How to Maximise Your Small Bathroom: Smart Ideas to Open Up Your Space

18th Jun 2025

Complete bathroom suite with storage solutions including a vanity unit, mirrored cabinet and tall boy.

Working with a bathroom that feels smaller than you hoped for can be frustrating, especially when you just want a relaxing space to unwind after a long day. But the good news is that even the tiniest bathrooms can be transformed with the right approach. With clever planning and smart choices, you can make every inch count and turn your small bathroom into a comfortable, organised haven.

In this guide, we’ll share practical tips and small bathroom storage ideas to help you make the most of your space, with expert advice from Brian Toward, CEO here at Wholesale Domestic.

How do you make the most of space in a small bathroom?

When it comes to a space-saving small bathroom layout, the way you arrange your furniture really makes a difference. It’s not just about fitting everything in; it’s about creating a flow that feels open and inviting rather than cramped.

Rather than just placing your bath, shower, toilet, and basin wherever they fit, taking the time to choose the perfect spot for these key items – and your storage – can transform your bathroom from a tight squeeze to a relaxing retreat. For example, placing your sink or toilet in a corner or choosing a wall-hung design can free up precious floor space, giving you more room to move around.

Brian says: “Getting your layout right is the first step to making a small bathroom work. You want to avoid things feeling cluttered or squashed together. Clever positioning and picking more compact fixtures can really open up the room and make it feel spacious without knocking down walls or other major adjustments.”

“While it can be tempting to choose furniture because you like the look of it, it’s better to take your time and think about how well it’ll actually work in your space. For example, a freestanding bath feels luxurious, but takes up a lot of space, so it may not be the best choice for smaller bathrooms.”

Small bathroom-friendly basins

You might not have given much thought to the type of basin you have, but choosing the right one can make a big difference in reclaiming space in a smaller bathroom.

Here are some of the best basin styles to consider:

Wall-hung basins

Brian explains: “Wall-hung basins are fantastic for small bathrooms because they don’t take up any floor space. By fixing the basin directly to the wall, you can free up room underneath for storage or simply open floor room, making the bathroom feel less cramped. They also create a clean, modern look that works well in lots of designs.”

Cloakroom basins

“Cloakroom basins are small basins designed specifically for tight spaces,” says Brian. “They’re perfect for cloakrooms or very small en-suites where every inch counts. They don’t have the bulk of a traditional basin but still offer enough space for everyday use.”

Corner basins

Brian says: “Corner basins are a clever way to use space that often goes unused – the corners! They slot in neatly and free up the rest of the wall for other fixtures or storage. They’re ideal for compact bathrooms where every bit of space matters.”

To learn more about the best types for every home, read our Basin Buying Guide.

The best toilets for compact bathrooms

You may not have realised that there are toilets designed specifically for small bathrooms. Choosing the right model can make a huge difference in how spacious your bathroom feels.

Here are some top picks for compact bathrooms:

Short projection toilets

Brian explains: “Short projection toilets are brilliant for small bathrooms because they don’t stick out as far from the wall as standard toilet models. This gives you more floor space and makes the room feel less cramped, while still providing full functionality but in a much smaller footprint – ideal if you’re working with a tight layout.”

Corner toilets

“Corner toilets are a clever solution if you’ve got an awkwardly shaped bathroom or just need to make the most of limited space,” says Brian. “They fit snugly into most corners, which tend to be overlooked spaces, and free up more central floor area.”

Wall-hung toilets

Brian adds, “Wall-hung toilets are one of the best options for smaller bathrooms. They’re mounted directly on the wall, so the floor underneath is clear, making the space look bigger and easier to clean. Plus, their modern design suits a variety of bathroom styles.”

Read our Toilet Buying Guide to find out more about choosing the perfect toilet.

Is a bath or a shower better for small bathrooms?

The bath vs. shower debate is always a tough choice when it comes to small bathroom renovations. Showers are definitely the more popular option, with about 65% of Brits preferring them, and they’re often seen as the best way to save space. But the truth is, with so many designs available, both baths and showers can both work well in a small bathroom.

Space-saving bathtubs

If you’re set on having a bath, don’t worry – there are plenty of space-saving options:

Corner baths – These tuck neatly into a corner, making the most of unused space and giving you a full bath without taking up most of your bathroom.
Back-to-wall baths – Designed to fit flush against a wall, these baths reduce wasted space while giving you plenty of room to stretch out and relax.
Single-ended baths – These baths are designed to sit against two walls, leaving one side of the tub exposed for climbing in and out.

Brian recommends: “To really make the most of a smaller bathroom layout, combine your bathtub with wall-mounted taps. This helps free up the edge of your bath to be used as extra storage space for your shampoo and other essentials, while also bringing a more luxurious feel to your room.”

Read our Bath Buying Guide to learn more.

Compact shower enclosures

Showers are a go-to for saving space, and these enclosures mean you don’t have to compromise on style or comfort:

Square shower enclosures – These are a classic choice that fits well in most bathrooms and maximises the available showering area.
Offset quadrant shower enclosures – With a rounded front edge and straight back edges, these are great for fitting into tight corners while offering plenty of space to shower.
Corner entry shower enclosures – These open from the corner, saving space in front and providing easy access.

Brian shares: “For smaller bathrooms, bi-fold, sliding, or pivot-style shower doors are the way to go. They don’t need much clearance to open, unlike standard hinged doors, which can be tricky in tight spaces.”

Still struggling to choose the perfect shower? Take a look at our Shower Buying Guide.

Small bathroom storage ideas

Storage can be a real challenge in smaller bathrooms, and clutter can easily take over your counters and make the space feel chaotic. But there’s no need to worry; even the tiniest bathrooms can benefit from clever storage solutions.

Here are five of our favourite very small bathroom storage ideas to help you keep everything organised and your space feeling calm.

1. Use heated towel rails

Heated towel rails aren’t just a way to keep your towels toasty – they’re also a clever way to free up space in a small bathroom. Instead of having towels draped over furniture or piled up on a counter, a heated rail provides an organised, warm spot to hang them, which keeps the bathroom looking tidy and feels great after a shower.

Brian explains: “Heated towel rails are one of my favourite space-saving solutions because they double up as radiators and storage. They keep your towels dry and warm, which cuts down on damp smells and mildew, and you don’t need extra hooks or rails cluttering the walls.”

2. Install a mirrored cabinet

Mirrored cabinets are brilliant for small bathrooms because they combine two different functions in one: a mirror and a hidden storage unit. This helps keep everyday essentials like skincare, toothpaste, and razors out of sight but easy to access.

Brian adds: “Mirrored cabinets are a must-have for small bathrooms. They save space, keep clutter off your counters, and make the room feel bigger by reflecting light. Many even come with built-in lighting, helping to create a more luxurious-feeling space in even the smallest bathrooms.”

3. Basin vanity units for hidden storage

Swapping a traditional pedestal basin for a basin with a vanity unit is a game-changer when it comes to storage in small bathrooms. These units provide plenty of space to keep your cleaning products, toilet rolls, and anything else you want to keep hidden.

Brian comments: “Vanity units make small bathrooms feel less cramped. They use the space under your basin, which would otherwise go to waste, to store things out of sight. It’s a great way to keep your bathroom neat while giving you somewhere to keep your larger essentials.”

4. Hang over-door hooks

You might be surprised to learn that the back of your bathroom door can be transformed into valuable storage. Over-door hooks are simple to install and can hold towels, bathrobes, or even baskets for smaller items like hairdryers or brushes.

Brian suggests: “Don’t overlook your bathroom door as storage space. Over-door hooks are quick to set up and provide a surprising amount of extra room for hanging things. They’re especially helpful if you’ve got limited wall space or want to keep towels within easy reach without needing to fold them away after each use.”

5. Wall shelves

Brian says: "Wall shelves are a great way to add storage in a small bathroom without taking up floor space. You can customise the size and position to fit your layout perfectly, and they’re perfect for displaying decorative items or keeping your everyday products within reach.”

How to make your bathroom feel bigger

Updating your bathroom to make it feel bigger doesn’t have to involve knocking down walls or making drastic changes. Sometimes, small adjustments can make all the difference. Here are some of Brian’s top tips:

1. Use light colours for paint, tiles and wall panels

“Light colours are the secret to success when it comes to making any bathroom feel bigger,” says Brian. “Opting for lighter tiles gives the room a brighter, airier feel, instantly opening it up. The same goes for your paint choice — soft shades like white, cream, pale grey, or pastel tones help reflect light around the room, making it feel more spacious and inviting.”

“If you want to add some contrast or texture, keep it subtle. Try pairing a white wall with light wood accents or soft stone-effect panels. And don’t forget the ceiling — painting it a bright white can help lift the room and create a sense of height, especially in smaller bathrooms.”

“If you want to go a step further, try colour drenching — using the same light tone on the walls, ceiling and woodwork. It creates a seamless, unified look that makes the space feel larger and less broken up.”

2. Choose the right lighting

Brian explains: “Incorporating lighting into your bathroom is a simple way to make it feel bigger. Using a mirror with built-in lighting not only adds a modern touch but also provides focused light for tasks like shaving or applying makeup.”

“Recessed lighting is another great option – they’re mounted directly into the ceiling, making them discreet and taking up no extra space while still giving you plenty of light.”

“Or, if your bathroom is blessed with higher ceilings, a pendant light or chandelier can help draw the eye upward, making the room feel taller and more open.”

3. Opt for larger tiles

“If you really want to create the illusion of space, choose larger tiles with fewer grout lines, as this helps your bathroom look less cluttered and busy. Smaller tiles, like mosaics, can make the room look more cramped because of all the lines dividing up the surfaces, while bigger tiles give the illusion of more space.”

Maximise your small bathroom layout at Wholesale Domestic

When it comes to making the most of a small bathroom, the right products can make all the difference. At Wholesale Domestic, we offer a wide selection of small bathroom essentials designed to help you optimise every inch of your space.

Whether you’re after compact corner baths, space-saving cloakroom basins, or clever storage solutions, we’ve got everything you need to create a functional and stylish bathroom that feels bigger than it really is.

Need help figuring out the best setup? Our expert team is always on hand to offer advice. Contact us today or check out our blog for more inspiration and how-to guides to help you transform your bathroom into a space you’ll love.