Small Bathroom Design Ideas: Make the Most of Your Space

Are you currently in the midst of a small bathroom renovation?

Perhaps you're thinking of adding a shower to your tiny downstairs loo—a common challenge in London homes I know!

Designing a small bathroom can be a delightful challenge, especially in space-constrained London properties. With clever planning and creative thinking, you can transform a tiny space into a functional, stylish, and inviting oasis.

In this blog post, we'll explore my top tips and design ideas to help you make the most of your limited bathroom space.

1. Prioritize Functionality in Small Bathroom Design Begin by identifying what I call 'the essentials'. What are the must-have features in your bathroom? A toilet, sink, and shower/bathtub are typically non-negotiable so plan your layout around these fixtures to ensure efficient use of space.

Here is a before and after bathroom transformation.

Before: Small Downstairs Toilet

Before: A small sink in the downstairs toilet

After: A new bathroom equipped with a sink, toilet and a shower

2. Mirrors and Reflective Surfaces: Mirrors can work wonders in a small bathroom. Install a large mirror or mirrored cabinet to reflect light and create the illusion of space. Incorporate reflective surfaces like glass shower doors and shiny metal accents.

3. Space-Saving Fixtures and Accessories Opt for a wall-mounted or floating vanity. This frees up valuable floor space and gives the bathroom a more open appearance. Choose a sleek design with storage options to keep essentials organized. Look for compact fixtures designed for small spaces. Consider a corner sink, a narrower toilet, or a shower stall with a small footprint. These choices can maximize available space. Invest in space-saving accessories like towel hooks instead of bars, a wall-mounted toilet paper holder, and a compact towel warmer.

Marble sink with a wooden floating vanity and tall mirror

4. Shower Niche or Caddy: I think this is one of my favourite tips - To avoid clutter, install a shower niche or a caddy to keep toiletries organized and easily accessible. This eliminates the need for bulky shower caddies or shelves.

Shower niche

5. Innovative Tile Patterns: Experiment with tile patterns to visually expand the space. Use larger tiles to create continuity, and consider stacked or herringbone or patterned tiles to add visual interest.

Beautiful patterned tiles to add interest to the bathroom floor

6. Good Lighting: Adequate lighting is crucial in a small bathroom. Install bright, well-distributed lighting to eliminate shadows and make the room feel more open and welcoming. Dont shy away from accent lighting, a small bathroom does not mean you need to skimp on little touches of luxury. Hanging a beautiful pendant light near your vanity and adding some lighting in your shower niche can elevate your design to the next level to create that spa-like feeling!

Designing a small bathroom is all about maximizing every inch of space while maintaining a comfortable and stylish environment.

By implementing these design ideas, you can transform your compact bathroom into a functional and aesthetically pleasing retreat. Remember, it's not about the size of the bathroom but how effectively you use it that matters most.