How To Nail A Small Bathroom Design
BATHROOM design + planning essentials
Have a small bathroom that needs updating and not sure where to start? Just because it’s small, doesn’t mean it can’t pack a punch! In fact, there are benefits to a smaller bathroom layout - like a smaller tiling bill - which results in your budget going further and might allow you to splash out on special features that would be out of budget in a larger footprint.
Perfecting the design of a smaller bathroom does take a little bit more consideration - especially when it comes to light, turning space, and functionality! So we’re sharing the bathroom remodel and design essentials you need to know, to make your new small bathroom design a success...
CM Studio • Woorak House
Layout
Nailing your small bathroom layout is going to be the most crucial part of your design - and should be high on your agenda. You’ll want to ensure you have all the inclusions you need while avoiding the bathroom feeling cramped and uncomfortable to use. Starting with your vanity, always place it either next to or opposite the doorway so the space in front of the vanity doubles as a walkway. It’s also usually everyone’s last stop before exiting the bathroom, so keeping it close to the doorway will maximise practicality.
When planning any bathroom inclusions like a shower or bath, consider what will fit without compromising turning space and movement. Squeezing every inclusion into your tiny space is a recipe for disaster - so think strategically about what’s essential - and if viable consider moving features like a bath, to another bathroom to maximise your smaller space.
Z+S Tip • Ensure there’s a minimum of 700mm or 28 inches from the front of the basin to the opposite wall or doorway, but ideally, if space allows a distance of 900mm++ or 35 inches++
Zephyr and Stone • Retreat House Ensuite
TP Interiors • Chatswood House
Storage
The more floor space that’s visible in your bathroom, the larger the room will look and feel, which is why anything wall-hung is a smart choice for maximising any small bathroom design. A wall-hung vanity will appear to float in the space - and make bathrooms feel bigger than they are, compared to a vanity that sits on the floor and which can make small bathrooms feel even smaller.
A wall-hung vanity can also provide the opportunity to store a small stool underneath - which can be moved around the bathroom as required for use. You can also utilise any wall space with wall-hung storage like a recessed mirror cabinet, floating shelves for storing extra towels or bathroom products and wall hooks for towels or robes.
Soul Home • The Barberae
Zephyr and Stone • Classic Coastal Bathroom
Make Sure It Fits
Triple-checking dimensions of all your products is an essential step in any bathroom design, but especially when you’re working with a small bathroom layout. For example, a standard toilet can vary in size from just over 500mm or 20 inches deep to around 700mm or 28 inches deep. Opting for a smaller toilet won’t compromise use, and can provide valuable room for movement and maximise the feeling of space. A concealed or in-wall toilet cistern is another great space-saving product that also results in a contemporary and uncluttered design.
The same goes for your basin, vanity, mirror or any features you’re adding to the space — carefully consider their dimensions, and any smaller alternatives, and measure anything out that you’re unsure of to ensure it fits without making your bathroom feel cramped.
Zephyr and Stone • Classic Coastal Bathroom
Folk Architects • Storybook House
Light
In a small bathroom, light plays a pivotal role in making the space feel larger and open. The number one source of light for a bathroom is always windows - which help to draw the eye out to any view and provide natural light. If a window is off the cards, skylights are another great way to incorporate natural light into a small bathroom.
As well as including a source of natural light, nailing other sources of light is equally important, and essential for both practicality and mood in the space. LED strip lighting can be installed almost anywhere - under your vanity, cabinet or floating shelf, or within the ceiling or wall recesses. Another great way to boost lighting is with the addition of wall lights or wall sconces - that double as ‘jewelry’ to dress up your wall.
Z+S Tip • Did you know you can create a backlit mirror from almost any off-the-shelf mirror - big or small? Download your DIY Backlit Mirror Guide which includes all the essentials to plan, design and organise your own backlit mirror… down to the only glue you should use so it doesn’t bleed through to the face of the mirror!
Luis Gomez-Siu Design Studio • Framed House
Bathroom Niches
You can never have too much storage in your bathroom, especially near your shower and vanity - where you’ll want your favourite bathroom products at arm’s length. One of our favourite hacks for bathroom remodelling and increasing storage in a small bathroom layout is the addition of wall niches. A bathroom wall niche is essentially storage built into the wall that’s perfect for housing bathroom products and accessories. It frees up precious bench space and can be added inside a shower, next to a bath, or near a vanity for the ultimate convenience.
Zephyr and Stone • Scandi Ensuite
Penny Kinsella Architects • Park St
Colours + Selections
When it comes time to select colours and finishes for your small bathroom designs, choosing lighter colours will maximise the feeling of both light and space. Sticking to whites, light greys, beiges, and soft muted colours will ensure your small bathroom feels bigger and is more appealing to use.
You’ll also need to be clever with your choice of patterns and even the addition of vertical lines - which make ceilings look taller, or horizontal lines that can make a narrow room feel wider. Consider how any patterns will affect your space and choose finishes that feel open and spacious, rather than busy and compact. Don’t be afraid to use large format tiles or rendered wall finishes - which result in fewer grout lines to create a seamless finish for your design. For colours and finishes, neutral tones are always your best friend and will maximise the longevity and appeal of your design.
Tecture • Balmoral Mid-Century
