Small Bathroom Design Solutions for a Limited Space

Wall-Mounted Units

To maximise the use of floor space, opt for wall-mounted vanities, toilets, and sinks. Because the eye sees the floor beneath, it creates the illusion of the space not being used and the floor extending beyond. The fact that it’s much easier to mop without bumping into the feet or skirts is an added bonus.

Many floating vanity units are now curved in design, which can add a modern and moneyed touch to any bathroom.

Minimalist and Sleek Fixtures

Large or bulky fixtures can overpower small spaces, making them seem crowded (think Alice in Wonderland!) Oversized, clunky or out of proportion pieces take up valuable space, making the room feel more confined.

Choose minimalist and sleek fixtures for a clean and modern look in your small bathroom. Opt for streamlined taps, vertical radiators, and slim-profile showers. These elegant fixtures not only save space but also contribute to an overall contemporary and visually appealing design aesthetic.

Mirror-Mirror on the Wall

There are few instances where bigger may be better in small bathrooms. One of those is in the use of reflective surfaces.

Installing a large, full-length mirror on one of the walls in your small bathroom can create an illusion of space and make the room appear larger than it actually is. It’s a trick as old as time but effectively doubles the perceived space through reflecting it.

Not only that, but the size of wall fixtures can impact the eye’s perception of space. For example, a large wall-to-floor panel can make the walls appear longer and wider. Whereas tiles, having grout lines, can break the space up. As in all interior design, continuity is key.

Secret Storage Solutions

A bathroom with too many items on display can make the space appear smaller. When countertops, shelves, or floors are filled with toiletries, towels, and accessories, it creates clutter and visual chaos.

If you’re bored of the usual storage solutions on offer, this might just be the ultimate way to keep toiletries and cleaning supplies out of sight.

Have you ever looked under a standard bath and marvelled at the unused space? Make use of this often-overlooked area by creating storage compartments accessed through built-in drawers or hinged panels.

Multi-Functional Furniture

Consider multi-function pieces for a 2-in-1 that actually works. A mirrored medicine cabinet with integrated lighting is a boon for shaving. Similarly, combination toilet vanities can maximise functionality while minimising the footprint in a small bathroom.

Light It Up

Limited lighting can contribute to a bathroom looking smaller. Dimly lit spaces have shadows, making the room feel cramped and enclosed. Believe it or not, when your eyes perceive a space, those shadows are also factored in and take valuable room.

To counteract this effect, you need to incorporate strategic lighting using a combination of task, accent, and natural light to make the space feel brighter and more spacious.

Clever Use of Colours

Dark colours absorb light and make a space feel more closed-in. When applied to the walls or floors in a small bathroom, not only can they create a sense of confinement, but they tend to visually recede, reducing the perception of depth and making the space seem smaller than it is.

It’s advised that to create a more open and spacious feel, you opt for lighter and brighter colour schemes, such as soft neutrals, pastels, or crisp whites. However, using too many pale colours can give a starkly clinical feel to spaces.

So, what next? Patterns? Yet incorporating overly busy or large-scale patterns can visually shrink a bathroom. This is because patterns, especially when used extensively on walls or floors, can easily overwhelm the small space. They can create a sense of visual clutter and detract from the room itself.

Instead, consider using subtle or small-scale patterns sparingly. Incorporate pops of colour or patterns in accessories, like towels. This adds interest without overwhelming the space.

Foldable Fixtures

Incorporate foldable fixtures into your small bathroom design. For example, a foldable shower seat can provide functionality when needed and can be easily tucked away when not in use.

Credit: - Millie Fuller