Small family bathroom ideas: Maximising style and storage
As our families grow, it often feels like our living spaces start to shrink around us. A lot of the time, it isn't feasible to pack up and move to a bigger home, which means we're faced with the challenge of coming up with creative and thoughtful ways to renovate and refresh our spaces to accommodate higher footfall and multiple routines.
Known to be one of the busiest rooms of the house, the bathroom is one of the key rooms we really need to maximise to work efficiently for the whole family. Since small bathrooms and shower rooms are a common issue, especially in UK homes, we've pulled together a list of the best small bathroom ideas to help you create a practical and stunning small bathroom, guest bathroom, or downstairs loo.
Clever small family bathroom layouts for maximum space
The first step to creating the most space in a small bathroom is learning how to optimise the layout. Traditional or older family homes commonly have oddly shaped rooms with wall recesses, multiple floor levels and plumbing in unexpected places, making the room feel cramped and messy, and the thought of clean, efficient design can seem a million miles away.
In these cases, fitted bathroom furniture can be a really effective solution. R2's Hide, Stow and Muse furniture ranges are engineered to be an easy way to design totally bespoke runs to fit all small bathroom styles. With integrated storage and wall hung toilet options, fitted furniture offers a great way to maximise floor space in busy households.
Space-saving bathroom sink and vanity units for a compact bathroom
Having a compact bathroom space doesn't by default always mean you need to compromise on your choice of bathroom furniture. R2's Small Bathroom Furniture comprises of cloakroom and smaller bathroom vanity units which take up minimal floor space, and many are available with reversible cupboard doors so can be suited to even tiny bathrooms.
In our Big Ideas for Small Spaces guide, we've explored suggestions for layouts, product choices and lots of inspiration on how you can find extra space in your small bathrooms, en suites and cloakrooms. See our expert guide below!
Functional ideas to help a small family bathroom run efficiently
Ease of movement is essential to making a small bathroom feel both comfortable and inviting. To keep things ergonomic and running smoothly, we recommend choosing faucets and basin taps that don’t jut out. This not only helps prevent knocks and bumps but also ensures a more streamlined use of space. Opt for taps and storage that are within easy reach to support effortless everyday routines for every member of the family.
Beyond layout, the right bathroom units can make all the difference in keeping cleaning and upkeep efficient. For example, while choices like countertop basins can look great, they often leave awkward gaps that get filled with dust and dirt and are especially difficult to reach - and there's nothing worse than getting stressed out cleaning in a tiny bathroom! Regular or underslung basins offer a much neater silhouette and can easily be wiped down without the frustration of hidden grime traps.
For a truly low-maintenance and space-saving solution, consider a wet room with a walk-in shower. It’s easy to clean, eliminates bulky barriers, and creates an open, airy feel. Forgoing a freestanding bath can also make a significant difference, freeing up valuable floor space. Our top tip is to opt for a clear glass shower enclosure to allow light sources to shine through and help create the illusion of more space.
Multi-functional storage solutions for small family bathrooms
When space is limited, every inch counts. R2's mirrored cabinets are a brilliant way to combine functionality with style. If you have enough room in your walls, opting for recessed installation not only saves valuable space but also keeps the design sleek and streamlined, with the added bonus of avoiding bumped heads during the morning rush.
Another space which is often overlooked is the window ledge, which it can be transformed into a surprisingly handy storage spot. With the help of some thoughtfully chosen bathroom storage baskets, it’s easy to keep everyday essentials neatly tucked away yet still within reach.
If you’ve chosen a bathroom vanity, don’t overlook the hidden potential behind its doors. Installing discreet hooks or slim storage boxes on the inside of cabinet doors is a simple yet effective way to keep everyday items like toiletries or spare essentials neatly organised and out of sight. It’s a clever use of space that helps maintain a clutter-free countertop, especially valuable in a busy family bathroom.
If clever storage ideas is something you're after, we've written a blog detailing 5 Simple Storage Solutions for you Bathroom, where we list our favourite space-saving tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your bathroom.
Best colour schemes to make a small bathroom space feel bigger
Without a doubt, one of the most exciting things about designing a new space is choosing the perfect colour scheme. Any interior designer will tell you that an important thing to remember when picking a palette is the impact certain colours can have on how spacious a room feels. If you're looking to renovate or redecorate a small bathroom and want it to feel as big as possible, our top tip is to avoid dark colours (think navy, dark greys and greens) which can immediately shrink a room when applied to walls. Light colours and pastel shades are the obvious choice to make any room feel larger and airier as they can reflect natural light and trick the eye. If you're keen to incorporate richer tones or darker shades, consider opting for statement furniture pieces or key accessories like shower curtains, bath mats and hand towels.
If you're in need of some small bathroom ideas and want to see a real life example of how a paler colour palette can be effective, check out our Tasteful and Contemporary Bathroom Upgrade case study.
How mirrors and lighting can transform a small space
On top of colour schemes, there are other clever tricks you can employ to transform your small bathroom. A large bathroom mirror such as R2's Pure LED Illuminated 600 Mirror can be a great focal point and make a huge difference to the brightness of the room, both through reflecting light and from its own integrated lighting controls. Our illuminated mirrors transition seamlessly between warm and cool light settings, and can be programmed to glow on cue with motion, filling the space with instant light and enhancing the sense of openness from the moment you step inside. These can be a great choice for windowless bathrooms where they offer a much-needed source of ambient light, helping to counteract shadows and create a brighter, more inviting atmosphere.
Best flooring and wall finishes for a small family bathroom
When choosing wall and floor finishes for small bathrooms, it's worth prioritising both practicality and the illusion of space. Large-format tiles are an effective choice, as they make compact rooms feel more expansive while creating a seamless look with fewer grout lines, making surfaces quicker and easier to keep clean, which is key for family bathrooms. If large tiles feel too decadent, smaller wall tiles can still be used cleverly to enhance the sense of space. For instance, continuing the same tiles and pattern from the wall onto the side of a fitted bath creates a seamless, elongated effect. Iridescent tiles are another smart option; they gently reflect light, adding a subtle layer of visual interest without overwhelming the space. On the floor, tiles paired with underfloor heating can provide both comfort and efficiency, which can be particularly valuable in ground floor or annexe bathrooms, which are common in UK homes. Alternatively, vinyl flooring offers a practical, family-friendly solution: it's hard-wearing, slip-resistant, and suitable for all ages.
If you're looking for more small bathroom ideas and inspiration, take a look at our recent bathroom renovation case studies to see how thoughtful design paired with individual personal taste can transform even the most compact spaces.
