Small bathroom ideas

Design and décor tips for cloakrooms, small toilets and en suites.

A Habitat undersink wooden storage cabinet.

A wooden single cabinet storage in a bathroom.

How to plan a small bathroom

From light-enhancing mirrors to smart storage solutions and wall colours to make the space feel bigger, we've got all sorts of clever tips to help you make the most of your small bathroom.

Nine ways to decorate a cloakroom or small bathroom

Maximise space in a small bathroom with these furniture ideas and design tips.

1. Expand the room with mirrors

One easy way to make a small bathroom appear bigger is to place a mirror on the back wall or over the sink. Doing this helps reflect light into the room, creating the feeling of more space. Some mirrors also double as cabinets, so you can conceal clutter too.

2. Wallpaper the walls

Wallpaper works really well in cloakrooms and en suites and is an easy way to add visual impact. Nautical motifs and navy and white stripes are a popular choice, but don’t be afraid to try out more daring and adventurous designs.

Argos Home Tongue & Groove Under Sink Unit.

3. Use the space beneath the sink

Consider buying a sink with handy storage built in, or if you already have a pedestal sink, try placing a shelving unit or cabinet underneath. This is a great way to add extra storage to a bathroom or downstairs toilet without sacrificing floor space. It also gives you a convenient place to stash your cleaning products.

Shop under sink storage

Argos Home Tongue And Groove Corner Unit.

4. Utilise corner space

If you want to make use of empty space, converting corners into storage areas is a great idea. Many cabinets and shelving units are designed to tuck neatly into these awkward spaces, ensuring that no nook or corner goes to waste.

5. Add slimline storage

In tiny bathrooms, where storage is limited, every inch counts. Use tallboys and slim shelving units that fit in between your bathroom fixtures to maximise the useable space. Opt for open shelves instead of closed cabinets as these will make the room look less cramped.

6. Pick an all-white scheme

White décor is especially effective in small bathrooms as it opens up the space and makes it more appealing. Having a white or neutral base also gives you the freedom to experiment with colour and pattern elsewhere.

7. Turn walls into storage

Smaller bathrooms lack floor space, so consider storing things in wall-mounted units instead. These take up far less room than free-standing units and come in shapes and sizes to meet a wide variety of storage needs.

8. Create a wet room

With a shower system installed, you can turn even the smallest of bathrooms into a sleek and modern wet room. Simply separate the toilet and basin from the shower area using a screen and waterproof the walls and floor. This will give the space a more spa-like feel.

9. Make the most of door space

The back of a bathroom door can be turned into useful storage area with the addition of a hanging shelf unit. Use it to store small toiletries and other bathroom items like face cloths, towels and spare toilet rolls.