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Welcome to this week’s Bathroom Blueprint! 🛁✨

Small bathroom? No problem! With smart design strategies and creative solutions, even the most compact spaces can become functional, stylish, and inviting. At Craig Stott Installations, we know how to make every inch count.

In this edition, we’ll explore:

• 🚿 How walk-in showers and floating fixtures can transform small spaces

  
  

• 🛠️ Clever storage ideas to keep your bathroom organised and clutter-free

  
  

• 🌟 Design tricks to make your bathroom feel larger and brighter

  
  

Ready to unlock the potential of your small bathroom? Let’s dive in! 👇

A small bathroom can be challenging to design, but with the right approach, even the tiniest space can feel open, functional, and inviting. Whether you’re renovating a powder room, an en-suite, or a family bathroom, strategic design choices can help you make the most of every inch.

At Craig Stott Installations, we specialise in creating practical and stylish solutions for all bathroom sizes. In this blog, we’ll share 10 effective ways to maximise space in a small bathroom without sacrificing comfort or aesthetics.

1. Opt for a Walk-In Shower

A walk-in shower is an excellent way to open up space in a small bathroom. Unlike a bathtub or enclosed shower, a walk-in design with frameless glass doors gives the illusion of more space by creating an uninterrupted line of sight.

Key Tips:

• Use Frameless Glass: Frameless glass doors help the shower blend seamlessly with the rest of the bathroom, preventing the space from feeling closed off.

• Go for a Curbless Design: A zero-threshold shower eliminates the need for a step or lip, making it easier to move around while visually expanding the floor space.

Why It Works: Walk-in showers add a modern, spacious feel to any bathroom, while frameless glass creates a sleek, streamlined look.

2. Choose Floating Vanities and Wall-Mounted Fixtures

Floating vanities and wall-mounted sinks or toilets free up valuable floor space and create a more open feel in your bathroom. By exposing more of the floor, they make the room appear larger and less cluttered.

Key Tips:

• Customise Storage: Floating vanities can be designed with built-in drawers and compartments, providing storage while keeping the floor clear.

• Choose a Slim Profile: Wall-mounted fixtures with a slim design are perfect for compact spaces, maximising functionality without bulk.

Why It Works: Floating fixtures give a sense of openness and provide extra floor space for storage or decor, while still offering essential storage solutions.

3. Maximise Vertical Space with Tall Cabinets and Shelving

When floor space is limited, look up! Using vertical space effectively can make a small bathroom feel larger and provide essential storage for toiletries, towels, and other essentials.

Key Tips:

• Tall Cabinets: A tall, narrow cabinet can store many items without taking up much floor space. Place it in an empty corner or beside the vanity for easy access.

• Floating Shelves: Install floating shelves above the toilet or near the ceiling for storage that doesn’t take up valuable floor space.

  
  

Why It Works: By using the vertical space, you can add plenty of storage without cluttering the floor, creating a clean and organised look.

4. Choose Large Mirrors to Create an Illusion of Space

Mirrors reflect light and create the illusion of a larger space, which makes them perfect for small bathrooms. A large mirror over the sink or even a full-wall mirror can make the bathroom feel twice as big.

Key Tips:

• Wall-to-Wall Mirror: For maximum effect, install a mirror that spans the width of the wall, giving a more open look.

• Mirrored Cabinets: Consider a mirrored cabinet above the sink for extra storage that also enhances the room’s size perception.

Why It Works: Large mirrors add depth and reflect light, instantly making the bathroom feel brighter, more open, and less confined.

5. Use Light Colours to Brighten the Space

Light colours are essential in small bathrooms, as they create an airy, open feel. White, soft grey, pastel tones, and neutral shades help reflect light and make the room appear larger.

Key Tips:

• Monochromatic Scheme: Using a single colour palette throughout the bathroom helps create a seamless look, reducing visual clutter.

• Accent Colours Sparingly: While it’s tempting to add bold accents, use them sparingly to keep the focus on creating an open, spacious feel.

Why It Works: Light colours make walls and fixtures blend more easily, giving the bathroom a bright, expansive appearance.

6. Install Recessed Shelving and Niches

Recessed shelving and shower niches are fantastic for small bathrooms, as they provide storage space without taking up any additional room. These built-in shelves keep toiletries and other items within reach while maintaining a streamlined look.

Key Tips:

• Shower Niches: A niche built into the shower wall provides space for shampoo, soap, and other essentials, eliminating the need for shower caddies.

• Recessed Vanity Storage: Recessed shelving above or beside the vanity can hold toiletries and decor, freeing up counter space.

Why It Works: Recessed storage maximises space without protruding into the room, keeping the bathroom sleek and uncluttered.

7. Go for Sliding or Pocket Doors

Traditional bathroom doors can take up precious floor space, especially in a small bathroom. Sliding or pocket doors eliminate the need for door clearance, providing extra room for storage or movement.

Key Tips:

• Pocket Doors: Pocket doors slide into the wall, completely disappearing when open, giving you more usable space.

• Barn-Style Sliding Doors: Barn-style doors slide along the wall and can add a rustic or modern look to your bathroom.

Why It Works: Eliminating the swing space of a traditional door frees up room, making the bathroom feel less cramped and more accessible.

8. Choose Compact and Multifunctional Fixtures

In a small bathroom, every inch counts, so selecting compact fixtures that serve multiple purposes can make a big difference. Look for vanities, toilets, and showers specifically designed for small spaces.

Key Tips:

• Compact Toilets and Sinks: Choose toilets and sinks with a slim profile or corner designs to save space.

• Multifunctional Vanities: Vanities with built-in storage or countertop extensions provide more functionality without taking up more space.

Why It Works: Compact fixtures are designed to fit in tight spaces, allowing you to maximise the available area while still providing essential amenities.

9. Opt for Large Format Tiles for Walls and Floors

Large tiles can make a small bathroom feel more spacious by reducing the number of grout lines, creating a more seamless look. Large-format tiles can be used on both walls and floors to create an expansive, continuous surface.

Key Tips:

• Consistent Tile Patterns: Keep the tile pattern consistent throughout the bathroom to create a cohesive look that feels larger.

• Avoid Busy Patterns: Choose simple, neutral-coloured tiles to avoid overwhelming the space with too many patterns.

Why It Works: Large tiles with minimal grout lines reduce visual clutter and create the illusion of a larger area, making the bathroom feel more open and unified.

10. Install Task and Ambient Lighting to Enhance the Space

Good lighting can transform any space, and in a small bathroom, it’s crucial to avoid dark corners or shadows that can make the room feel even smaller. Layered lighting, including ambient, task, and accent lighting, can make your bathroom brighter and more inviting.

Key Tips:

• Recessed Lighting: Recessed lights in the ceiling provide ample ambient lighting without taking up space.

• Vanity Lighting: Wall-mounted lights on either side of the mirror offer even, shadow-free lighting for grooming tasks.

• Under-Cabinet or Toe-Kick Lighting: Add lighting beneath floating vanities or cabinets to create a soft glow that visually lifts these elements off the floor.

Why It Works: Layered lighting enhances depth, reduces shadows, and highlights key areas, making the bathroom feel larger, brighter, and more welcoming.

Conclusion: Small Bathroom, Big Potential

Creating a spacious, functional bathroom in a small area may seem challenging, but with the right strategies, it’s entirely possible. At Craig Stott Installations, we specialise in designing bathrooms that maximise every inch of space while delivering style and comfort. From floating vanities to smart storage solutions, we’re here to help you make the most of your small bathroom.

Ready to transform your small bathroom into a functional, beautiful space?

Contact us today for a free home visit and consultation, and let’s start planning your dream bathroom.

A little about us

Craig Stott Installations Ltd is a dedicated team of home improvement specialists, passionate about transforming living spaces. Specialising in bathroom and wet room installations, tiling, and general plumbing, we bring over a decade of expertise to every project. Founded on the principles of quality, reliability, and customer satisfaction, our approach is tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. From the initial consultation to the final touches, we ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience. Our skilled team, led by Craig Stott, includes professionals in design, installation, and project management, supported by cutting-edge technology and a commitment to excellence.