Bathroom Planning: 9 Ways to Squeeze More Out of a Small Bathing Space
Think you can’t fit in a shower? Space too teeny for a tub? Then take a look at this clever lot, which all tuck chic style into a small room
It’s easy to despair of fitting everything your heart desires into a small bathroom. But, while there are limitations (that multi-level whirlpool bath may not make the shortlist), with careful planning it’s possible to work in a surprising amount. Draw up a scale floor plan, investigate some of the many space-saving fittings on the market and you could find yourself relaxing in your dream bathroom after all. Check out these schemes for inspiration.
Add hidden storage
Even a narrow space can hold a surprising amount of storage. This smart, pull-out shelving unit is perfect for hiding toiletries and cleaning products out of sight.
Even a narrow space can hold a surprising amount of storage. This smart, pull-out shelving unit is perfect for hiding toiletries and cleaning products out of sight.
Paint it white
Going all-white is a classic space enhancer for a reason – it really works. Add some punch with vibrant accessories, such as the patterned shower curtain and tiles. An open basin base and a shower curtain that can be pulled right back ensure the room feels as wide as possible.
Be inspired by elegant white bathroom schemes
Going all-white is a classic space enhancer for a reason – it really works. Add some punch with vibrant accessories, such as the patterned shower curtain and tiles. An open basin base and a shower curtain that can be pulled right back ensure the room feels as wide as possible.
Be inspired by elegant white bathroom schemes
Create a wet room
A wet room is a brilliant space saver, needing only a simple glass screen to keep water off the loo and basin. The key to success is tanking, a process that seals the whole room to prevent leaks (and must be done by a professional). The floor is then a single expanse, with only a drainage hole visible, giving a space-enhancing seamless look.
Check out wet rooms for every bathroom style
A wet room is a brilliant space saver, needing only a simple glass screen to keep water off the loo and basin. The key to success is tanking, a process that seals the whole room to prevent leaks (and must be done by a professional). The floor is then a single expanse, with only a drainage hole visible, giving a space-enhancing seamless look.
Check out wet rooms for every bathroom style
Plan under the eaves
Loft conversions often have space for a bathroom in them, but the sloping ceiling can result in wasted space. Maximise the area by tucking the end of the bath and the loo under the lowest point, and top with as large a skylight as you can to open up the area.
Loft conversions often have space for a bathroom in them, but the sloping ceiling can result in wasted space. Maximise the area by tucking the end of the bath and the loo under the lowest point, and top with as large a skylight as you can to open up the area.
Choose simple furniture
Neat furniture and soft, natural shades take the fuss out of a small room and give it some breathing space. Choose handleless furniture and clean-lined accessories, and incorporate as much storage as possible to keep things clutter-free. Floating fittings visually max the space, as more of the floor can be seen, and make cleaning a breeze.
Neat furniture and soft, natural shades take the fuss out of a small room and give it some breathing space. Choose handleless furniture and clean-lined accessories, and incorporate as much storage as possible to keep things clutter-free. Floating fittings visually max the space, as more of the floor can be seen, and make cleaning a breeze.
Keep it consistent
A clever trick to making a small bathroom look bigger is to use the same tiles on the walls and the floor. Look for a range that’s suitable for both uses, as they will need to be tougher for the floor. If you have any curvy or awkward shapes, mosaics are a dream for rolling over bumps and smoothing out corners.
A clever trick to making a small bathroom look bigger is to use the same tiles on the walls and the floor. Look for a range that’s suitable for both uses, as they will need to be tougher for the floor. If you have any curvy or awkward shapes, mosaics are a dream for rolling over bumps and smoothing out corners.
Look for space-saving shapes
Think your space is too small for a bath? Investigate the huge range of tubs out there in myriad shapes and sizes and you might find there’s one with your name on it. This compact oval sneaks into the under-window area with millimetres to spare, leaving space for a slim vanity unit.
Think your space is too small for a bath? Investigate the huge range of tubs out there in myriad shapes and sizes and you might find there’s one with your name on it. This compact oval sneaks into the under-window area with millimetres to spare, leaving space for a slim vanity unit.
Splash on a sunken bath
Consider sinking your tub into the floor. It will streamline your room, giving it a luxurious feel. It doesn’t have to be a big bath to look good, as this neat design shows, and the result is an airy space for laid-back bathing.
How do you maximise the space in your bathroom? Share your tips in the Comments below.
Consider sinking your tub into the floor. It will streamline your room, giving it a luxurious feel. It doesn’t have to be a big bath to look good, as this neat design shows, and the result is an airy space for laid-back bathing.
How do you maximise the space in your bathroom? Share your tips in the Comments below.
Recessed shelves are a great space saver, both practically and visually, keeping toiletries neat and off the surfaces. Building the shelves into false walls that hide pipework is a clever use of a necessary feature.