Tips and Advice for
Decorating Small Bathrooms

Are you stuck with a tiny bathroom?

Learn how to transform it into your own tranquil haven.

If you have a large bathroom to play about with, then consider yourself very lucky.

Most people seem to be stuck with decorating a small bathroom.

In fact, the average bathroom size in the UK is a miniscule 6ft x 5ft (180cm x 150cm).

This really does seem tiny, but rest assured that if you design it well, decorating a small bathroom like this is definitely do-able...

You can still fit in all the essential items that you will need.

1. Get the Layout right
   • When decorating small bathrooms, getting the layout right is absolutely crucial.

     It is quite possible that your current layout is the best one for your small bathroom.

     But, it is probably worthwhile investigating any other possible layouts, to see if they are any better.

     I recommend you draw a layout plan to see...

     Learn how to draw a layout plan here

     Play around with the positioning of the fixtures, and see if you can come up with a really good layout design.

     Also check out the ideal spacing measurements, to make sure you can move comfortably and safely, around your bathroom.

   • Remember, though, that changing the layout in a bathroom could involve a lot of plumbing...

     Make sure it's worth it, and you'll really gain lots more space, before you start.

2. Keep it Compact
   • Look out for compact sized, and space-saving bathroom fixtures for decorating small bathrooms.

     Reader, Shirley, needs to find a small bath-tub for her bathroom

   • If you are short of space, consider a half-bath, or slipper-bath, with a shower fitted over.
   • Consider a space-saving basin.

     A corner basin is a good idea for decorating small bathrooms, and is great for an awkward shaped room.

     Look out for unusual shaped basins, which might just slot into your small space - circular, elliptical, square or triangular.

     But watch out for splashing issues, like Jen - read about Jen's problems with a splashy wash-basin, here...

   • Consider wall-hung toilets and basins - (check the structural strength of your walls first).

     These create the illusion of more space in your bathroom, as they leave the whole floor space clear.

     They also make cleaning really easy.

3. Fitted Furniture is your Friend
   • Try fitted furniture when decorating a small bathroom, to create a minimalist and streamlined feel, together with loads of storage.
   • Consider using wasted space under the bath for extra storage. Make a door in your bath panel, and store items which you don't need frequently.
   • Think 'slimline' for any shelving or cabinets fixed to the wall - if they are too bulky, they will intrude into your space too much.
   • Consider corner cabinets, especially with mirrored doors.
4. Extra Storage Tricks
   • Use the back of your door as extra space - hang a linen bag, towels, or a storage rack with toiletries.
5. Visual Tricks for More Space
   • Fit a clear, glass shower-screen, rather than a shower-curtain.

     If it is not opaque, it will not provide a visual block, and appear to take up the space.

     You will be able to see right through it, to the 'far' side of your room.

     We chose a clear, glass shower screen that folds up concertina-style, as space is very short in our bathroom.

   • Make sure you include a large mirror in your small bathroom.

     Position your mirror so that it reflects natural (or artificial) light around your room.

   • Try placing large mirrors on opposite walls - they will both reflect light, and increase the amount of light and space in the room.
   • Position your mirrors horizontally - they will make your wall look wider, and your room seem larger.
   • Use up-lighters to create an airy and more spacious feel, when decorating small bathrooms.







6. Best Colors for Decorating Small Bathrooms
   • Keep to pale colors and cool colors, and white, for decorating a small bathroom - especially if your small bathroom does not have a window.

     Pale blues, aquas and greens are also ideal colors to suit a small bathroom.

   • Try a special light-reflective paint finish, designed to bounce light around the room. We have used this in our tiny bathroom, with no window.

     It makes it into a much more pleasant (and spacious!) place to relax and take a long, leisurely bath.

7. Choosing Tiles
   • Consider using large floor tiles on the floor when decorating a small bathroom, to make it appear larger.
   • Use narrow tiles, horizontally on the walls, from floor to ceiling, to make walls appear taller and wider.
   • Small mosaic tiles, (used just on the walls, or on both walls and floor), also look really stunning in a small bathroom.



Even if you are decorating small bathrooms, you can still create a beautiful room, that you want to spend time in, and that you can be proud of...

The best place to go next is the practical bathroom decorating tips page

Have you checked out the page on style and design tips for decorating your bathroom?

Read hints and ideas for decorating your bathroom on a budget?

Take a look at more small bathroom decorating ideas, with our own bathroom makeover

Read about other people's bathroom problems, or ask your own bathroom question here...

Return to the main decorating bathrooms page.

Return from this decorating small bathrooms page to the Home Page

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