10 Clever Bathroom Ideas for Small Bathrooms UK: Real-life tips from my own projects to make small UK bathrooms feel bigger and brighterEvelyn HartwellSep 24, 2025Table of Contents1. Go Vertical with Storage2. Pocket or Sliding Doors3. Wall-Mounted Sanitary Ware4. Large-Format Tiles5. Corner Basins6. Mirror, Mirror… Everywhere7. Recessed Shelves8. Light Colour Palette9. Frameless Shower Screens10. Heated Towel Rails over RadiatorsFAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEOnce, a client asked me if we could fit a freestanding tub, double vanity, *and* a rainfall shower into their 2m² bathroom. I laughed… then realised they were serious. That project taught me the golden rule — small bathrooms force you to be more creative, and sometimes the best layouts come from their limitations. In this post, I’m sharing 10 bathroom ideas for small bathrooms UK based on real-life makeovers and lessons learned along the way. And yes, some of these saved my clients from costly mistakes thanks to a good space visualisation plan.1. Go Vertical with StorageInstead of bulky floor cabinets, I often suggest tall, slim units that take advantage of wall height. They free up the floor, making the room feel airy. Just be mindful of drilling into tiled walls — measure twice.save pin2. Pocket or Sliding DoorsTraditional doors can eat precious space. Sliding or pocket doors free up swing area, so you can add that extra towel rack or shelving behind it.save pin3. Wall-Mounted Sanitary WareWall-hung toilets and sinks keep the floor space visible, which tricks the eye into thinking the bathroom is bigger. Installing the frame may cost more upfront, but it’s worth it for that spacious feel.save pin4. Large-Format TilesIronically, bigger tiles can make a tiny space look larger. Fewer grout lines mean less visual busyness, and cleaning is easier too.save pin5. Corner BasinsPerfect for those awkward UK bathrooms in Victorian terraces, a corner basin clears more floor area. I’ve used them in cloakrooms where even a pedestal sink wouldn’t fit, created with the help of an accurate floor layout mock-up.save pin6. Mirror, Mirror… EverywhereBeyond vanity mirrors, consider a mirrored cabinet or even mirrored tiles. They bounce light around and double the perceived depth.save pin7. Recessed ShelvesIf your walls allow, recessed niches in shower areas or above the toilet replace bulky storage units. Just always waterproof the cavity properly to avoid future leaks.save pin8. Light Colour PaletteKeep it fresh with whites, soft greys, or pale blues. Occasionally, I’ll add a deep accent wall for character — but too much dark paint can make the space cave in.save pin9. Frameless Shower ScreensOpting for frameless glass instead of a chunky enclosure keeps sight lines open. With one project, the transformation was so dramatic, my client said their bathroom felt like it had doubled in size thanks to that clear enclosure design.save pin10. Heated Towel Rails over RadiatorsThey take up less wall space, serve dual purposes, and add a sleek touch. Besides, nothing beats stepping out of the shower to a warm towel.save pinFAQQ: Can I use dark colours in a small bathroom?A: Yes, but I’d limit them to accents or a single wall, paired with good lighting.Q: Are freestanding baths suitable for small UK bathrooms?A: Only very compact models — and you need to check clearances all around for cleaning and plumbing.Q: How can I make my bathroom look more expensive on a budget?A: Invest in good fixtures, add layered lighting, and create symmetry where possible — those give the most luxury feel for the least spend.Start for FREEPlease check with customer service before testing new feature.Free Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREE