Designing a small bathroom but don’t know where to start? We’re here to help!

In this article we’ll focus on all the things you need to take into account when designing a small bathroom – from size and measurements to aesthetic and colour and so much more. We’ll also talk about how the design team at Builders Discount Warehouse can assist in making your small bathroom dreams come true.

How to Design a Small Bathroom

There are a ton of things you need to take into account when designing a bathroom, but it’s even more important when designing a small bathroom. In this section, we’ll go through the best way to go about it.

Develop a Plan

Whether it’s a basic sketch on the back of a serviette, or a 3D visualiser with all the bells and whistles, you need a plan for your bathroom renovation.

Not only does this include the layout of your new bathroom (and potentially photos of your existing design), also include other relevant information like checklists and perceived deadlines for ordering.

It’s all incredibly useful, and is worth doing even if you don’t refer to it (for peace of mind if nothing else).

Confirm Space & Measurements

We say this in almost every design article we write, but it always bears repeating. You cannot successfully design a bathroom (regardless of size) without knowing the accurate size and measurements of the space you have to work with. The last thing you want is to design a layout that will not fit, or order a vanity that is way too big (or small) for your needs.

Consider Your Colour Palette

While you might love a dark moody bathroom design, when you’re managing a smaller space, it’s generally understood that a lighter colour palette is more forgiving to compact areas.

Does this mean you can’t include colour in your bathroom? Of course not. You just might have to get a little creative with it. Add coloured towels and accessories to compliment your bathroom. Or, if you really feel it’s too clinical to go for all white, or consider off white and pale grey as an alternative tile colour.

Choose Suitable Tiles

Patterns are making a comeback in a big way, and there’s nothing to say that they can’t work in a smaller bathroom. It’s just a matter of scale. Some even suggest a larger format can work well, whereas others tend to steer clear.

Or you might like to avoid any reference to pattern or texture at all. It’s up to you.

Choose the Right Drainage

Drainage matters, especially in a small bathroom. But the type of drainage system you need relies on the layout and size of your bathroom. This is something you need to take into account when designing your bathroom, and you might want to consult a professional plumber for advice.

Build Shower Niches

When you need a spot to store your shampoo and body wash while you’re in the shower, you can take advantage of a smaller bathroom by installing a built-in shower niche.

Then, you can do away with those branded bottles and up your style game by having uniform accessories, and store those little trinkets that have nowhere else to go.

Don’t Forget About Lighting

The right lighting can make or break a space and this is especially the case in a smaller bathroom.

Plan your lighting accordingly or consider taking advantage of natural lighting with a window or skylight. You may even opt for strip lighting that can be added to your vanity or mirror, depending on how you use your bathroom.

Use Glass

Glass is necessary in a bathroom, so why not use it to your advantage? Modern trends tend to veer away from that boxed in shower of old.

Instead, go for an option where the glass breaks up the room, and protects your flooring but also allows people to see straight through the room. Not only does this look great, it also makes your bathroom appear larger.

Take Advantage of Mirrors

Speaking of glass and making your bathroom appear larger, let’s talk about mirrors.

Mirrors – especially larger mirrors in the right location – can elevate a space and make it appear much bigger than it actually is. And if you need extra storage, choose a shaving cabinet option to hide all the things you don’t want displayed (like toothpaste and other personal hygiene products).

Use Baskets & Hooks

While baskets and hooks don’t always suit every design, when done right, they can look fantastic. One example might be as follows:

If you’ve chosen a Hamptons-esque vanity that doesn’t have much storage, but don’t have the budget to replace it, don’t stress. You can always use baskets, hooks and cubby holders or other storage options.

Include Vertical Storage

Hooks and baskets aren’t your thing, but you still need the storage? That bare wall above your towel rail might be just the place for taller, wall-hung cabinets with an aesthetically pleasing design. You might even choose to make it a feature and get really creative with the pop of colour you avoided in your tiles.

Use External Storage

Celebrity designers might reject this one, but in our opinion, there is nothing that says you have to store the items you don’t use very often (such as guest towels and toilet paper or extra deodorant) in your bathroom itself. Create a space in your hallway cupboard or linen press and free up more space in the bathroom.

Remove Your Toilet

Again, celebrity designers might not like this, but when you just don’t have the space for it, eliminate the toilet. Go against the grain and have a separate powder room. Just think, it’s another space in which you can showcase your design creativity.

Eliminate the Bath

Designers also might disagree with this one, but it’s also a space consideration. If you have no need of a bath and you simply can’t fit one (even a corner bath) in the area you have available, eliminate it entirely. Make the most of your shower and go from there.

Recess Plumbing

Have room for the toilet and vanity but not the plumbing? Recess or hide it. Exposed plumbing might have had its day in the past, but if you’re not going for an industrial look, you don’t have to necessarily have it on show.

How Builders Discount Warehouse Can Help

At Builders Discount Warehouse, we know that planning a small bathroom renovation can seem a little overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. With our huge variety of products available and a stellar design team, we can help make your small design ideas really work.

To get started in designing your small bathroom, contact our experts today.