Small Bathroom Ideas: 10 Ways to Make a Compact Space Feel Bigger
A small bathroom does not have to feel cramped. Whether it is an en suite, a cloakroom or the family bathroom in an older Irish home, a few smart choices can make the room feel lighter, larger and easier to use. Here are ten small bathroom ideas we recommend to customers at our Mullingar showroom.
1. Go wall-hung with the toilet and vanity
When you can see the floor running underneath furniture, the whole room looks bigger. Wall-hung toilets and wall-mounted vanity units also make cleaning simpler. Browse our sanitary ware and bathroom furniture to see what is available.
2. Choose a compact vanity unit
A standard vanity can swallow a small room. Compact units are shallower or narrower, so you keep the storage without losing walking space. Ranges such as our Tranquil Compact Bathroom Unit and Tempt Compact Bathroom Unit are designed for exactly this. If you need more help choosing, read our bathroom vanity unit buyer’s guide.
3. Replace the bath with a walk-in shower
If you rarely use the bath, a walk-in shower with a glass screen opens up the room and lets light travel through. Not sure which style suits you? We compare the options in walk-in shower vs wet room. See our shower range too.
4. Use large tiles and keep the colours light
Large-format tiles mean fewer grout lines, which makes walls and floors look calmer and bigger. Pale colours reflect light, while carrying the same tile from floor to wall removes visual breaks. A single feature wall in a bolder colour or pattern adds personality without overwhelming the space.
5. Make your mirror work harder
A large mirror bounces light around and doubles the sense of space. A backlit LED mirror also gives you great lighting over the basin without needing extra wall lights. We explain what to look for in our LED bathroom mirror guide, or browse our mirrors.
6. Swap the radiator for a heated towel rail
A tall, narrow towel rail uses vertical space instead of precious wall width, and warms your towels at the same time. Take a look at our radiators and towel rails.
7. Build in storage you can see past
Recessed shower niches, a slim tall storage unit or a mirrored cabinet add storage without sticking out into the room. Keep surfaces clear, because clutter makes a small bathroom feel smaller than it is.
8. Layer your lighting
One central ceiling light creates shadows. Combine ceiling spotlights with lighting at the mirror, and consider a dimmer for a relaxed evening feel. Make sure any fitting is rated for bathroom use and installed by a registered electrician.
9. Think about how the door and screen open
A door that swings into a tight room wastes space. Sliding or outward-opening doors, and pivot or fixed shower screens, give you back valuable floor area.
10. Keep the palette simple
Stick to two or three colours and finishes. Matching your tap, shower and accessory finishes, for example all brushed brass or all chrome, gives a clean, considered look.
Measure first, then choose
Before you buy anything, measure the room, mark where the pipework and waste sit, and note the door and window positions. Good planning matters more than size, and it is the best way to avoid expensive mistakes.
Small bathroom FAQs
What colour makes a small bathroom look bigger?
Light, neutral colours such as white, soft grey, cream and pale sage reflect more light and make walls feel further away. Using the same colour on walls and ceiling helps too.
Is a walk-in shower better for a small bathroom?
In most cases, yes. A shower with a glass screen takes up less visual space than a bath with a curtain, and it lets you see the full width of the room.
Can I fit a vanity unit in a very small bathroom?
Usually, yes. Compact and cloakroom units are made for small spaces. Measure the available width and depth, and remember to leave room to open doors and drawers.
Want to see these ideas in person? Visit our showroom at Mullingar Business Park, Co. Westmeath, or book an appointment and our team will talk you through your options. You can also get in touch with any questions.
