79 x 114 Bathroom Ideas: 5 Small-Space Wins: Creative, practical bathroom ideas for a 79 x 114 cm (or inch) footprint — five real-world solutions I use with clients

I once had a client insist their 79 x 114 bathroom must hold a tub, washer, and a built-in shelf for 200+ bath salts — I nearly laughed, then learned how much creativity a tight footprint can spark. Small bathrooms force clear decisions: what to keep, what to combine, and where to cheat with clever optics. If you want inspiration, see a sample layout that makes compact plans readable at a glance.

1. Glass wet-room shower for visual continuity

On a 79 x 114 plan, a frameless glass panel keeps sightlines open so the room reads larger. I like a linear drain against the shorter wall and a single clear glass guard — it’s elegant and low-profile. The trade-off is water spray control; a slight curb or quality waterproofing is essential, and costs can be a bit higher than a simple curtain.

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2. Floating vanity + concealed storage

I often specify a floating vanity with drawers and a recessed medicine cabinet; lifting the sink off the floor creates perceived breathing room. Built-in niches above the shower or behind the mirror tuck toiletries away without crowding the floor. The challenge is plumbing coordination — plan those in advance or you’ll face a mid-renovation scramble.

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3. Vertical thinking: tall mirrors and recessed shelving

When square footage is stingy, go tall. A full-height mirror visually doubles the wall, and a slim, floor-to-ceiling cabinet can hold linens without stepping into the walking zone. If you want to copy dimensions exactly for a contractor, it helps to draw your exact layout so measurements are foolproof. The downside is that tall units can feel heavy if not balanced with light finishes.

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4. Pocket doors and multi-function fixtures

Swap a swing door for a pocket door and you reclaim a surprising amount of usable space. Fixtures like a wall-hung toilet or a combined heater/vent mirror add function without bulk. These choices may raise installation complexity, but the everyday comfort payoff is huge — I’ve had clients rave about that extra 10–15 cm it frees up.

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5. Light, large-format tiles and layered lighting

Use fewer grout lines: large-format tiles on the floor and one accent wall make the space feel less busy. Combine warm task lighting over the vanity with a dimmable ceiling fixture to give the illusion of depth; I always ask to preview in 3D so clients can feel the light before committing. Cost-wise, big tiles can be pricier per piece, but you often use fewer pieces and less grout, which balances the budget.

Budget tip: prioritize waterproofing, lighting, and door type first — they change how the whole bathroom functions. I once tried to skimp on waterproofing and learned my lesson the expensive way; never short-change the wet-zone prep. Small bathrooms reward thoughtful staging: choose one focal surface, hide the rest, and plan storage like you’re packing a tiny suitcase.

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FAQ

Q1: Can a bathtub fit in a 79 x 114 bathroom? A bathtub is possible only if those dimensions are in inches and you accept a very compact tub; in centimeters it’s impractically small for a standard tub. Consider a deep soaking tub or a wet-room instead for more usable floor space.

Q2: What door type saves the most space? A pocket door or sliding door saves the most swing clearance. They add cost and require wall cavity space, but the usable area you gain is worth it in tight layouts.

Q3: How to choose tiles for a tiny bathroom? Large-format tiles with minimal grout lines and light, neutral tones broaden the visual field. Matte finishes resist slips, while glossy tiles bounce more light — balance safety and brightness.

Q4: Is a wall-hung toilet recommended? Yes — wall-hung toilets free up floor area and make cleaning easier, though they need a robust in-wall carrier and slightly higher installation cost.

Q5: How much storage is realistic in 79 x 114? Recessed niches, mirrored cabinets, and tall slim cupboards are your best bets. Think vertical and multi-use: a mirror that’s also a medicine cabinet gives storage without taking depth.

Q6: Should I hire a pro or DIY? I recommend a pro for waterproofing, plumbing reroutes, and electrical work; a designer or contractor helps avoid costly mistakes in tight spaces. Small errors in layout here feel big once installed.

Q7: Are there authoritative sizing guidelines? Yes — for dimensioning clearances and fixture placement, refer to the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) guidelines (https://nkba.org), which offer measured recommendations and minimum clearances.

Q8: How do I visualize the final layout before construction? Use simple floor plans and 3D renders to test sightlines, lighting, and finishes; even low-cost mockups save expensive changes later. I always make a quick mockup for clients so we all agree on scale and mood before demolition.

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