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, and you can fit in all the essential items that you will need.

Read on, for small bathroom decorating ideas to help you make the most out of your tiny space.

• 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.


• Draw a layout plan (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.


• Look out for compact sized, and space-saving bathroom fixtures.


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


• Fit a clear, glass shower-screen, rather than a shower-curtain. If it is not opaque, it will not provide a visual block, and 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.


• 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.


• 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.


• 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.


• Use the back of your door as extra space - hang a linen bag, towels, or a storage rack with toiletries.







• 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 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.


• 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.


• 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.

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

Or, look next at practical bathroom decorating tips.

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

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