Designing a small bathroom is not simply a matter of choosing smaller fixtures. The key is to make decisions that visually lighten the space, make use of every centimetre and maintain a refined, serene and timeless aesthetic.
In our studio, we always work from this premise: spaces that are functional, but also warm, bright and calming.
Start with a clear, logical layout
Before choosing materials or sanitaryware, it is essential to review the layout carefully in a small bathroom and identify the best solution, as this can make the space feel larger, more comfortable and better used.
Whenever possible, placing the basin and vanity unit opposite the door or in the most visible part of the bathroom works very well. It is the element with the greatest aesthetic potential and also the one we use most every day, so it deserves prominence.
As a guide, a functional vanity unit is usually around 80 cm wide and 45 cm deep. In very small bathrooms, more compact solutions can be considered, but it is best not to reduce the dimensions too far, so that everyday use remains comfortable and the storage is genuinely useful.
For smaller units, a single basin is the most practical choice. Two basins only begin to make sense when the unit is approximately 130 cm long or more; below that size, they tend to reduce usable surface area, storage and day-to-day comfort.
The toilet, by contrast, is best positioned in a more discreet area or somewhere less exposed from the entrance. This is not always possible, but when the floor plan allows, it helps make the bathroom’s first impression cleaner and more pleasant. For comfortable use, it is advisable to leave approximately 18 to 20 cm of clear space on either side.
The shower usually works best at the far end or along one side, especially when enclosed with a clear glass screen. In a small bathroom, a reasonable minimum width is around 75 cm, although 80 cm is ideal whenever possible. A comfortable length is generally between 90 and 100 cm.
Choose a compact wall-hung toilet with a concealed cistern
In a small bathroom, the toilet has more visual weight than it may seem. Choosing the right model is therefore essential.
One of the best solutions is a compact wall-hung toilet, which offers two important advantages:
– firstly, because it is wall-hung, it frees up the floor and creates visual lightness. With the flooring continuing beneath it, the bathroom feels larger, tidier and easier to clean.
– secondly, its compact design slightly reduces the depth and width compared with a standard model, helping to gain valuable centimetres in a small bathroom.
In addition, installing a concealed cistern normally requires the wall to be built out. Rather than viewing this as lost space, it can be turned into an opportunity.
he upper section can be used to create a bespoke cabinet with doors, integrated into the wall and finished in the same tone as the bathroom. This provides very useful storage for toilet paper, toiletries, small towels or anything we prefer to keep out of sight, without adding freestanding furniture or visual clutter.
Install wall-mounted tapware at the basin and in the shower
Wall-mounted tapware, both at the basin and in the shower, helps keep surfaces and walls clear. At the basin, it frees up usable space and gives the composition a lighter appearance. In the shower, it redues the number of visible elements and creates a cleaner look.
It is a discreet but highly effective solution when the aim is a modern, elegant bathroom without an excess of fittings.
In a small bathroom, every visible element matters. It is therefore important to choose understated, well-proportioned tapware that is consistent with the rest of the design.
Design a recessed niche in the shower
Recessed niches are one of the best solutions for small bathrooms because they provide storage without adding bulk.
Instead of installing metal shelves, baskets or external accessories, the niche is built into the wall itself. When clad in the same material as the shower, the result is clean and discreet.
It also keeps everyday products organised and within easy reach. It is a simple solution, but when well designed, it can significantly change how the bathroom feels.
Choose a clear glass shower screen and, if possible, one with an integrated towel rail
In a small bathroom, the shower screen should provide separation without visually dividing the space. Clear glass screens with minimal framing and no decorative treatments that break up the room therefore tend to work best.
The cleaner the screen, the greater the sense of continuity throughout the bathroom. The shower no longer feels like an enclosed area and becomes part of the overall space.
Another very practical solution is to integrate a towel rail into the shower screen itself. This avoids using an additional wall for accessories and makes use of an element that is already there. It is a small detail, but very useful for keeping the space uncluttered.
Work with neutral but warm colours
In small bathrooms, warm whites, sand tones, soft stone shades and very subtle beiges are preferable to overly cool whites.
The key is to achieve brightness without losing warmth. A small bathroom can feel modern and welcoming at the same time.
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Pay close attention to artificial lighting
In a small bathroom, artificial lighting should be functional, but it should also create atmosphere. Good lighting transforms the perception of the space and makes it more pleasant at the beginning and end of the day. A warm colour temperature of around 3000K is important.
A single ceiling light is not enough. In fact, direct light should come from the mirror area to provide good visibility. This can be achieved with slim wall lights or a mirror with front-facing LED lighting.
Indirect lighting in ceiling coves or inside a niche adds depth and softens the atmosphere.
