take the radiator out of the way. It also looks great aesthetically and you can even get ones with aromatherapy features, so you can enjoy an infusion of scent while your bathroom heats.

Underfloor heating is another option to consider if you don’t want any radiators in your room.

No matter what size your bathroom is, if you have a smaller area to work with, there are plenty of ways to make the most of what you have and achieve your bathroom dreams. We have a wide range of options for smaller bathrooms at Bathshack so, if you’re planning a redesign, just talk to our team and we’ll help you find exactly what you need.

A heated towel rail like the Pele model in brushed brass can save space in smaller bathrooms while also looking stylish.

To view our range of bathroom products, why not visit your local showroom? Alternatively, you can contact us at info@bathshack.com or call (028) 9077 0188.