Small bathroom ideas: 22 super chic ideas for bijou bathrooms

(Image credit: James Merrell)

By Lotte Brouwer 2021-01-13T16:48:12Z

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 shower room ideas 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.

small bathroom ideas — **Get the look:** These are Made a Mano lavastone tiles. The handshower and brassware are Gessi at CP Hart.

See more shower room ideas

2. Add some luxury

Marble-effect porcelain looks so indulgent, but it’s practical and hard wearing too. It's a great small bathroom ideas, as it helps to make a small bathroom feel luxe. Combine it with a Crittall style shower screen like the below example.

small bathroom ideas tiny marble bathroom with crittall shower screen — **Get the look:** The marble-effect porcelain is from Mandarin Stone. The showerhead and fittings are by Vola.

3. Ideas worth stealing

This tiny space is full of small bathroom ideas; it's 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.

See more bathroom metro tile ideas

4. Opt for wall-mounted taps

Wall-mounted taps, a counter-top sink and under sink storage are just some of the small bathroom ideas in the rustic scheme below.

small bathroom ideas with rustic bathroom vanity, butler sink, metro tiles and wall mounted taps — **Get the look:** The basin and mixer taps are from Aston Matthews. The tiles come from The Reject Tile Shop. The wall light is by Trinity Marine.

See more white bathroom ideas

5. Create a home spa feel

If you're looking for small bathroom ideas that are a little more luxe, this spa bathroom might hit the spot. 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.

See also: luxury bathroom ideas

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.

See also: bathroom wall tile ideas and bathroom floor tile ideas

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.

small bathroom ideas wet room with concrete floor and metro tiles on wall — **Get the look:** Metro tiles, Topps Tiles. Savoy sink and pedestal, Bathstore.

See more wet room ideas

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.

small bathroom ideas grey bathroom scheme herringbone chevron metro tiles — **Get the look:** The tiles are from Tons of Tiles. The taps are from homary.com. The bath mat is from Urban Outfitters.

See more grey bathroom ideas

9. Step up

The below showcases one of the more unusual small bathroom ideas, with small steps that help to separate, zone and define separate areas of the bathroom. Aside from adding interest, it can also make a room feel larger.

small bathroom ideas with steps and change in height level — **Get the look:** The floor tiles are Kerion’s Décor Branche Mer from its Neocim Collection. In the UK, try Abbey Decor porcelain tiles, £32.64 per sq m, at Porcelain Superstore.

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.

See more ensuite bathroom ideas

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.

See more bathroom wallpaper ideas

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.

small bathoom ideas — **Get the look:** The Bank Neuf limestone tiles are by Gareth Davies Stone. The sanitaryware is from CP Hart. For wall-mounted radiators in this style, try Bisque

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.