Space-saving ideas for a small bathroom
Short on square metres in your family bathroom? These clever designs make the best of even the most limited of spaces.
Image: Albion Bath Co
The average bathroom size in the UK is less than 8 foot squared, so it’s no surprise that when it comes to clever design ideas to make the most of compact spaces, there are plenty of options to pick from.
You can make easy wins in the design phase, such as keeping the look of your bathroom simple and unfussy, but the finer details of can really help to make your room super functional and practical, no matter how large a space you have to work with.
Smart shower screens
Image: Merlyn
A lot of the time, a small bathroom won’t have space to swing a cat, let alone swing open a large shower enclosure door. The problem with bi-fold systems is that they have more frame visible, making the space more visually cluttered. To make the most of a small shower, seek out a style that has minimal framing around the screen, but has a clever opening system, like the Arysto Eight infold shower door from Merlyn, which is perfect for when space is at a premium.
Compact storage
Image: B&Q
When it comes to wall storage in a compact bathroom, you don’t have to opt for deep units. These shallow wall cabinets from B&Q are perfect for a bathroom, as they offer just the right depth for toiletries, but on a wider scale, so you can always easily find what you need without rummaging to the back of the cupboard.
Multi-functional fixtures
Image: Vogue
When you don’t have room for all the fixtures you need, find products that offer dual purposes for the same amount of space. We love this Harmonique Duo design from Vogue – a towel rail with a lift up section which can double up as a useful towel shelf. Super useful and flexible for a small space.
Small baths
Image: Albion Bath Co.
Think you can’t fit a bath in your bathroom? Think again. There are plenty of baths out there that are more compact, but this Tubby bath from Albion Bath Co is a particular favourite. Narrow, but deep, it’s not your usual bathing experience. But if you can’t live without a good soak in the tub, this could be your best bet.
Space-saving storage
Image: Sainsbury’s Home
We love these smart storage pieces for the bathroom from Sainsbury’s Home. With stacked levels, it really makes the most of every square inch of floorspace in a bathroom, ensuring you keep everything you need to hand, all the while remaining super organised.
Get lighting right
Image: Drench
In a small bathroom, lighting is very important, especially if you only have a small window to provide natural light. Overhead lighting may not be enough to make your bathroom the most practical, so consult our guide to bathroom lighting to get the right mix.
Why not try an illuminated mirror as a space-saving alternative to installing wall lights? This mirror from Drench is a particular favourite.
Make use of all space
Image: Soak.com
Think of all the areas in the bathroom that waste space and look to make the most of them. As this Olympia unit from Soak.com, incorporating a basin and WC, goes to show, even the space above the cistern can used for functional surface space.
Are you struggling with a super small bathroom layout? Tweet us @goodhomesmag, or post a comment on our Facebook page! Or tag us in your own bathroom photos on Instagram for a chance to be featured on our feed.
