Top 5 tips for small bathroom

Got a tiny bathroom that feels more like a closet? You’re not alone. Most of us are stuck with small bathrooms that seem impossible to organise or make look good. But here’s the thing – you don’t need a massive renovation or tons of money to transform your space. These five simple tricks will make your small bathroom feel bigger, work better, and look amazing.

1. Go Up, Not Out – Use Your Walls for Storage

Your small bathroom might not have much floor space, but look up! Your walls are packed with storage potential you’re probably not using.

Think about it – every inch of wall space can hold something. Instead of cramming stuff under your sink or on the counter, put it on the walls where it belongs.

Easy wall storage ideas:

• Put up shelves above your toilet (that space is just sitting there empty)
• Hang a cabinet on the wall instead of one that sits on the floor
• Use the back of your door for towels or a shoe organiser for toiletries
• Add corner shelves in those weird empty spaces
• Install hooks everywhere – seriously, everywhere

The best part? Wall storage makes your floor look less cluttered, which instantly makes the room feel bigger.

2. Paint It Light and Bright

This might sound too simple, but it really does work. Light colours make rooms feel bigger, while dark shades make them feel smaller. It’s not just your imagination – it’s how our eyes perceive space.

White, cream, light grey, or soft pastel tones will make your bathroom walls seem to disappear. Dark colours, on the other hand, make walls feel like they’re closing in on you (definitely not what you want in a small space).

Make it brighter:

• Paint your walls white or a very light colour

• Add good lighting – dark bathrooms always feel tiny

• Put up a big mirror to bounce light around

• Keep your window clear (heavy curtains block light)

• Consider LED lights under your basin for extra brightness

You don’t have to go all-white if that’s not your style. Just keep the main palette light and bring in darker colours through towels, artwork, or accessories – things you can swap out easily.

3. Choose the Right Fittings for Small Spaces

Not all bathroom fixtures are created equal. Some are perfect for compact spaces, while others make a small bathroom feel even more cramped.

The trick is to choose fittings that don’t hog floor space or, even better, that serve more than one purpose.

Smart choices for small bathrooms:

• Wall-mounted loo (frees up floor space)

• Pedestal basin or floating vanity (you can see the floor beneath)

• Corner basin if your layout is really tight

• Sliding shower screen instead of one that swings out

• Vanity with built-in drawers (storage plus counter space)

Avoid these space-killers:

• Big, bulky vanities that sit on the floor

• Swing-out shower doors that need clearance

• Separate storage units that eat up valuable space

• Oversized fixtures that don’t match the scale of the room

Remember, you use this space every single day. Pick fittings that make your routine easier, not more awkward.

4. Mirrors Are Your Best Friend

Want to instantly make your bathroom feel twice the size? Add a large mirror. Honestly, it’s one of the easiest and most affordable ways to make any small space look bigger.

Mirrors bounce light around and create the illusion that your bathroom stretches beyond its actual walls. The larger the mirror, the more spacious the room will seem.

Mirror tricks that work:

• Install a mirror that spans the whole vanity area

• Use mirrored cabinet doors

• Place a mirror opposite your window to reflect natural light

• Try mirror tiles as a splashback

• Add a full-length mirror on the back of your door

Glass makes everything feel lighter:

• Clear glass shower screens (instead of frosted ones)

• Glass shelves that almost float

• Transparent containers for storage

• Glass light fittings

The aim is to let your eyes travel through and around items, instead of being blocked by heavy, solid surfaces.

5. Plan Your Layout Like a Pro

Here’s something many people don’t think about: how you arrange things in your bathroom matters just as much as what you put in it.

A good layout means you can move around comfortably, and everything feels ordered rather than cramped.

Layout rules that work:

• Keep the centre of your bathroom clear (avoid putting fittings in the walkway)

• Position your loo in a corner if possible

• Make sure there’s enough space to use everything easily

• Group similar items together (all your getting-ready bits in one area)

• Use pocket doors or sliding doors instead of ones that swing inwards

Quick measurement guide:

• Leave at least 38 cm (15 inches) of space on each side of your loo

• Allow around 76 cm (2.5 feet) of clearance in front of your basin

• Make sure shower doors can open without hitting anything

• Plan for where you’ll stand when using each fixture

Summary: Your Small Bathroom Can Work Better

Small bathrooms can be a challenge, but they’re far from hopeless. The key is to work with the space you have, rather than against it.

Use your walls for storage, choose light colours, pick the right fittings, add mirrors, and plan your layout carefully. These aren’t just design ideas – they’re practical solutions that will make your bathroom work better for everyday life.

Start with one or two changes and see how they feel. You don’t need to do everything at once. Often, the smallest adjustments make the biggest difference.

Your bathroom might be compact, but it can still be a space you enjoy using. All it takes is a bit of planning and some smart choices.

Ready to begin? Pick the easiest tip from this list and give it a go this weekend – you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.