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17 Small Bathroom Colour & Design Ideas
Designing a small bathroom can be a challenging yet rewarding task. With limited space, every design choice matters, and selecting the right colours and layouts can significantly impact how spacious and inviting the room feels. Thoughtful use of colour and design elements can transform even the smallest bathroom into a functional and stylish sanctuary.
By leveraging the principles of colour psychology and smart design strategies, you can make your small bathroom appear larger and more appealing. Whether you're looking for light, airy vibes or a cosy, intimate feel, our expert tips will guide you through 17 innovative ideas to maximise your small bathroom's potential.
1. Use Light Colours to Create Space
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Light colours, such as whites, creams, and pastels, can make a small bathroom feel more open and airy. According to colour psychology, these hues create a sense of calm and cleanliness, making the space feel more expansive and serene.
2. Incorporate Mirrors
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Mirrors can reflect light and create the illusion of a larger space. Place a large mirror above the sink or consider mirrored cabinets to enhance light reflection and add depth.
3. Opt for a Monochromatic Colour Scheme
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Using a single colour in varying shades creates a cohesive and visually expanded space. Design experts often recommend this approach to avoid visual clutter and maintain a streamlined look.
4. Add a Pop of Colour
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A pop of colour through accessories or a feature wall can add interest without overwhelming the space. Blues can be calming, while yellows can be uplifting, according to colour psychology.
5. Choose Reflective Surfaces
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Glossy tiles and surfaces can enhance light reflection, making the bathroom feel more spacious. Design studies show that reflective surfaces can significantly impact the perception of space.
6. Vertical Lines and Patterns
Vertical stripes or patterns draw the eye upward, making the ceiling appear higher. Incorporating this design element can add height and openness to the bathroom.
7. Compact and Functional Furniture
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Space-saving furniture maximises functionality without crowding the room. Cloakroom basins are a great example.
8. Floating Fixtures
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Wall-mounted sinks and toilets create more open floor space. Contemporary design trends favour floating fixtures for their sleek and modern look.
9. Use of Natural Light
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Natural light makes a small bathroom feel larger. Enhance natural light with sheer window treatments or strategically placed mirrors.
10. Minimalistic Design Approach
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A minimalistic approach reduces visual clutter and creates a streamlined look. Embrace minimalist design principles to keep the bathroom clean and simple.
11. Clever Storage Solutions
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Innovative storage solutions, like built-in shelves and under-sink storage, keep the bathroom organised.
12. Use of Plants
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Adding greenery brings life and freshness to a small bathroom. Choose suitable plant types that thrive in humidity and require minimal maintenance.
13. Colour-Zoned Areas
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Colour-zoning different areas of the bathroom creates distinct spaces without walls. This technique can visually separate zones, making the room feel larger.
14. Metallic Accents
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Incorporating metallic accents like gold, silver, or copper adds a touch of luxury and reflects light. Metallics are a trending design element recommended by our design experts.
15. Geometric Patterns
Geometric patterns in tiles or accessories add visual interest and depth. Studies show that geometric designs can enhance the perception of space in small rooms.
16. Soft and Warm Lighting
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Soft, warm lighting creates a cosy and inviting atmosphere. Choose the right light fixtures and bulbs to enhance the bathroom’s warmth and comfort.
17. Customised Solutions
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Consider bespoke design solutions tailored to your bathroom’s dimensions and needs. 34 St. John’s bespoke services can help you create the perfect small bathroom with custom colours and fixtures.
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New bathroom cost - Understanding prices in the UK A simple guide to the cost of renovating your bathroom in the UK in 2025. Let’s get started. Average cost of a new bathroom in the UK A premium bathroom renovation in the UK typically ranges from £5,000 to £8,000. This investment covers a complete transformation, tailored to your unique vision and space. Key factors influencing the final price include: Bathroom dimensions Quality of chosen fixtures and fittings Extent of required work Your location within the UK Here's a glimpse at the costs for premium bathroom elements: Designer toilet: £500-£2,000+ Bespoke vanity unit: £800-£3,000+ Freestanding bath: £1,500-£8,000+ Custom shower enclosure: £400-£3,000+ High-end tiling: £2,000-£6,000+ A plumber will typically charge between £1,500 and £3,000. A standard bathroom installation usually takes 5-10 days. Factors affecting new bathroom costs When crafting your dream bathroom, several key elements influence the overall investment: Spatial design and layout The dimensions and configuration of your bathroom play a crucial role. Larger spaces offer more possibilities for luxurious features but require additional materials and craftsmanship. Unique layouts or architectural features can inspire bespoke solutions, enhancing the overall design. Premium fixtures and fittings The quality and exclusivity of your chosen bathroom elements significantly impact the final cost. Opting for designer brands and bespoke items, such as rainfall showers or custom-made vanities, elevates both the aesthetics and the investment. Plumbing considerations Reimagining your bathroom's layout may involve relocating key features like toilets or showers. While this allows for innovative designs, it does require more extensive plumbing work, which influences the overall cost. Premium surfaces Your choice of tiling and flooring materials can transform the space. From rare marbles to handcrafted tiles, these elements contribute significantly to the bathroom's ambiance and overall cost. Luxurious additions Incorporating indulgent features like underfloor heating, towel warmers, or built-in audio systems enhances comfort and sophistication, while also affecting the final investment. Cost comparison - Full renovation vs refresh Complete bathroom transformation A full luxury renovation typically requires an investment of £5,000 to £8,000. This comprehensive approach includes: Carefully removing existing elements Bespoke plumbing and electrical solutions Premium flooring and wall treatments High-end bathroom suite (designer toilet, vanity, bath/shower) Expert fitting services from multiple specialists A simple refresh A bathroom refresh to modernise or update concentrates on elevating key elements while preserving some existing features. Investments can range from £1,000 to £3,000 and may include: Installing a statement bathtub or custom shower enclosure Upgrading to designer taps and fixtures Adding a bespoke vanity unit Refreshing wall finishes Enhancing specific areas with luxury tiling Considerations for your decision Several factors influence whether a complete transformation or focused enhancement aligns best with your vision: Current state of plumbing and electrical systems Desired level of customisation and luxury Extent of layout changes envisioned While a focused enhancement offers a more immediate refresh, a complete transformation provides the opportunity to fully reimagine your space, ensuring every detail aligns with your luxury vision. For expert guidance on selecting the perfect toilet for your luxury bathroom, explore our comprehensive buyer's guide. And if you're curious about the timeline for your bathroom renovation, we've got you covered with insights on project duration and planning.
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How to Pull Off an Open Plan Bedroom Bathroom Design
Imagine a space where morning light spills across Italian marble floors, sweeping from your silk-draped bed to your freestanding stone bath. An open plan bedroom bathroom revolutionises the way we think about personal space, offering a fresh approach to modern living. This guide will take you through the essential elements of creating a successful open plan design, from practical considerations to luxury finishes. Whether you're renovating or building from scratch, you'll discover how to craft a space that perfectly maintains the privacy and comfort you need. Making Space Work Smarter The secret to an exceptional open plan layout lies in how you'll actually live in it. Map out your morning routine, from the first stretch in bed to your final glance in the mirror. Position your vanity unit where natural light hits your face, not your back. Consider placing your shower or tub where you can glimpse the morning sky. A partial wall at 4-5 feet height can house plumbing while doubling as a backdrop for your bed. https://pin.it/76sQe36Xr Choosing Materials That Last Skip the standard bathroom tiles. Instead, experiment with continuous surfaces that can handle both wet and dry areas. Polished concrete flows beautifully from bedroom to bathroom, developing a rich patina over time. For walls, marine-grade teak brings warmth while withstanding moisture. If marble catches your eye, book-matched slabs create dramatic impact, consider carrying a single piece up the wall and across the floor. Every material you choose will be on constant display, so invest in quality that can handle daily exposure to moisture. https://pin.it/7DVvJ88PH Making Privacy Work Make sure to address the elephant in the room - privacy. Consider installing electrochromic glass panels that switch from clear to opaque. Or take inspiration from Japanese architecture with sliding wooden screens that double as art pieces. Think of privacy elements as art installations that enhance rather than divide your space. https://pin.it/1RI2V8e43 Mastering the Light Your lighting should tell a story throughout the day, starting with discreet LED strips tucked beneath floating vanities and along floor transitions to guide your midnight wanderings with a gentle glow. By your bed, mount reading lights that pivot smoothly to wash your bathroom space in warmth when desired. Let nature play its part by carving out a skylight above your shower, where sunlight paints shifting patterns across marble and glass. https://pin.it/NeM0pHYdf Controlling Climate and Comfort The most important aspect of open plan bathrooms is perfecting the climate control. Install a multi-speed ventilation system with separate fans for shower and toilet areas. Underfloor heating should extend throughout the entire space, with separate zones for wet and dry areas. Position air vents strategically to prevent steam from condensing on your bedroom mirrors and to keep your bedding fresh. Adding a heated towel rack will also help manage moisture while keeping linens fresh and ready for use. https://pin.it/4eqSukEUE Smart Storage Solutions Your space should work like a well-designed yacht where every inch serves a purpose. Create a shower niche visible from your bed with enough depth to showcase art pieces when not storing toiletries. Place a rotating closet system within arm's reach of your shower, ensuring tomorrow's outfit is always perfectly positioned for your morning routine. The artistry lies in concealing these storage solutions so thoroughly that they vanish into your design. Getting the Details Right Success lies in the details that bridge both spaces. Install a surround-sound speaker system with waterproof bathroom speakers that sync perfectly with your bedroom audio, letting your music flow seamlessly as you move between spaces. Select unified fixtures and accessories in brass throughout, from your shower head to your bedside lamps. Try to hide charging stations inside vanity drawers where your devices can power up while staying protected from bathroom steam. Position a beverage station where it's reachable from both your bed and bath, perfect for morning coffee while you run the shower or evening tea as you wind down. These thoughtful connections between bedroom and bathroom spaces transform two rooms into one luxurious retreat where every detail feels considered. https://pin.it/6GEAhra34