The Small Bathroom Blueprint
Before you begin
Assessing your small bathroom layout
Bathroom renovation permits
Measuring your small bathroom
Designer Q&A- How to maximise space in your bathroom?
Budgeting for your small bathroom
Where to invest and where to save?
Bathroom project timeline
Materials lead times inspire
In the world of interiors, small is having a big moment. Whether by design or necessity, homes are smaller than ever before, and we are learning to rethink our attitudes towards modest spaces. While they make take a little longer to plan, small bathrooms are full of design potential and allow us to create pocket-sized spaces that are both practical and inspirational.
From planning, budgeting, honing your ideas and even shopping, we have compiled all you need to know to realise your small bathroom ambitions, with helpful tips and tricks along the way.
Whether small or spacious, there are lots of elements to consider before embarking on a bathroom renovation. However, a more compact bathroom footprint does require additional attention to detail and some careful forward planning.
Before you begin, we recommend assessing your needs, wants and expectations for your small bathroom renovation, for example:
If you are planning a family bathroom, you may need to consider additional storage requirements, a bath for small children or accessible features for elderly relatives.
Set yourself realistic budgets. A bathroom renovation in the UK can range in cost from £1000 for a DIY budget renovation to £12000 for a professionally fitted and finished bathroom.
While we always recommend using a professional bathroom fitter, you may also want to think about enlisting the help of a bathroom designer, particularly if time is of the essence.
It’s helpful to create a detailed timeline, highlighting major milestones for the project.
Maximising on space in small bathrooms begins first and foremost with careful consideration of your bathroom layout. The function of the bathroom, the size of your bathroom and the shape will all dictate the direction your bathroom design will take and the look of the finished project.
So often the ‘forgotten room’ in the house, more often than not, the bathroom is that room that is built into the space leftover, and this room may be l-shaped, rectangular or long and narrow, all of which must be taken into consideration when thinking about your design.
Take into consideration where your doors and windows are located in your bathroom, as these will often dictate where you place your fixtures. it is recommend that you leave a clear space of 32 inches to allow the door to swing to it’s full width.
Depending on your budget, plumbing location is the factor that is most likely to determine the design of your small bathroom. You could opt to swap out existing fixtures, saving on plumbing costs or if your budget stretches to it you can reconsider the existing plumbing layout and really get creative! As a rule, it’s generally cheaper to keep plumbing to a single wall.
Even small bathroom renovations may require council or neighbour approval, ensure you are covered legally before beginning your renovation.
If you plan to make significant changes to the layout of your home, such as adding an extension, you may need to obtain planning permission from your local planning authority.
You will likely need to obtain building regulations approval for any structural work, such as installing a new window, removing a load-bearing wall, or adding a new bathroom.
If your property shares a wall with a neighbouring property, you may need to obtain a party wall agreement before carrying out any structural work
If your property is listed, you may need to obtain listed building consent for any renovation work, including bathroom renovations.
You will need to obtain approval from your local water authority if you plan to install new plumbing fixtures, such as a new shower, bath, or toilet.
It’s important to check with your local planning authority and other relevant authorities to ensure that you have obtained all necessary approvals before beginning your bathroom renovation project.
Measure wall to wall and ceiling to floor, noting any projections and obstacles including windows, doors and external fittings. Draw or sketch your floor plan from overhead and also from a front-on perspective. Where you can, include photos to give your renovation team a clear picture of what they’re working with.
Depending on the age of your home, you would be surprised how few buildings are in fact symmetrical, and older houses especially are likely to have mismatched wall heights. For this reason, be sure to measure the ceiling height on every wall as they may not all be exactly the same.
Whether or not you choose to replace them, it is important to measure and note the placement of any existing wall plumbing, electrical and light fittings.
Measure the location of obstacles (include doors, windows, and pipe chases) along each wall. Record their width, height and depth (from their outer edges).
Check the squareness of the corners at the floor, base and wall cabinet levels. So you can account for any issues you might have during installation.
Bring your dream bathroom plans to life with the help of the professionals and make a design appointment with your local R2 stockist today. make a design appointment
Considered product choice goes a long way to making the most of bathroom space, but it is also worth considering structural changes that can maximise on space in your layout at the earlier stages of your renovation. We have leaned on the expertise of our in-house designer to explore some architectural changes you may wish to make.
your home and any potential plumbing or electrical
Natural light can make a small space feel larger and brighter. Consider adding a window or skylight to bring in more natural light and create the illusion of more space.
A pocket door slides into a wall cavity instead of swinging open, making it a great option for small bathrooms where space is at a premium.
Waterproofing and sealing your entire bathroom transforms small space into a single, seamless area. This allows you to make the most of every nook and cranny and does away with the need for ‘wet zones’ that limit how you
Changing the layout of your bathroom can help maximize the available space. Consider moving the shower or bathtub to a different location, or relocating the toilet to create more floor space.
When budgeting for a bathroom renovation, it’s important to account for all the costs involved. Here are some key things to consider:
The time and manpower it takes to demolish existing fixtures is sometimes overlooked, while removal of rubbish and debris can be costly, so it’s useful to factor in the price of a skip or removal into your bathroom budget. A six-yard skip is a popular choice for a single room clear-out, accommodates 65 bin bags and is priced from £110 and up.
Cost: £110+
Consider whether you will need to re-plumb your bathroom or whether you are happy to use the existing plumbing system, as the cost difference could be significant. Always use a licensed plumber or bathroom fitter to install bathroom fittings and furniture, as to do otherwise, may void product warranties and put your property at risk. The average hourly rate of a plumber in the UK is £50-£60 per hour, though you may be able to get a fixed price for the complete bathroom.
Cost: £50-£60 per hour
You will likely require an electrician if you need your bathroom lighting to be rewired or changed, or a Part-P certified plumber who is skilled in both plumbing and electrical to fit an electric shower. Always leave this tricky part of your bathroom refit to the professionals, particularly where electricity meets water!
Cost: from £40 per hour
If you plan to remove existing tiles, you will need a plasterer to create a clean, smooth surface for painting or retiling after. Plastering ensures that the walls are well prepared and helps to waterproof the room. Costs for plastering vary widely, depending on whether your bathroom walls require a simple skim or a full re-plastering.
Cost: Skimming £400 per room, replaster from £700 per room
Tiles are an important feature in your bathroom, particularly wet areas such as splashbacks, showers and floors and often go a long way towards defining the style of your room. Tiling materials can vary hugely in cost, anywhere from as low as £8 per metre squared for a simple ceramic tile to £70 or above for honed marble. Likewise, a standard straight lay pattern with square grout joints and square tiles costs the least, while you can expect to add up to £16-20 per square metre for specialist tiling such as herringbone or mosaic.
Cost: £20-£40 per square metre
Finally, you will want to consider the finishing touches to your bathroom design, such as painting, decor and accessories. This is often the most DIY-friendly aspect of the bathroom renovation and where you could potentially save some of your budget.
Cost: Dependant
When planning your bathroom layout, be sure to consider any plumbing position changes or structural alterations. It’s important to discuss these with your builder or plumber upfront.
Your demolition may involve the removal of a load-bearing wall. This requires a building permit and engineering certification which incurs an additional expense.
When you first start planning, your budget may be based on basic fittings with minimal requirements. Be sure to save room in your budget for quality products that will stand the test of time. Always add a 20% contingency.
Whilehigh-qualitypaintcanofferbettercoverage anddurability,youdon’tnecessarilyneedtospenda lotofmoneyonit Lookformid-rangepaintoptions thatoffergoodcoverage,arewaterresistantand easytoclean
Thesedays,it’seasytosourceaffordableaccessories likesoapdispensers,toothbrushholders,andwaste bins-manyofwhicharelikelytobereplacedevery fewyearsanyway.
Qualitybrasswarethatisdurableandbeautifully designedfinishesaroomtoahigherstandardand addspolishtoyoursmallbathroomsuite.
It’simportanttoaddseverallevelsoflightingtoyour smallbathroom Acombinationofceilinglighting, tasklightingandambientlightingallcontributeto theergonomicsofyourroominthelongterm.
Ahigh-qualityvanityandcountertopcanbethe centerpieceofyourbathroomandcansignificantly impacttheoveralllookandfeelofthespace.Lookfor solidwoodorhigh-qualityMDFcabinetsanddurable, easy-to-cleancountertopmaterialslikequartzorgranite
Removal of the existing fixtures, tiles, and fittings.
This stage involves installing hidden pipework and electrical wiring.
Painting the walls and ceiling can be done after the drywall installation is complete.
Once the cabinets and fixtures are installed, the final plumbing and electrical work can be completed.
The contractor will walk through the project with you, ensuring that you are satisfied with the work and that everything is working correctly
Determining your bathroom renovation goals, budget, and finding a contractor.
Building any new walls or modifying the existing ones.
Timing may vary based on your tile choice and tile pattern layout.
Installing new cabinets, countertops, and fixtures can happen once the walls and flooring are completed.
A thorough cleaning and inspection to ensure that everything meets the project specifications.
While some smaller bathroom items may be readily available, it is worth being aware of leadtimes on critical elements of your bathroom design.
Quality tiles generally take two weeks to be delivered, so ensure you consult with your tiler and arrange work around this timeline.
Custom furniture may take up to four weeks to build, however out of the box cabinetry can be as quick as 3 days to order and deliver.
Speciallysourcedproducts may requireshippingthatcanadd extratimetoyourplanning
Settling on a style for your small bathroom renovation can be an overwhelming task. Resist the desire to be influenced by trends or others’ tastes and create a design with personality and longevity that suits you with our step-by-step guide.
Start by thinking broadly about the kind of interior design you like. There is a huge variation in interiors and now is the time to be inspired. Browse Pinterest and Instagram for general ideas and start thinking creatively
Once you have a broad idea of what you like, begin to think about how and whether that style coordinates with the holistic design of your home Do you want variation between rooms or continuity in style? This will help you to condense and organise your ideas.
You might begin to notice patterns in what you like and the style you gravitate towards. Try to hone in on three of your favourite ideas.
Now is the time to collate your ideas into a moodboard. Items you may wish to collate include furniture swatches, finish swatches, handle samples, tiles, flooring options, paint swatches, fabrics and inspirational images.
Step back and review your moodboard Make any necessary edits or adjustments to ensure that it accurately reflects the look and feel you want to create in your space Once you are happy, your bathroom retailer or designer can use your ideas to help you realise your bathroom design.
We tasked R2 designer Zoe to create three small bathroom designs, each measuring in at under the UK average bathroom size. From a polished shower room to a traditional family bathroom, each brief varied in style and function to suit a range of tastes and practical requirements.
The brief: Create a chic yet practical wetroom using only a narrow space
Dimensions: 1.3 x 2.6m
The beauty of a wet room is the cocooning effect it has on a space. In this respect, awkward, disjointed rooms can be transformed into a single, seamless area, making wet rooms a solid alternative to traditional layouts for compact bathrooms.
For this design, we opted for warm toned largeformat floor tiles and candy-stripe vertical walls to further emphasise the height of the room.
Introducing a built-in shower seat makes the most of empty spaces and adds luxury, while also making the bathroom multigenerational. Brushed brass fixtures and brassware adds a polished finish to the room, while wall hung fittings add floorspace and help to open up the space.
Design a warm and traditional family bathroom in a small loft space.
Dimensions: 2.2 x 2.4m
Loft or attic conversion bathrooms are all about clever placement. Most often, you will be working with a dormer window, so a layout such as below ensures low-height fixtures accommodate the smallest space while making the most of the abundant natural light.
We chose traditional elements such as tongue and groove walls and robust terracotta tiles to create a warm, inviting space to suit the whole family. Our heritage inspired Halcyon vanity added much needed storage, while a whimsical clover pattern wall adds oodles of personality and charm.
brief: Create a luxurious downstairs bathroom using the smallest of spaces.
Dimensions: 1.2 x 2.2m
With many investing in second bathrooms, cloakroom design has come leaps and bounds in the past ten years, making it more possible than ever to imbue this tiny space with bold colours, materials and statement fittings.
To achieve this small yet impactful look, we combined two lustrous large format tiles; a beautiful tumbled travertine for the walls, and a stunning marble chip dark blue terrazzo floor.
A large, circular Stealth mirror helps to frame the room and draw the eye in, while a reeded glass window adds ample light while maintaining a sense of privacy.
It’s hardly surprising that white and neutral tones give the impression of a lighter, brighter space and the same applies to small bathroom design. Introducing a light colour to your compact bathroom is a simple and effective way to make tiny bathrooms seem more spacious.
A less conventional small bathroom design idea is to use large or slab-style tiles. Large-format tiles such as marble or travertine, when correctly installed, can make your bathroom feel bigger by giving the feeling of a seamless whole. The key here is to keep the tile grouting thin to give the effect of a slab of stone, rather than individual tiles - making your small bathroom look altogether palatial, as well as making cleaning a breeze.
Extend the feel of your bathroom with a glass shower enclosure that gives the illusion of more space. A contemporary frameless walk-in shower is an ideal solution to a smaller space bathroom, with a pentagon, or cut rectangular style being best suited to utilising awkward corner spaces.
Don’t let a small bathroom limit your colour choice. If you miss the whimsy of a varied space, consider using darker shades on a single wall to accent an otherwise neutral palette. Tie this colour in with accents in your bathroom accessories to keep the look cohesive. Alternatively- play with texture on your feature wallkeeping the colour consistent but adding in panelling, shiplap or board and batten details.
A brightly lit, framed and impactful bathroom mirror, equipped with lots of useful features.
Mirrors automatically introduce light and make the most of even minimal spaces- large, circular mirrors with additional illumination are especially effective.
view mirrors & cabinets
Sleek and simple, Status offers contemporary style with customisable features- including handle choice, multiple basin options and a range of versatile finishes.
A wall mounted or floating unit is a great way to create a more spacious feel to a smaller bathroom by creating the impression of a continuous line, while ample storage helps to keep small bathrooms clean and clutter-free effective.
view bathroom furniture
A sleek, contemporary dual function shower system with a concealed valve. Finished in matt black for a polished look.
Installing hidden bathroom fittings such as concealed valves, flush plates and in-wall cisterns all put the focus back on the walls and tiling and ultimately make the space seem more expansive and keeps your space looking neat and spacious.
A wall hung, short projection WC that adds a modern edge to your bathroom scheme.
This toilet design is not only shorter than your average WC, but also conceals unsightly pipework and keeps your space looking neat and spacious.
A traditionally styled compact vanity unit that can be customised with proprietary handles and coordinating mirrors.
The natural choice for a downstairs WC or ensuite, compact cloakroom vanity units can also be used in your master bathroom if space is at a premium. Short projection and with a width of only 400mm, this small cloakroom unit adds style and space.
view cloakroom vanities
Designed to suit smaller vanity units, this traditional basin mixer features classic inlay details and an ergonomic lever design.
A smaller design to your average tap, mini basin mixers are help to keep your compact vanity look proportional and maximise on your washspaceallowing more room for accessories.
view traditional brassware
Equipped with everything you need - from inspiration, to design to those key bathroom terms, it is time to visit your local bathroom showroom. You may find it helpful to have a look at the key terms you will hear and bring a checklist with you!
Back to wall toilets, also called floor standing toilets, consist of a floor standing pan and concealed cistern (which can be hidden behind the bathroom wall or toilet unit). This space-saving design gives a clean and modern look, whilst being competitively priced.
A cistern is a large, often rectangular, tank that holds the water that the toilet uses to flush the waste into the sewage system.
A concealed valve, also known as a recessed shower valve, is a valve that is hidden within the shower wall, floor or ceiling so that all that is visible to the eye is a sleek valve plate with discrete controls or shower handles. Concealed thermostatic shower valves hide pipework to give a clean and uncluttered finish to your shower enclosure.
A higher than average toilet, designed to be easier to sit down and stand up from. Comfort height toilets range in height from 17 to 19 inches from the ground (43cm to 48cm). In contrast, a standard traditional height toilet stands at around 15 inches (38cm).
A WC with the pan and cistern coupled close together to make one toilet unit. This improvement reduces the space needed, makes them easier to clean and reduces water usage.
A rimless toilet suite is a (new) optimally hygienic toilet design that circulates water from a single flushing point with a precise and splash-free flow, avoiding grime and bacteria build up with less holes, angles and edges on the pan’s surface.
A bottle trap is an essential part of your basin plumbing. It is attached to the waste plug under the sink and helps to block gases from rising from the drainage systems below and entering your bathroom via your waste.
A convenient heated pad that is built into your bathroom mirror that keeps the mirror surface warm and clear from mist or steam.
A thermostatic shower valve is a shower mixer that allows you to set a maximum water temperature so as to prevent scalding water. A thermostatic mixer shower regulates water temperature very simply- by limiting your control of the valve and its rotation from cool to hot. This places a physical barrier between your shower water temperature and your water boiler temperature.
A style of bathroom basin that sits on top of a worktop fitted into your vanity unit to give a premium look. Countertop basins raise the washing level and should be paired with a tall tap or wall mounted tap to suit.
A skirted toilet design that conceals plumbwork and offers an easyto-clean, smooth surface from the front to the back of the pan.
A diverter is used to switch the water supply between two different outlets such as a shower and bath or two different shower heads within one shower.
The more information and materials you can bring to your bathroom consultation the better. We have devised a quick checklist to help with collating this information.
It’s important to know the dimensions of the space you’re working with so you can make sure everything you choose will fit properly.
This can help the showroom staff get a better sense of your style and the current layout of your bathroom.
Collect images from magazines or online that showcase the look and feel you’re hoping to achieve in your new bathroom.
Be clear on how much you’re able or willing to spend on the project so the showroom staff can help you choose items that fit within your budget.
If you have existing finishes in your bathroom, such as tiles or paint, bring samples with you to help coordinate with new items you’ll be selecting.
Make a list of items you absolutely need in your new bathroom, such as a bathtub or double sink vanity, so the showroom staff can prioritize those items in their recommendations.
Come prepared with any questions you have about the products or the design process. The showroom staff will be happy to help guide you through the decision-making process.
Use our showroom finder to locate the stockist nearest to you.
Each of our stockists will offer a number of different services, from bathroom design to installation or fitted bathroom furniture. These services can be identified by the symbols next to each stockist listing.
find a stockist
