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Looking for small bathroom ideas? A compact space doesn’t have to feel cramped. With the right design choices, you can create a bathroom that feels light, open, and stylish while still being practical for everyday use. With over 40 years in the industry, we’re collated the best of our advice to make your small bathroom work for you and make the most of every inch of your space.
Choose Smart Tiles to Create a Spacious Look
Your décor choices play a big role in how spacious your bathroom feels. Here’s how to make the most of your walls and floors:
Light & Neutral Colours
A light grout between soft grey and white tiles doubles the impact, creating subtle texture while keeping the space monochrome, bright and airy.
Large-Format Tiles
Opt for big tiles with subtle patterns, fewer grout lines make the space feel less cluttered, giving the illusion of a bigger room.
Glossy & Reflective Finishes
High-gloss tiles and mirrors bounce light around, adding depth and openness, combine this with a neutral, pale colour for double the impact.
Vertical & Herringbone Patterns
Laying tiles vertically or in a herringbone pattern draws the eye upwards, elongating walls, making ceilings feel higher and rooms appear larger.
Need more tile inspiration?
Check out our 2025 Tile Trends for the latest styles perfect for small bathrooms.
Even if you’re short on space, you can still squeeze in all the bathroom essentials. Here are a few of our top tips to fit your full suite into your space.
Take a look at how we maximised the space in this bathroom over in Heaton Chapel.
One of the best ways to make a small bathroom feel spacious is through bespoke fitted furniture. Unlike off-the-shelf units, custom-built solutions are designed to fit perfectly into your space, no matter how awkward the layout. With perfectly designed furniture, you can work around awkward corners and pipework to utilise every inch of your space to it’s full potential.
Maximises Every Inch – In small bathrooms, every bit of space counts. Tailor-made storage solutions allow you to make use of otherwise wasted areas, such as your under-sink space. Bespoke cabinetry ensures that no space is left unused, giving you extra storage without overcrowding the room.
Creates a Clutter-Free Look – A tidy bathroom always feels bigger. Built-in cabinets keep toiletries, cleaning products, and other essentials hidden, ensuring your surfaces stay clear. This streamlined design prevents visual clutter, making the room appear more open and organised.
Blends Seamlessly – Fitted furniture is designed to complement the overall aesthetic of your bathroom, whether you prefer a modern, minimalist look or something more classic. By using the same materials and finishes as the rest of your bathroom, built-in units blend in effortlessly, creating a polished, cohesive space.
See how we transformed a small bathroom into a luxury retreat in our latest case study.
Lighting plays a crucial role in how spacious and inviting a small bathroom feels. The right lighting choices can make a compact space appear larger, brighter, and more luxurious.
Wall-Mounted or Pendant Lights
In a small bathroom, counter space is valuable, and bulky lighting fixtures can make the room feel cluttered. Wall-mounted sconces or pendant lights free up surface space while adding a stylish, modern touch. By positioning lights at eye level, you also reduce harsh shadows, creating a softer, more flattering glow.
Backlit Mirrors
A must-have for small bathrooms, backlit mirrors provide soft, diffused lighting that eliminates harsh overhead glare. Not only do they enhance visibility for tasks like shaving or makeup application, but they also add depth, making the room feel more open. By casting light around the edges of the mirror, they create an illusion of extra space, perfect for compact bathrooms.
Layered Lighting
A single ceiling light often isn’t enough to properly illuminate a small bathroom. Instead, layering different types of lighting—such as recessed ceiling lights, wall sconces, and under-cabinet lighting—creates a bright, balanced atmosphere. Task lighting around the mirror ensures clarity, while ambient lighting adds warmth and depth, making the bathroom feel more spacious and inviting.
A cluttered bathroom will always feel smaller than it is. Stick to a clean, minimalist design by:
Choosing a Neutral Colour Palette
Light tones create an open feel, while simple patterns prevent visual clutter.
Using Multipurpose Storage
Think mirrored cabinets, vanity drawers, and floating shelves.
Keeping Accessories Simple
A few carefully chosen decorations can elevate the space without overwhelming it.
Small bathroom ideas aren’t about compromise it’s about making clever choices that enhance both function and style. Whether it’s using smart tile layouts, compact fixtures, or bespoke storage solutions, there are plenty of ways to create a space that feels spacious and luxurious.
Planning a bathroom renovation?
Our expert team at Adamsons Construction can help you design a layout that works for you. Get in touch today to start your transformation!
