Planning a small bathroom (2024)

Planning a small bathroom may seem straightforward, due to the limited space available, however, it can prove tricky, trying to find room for everything you need.

Whether starting from scratch or simply refurbishing an existing small bathroom, maximising space is the key to creating a stylish and highly functional place in which to unwind and relax.

In this room planning guide, we'll show you that a small bathroom needn't mean compromising on quality. In fact, we'll demonstrate exactly how a small bathroom can end up punching well above its weight. This article focuses on your master bathroom, however, if you are looking to plan a second small bathroom in your home, you may wish to read one of the following guides:

• Planning a cloakroom
• Planning an ensuite bathroom
• Planning a loft bathroom

With full, coordinated suites available, the Wharfe collection from Orchard Bathrooms will help you create a fresh, modern look in your bathroom

Focal point

A bathroom of substance always has a bathtub as a centrepiece and this doesn’t have to be lost even if you are working with a small space. At just 1500mm in length, the small Traditional double ended roll top bath from The Bath Co. can bring elegance to any bathroom and attracts plenty of attention as you enter the room. If you are planning a traditional bathroom, the Dulwich freestanding shower bath (pictured below) combines the best of both worlds, saving on space and providing both bathing and showering options.

With all the elegance of a traditional roll top bath, the Dulwich freestanding shower bath will help you optimise your space

Showers

Of course, some people use a smaller space to make the most of the convenience that a shower can offer, so basing your new room around an enclosure, or better still, a luxurious shower cabin, can be a great choice.

A small space is also a great opportunity if you want to build a small “wet room” and our range of walk in showers can be a great way to start off in that direction.

Handy hint: Discover the benefits of a wet room and find out how small you can go with a wet room.

When planning a small bathroom, don't immediately rule out the idea of a wet room

Illusions

Making a small bathroom appear bigger can be done effectively with a few tried and tested tips and tricks. Light colours for wall and floor tiles can help, and the way that you use your bathroom lighting can be key. If your room doesn’t have any natural light from outside, using full spectrum bulbs (which best replicate natural light) can help make the room feel less enclosed.

For a room with a low ceiling, vertical stripes on the walls are a great way to create the impression of height but consider keeping this to afeature wall. Uplighting can also help form the illusion of a taller room.

A combination of downlights and spotlights will help illuminate every corner of your small bathroom

Discover how you can make your bathroom feel larger by choosing the best small bathroom colours.

Storage

The less space you have, the more storage becomes an issue. The number of small things that clutter our bathrooms can be amazing, so make sureyou have a bathroom cabinet that is practical, like the small Eden white vanity unit and basin. This not only offers a great storage solution but also gives a clean, modern high-gloss finish, which helps make everything feel bigger and more spacious.

Discover how to create an Oriental Spa style small bathroom by clicking on the image above

Use your corners

The corners of your bathroom often get overlooked, yet can be turned to your advantage. With corner-fitting toilets and basins, like those from the Ideal Standard Concept Space collection (pictured below), you can think outside the box a little when it comes to planning a small bathroom.

Find out more about the space-saving Concept Space collection by checking out Ideal Standard's top small bathroom tips

Start designing with our 3D bathroom planner

Designing your new bathroom just got easier with our 3D bathroom planner. It's really simple to use (check out the instructions and step-by-step video if you need help) and you can create realistic designs in just a few minutes. Click on the image below to start designing.

Shop for small spaces

You'll find plenty of stylish, space-saving bathroom products right here at Victoria Plum. Click on the image below to browse.

Small bathroom ideas

As part of your planning process, why not head to our Small Spaces hub or check out more great small bathroom ideas at Victoria Plum and turn your small space into a big hit!

More planning guides

If you are planning a specific type of bathroom, why not check out the following handy advice:

• Bathroom layout advice
• Planning a family bathroom
• Planning a contemporary bathroom
• Planning a stylish spa bathroom
• Planning a wet room