Bathroom Renovation Ideas for Small Spaces

Making the Most of a Small Bathroom

Small bathrooms are incredibly common in London homes, particularly in Victorian terraces, Edwardian conversions, and modern new-builds where developers maximise bedroom count at the expense of bathroom space. The good news is that with thoughtful design and the right fixtures, even the most compact bathroom can feel spacious, stylish, and functional. The key lies in choosing the right layout, using space-saving products, and employing visual tricks that create the illusion of more room.

Choose the Right Layout

The layout is the single most important decision in a small bathroom renovation. Before choosing tiles or taps, spend time working out where the toilet, basin, and shower or bath will go. In many small London bathrooms, replacing a full-size bath with a large walk-in shower can free up significant floor space and create a much more open feel. If you need to keep a bath, consider a compact 1500mm bath or a P-shaped shower bath that combines both functions in one unit.

Clever Storage Solutions

• Recessed shelving (niches) in the shower wall — built into the stud work, they add storage without taking up any floor space
• Mirrored cabinets above the basin — combine your mirror and medicine cabinet into one space-saving unit
• Vanity units with built-in storage — hide pipework and gain cupboard space at the same time
• Ladder shelving or towel rails — make use of vertical wall space for towels and toiletries
• Over-toilet shelving or cabinets — an often-overlooked area that provides valuable extra storage

Tile Choices That Create Space

Tile selection has a huge impact on how large a small bathroom feels. Large-format tiles with minimal grout lines create a seamless, expansive look. Using the same tile on both the floor and walls can blur boundaries and make the room feel bigger. Light colours — whites, soft greys, and pale blues — reflect more light and open up the space. If you want to add pattern or colour, consider using it as an accent on a single wall or in a shower niche rather than covering every surface.

Lighting and Mirrors

Good lighting is essential in a small bathroom. A combination of ceiling downlights and a backlit mirror can make even the most compact space feel bright and welcoming. Avoid relying on a single central light, which can create shadows and make the room feel smaller. LED strip lighting under a floating vanity or behind a mirror adds a luxury touch and creates a sense of depth. Mirrors, of course, are the oldest trick in the book — a large mirror above the basin or a full-height mirror on one wall can visually double the perceived size of the room.

Frameless Glass Shower Screens

If there is one upgrade that makes the biggest visual difference in a small bathroom, it is replacing a shower curtain or framed enclosure with a frameless glass screen. Frameless glass allows light to flow through the entire room and removes the visual barrier that makes a bathroom feel cramped. A single fixed panel of clear glass is sleek, easy to clean, and far more effective at creating an open feel than a fully enclosed shower cubicle.

Colour Schemes for Small Bathrooms

• All-white with brass or brushed-gold hardware — timeless and bright
• Soft grey tiles with white sanitaryware — modern and sophisticated
• Pale blue or green with natural wood accents — calming and spa-like
• White walls with a bold patterned floor tile — adds character without overwhelming the space
• Dark feature wall with light surroundings — creates depth and a designer feel