A bathroom can look super good online, because websites usually just want to display different items so you can see how they fit into an actual bathroom. But what you usually don’t see (or at least aren’t aware of) is the size of that bathroom model and how much space it actually allows for movement once those units, cabinets, or whatever else are included. And don’t forget the tricks they use through professional photography and editing. It happens all the time: specific products look amazing on screen, but after purchasing and fitting them into your own bathroom, they don’t leave enough space for you to actually move around. I’ve been fitting bathrooms across the UK for years now, and honestly, I’ve lost count of how many homes I’ve worked in where those small bathroom designs that look great in magazines just didn’t work in real life.

Most people don’t realise how much the wrong bathroom layout or finish (like even the wall colour) can make a tiny bathroom feel even smaller. But honestly, can you blame them? Blogs keep recycling the same advice, and people just follow along without knowing it might not work for their space. So I’ve pulled together a few more honest small bathroom design ideas. Real stuff I’ve seen as a fitter, like mistakes that come up all the time and clever fixes clients were happy with. If you’re planning a bathroom renovation or just want to avoid the usual regrets, keep reading!

Small Bathroom Design Mistakes from Projects I’ve Worked on

A common mistake I see is trying to squeeze in both a bath and a shower in a tight space. For a compact bathroom layout, it usually doesn’t work. One client had us remove the tub altogether and we made space for a larger walk-in shower. It looked more open and cozy. I always recommend tucking it behind a vanity wall or using a half-partition if you can.

The best rule for small bathroom designs is to follow this order: sink, toilet, shower. That’s the most efficient setup for the space to naturally flow. What I see quite a lot, is the toilet being the first thing you see when you open the door. It might not seem like a big deal, but in a small room, it draws the eye straight to the least flattering part of the space.

Also, if you’re working with a really tiny bathroom, don’t try to force a layout meant for larger rooms, by cramming some full-size features. The bathroom size is the first thing you need to consider when starting your remodelling project. Stick to items that actually complement your space.

One way to visualise this is with a bathroom planner. Even a basic online version can help you map out your space (things like the bathroom floor layout or where to place furniture) before spending money on materials and units. I’ve used tools like this with clients when they’re struggling to picture how fixtures fit.

Height matters too. Standard vanities are about 36 inches high, but that doesn’t work for everyone. I’ve built custom vanities lower or higher, depending on the client’s height. It’s your space, it should suit your daily use.

Storage and Items That Make Your Small Bathroom Seem Bigger

Loads of people think they need big storage in small bathrooms, but that can make the space feel tighter. I’ve fitted floating vanities and even pedestal sinks for clients who had extra storage elsewhere, and it opened the room right up.

One client replaced their old mirror with a recessed cabinet. This small change gave them hidden storage and made the space feel bigger.

I always suggest drawers over cupboard doors. They are easier to access, and they don’t swing out into your legs. That really matters in small bathroom layouts.

If you’re into small modern bathroom ideas, you should go for recessed shelves, wall-mounted units, and clean and simple lines. They can keep the room from feeling overloaded. Basically, stick with the essentials and don’t add extra items just for the sake of it, or just because it looked nice in an influencer’s bathroom. I’ll say it again: just because something looks beautiful, fits into someone else’s space, or, I don’t know, it’s something you’ve always wanted, doesn’t mean it’ll actually help your bathroom. Always. Be. Practical. And use your wall space! One client got rid of the towel bar and added hooks behind the door. And it worked really well and even freed up a bit of space. Such simple changes really do count for small bathroom designs, trust me.

The Overlooked Details That Ruin a Good Small Bathroom Design

Have you ever jumped into the shower and got blasted with cold water? I had a client who asked us to shift the shower mixer to the edge of the wall so they could turn it on without getting soaked. A small change that made a big difference.

Tiling is another relevant aspect. Those mesh tile sheets can be tricky. If your tiler isn’t careful, the grout lines can look all over the place. Always check spacing before the grout goes in.

For walls, I recommend satin paint or eggshell. It looks good, and it handles moisture better. One customer used a fancy matte finish and had to redo the whole thing after it started showing marks.

Ventilation is another one. The standard extractor fan isn’t always enough. If the bathroom has a toilet nook or a long layout, go for two fans. Or at least, make sure the fan matches the square footage of the room.

Tips People Wish They Knew About Their Small Bathroom Layout 

Visual Choices vs Practical Layout

One homeowner I worked with picked out this gorgeous floral wallpaper for his small bathroom. A bold and dark background that would’ve brought a lot of character to the space. But once we installed it on the wall near the toilet, it ended up being the only thing you noticed when you walked in. It made the room feel a lot tighter than it already was.

Another couple had a towel bar above the radiator, thinking it would save space. But the towels never dried properly and the bar was awkward to reach. We swapped it out for a few simple hooks on the wall and door. Much easier to use.

I’ve also seen people focus too much on decorations and forget about the bathroom layout itself. And I tell them this: the smartest thing you can do in a small bathroom is to keep the layout clean. Floating vanities, wall-mounted toilets, even recessed shelves are good tricks. One lady told me after her renovation, “I can finally breathe in here.”

Paint, Lighting, and Project Timing

Paint choices are probably the most important part, that many people get wrong. As everyone knows, light colours can help the room feel open, but I’ve seen dark tones used well too, but only when the lighting’s sorted out. A client once painted their ceiling a soft white and chose a muted colour for the walls. It instantly made the ceiling feel taller. I’ve also seen the opposite: one person painted everything in dark tones to go for a moody look, and as you can imagine, the room ended up feeling boxed in.

Oh, and one more thing. A surprising number of homeowners try to manage multiple house projects at once because they just got distracted, instead of sticking with one project at a time. Then the bathroom ends up staying half-finished for months. So, my advice would be to focus on the bathroom, get it done, then move on to the other rooms.

Mistakes That Cost More Later On

I had a job once where the client ordered tiles early and didn’t get enough. When we went back to buy more, they came from a different dye lot (the same product, but with a slightly different colour). And you could see the line on the floor. Always order 10–20% extra from the same batch.

Moving toilets or showers around can get expensive, especially with concrete floors. Unless it’s really going to improve the room, it’s better to stick with the original bathroom layout design.

Another thing: the floor has to slope toward the drain. Sounds obvious, but I’ve seen beautiful tile jobs ruined because water just sat in the corners. It’s one of those boring things no one talks about, but it’s quite important.

Common Questions About Small Bathroom Designs

How can I make a small bathroom look luxurious?
Pick good lighting, go for a walk-in shower, and maybe add a wall-hung vanity. Even small things like matching your fixtures can help it feel more put together.

Do small bathrooms need a window?
Not really. A proper exhaust fan, light wall colour, and a good mirror can do the job. There are loads of bathroom ideas for small bathrooms that don’t need natural light.

What are the best tiles for a small bathroom designs?
Go for something light and simple. Tiles with fewer grout lines help make the room feel bigger. If you’re on a budget, look for cheap bathroom tiles with a clean finish.

What should you not do when designing a small bathroom?
Don’t copy big bathroom designs. You’ll just end up with no room to move. Trying to squeeze a full layout into the smallest bathroom always backfires.

Keep It Simple, But Make It Yours

There’s no perfect formula for small bathroom designs, but there are definitely things worth avoiding. Most problems start before the work even begins. That’s why good bathroom planning helps more than any trendy fixture.

If you’re ready to fix your layout and turn your space into something that actually works, we can help! At AV Modern Bathrooms, we do full bathroom renovations starting from £3,600, with quick installations, a free LED mirror, and a 1-year workmanship warranty. Your first home visit is free, just to chat about what’s possible for your space.

And want to see our products in person? Come by our showroom in St. Helens or give us a call at +44 1942 365989. You can also email us at info@avmodernbathrooms.com to book your free quote, or visit this page directly.

Let’s build a small bathroom design that will actually fit your space!