Make your small bathroom look larger -

If you have a small bathroom, it’s a design challenge to create a functional sanctuary that is beautiful while offering enough storage space for your daily use.

Every chosen element in your small bathroom should have a purpose. And when put together should make the space feel bigger. Take a look at our tips to make the most of your small bathroom.

Smart Bathroom Layout

If you renovate your bathroom from scratch, carefully consider the layout. Getting the design correct from the start will mean that you’ll have a bathroom that works well for the whole family.

Begin by thinking how you would like to use your bathroom in the future instead of how you do currently. Just because you’re happy with having only a shower right now, doesn’t mean you won’t want a bath later down the track. Thinking in this way will future proof your family bathroom.

Wet rooms are gaining popularity and are a great way of making the most out of your floor space. They’ll maximise your floor space as well as completely changing the look and feel of your bathroom.

Whether your bathroom is small or large, windows that allow natural light to flood in will always make a space feel larger.

If space is scarce, ensure that you will be able to manoeuvre around easily, make the best use of natural light and avoid unusable niches. For more tips on how to successfully design your bathroom, download a free copy of our bathroom design guidelines.

Small Tiles For Small Bathrooms

A large sized wall tile might overpower your bathroom. You don’t need to go to a penny size tile instead, but opt for a smaller size such as a classic subway format. For small bathroom design that’s calming, emphasize texture over colour and patterns.

On trend are also herringbone or hexagon tiles that add beautiful patterns to your bathroom.

To assist you with your tiles and layouts, have a look on our tips on different tile layouts.

Neutral Colours For Small Spaces

Pale colours reflect the light. So white, pastels and soft neutral colours can make a room look and feel bigger. Keeping everything the same hue throughout, such as the woodwork, walls and furnishing one colour will make everything disappear and enhance the sense of space.

But to avoid the space looking bland, add personality with your appliances and tapware. What do you think about matte black tapware or, for an industrial style, a gunmetal look?

Another option to add visual interest is by using soft pops of colour and/or texture with your towels and accessories.

If you wish to learn more about a colours, have a look at our blog choosing the right wall colour for your room.

Sliding Door Space Saver

When entering the bathroom, are you worried that the door swing hits the person standing at the wash basin? Then a sliding door might be right for you that takes minimal space sliding into a wall cavity. The floor space once needed for the swinging door can be better utilized. You could also consider a sliding door with a frosted-glass panel. This will allow natural light to filter through while still providing privacy.

Wall Hung Vanity In Small Space

A vanity provides much needed storage space, but it might look bulky in a small bathroom. Cabinet doors can visually weigh down a small space.

Consider a vanity with less depth and a semi-recessed wash basin when the space is narrow. Or maybe a pedestal sink which will help maintain an open feeling of space. Furniture style vanity’s with thin legs can also help visually lighten up your small bathroom.

Another option is a wall hung vanity. These will also give the illusion of more floor space. And with LED light strips installed underneath, the vanity will appear to be floating, transforming your bathroom into a calming sanctuary.

When you are uncertain about what the standard dimensions are, check out our table of Australian kitchen and bathroom measurements.. If you’re not sure about choosing the right basin for your bathroom then click here.

Mirrors In Bathroom

Mirrors are your best friends because the light bounces off making the room to appear bigger. They stretch space by reproducing it.

Besides the mirror above your basin where you apply your make-up, consider installing a second mirror above the bathtub. Even better if this reflects the bathroom window bringing in more natural light than before.

Also do not go past the shaving cabinet if storage is at a premium. Recessed into the wall cavity they are an excellent form of storage as they are only one item deep and everything can be accessed easily.

Seamlessly Integrated Shower

Don’t block the shower from sight, but integrate it seamlessly. Meaning, opt for a walk-in shower where the floor tile continues in the shower. A clear glass panel fixed to the wall is preventing the floor from being soaked while you have a shower. No need to have an enclosed cubicle where a door swing takes up precious space.

Visual Tricks

There are a few visual tricks you can use to enhance the height of your ceiling. Vertical stripes on walls or a shower curtain will help give the illusion of a higher ceiling. VJ panelling on the walls will also give the same effect. Choosing a wallpaper with a soft, small print will help things feel light and airy. Avoid bold or busy patterns as they will have the opposite effect.

Nifty Storage With Bathroom Niches

No matter how large or small your space is, a recessed wall niche gives your shampoos and body washes a great home. It’s not only a good solution for the shower but also for being integrated above your bathtub.

Short Bathtubs For Small Space

If you don’t want to live without a tub, there are small sizes of around 1.2 metres in length available. This might allow you to include this precious piece into your sanctuary. Don’t feel embarrassed but try sitting the tub in the store to ensure the short length works for you.

Shower And Bath Combination

If you have room for a bath but no shower, and want both then look for a sleek shower and bath combination. Having the shower over the bath allows you to have the best of both worlds while making the most of your small space.

Open Shelving Opens Up A Room

The worst thing you could do in a small bathroom is having lots of closed cabinetry as this might make you feel locked in. Chose open shelving instead where you show case your fresh towels or hamper baskets that contain all your knickknacks.

Transparent surfaces such as glass shelves, will help to increase a rooms sense of space as they appear invisible.

For inspirations on your new bathroom design, have a look at our bathroom design ideas.