Maximise space in a small bathroom

Lighten up
Open out the room using light, neutral or pastel colours on your walls, floor and ceiling. If you find monochrome boring, try playing with textures and finishes. Dark shades or hectic patterns shrink any room and should be avoided when decorating as they overpower and contract the space, and in a small room can create a look of disorder. If you’re desperate to add colour, use towels and other accessories to introduce a splash here and there.
Vertical lines give the illusion of height and horizontal do the same for width, so do consider this when choosing furniture, or wallpaper, and deciding which way to place tiles.

Solar power
Natural light is your best ally in creating that spacious, airy look that will expand even the tiniest bathroom. So if you have a window or skylight in the room make the most of it. A mirror opposite or close to your window will help maximise the sunlight. But don’t install lots of mirrors in desperation to add extra depth to the room as it can look overwhelming and even a bit eerie if mirrors are placed on opposite walls. Instead use shiny reflective tiles and fixtures to flood the space with as much light as possible.

Go deep
When every inch is at a premium you don’t want a long bathtub sprawling across the floor. You can get a good soak in a smaller space by installing a shorter, but deeper tub. If this is your only bathroom, install your shower over the bath and be sure to have a clear glass screen or transparent shower curtain so you’re not closing off any of the space.

Good cornering
Corner tubs tend to take up more room rather than less, so avoid these. But a corner sink could be a good option, or even a corner toilet if your plumbing allows. Newer toilets are generally more compact than older models, so it could be a good idea to upgrade even if you’re leaving it where it is. If you have another bath in your house, you might want to consider having just a shower enclosure instead. Curved quadrant shower enclosures are a good option as they fit into the corner, but have a curved third edge, instead of a corner jutting out into the room.

Kill the clutter
The busier your bathroom looks the smaller it will appear, so do all you can to keep it looking tidy. Don’t keep any items on display that aren’t used on a daily basis and don’t keep anything in the bathroom that it’s not essential to have close at hand in there. Make sure you have enough storage, and keep cupboards off the floor. Placing a cabinet above the toilet, or shelves in a corner or over your mirror or window can be good ways to add storage space without further crowding the room.

Sliding doors
If your smallest room is so diminutive it’s not possible to have a door opening into the room, the obvious solution is to reverse the hinges so it opens the other way, but that’s not always an option either. If you find this is the case, installing a sliding door can be a great way to save floor space. These doors can either run against the wall, or even, if the structure of your building allows, disappear into a wall cavity when opened for a fabulously minimal look.