12 Design Ideas for a Small Downstairs Bathroom
It’s easy to feel that a small bathroom space can’t make an impact in your home. You might feel stuck creatively and decide to focus on other rooms in your house, but putting time and effort into your cloakroom can help increase the value of your home. It’s also the bathroom that your guests will use the most, so it’s worth making sure that it matches the rest of your home.
Colours, furniture and fittings play an even more important part in a small space, as they can either make it feel claustrophobic or open it up.
Our design experts put these 12 ideas together so that you can design a downstairs bathroom that you’re proud of.
1. Choose light colours for your walls
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It’s common knowledge that lighter colours tend to be more effective in making a room look larger. And as Interior Designer Tanya Peters points out, “‘A light wall colour will allow the natural light to move around the space.” Here are some excellent colour choices for your bathroom walls:
- Creams, whites and beiges
- Pale, pastel blues and greens
- Light grey
If you want to add brighter colours, you can do so in accents. These will create a sense of depth and add a touch of sophistication, but you need to make sure that the overall colour scheme is unbroken light.
2. Use mirrors to make the space feel bigger
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Mirrors are a great trick for making your bathroom feel bigger. By placing them opposite a natural light source or next to light fixtures, you can amplify the perception of depth and create the illusion of a larger space.
Mirrored cabinets are also a great way to achieve this effect, providing extra storage space at the same time.
3. Mix different types of lighting & make the most of natural light
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The best lighting can brighten up your bathroom, making it feel bigger and more welcoming. The wrong lighting can make it look dark and cramped.
Here are some tips to help you plan your lighting:
- Make the most of natural light by keeping windows clear and using frosted glass for privacy.
- If you don't have windows, think about installing a skylight.
- Mix different types of lighting, like general, task, and accent lighting, to add depth.
- Place ceiling lights, vanity lights, and wall sconces carefully to remove shadows and light the room evenly.
- Choose lights with a high Colour Rendering Index (CRI) to make colours appear brighter.
4. Make use of empty space by decorating vertically
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Designer Natalia Miyar describes that “'Decorating vertically allows you to utilize different levels and is a great way to make use of empty space in a scheme.” You can make the most out of your bathroom, by including these features:
- A wall-mounted toilet brush to keep the floor clear
- A wall-hung toilet to creates a feeling of more space
- Wall-mounted, long cabinets to minimise clutter
- Plant walls to integrate nature without the need for plant pots
5. Install a cloakroom basin
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A cloakroom basin, also known as a wall-hung basin, is specifically designed to fit into tight spaces like corners. This allows you to make efficient use of space and create a more streamlined bathroom layout. You can also incorporate extra storage solutions underneath it.
6. Minimize clutter
In a small bathroom, clutter is your worst enemy. Even the cleverest tricks to maximise light and save space won’t work if your room is packed with too many things.
Opt for wall-mounted vanities and mirrored cabinets to keep surfaces clear and tidy. Stylish containers are your best friend for organising essentials. To add some visual breathing space, consider open shelving - it breaks up the room and adds a sense of airiness while keeping everything within easy reach.
7. Choose reflective materials that bounce light around the room
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The materials you choose can play a major role in how your small bathroom feels. Opt for reflective surfaces such as glossy tiles, glass, and metallic accents. These bounce light around and add depth.
Contrasting smooth, reflective materials with tactile finishes (like natural stone or textured tiles) can create a dynamic balance. This mixture of textures makes the room feel layered and thoughtfully designed, not just squeezed into a box.
8. Build a feature wall to make it visually striking
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We love the idea of a feature wall to make the bathroom artistic and visually pleasing. A small bathroom is the perfect place to do it, as you don’t have the luxury of adding tonnes of furniture or a big freestanding bath as visual centrepieces - you have to get creative. We particularly like this wood paneling, Japandi inspired bathroom design. You could also look at having one wall in a patterned wallpaper or a contrasting colour as an option.
9. Use clever zoning for functionality
Even a small bathroom can benefit from zoning - the process of dividing the space into functional areas. Use different flooring or tile patterns to distinguish the shower from the sink area. By visually separating different functions, you give the impression of a larger, more structured space.
Zoning also provides a subconscious sense of order, which is soothing and makes the bathroom feel more user-friendly. For example, a distinct backsplash behind the sink can act as a design feature, while a different tile pattern in the shower zone separates wet and dry areas.
10. Choose glass panels instead of shower curtains
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In a small bathroom, bulky shower curtains or solid partitions can cut the room in half visually, making it feel cramped. Opt for a frameless glass shower screen instead. Glass panels maintain the visual flow, making the entire room feel more open and connected.
This technique allows light to pass through freely, keeping the space bright and airy. A clear shower enclosure feels less obtrusive and extends the sightlines, making the bathroom seem larger than it is.
11. Create a sense of movement with patterns
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Patterns, when used thoughtfully, can add life and movement to a small bathroom. Horizontal stripes on the walls or flooring can visually elongate the space, while diagonal patterns create an interesting dynamic that draws attention away from the room’s size.
Geometric tiles in small doses can also add character without overwhelming the senses. Just be mindful to use patterns sparingly, as too much can make a small bathroom feel busy.
12. Choose quality finishes for a luxurious feel
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Investing in high-quality finishes is crucial for making a small bathroom feel luxurious. Since you’re dealing with a limited area, upgrading the fixtures like taps, showerheads, and handles can make a big impact. Opt for polished chrome, brushed brass, or matte black finishes to introduce a modern edge and elevate the space.
Luxurious touches, like a high-end vanity or premium tiles, can make even a small bathroom feel like a high-end retreat. It’s all about quality over quantity.
Making your small bathroom work for you: Don’t forget that we offer our very own bathroom design service for just £100 a pop - refunded in full if you choose the design we provided!.
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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 -
How to Create a Boutique Hotel Style Bathroom
That moment when you swing open a hotel bathroom door and your breath catches, it's not just clever marketing at work. Forget the myth that you need massive square footage, what matters most is the strategic choices that transform your daily routine into a retreat experience. Whether you're planning a full renovation or looking to upgrade your existing space, we want to show you how to create a hotel style bathroom that makes you feel like you're on vacation every single day. https://pin.it/4zwJ9TLQP Take Inspiration from Hotel Styles The world's most memorable boutique hotels each tell a unique design story. Consider the minimalist theme of Copenhagen's hotels, where fluted wooden vanities meet curved mirrors and matte black fixtures. Or step into a Parisian bathroom where bold marble contrasts with industrial black metalwork and vintage-inspired lighting. For a more relaxed vibe, look to Australia's coastal hotels, where bleached wood meets textured limestone and oversized windows blur the line between indoors and out. https://pin.it/5naKT5V8x Choose a Relaxing Colour Palette Colour sets the mood for your daily rituals. The most spa-like hotel bathrooms start with a powerful base; think crisp whites with subtle grey veining, creamy stone that catches morning light, or charcoal that grounds the space. Layer in contrast through fixtures and finishes, matte black taps against white tiles create visual anchors, while brushed brass brings warmth to cool greys. The trick lies in restraint, limit yourself to three finishes and let natural materials add subtle variations. https://pin.it/3kboxkJ8l Add Fluted Furniture for Texture Transform flat surfaces into visual stories with fluted details, a design tactic borrowed from the world's leading hotels. A fluted wooden vanity turns a basic storage piece into a sculptural element. Modern boutique hotels often use this architectural detail in unexpected ways, think curved fluted tiles wrapping around a shower enclosure, or a reeded glass partition that separates the vanity from the toilet. https://pin.it/VImnFOOlb Focus on Comfortable Lighting Light makes or breaks a bathroom's atmosphere, it's why hotel bathrooms always seem to make you look better. The secret lies in strategic layering; mount sconces at eye level to eliminate unflattering shadows, install dimmable downlights for tasks, and add a backlit mirror that creates that coveted soft glow around your reflection. Install dimmers on every circuit, including the shower light, and watch your bathroom transform into a personal sanctuary. No single light source should do all the work, it's the interplay between layers that creates that perfect boutique hotel ambiance. https://pin.it/1Qynhg4Zm Choose High-Quality Materials The magic of hotel bathrooms isn't just what you see, it's what you touch. Focus your design plans on the daily contact points, taps that feel perfectly weighted, shower controls that turn with precision, drawers that glide shut silently. Choose large-format porcelain tiles that give you premium looks with practical benefits, better durability, easier cleaning, and none of the maintenance headaches. When it comes to brassware, invest in finishes that get better with age. Quality shows in the details, the smooth edges of a vanity top, the solid feel of a shower screen, the precise alignment of tile work. https://pin.it/1P47NeaDO Include a Freestanding Bath or Walk-In Shower The heart of every standout hotel bathroom is either a statement shower or bath that makes you want to linger. A freestanding tub, thoughtfully positioned to catch natural light, transforms your evenings into a moment of escape. If you have a smaller bathroom, consider a walk-in shower with floor-to-ceiling glass creates that same sense of luxury while making your bathroom feel larger than it is. https://pin.it/HDY4atFVp Layer Soft Textiles Invest in properly weighted towels that get softer with each wash, and buy extras so you can rotate them like hotels do. A deeply cushioned bath mat in pure cotton or bamboo makes that first step out of the shower feel indulgent. Skip the budget bathrobes and find one that's worthy of keeping on display, think waffle-weave cotton or soft linen that looks better and slightly rumpled. Keep your palette tonal with warm whites, soft greys, or deep charcoals to create that considered look. Then master the art of display, roll your hand towels instead of folding them, stack your bath sheets with precision, and keep your robe draped. https://pin.it/4Theqqge8 Keep Storage Simple and Tidy Start with a vanity unit that works hard, think deep drawers with internal organisers, a hidden electrical socket for your toothbrush, and a designated spot for every daily essential. If you're adding open shelving, treat it like a display space rather than storage, a few carefully chosen trinkets in natural materials make more impact than a cluster of products. Incorporate a med-cabinet behind your mirror for those less-than-photogenic necessities, and consider built-in shower niches that keep shampoo bottles off the floor. The goal isn't minimal living, it's smart storage that lets you keep everything you need within reach while maintaining that calm, collected hotel feeling. https://pin.it/5Z0CdyDQk Add a Touch of Greenery Boutique hotels know that greenery connects you to that holiday feeling faster than any design trick. Choose plants that love steamy conditions, a cascading fern creating shadows in your shower alcove, a glossy lily thriving on your vanity, or a statement monstera commanding attention in a corner. Try to think beyond the basic bathroom plant, keep your pots simple in natural materials like terracotta or concrete. And here's the insider tip; one oversized plant makes more impact than several small ones. https://pin.it/1T0gAwx18 Finish with Personal Touches Creating a boutique hotel-inspired bathroom is about focusing on the elements that matter most, whether that's a rainfall shower that drenches away stress or perfectly positioned lights that make every reflection flattering. Keep your palette restrained, your storage smart, and your materials honest. When each element serves both form and function, you'll create a space that feels like your own personal sanctuary, no room service required. For more guidance, you can consult our bathroom design service, where experts are ready to help bring your vision to life.