7 Small Bathroom Design Ideas to Maximise Space and Style

Designing a small bathroom can be tricky due to space limitations, but with smart planning, you can optimise every part while maintaining a stylish and functional look. Thoughtful design choices can make a compact space feel more open and practical.

In this guide, we explore seven practical small bathroom renovation ideas to inspire your project and enhance your home’s style.

Designing a functional and stylish small bathroom starts with a well-planned layout that optimises both flow and usability. The average UK bathroom measures approximately 2700mm x 2400mm (8 ft 9 in x 7 ft 9 in), providing enough space to accommodate a basin, toilet, and either a shower or a shower-bath combination.
 

Opting for a corner shower instead of a tub can free up valuable floor space, making the room feel more open. Positioning key fixtures, such as the toilet and sink, along a single wall can also create a more streamlined design and improve the overall sense of space.
 

Another effective space-saving solution is choosing pocket sliding doors over traditional hinged ones. These doors eliminate the need for extra clearance and slide neatly out of sight when open. To enhance your space, you can choose specially designed door handles alongside matching door hardware in the same finish for a seamless look.

When designing a small bathroom, making the most of vertical space is essential for maintaining practicality and reducing clutter. Installing shelves above the toilet, tall cupboards, or wall-mounted storage solutions helps free up valuable floor space while keeping everyday essentials within easy reach. Heated towel rails and robe hooks provide additional storage without encroaching on the room, creating a more open and organised feel. You can also choose space-saving glass-mounted towel rails, specially designed for bathrooms with limited wall space, making use of the glass screen as a mounting surface.

Wall hung vanity units, basins, and toilets further enhance the sense of space by keeping the floor clear. These fixtures create a sleek, contemporary look and make cleaning easier. With smart wall-mounted design choices, even the smallest bathrooms in UK homes can feel stylish, practical, and spacious.

Wall-hung vanities are an excellent space-saving solution worth considering for any small bathroom. They are flexible enough to fit into awkward spaces, such as between baths and toilets, and provide a minimalist design that enhances the feeling of openness.
 

When renovating a small bathroom, it’s essential to streamline the space and reduce clutter. Keep vanity drawers reserved for everyday essentials, and store excess products or seldom-used items in a separate cupboard, making it easy to replenish items when needed. This ensures a more organised and efficient bathroom routine. Customisable vanity organisers designed to fit neatly into drawers can also optimise storage.
 

Additional space-saving options include built-in shelves or recessed wall niches, which offer extra storage and introduce a visually appealing, three-dimensional element to your design, adding balance and character to your space.

Tiles play a significant role in small bathrooms. Light-coloured bathroom tiles can make a compact space feel larger and more open. Shades like white, soft beige, pastels, or light grey reflect natural light, creating a fresh and airy atmosphere. Glossy or satin finishes enhance this effect, reflecting light throughout the room and making the space feel more expansive. Pairing light walls with matching tiles creates a seamless, cohesive look, avoiding harsh contrasts that can make the room feel boxed in.
 

Bold tiles can add personality without overwhelming the space. Using patterned tiles on a feature wall or small backsplash adds visual interest while still maintaining a sense of balance and harmony in a smaller setting.

Mirrors are a powerful tool for creating the illusion of more space in a bathroom. When strategically placed, such as above the vanity or across from a window, mirrors can reflect light and visually extend the room. Adding a full-length mirror or mirrored cabinets can enhance this effect, providing both functionality and a sense of spaciousness.

For an even greater sense of openness, consider extending a mirror along an entire wall to make the room feel significantly larger. Mirrored cabinets offer the added advantage of hidden storage, while still helping to brighten the space. Positioning mirrors opposite one another can create an interesting sense of depth, while backlit mirrors provide a soft, ambient glow. Thoughtful placement of mirrors can easily transform a small bathroom into a light-filled, welcoming retreat.

Natural lighting is an effective way to make a small bathroom feel more spacious and open. By allowing natural light to flood the room, you can reduce the need for bulky artificial lighting, freeing up valuable wall and ceiling space. Large windows or skylights help brighten dark corners, creating the illusion of a larger, airier bathroom. Opting for frosted or translucent glass ensures privacy while maximising light, so the space doesn’t feel cramped.
 

Maximising natural light can also reduce the need for excessive storage solutions. Bright, well-lit bathrooms encourage a minimalist approach to organisation, making it easier to keep surfaces clear and tidy. With the right lighting, even the smallest of bathrooms can feel functional, stylish, and more spacious.
 

Statement lighting is another excellent way to enhance the style of a small bathroom without overwhelming the space. Modern fixtures like pendant lights, wall sconces, or backlit mirrors add both flair and function. Wall-mounted sconces free up counter space, while pendant lights provide a striking focal point without taking up floor space. Choosing minimal designs or adjustable lighting helps to distribute light evenly, making the room feel more open and inviting.

A minimalist aesthetic is ideal for small bathrooms, creating a sense of space and sophistication. With clean lines, neutral tones, and subtle details, this design style keeps the room feeling clutter-free and refined.

By incorporating wall-mounted fixtures and cabinetry, you can maximise every inch, enhancing the sleek and streamlined look. Thoughtful storage solutions help keep everyday essentials neatly tucked away, reinforcing the minimalist vibe. This approach makes even the smallest bathroom feel serene, stylish, and highly functional.

Our range of mini tapware and basins is perfect for achieving this minimalist aesthetic while maximising space. Also, adding heated towel ladders provides a practical yet elegant touch to your design.

All these ideas are ideal for freeing up space and maintaining an elegant, clutter-free bathroom.

For further inspiration and small bathroom renovation ideas, check out our other blogs:

5 Bathroom Tile Design Trends 2025

The Best Vanities for Small Bathrooms

Small Bathroom Ideas on a Budget