Small bathroom ideas: 22 super chic ideas for bijou bathrooms

These small bathroom ideas prove that you don't need oodles of space for a bathroom with impact.

We've searched the Livingetc archives for the best small bathroom inspiration, and have curated a mix of inspired solutions.

Wall-mounted loos with built-in cisterns also help create more floor space, while also creating a handy alcove area above the loo for loo roll and bathroom accessories.

Create alcove shelving in shower spaces too, to keep soaps and sponges within arm's reach. Plus, they look incredibly chic.

Natural light is also key to make a small space feel bigger, and skylights are a great option for when windows aren't enough.

Light bright colours make rooms appear larger, as do floor-to-ceiling tiles, and wet room layouts. You can't go wrong with a clean, streamlined look, but sometimes it can pay off to go for a bold approach with a more adventurous idea.

There are so many ways in which you can make the most of even the smallest of bathroom spaces — without sacrificing an inch of style. Whatever kind of inspiration you're looking for, there's a small bathroom idea for everyone.

From clever small bathroom storage ideas to home spa-inspired wet room and shower room ideas that make the most of every square inch of space, these carefully considered small spaces all make the most of their limited square footage.

1. Make every inch count

The narrow corridor space below has been transformed into a compact but stylish wet room which utilises every inch of floor space.

2. Add some luxury

Marble-effect porcelain looks so indulgent, but it’s practical and hard wearing too. Here it makes a small bathroom feel luxe, especially in combination with the Crittall style shower screen. 

3. Ideas worth stealing

This small bathroom is kept light and bright, with floor to ceiling metro tiles and a space-saving small sink area on legs, avoiding a bulky vanity and giving the illusion of more space. The toilet is wall-mounted, with the cistern built-in, thus creating a handy tiled shelf above the loo for loo roll and bathroom accessories. The towel rail is mounted in the alcove, so that it’s not encroaching on any personal space.

4. Opt for wall-mounted taps

This limited bathroom space is optimised with wall-mounted taps and a counter-top sink. The cupboard underneath provides storage space. 

5. Create a home spa feel

A round bath frees up space for a ledge for books, bath salts and flowers. A wall mounted shower head also helps to save space. The slatted woodwork create a spa-like, grown-up atmosphere. It might be a small space, but it oozes luxury spa vibes.

6. Small tiles to make the space seem larger

This smart, small bathroom space is covered head to toe in tiny black chevron bathroom tiles, giving it a cool hotel bathroom look – plus the small tiles make the space seem larger, by fitting more in it.

7. Wall to wall wet room

By opting for a wet room, there's no need for visible shower trays or shower screens, and you can use every square inch of space. 

8. Create an alcove nook

You might find that you can borrow some extra space from behind a wall, to create a little bit of extra storage. A built-in shower nook provides pretty storage while towel hooks instead of shelves help free up space. 

Extra large white tiles in a herringbone formation also help make this light and bright space appear more spacious. 

9. Step up

These small steps help to zone and define separate areas of the bathroom. Aside from adding interest, it can also make a room feel larger.

10. Corner shelves

This small ensuite bathroom makes the most of the space with wall mounted taps, corner shelving above the sink, and under sink storage.

11. Mini roll top bath

Who says you can't have a roll top bath in a small space? This cute bathtub is from a restoration yard and is the perfect fit for this bijou space. 

12. Sink as a shelf

In this glamorous small bathroom, a bespoke guitar-shaped marble basin doubles up as a shelf. 

13. Utilise dead space for extra storage

Shelving above the loo make the most of otherwise dead space. 

14. Wall to wall

This wall-to-wall tub sits snugly against the back of this small bathroom, offering views from the bath, while no space around the bath is wasted. 

Natural slate, a petrified tree stump and botanical prints bring an organic warmth to the look. 

15. Use the height

Make the most of the height of a tall bathroom space. Large-format tiles in a pale shade accentuate the height of this small bathroom. A design suggested by the architect means the ornate cornicing remains intact and the owner has somewhere to put their speakers. Plus, you could incorporate a whole wall worth of built-in storage as the storage only needs to be a few cm deep to house beauty and hygiene products. Sliding doors would be the best option to stop it from encroaching too much.

16. Dare to create drama

Mustard walls, raw concrete shower space and geometric tiling add instant drama to this small shower room. Forgoing a bath also helps to save space. 

17. Floating basin

Avoid a bulky vanity, instead opting for a floating sink or a sink on legs or with open shelving.

A floating basin creates more floor space, while a small alcove behind the bath provides a handy shelf. There’s also a cupboard behind the mirror. 

18. 

A sliver of space in the hallway was converted to create an en suite for the master bedroom. A compact sink and loo were chosen, and a walk-in shower separated by a simple glass screen. 

19. Bold ideas can pay off

This bathroom is functional, but packs a punch too. Sometimes it pays to be bold with an idea.

20. Or keep it simple

Livingetc are big fans of clean, streamlined and minimalist looks – and this wet room ticks a lot of boxes.

The Carrara marble mixed with the black brassware gives a slice of drama to this classic and beautiful design, as does the recessed LED lighting.

21. Shower screen

Incorporating the shower into the rest of the space by unifying the flooring to create more of a wet room feel will make the whole space feel bigger. 

22. A pedestal basin for an eye-catching look

A pedestal basin is a chic addition to this compact shower room space. The lack of a bath also helps to save space. 

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