12 small bathroom ideas that will transform your space
From mini en-suites to tiny city centre apartments, many of us have small bathrooms lacking space and storage. However, thanks to the wonderful world of interior design, there are many ways to maximise your space.
These 12 small bathroom ideas are designed to suit budgets of all sizes. Whether you want to replace your fixtures or simply decorate with a lick of paint, these small bathroom ideas are bound to inspire you.
12 small bathroom ideas for all budgets
1. Built-in small bathroom ideas
Credit: B&Q
Creating flush units and built-in fittings will help open up your small bathroom and give it a clean, sleek look. For those lacking space, a built-in shower bath with a glass screen will optimise your space and provide plenty of side storage for bath products.
Pick up a built-in bath frame online, or try your hand at DIY and build your own. Your bath frame can be decorated with wooden panelling or tiling for a luxe look.
Add wood panelling to your small bathroom
Learn how to fit wooden bath panelling with our step-by-step tutorial.
2. Tiled small bathrooms
@houseprojectuk Peel and Stick Tiles Review These are the Temu ones, you can find the link in my Bio 🔗 . #peelandstick #peelandsticktiles #adhesivetiles #rentalfriendly #renterfriendly ♬ sail away (instrumental) - lovelytheband
Credit: @houseprojectuk
Tiling is an elegant and practical bathroom decor option, and is brilliant for those searching for budget small bathroom ideas.
Tile stickers are a great, renter-friendly option and are available in different styles, colours and finishes. For those with small, dark bathrooms, add white or cream tiles to make the room appear bigger. Alternatively, opt for dark or patterned tiles to add character and create a cosy feel.
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3. Utilise your wall space
Credit: White & Woodgrain
One of the easiest budget small bathroom ideas involves utilising the walls of your bathroom. Often unused or decorated only for aesthetic purposes, there are plenty of ways you can use your bathroom walls as extra storage.
Build clever peg shelves using White & Woodgrain’s budget-friendly tutorial. Not only do these shelves give you towel, clothing and product storage (hanging baskets), but they also provide a shelf for decorative items.
Laundry baskets, toiletry cabinets and toilet roll holders can also be attached to the walls, freeing up valuable floor space and making the room appear bigger.
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4. Small bathroom ideas for dark spaces
Credit: Nesting with Grace
Budget small bathroom ideas are all about incorporating tiny touches to maximise your space. That’s why we love this cosy corner from Nesting with Grace.
Battery-powered or rechargeable lamps provide a warm glow and are ideal for spaces lacking natural light. Use waterproof lamps, bath lights or strip lighting under cabinets to create a soothing ambience.
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5. Under the sink cabinets
Keep toiletries, spare towels and cleaning products out of sight with under-the-sink storage solutions. Whether you opt for built-in drawers, open shelving or baskets, utilising this space will free up other areas of your room, making it look less cluttered.
For a budget-friendly option, use reclaimed wood to build a cabinet or upcycle an old cabinet to fit your space.
6. Create a wet room
Wet rooms are a brilliant small bathroom idea as they can be fitted into any sized space and don’t require a bulky shower tray. You will need a professional to install a wet room former before you begin building.
If you turn your space into a wet room, opt for a thin, glass shower screen. This will create the illusion of a bigger room. Non-slip flooring is also recommended.
7. Small bathroom ideas for colour enthusiasts
Credit: Cass Danson
Colour drenching, or adding bright pops of colour through decorative items, can give new life to a small bathroom. Cass Danson’s incredible small bathroom is bold, fun and has an uplifting feel.
Budget-friendly small bathroom ideas include purchasing colourful towels, painting murals or shapes or adding bright artwork to the walls.
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8. Wall-hung facilities
Buy now from Bath Lab, £190.99
Wall-hung toilets are a great way of optimising your bathroom space. They’re small, efficient and create a spacious feel. Plus, they make cleaning the floor a dream! Wall-hung sinks and cabinets are also available.
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9. Hidden heating
Buy now from Sanctuary Bathrooms, £297.50
Wall-hung radiators, which double up as towel warmers, are a dual solution for small bathrooms. Similarly, investing in under-floor heating will enable your bathroom to stay warm and damp-free without the need for bulky radiators.
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Budget-friendly bathroom shower ideas
Take a look through our bathroom shower ideas and discover how to make the most of your bathroom.
10. Big mirrors for small bathrooms
One of our simplest budget small bathroom ideas revolves around the interior designer's best friend – mirrors! Useful and great for making spaces look bigger, mirrors are a bathroom essential.
Use statement mirrors like Hannah Clark has to reflect light around the room and add character.
11. Japandi small bathroom ideas
Credit: Agathe Corbet
Japandi is a hot new interior design trend which fuses Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian cosiness. Japandi decor is pared back yet still inviting, making it perfect for small bathrooms.
Incorporate this trend into your bathroom through wooden accessories (bath mats, soap dishes), plenty of plants and functional storage.
To recreate Agathe Corbet’s budget small bathroom idea, change your cabinet handles for wooden ones and keep the sides clutter-free.
12. Keep it minimal
Credit: Gia Bathrooms & Kitchens
It doesn’t matter what size your bathroom is; the key to making it appear bigger is minimising the products you have on display.
Keep your sink and shower/bath free from messy products, opting for only one or two essential items and storing the rest in cabinets. Put spare towels and toilet rolls in the airing cupboard, utility room or bedroom cabinet.
Even if you love maximalism and clutter-core, reducing the products in your bathroom will leave you with more room for quirky decorative items.
Small bathroom ideas that won’t break the bank
No matter your budget, use our small bathroom ideas to transform your home this weekend. Whether you opt for peel-and-stick tiles or give your space a good declutter, use our tips to create a bathroom you can be proud of.
From small bathroom ideas to small bedrooms!
Now you’ve shown your bathroom some TLC, why not move on to the bedroom? Explore our small bedroom ideas and be inspired.
