Not every bathroom starts out as a showstopper. In fact, some of our favourite transformations have happened in the most awkward spaces—narrow en-suites, L-shaped layouts, sloping ceilings, and tiny under-stairs WCs that clients thought were “too small to bother with.”

But with the right approach, those tricky rooms become the ones that surprise you the most.

Here’s how to make the most of your bathroom layout, however compact or unconventional it might be—without compromising on style.

1. Start With Smart Layout Choices

In any small or unusually shaped space, layout is everything. It’s not just about fitting everything in—it’s about how the room flows and feels.

Think about what you really need from the space. If you’re prioritising a large walk-in shower, we might sacrifice a full-length vanity to keep the layout open. If storage is essential, we’ll explore ways to integrate it vertically or in places that aren’t immediately obvious.

By keeping sightlines open and grouping fixtures efficiently, we can create a layout that feels logical, calm, and more spacious than it actually is.

2. Choose Fixtures That Work Harder

Not all bathroom fixtures are created equal—especially when space is tight.

Wall-hung toilets and floating vanities free up floor space and help the room feel less boxed in. Slimline basin units or corner sinks can also make a huge difference in smaller rooms without compromising usability.

In some bathrooms, we’ve even combined the bath and shower in a more design-led way to avoid breaking up the space. It’s all about what makes most sense for how you use the room.

3. Storage You Barely Notice (but always need)

Storage is often the thing that tips a small bathroom from functional to frustrating. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

Built-in niches in showers or beside baths are one of our go-tos—they give you space for everyday items without adding visual clutter. Mirrored cabinets and recessed shelving are another smart choice for keeping things tidy while blending seamlessly with the design.

And in bathrooms with high ceilings or awkward corners, we’ll often suggest custom cabinetry to make use of every inch—without it ever feeling overbearing.

4. Lift The Room With Light and Colour

The right palette and lighting can completely transform how a space feels.

Lighter colours—like warm taupe greys, off-whites, or soft greens—help bounce light and make a room feel open and calm. Large-format tiles or continuous wall panels can add to that effect by reducing visual breaks and keeping things clean and minimal.

We’re also seeing more clients embrace “tile drenching” in small spaces, where walls and floors are finished in the same material to create a cohesive, seamless feel.

Lighting matters too—layering spotlights with mirror lighting and soft accent LEDs brings depth, warmth, and a sense of luxury even in the smallest room.

5. Free Up The Floor

Keeping as much visible floor space as possible can instantly make a room feel bigger.

Wall-mounted radiators, towel rails, and floating fixtures help keep the design feeling light and lifted. Even swapping out a floorstanding vanity for a wall-hung one can change how open the space feels—especially in a room where every inch counts.

6. Embrace The Awkward Corners

Sloping ceilings, alcoves, boxed-in areas—they’re not always ideal, but they don’t have to be dead space.

We’ve worked with clients to build custom shelving into angled walls, tuck baths under loft eaves, and create clever storage in places where a standard piece of furniture would never fit. Sometimes these are the features that end up making the bathroom feel the most unique.

7. Choose The Right Materials

The finishes you choose can help (or hinder) the feeling of space.

Opting for large tiles, continuous wall panels, or even groutless Microcement can reduce visual noise. Glass screens instead of shower curtains or bulky enclosures also help keep the room feeling open and bright.

Texture can also make a small space feel more considered—wood effect tiles, brushed brass fixtures, or fluted detailing add warmth and interest without bulk.

8. Add a Mirror (or two)

We’re not just saying this because mirrors are “on trend”—they really do work.

A large mirror above the basin reflects both natural and artificial light, doubling the sense of depth in the room. And mirrored cabinets? Extra storage that doesn’t interrupt the flow. Win-win.

9. Keep it Simple (but personal)

In small bathrooms, less is definitely more. But that doesn’t mean it needs to be bland.

A neutral colour palette paired with one statement piece—a patterned floor tile, a pop of colour on the vanity, or black or brass fixtures—can bring personality to the space without overwhelming it.

The trick is to choose one or two focal points and let the rest of the room breathe.

10. Visualise Before You Commit

This is where we see a lot of stress avoided—by using 3D design to plan ahead.

When space is limited, being able to see how it will all come together is a game changer. It helps you avoid expensive layout mistakes, visualise colour choices, and feel confident before anything is purchased.

Final Thoughts

Small bathrooms and awkward layouts often get overlooked—but they shouldn’t be.

In fact, these are the spaces where thoughtful design matters most. When every decision counts, it becomes less about having the biggest room, and more about creating one that works beautifully for your lifestyle.

Whether you’re working with a compact en-suite, a challenging floor plan, or just want to feel like your space has room to breathe, there are so many creative ways to make it happen. From layout choices and lighting to materials and storage, it’s often the little things that have the biggest impact.

A small bathroom doesn’t mean small potential—it just means smarter design!