10 Clever Bathroom Ideas for a 3m x 2m Space: From My Design Notebook: Smart Ways to Make a 3m x 2m Bathroom Shine

One time, a client told me she wanted a luxury spa experience… in her 3m x 2m bathroom. My initial thought? ‘Sure, and I’ll also squeeze in a piano.’ But honestly, small spaces often push me to be more creative. That project taught me the magic of layout, light, and clever storage, so today, I’m sharing 10 bathroom ideas for a space as snug as 3m x 2m.

If you love turning limitations into style statements, you’d enjoy playing with tools like room planner to visualize your layout before making a single purchase.

1. Go Vertical with Storage

Walls are your best friends here. Tall shelving, ladder-style towel racks, and wall-mounted cabinets keep the floor clear, making the space feel larger. Just avoid going too heavy with closed cabinets or you’ll lose the airy vibe.

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2. Glass Shower Partitions

Swap your opaque shower curtain for a frameless glass partition. It visually extends the space and lets light flow through. Bonus: it feels much more high-end without blowing the budget.

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3. Floating Vanity

A floating vanity gives the illusion of more floor space and makes cleaning a breeze. Pair it with under-cabinet lighting for a subtle glow at night.

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4. Large-Format Tiles

Counterintuitive as it may sound, bigger tiles can make a small bathroom look more spacious thanks to fewer grout lines. I used this in a 3m x 2m job last year, and the client thought we actually enlarged the room.

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5. Pocket or Sliding Door

Switching to a pocket door freed up nearly a square meter in one project — a game changer for fitting in a bigger shower. If your structure allows, it’s one of the best upgrades you can make.

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6. Light, Neutral Palette

Creams, beiges, and soft greys help bounce light around. That said, don’t be afraid of a bold accent wall to add personality — even a small pop can create a focal point. When planning this, tools like the free floor plan creator help you visualise without the painter's regret.

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7. Mirror Magic

A large, frameless mirror can double the sense of depth. I once used mirrored cabinets for dual purpose — storage + space illusion in one.

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8. Recessed Shelving

Built-in niches in the shower or above the toilet save space and look sleek. Just make sure they’re properly waterproofed — trust me, I’ve seen what cutting corners here can do.

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9. Layered Lighting

Combine overhead lights with wall sconces or LED strips around mirrors. This not only improves task lighting but also sets a relaxing mood in the evenings.

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10. Statement Fixtures

When space is limited, a striking tap or rainfall shower head can take center stage. One standout element adds luxury without overcrowding. If you’re experimenting with layouts and fittings, a bathroom design tool can be a lifesaver.

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FAQ

1. Can I fit a bathtub in a 3m x 2m bathroom?

Yes, but it needs strategic planning — usually a compact or corner tub works best to preserve enough room for movement.

2. What’s the best layout for such a space?

Typically, keeping all plumbing along one wall helps maximize usable space and reduce renovation costs.

3. How do I make it look bigger?

Use large tiles, glass shower screens, and a consistent light color palette to visually expand the room.

4. Is underfloor heating worth it?

In small bathrooms, yes — it removes the need for bulky radiators and keeps the floor warm, adding comfort.

5. Can I use dark colors?

Absolutely — just balance them with ample lighting and reflective surfaces, so the room feels cosy rather than cramped.

6. Should I go for a wall-hung toilet?

Yes, it saves floor space and makes cleaning easier. You’ll need solid wall support for the tank.

7. How to add storage without clutter?

Opt for recessed niches, floating shelves, and vanity drawers instead of free-standing cabinets.

8. Where can I plan my bathroom layout online?

You can try Coohom’s bathroom design tool, which lets you drag and drop fixtures to test different configurations before committing.