Design and showers
Small bathroom design: how to make the most of the space
A small bathroom feels bigger when the floor stays clear, the shower is open and the walls carry the storage. Wall-hung fittings, a walk-in shower with a frameless glass panel, larger light-coloured tiles and good lighting make the biggest difference. This guide covers layouts, fittings, tiles, storage and the common mistakes to avoid in a small room.
Plan the layout first
Start with where the waste pipes and soil stack are, because moving them adds cost. Then place the shower, toilet and basin so each has room to be used comfortably. In a narrow room, a shower across the end wall often works better than a bath.
Fittings that save space
| Fitting | Space-saving benefit |
|---|---|
| Walk-in shower with a glass panel | No door to swing and an open look |
| Wall-hung toilet | Clear floor and a hidden cistern |
| Wall-hung or corner basin | Floor space underneath |
| Recessed niche | Shower storage without shelves sticking out |
| Mirror cabinet | Storage and a mirror in one |
| Heated towel rail | Dries towels without taking floor space |
Tiles and colour
Larger tiles mean fewer grout lines, which makes walls look calmer and wider. Light colours reflect more light. Running the same floor tile into the shower area makes the floor feel continuous. Our bathroom tiling service covers walls, floors and shower areas.
Lighting
Use more than one light source: a ceiling light for general light, and a lit mirror or wall lights for the face. Every fitting must suit its bathroom zone: see our bathroom electrical zones guide.
Common mistakes
- Choosing a bath or shower that is too large for the room.
- A door that clashes with the toilet or basin.
- Too little storage, so the surfaces fill up.
- A weak extractor fan, leading to condensation and mould.
- Forgetting the soil stack in a tenement: see our small tenement bathroom ideas.
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What is the best layout for a small bathroom?
It depends on where the waste pipes and soil stack are, because moving them adds cost. In many narrow rooms, a walk-in shower across the end wall, with the toilet and a wall-hung basin along one side, works well. We give practical layout advice at the free survey, based on your room and how you use it. Everything is agreed before work starts.
Should I use big or small tiles in a small bathroom?
Larger tiles often work better, because fewer grout lines make the walls and floor look calmer and more spacious. Light colours also help. Very large tiles need flat walls and floors, so preparation matters. Small mosaics can work as a feature in a niche or shower floor, but too many small tiles can make a room feel busy. We set them out carefully.
Is a walk-in shower good for a small bathroom?
Usually, yes. A walk-in shower with a frameless glass panel has no door to swing and keeps the room open, so it often fits where a bath or a shower enclosure would feel cramped. A low-profile tray leaves only a small step. Make sure there is enough space for the shower area so water stays where it should. We check the space at the survey.
How do I add storage to a small bathroom?
Use the walls rather than the floor. A mirror cabinet, a wall-hung vanity unit with drawers, shelves above the toilet or door, and a recessed niche in the shower all add storage without crowding the room. A false wall behind a wall-hung toilet can also create a useful shelf. Plan storage early, before the walls are tiled, so niches and frames can be built in.