Designing a small bathroom is a challenge that tests both practicality and creativity. It’s a common situation: homeowners trying to squeeze a full suite into a space more suited to a cloakroom. At Marraum, we’ve seen it all, and we’ve navigated some seriously compact bathroom spaces ourselves.
Getting the layout right is key. It’s the difference between a space that works with you and one you have to work around. This blog will guide you through the essentials - dimensions that make sense, fixtures designed for tight spaces and visual tricks that add an open feel without needing extra square metres.
Standard dimensions for small bathroom layouts
In the UK, a small bathroom typically ranges from 1.5 to 2.5m², although even tighter footprints are not unheard of in older homes or converted properties. While that may not seem like much room to manoeuvre, smart planning and an understanding of minimum clearances can make all the difference.
To fit a toilet, basin and shower comfortably, you’ll need to allow a minimum of 800mm width and at least 1.5m in length. These dimensions can vary depending on the size of your chosen fixtures, but they serve as a solid starting point. It’s also important to account for legal regulations - UK building standards recommend at least 600mm clearance in front of toilets and 200mm on either side for ease of use.
Spacing between fixtures is equally crucial. Allow around 600mm in front of the basin for leg room and 700–800mm in front of the shower door for easy entry. A 3-piece layout (toilet, basin, shower) fits well into most small bathrooms. For a 4-piece setup that includes a bath, you'll need to be more creative with placement, often using compact fittings or placing fixtures along a single wall.
Optimising layout for narrow, awkward or small spaces
Not all small bathrooms are neatly box-shaped. Many have quirks - sloped ceilings, alcoves or poorly positioned windows - that require a tailored approach. Rather than seeing these features as limitations, use them to guide your layout decisions.
Sloped ceilings, often found in loft conversions, are best suited to housing baths or storage. Positioning your bath under the slope can free up full-height space elsewhere for a shower or basin. Windows, while a source of natural light, can limit where mirrors or tall storage units can go. If your layout is narrow, consider placing the shower at the far end to elongate the room and maximise floor space.
Swing doors can eat into valuable room. Swapping a traditional hinged door for a sliding or pocket door instantly gives you more layout flexibility. Wall-hung fixtures also help free up floor space, making the room feel more expansive and less cluttered.
Choosing the right fixtures for a small bathroom layout
In tight spaces, not all fixtures are created equal. Opting for slimline or space-saving alternatives can transform how the room functions without compromising on comfort or style.
Slim basins, especially corner models, help open up usable space. Their angled positioning reduces intrusion into walkways, which is perfect in cloakrooms or narrow layouts. Wall-mounted taps can also help reduce the overall footprint of the basin area. Back-to-wall or wall-hung WCs save floor space and offer a streamlined appearance, often concealing the cistern behind a false wall or built-in unit.
When it comes to showers, quadrant trays are ideal for corners and often come with curved doors that save on swing clearance. For bathrooms with a little more width, a rectangular tray with a sliding or bi-fold door can work well. Bath lovers may prefer a compact freestanding bath or a built-in option with a shower over. Whichever you choose, aim for fixtures that serve more than one purpose - like vanity units with integrated storage or mirrored cabinets that add both utility and depth.
Space-enhancing design tricks
Clever design goes beyond layout and fixture choice. There are visual techniques that can dramatically alter the perception of space in a small bathroom.
Light, reflective surfaces - such as gloss tiles, glass panels and mirrored finishes - bounce light around and help a room feel larger. Large-format tiles create fewer grout lines, making walls and floors appear less cluttered. Continuous flooring, particularly when it flows through from an adjoining room, helps create visual continuity and depth.
Vertical storage is another smart solution. Rather than bulky floor units, opt for tall, slim cabinets or recessed shelving built into stud walls. This keeps the floor clear and makes the room feel less cramped. Lighting is just as important as finishes - layered lighting, including task and ambient lights, can define zones and create atmosphere. Stick to lighter colour palettes or soft neutrals to keep the space feeling calm and open.
Mistakes to avoid when designing a small bathroom
The temptation to fit as much in as possible can be strong - but it’s often the downfall of many small bathrooms. Overcrowding leads to impracticality and discomfort. Stick to the essentials and choose items that enhance both function and flow.
Another common mistake is ignoring sightlines. What you see first when you open the bathroom door matters. A toilet in full view isn’t ideal. Instead, try positioning the basin or a stylish storage unit as the focal point to create a more welcoming feel.
Lighting is frequently overlooked. A single overhead light rarely does the job. Use a combination of ceiling spots, wall-mounted lights and mirror illumination to provide effective, layered lighting. Bulky or overly decorative furniture can also dominate the space. Keep lines clean and materials refined. Finally, ventilation must not be forgotten. Small bathrooms are prone to condensation, so ensure you have an effective extractor fan in place to protect both the room and its contents.
A small bathroom doesn’t need to feel like a compromise. With thoughtful layout planning, careful fixture selection and clever design details, you can create a space that feels balanced, practical and beautifully finished. Every millimetre counts, and every design choice matters.
Sketching out a few layout options, taping out floor plans or testing walk-throughs in the space can help you make informed decisions. And remember - style and function are not mutually exclusive. Even the tiniest bathroom can be a standout feature in your home with the right approach.
Thinking about redesigning your small bathroom? Get in touch with us today — we’d love to help you unlock the full potential of your space.
