How To Remodel A Small Bathroom | Small Bathroom Design Tips

Published: 30 September 2019 · Last Updated: 15 July 2022

When it comes to remodelling a small bathroom, limitations in bathroom size don’t have to limit effective and inspiring design. The truth is, small bathrooms can be practical and comfortable whilst still having that all-important wow factor.

We’ve created this guide to help you make the most of your small bathroom refurbishment. We've answered a few common questions we get regarding small bathroom ideas including;

> How To Remodel A Small Bathroom

> Small Bathroom Design Tips

> Narrow Bathroom Ideas

> How Long Will It Take To Renovate A Small Bathroom

> How much does it cost to renovate a small bathroom

How To Remodel A Small Bathroom?

Whether you choose to use a professional full bathroom design and fitted bathroom service or take on the project yourself, there are several factors you need to consider when it comes to understanding how to remodel a small bathroom. Before you get started, make sure you ask yourself the following questions:

1. What Is The Size Of Your Small Bathroom?

Whether it is a main bathroom with full bathroom facilities, or a smaller secondary bathroom, potentially an en-suite, it’s important to get the correct measurements so that you can calculate the right amount of space available for your planned work.

2. Who Uses It?

Whatever the style of bathroom, consider how many people in the household are using it. If children live in the household, then a family bathroom design, inclusive of a bath and durable fixtures and fittings is a likely requirement. However If it’s just a bathroom for yourself, perhaps you want consider fixtures and fittings that lend themselves to a luxury bathroom design.

Of course, small bathrooms for the elderly or disabled require a different set of considerations altogether, focusing particularly on safety, functionality, and easy access.

3. Where Is The Waste Pipe?

Although we go into more detail below on how to maximise space through careful design and layout, it’s important to note that your bathroom layout will usually be governed by the positioning of your waste pipe to help avoid any extra expense. This is something you will need to bear in mind if you’re wanting to renovate a bathroom on a budget.

Small Bathroom Design Tips.

Our bathroom designers are often asked how best to overcome space limitations in small bathrooms, and of course the right layout varies depending on the specific bathroom size. What can be controlled however is the effective use of optimum bathroom fittings and finishing touches, which will make your small bathroom layout feel comfortable.

1. Savvy Storage Solutions.

Smart bathroom storage furniture keep your bathroom clutter free and floor space clear, making small bathrooms feel considerably bigger.

Built in vanity units and wall cabinets help to keep surfaces clear while keeping toiletries tidied away helps de-clutter small bathrooms. Opening available space, making use of unused wall space is also a great way to get rid of any unnecessary bulky storage and keep central floor space clear. If you are using storage units on the floor, open shelving will reduce the need for swinging doors that can impinge on a small space.

2. Sanitary Ware Choices.

There’s now an impressive array of available wall-hung sanitary ware that’s been designed specifically for small bathrooms. Smaller, wall hung basins and wall hung short projection toilets help to free up central floor space and can help to create the illusion of additional bathroom space. Similarly, placing sanitary ware in unused corners is also an easy way of freeing up un-used bathroom space.

3. Space-Saving Heating.

There is an abundance of bathroom heating solutions available however opting for a sleek towel rail or going one step further and installing underfloor heating helps to provide extra space in your bathroom. Underfloor heating allows for wall space to be used for storage and is a popular option when considering how to make the most of space in small bathrooms.

4. Lighting Is Important.

The right bathroom lighting helps small bathrooms feel bright and open. It’s important that you select lighting that helps to illuminate your bathroom without it being too overpowering. Lighting can also be used on mirrored bathroom cabinets to help to further reflect light.

5. Floor And Wall Coverings.

There’s a few tips and tricks you can consider with floor and wall coverings - they’re a practical way to transform your small bathroom. Some you might consider include:

> Adding in a feature wall - a great way to add an attention-grabbing focal point whilst providing a distraction to limited bathroom space.

> Keeping your bathroom wall and floor one colour creates the illusion of flowing space in a small bathroom.

> Light and bright wall colours and simple, minimal designs can help to make small bathrooms feel lighter and more spacious, as well as adding warmth.

> Glass and glossy bathroom tiles can help to bounce light around the room, making a small bathroom feel more spacious in addition to adding texture.

> Adding mirrors to a small bathroom also helps to reflect light around the room helping to enhance the bathrooms size.

Narrow Bathroom Ideas.

Focusing on narrow bathroom layouts, while holding all considerations already given with regards to small bathroom design tips in the forefront of your mind, the following narrow bathroom ideas are our two specific solutions we would encourage you to incorporate.

Curved Bath.

Curved baths are a great narrow bathroom idea that help save space. Long and narrow due to the ‘tapering off’ at one end the curve offers smooth edges and adds a soft look and feel.

Vertical Design.

Long but lacking in width, thinking vertically is a great narrow bathroom idea. Whether laying flooring or bathroom tiles choose a design with vertical stripes and use the design to your advantage when it comes to installation. Doing so will help elongate the room even further, providing the illusion of space.

How Long Does It Take To Renovate A Small Bathroom?

The time it takes to renovate a small bathroom depends upon the amount of work required. Any alterations to plumbing, pipe work and electrical can add extra time to a bathroom renovation regardless of its size.

Smaller renovations that include simple alterations and adaptions can take as little as one week. Bathrooms that require more work but are still considered a smaller job take approximately two weeks and a full bathroom renovation can take approximately two and a half weeks.

How Much Does It Cost To Renovate A Small Bathroom?

When it comes to bathroom renovations the only variation of cost depends on your finishing touches. Aside from your design and plumbing/electric requirements, labour costs stay relatively stable as the time it takes to fit sanitary ware, fixtures and fittings doesn’t vary based on bathroom size.

To find out more, read our comprehensive bathroom renovation guide which covers order of work, cost and other considerations or book a free design appointment with one of our experienced designers.

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