IT’s probably the most used room in your house but cluttered floors, dodgy colour schemes and boring fixtures could be downgrading your small bathroom.
Design experts from a number of UK homeware brands have shared their top tips to pack even the tiniest of loos with charm and character.
From lighting tips to flooring and the colour of your walls, our experts have your bathroom revamp covered.
And here, they reveal what mistakes to immediately avoid…
Natural lighting goodness
Abbas Youseffi, Design Director at Porcelain Superstore, says natural lighting can make a big difference to your small bathroom.
He says it’s important to think about how the materials are going to bring in the light.
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And he added the best way to keep it nice and bright is using surfaces that are going to bounce the light around.
Abbas said: “In a small bathroom, you have to make the most of what natural light you have.
“So you have to think about what materials you are using and how they will reflect light around the space.
“Matte finishes such as natural stone don’t work well in small spaces, especially with limited light.
“Instead go for reflective surfaces. Glossy or metallic finishes, and a big old mirror.
“If you’re finishes you can bounce the light around and create a space with a sense of vastness in the smallest of spaces.”
Light bulb moments
Abbas says it’s also important to not neglect your lighting choice and go for function over form.
But there is one big mistake to avoid.
He warns against thinking of a light fixture as an after though and to avoid classic spotlights.
He said: “Bathroom design has ramped up in recent years and bathroom lighting has followed suit – which means there is plenty of choice when it comes to stunning pendants, striking wall lights and ambient mirror lighting.”
Li-NO
If there is one absolute no no for your small bathroom it’s lino on your floor.
Abbas says lino is a “a big no-no!”.
Instead, he suggests, using some statement tiles for the small space like checkerboard tiles.
And for an extra tip he suggests using the same tiles from floor to ceiling.
He says: “Nothing ages a room more than dreaded vinyl flooring.
“In a small space, go for statement flooring.
“Checkerboard tiles is a classic for small bathrooms, or to create a sense of depth and space, go all out and use the same tiles from the floor up to the walls, and even around the bath.”
And while wood used to be avoided in a bathroom, now you can get wood-effect tiles which Abbas says “not only look great but add to a timeless look.”
He added: “The real beauty about decorating a small space is that it doesn’t take much to create a luxurious finish, so go all out with an intricate floor.”
It’s not all about paint
Your bathroom walls don’t have to be plain and bare with just a lick of paint on them.
Our experts say you can jazz up your walls to help transform the space.
Tim Dixon from Beautiful Walls says wallpaper can be a good tool and he has a top tip to keep it lasting.
Tim said: “Paint can be boring.
“For an instant design update, go for a feature that will transform the look and feel of your bathroom.
“Sealing your wallpaper with a layer of decorator’s varnish can seal it, protecting it from effects of the bathroom’s humidity.”
And again, Abbas recommends using tiles on the wall.
He adds: “Fluted tiles are having a REAL moment right now and look fantastic on walls.
“You can even get wood-effect fluted tiles to give that slatted wooden look.
“These tiles will instantly add a bit of wow, and are super easy to maintain and install.”
But for those who want to keep it simple with just a paintbrush and a tin the way to go is with colour.
Victoria Yardley of Victory Colours says bright and bold is the way to go.
She says: “While bathrooms can feel cold and clinical, bright colours and bold patterns will bring life to bathrooms.”
Don’t ignore the fifth wall
One part of the bathroom almost always neglected is the fifth wall: the ceiling.
Every bathroom, even the smallest of ones, has the extra wall to use as a blank canvas and change it from the crisp white paint we normally see.
Victoria says it offers another blank canvas to use to get creative.
She says: “Who wants to sit back and relax in the bath and stare up to a sheet of white?
“Channel the calming energy of blue, or harness the revitalising powers of a red hue.
“Or, why not paper it in a botanical, jungle print that you can truly get lost in.”
Heat it up
We all want our bathrooms to be cosy but you could be making a very costly mistake.
Rob Nezard, MD of UK Radiators, says you do not need to have both a radiator and a towel rail.
He says it makes your bathroom look cluttered and ends up costing you extra on your energy bills.
Rob says: “Not only does it take up space, but it can also look cluttered and could end up costing you extra money for the energy they both use.
“A good towel rail or towel radiator is ideal for a small bathroom.
“It can do everything you want and whatever your design scheme there’ll be one to fit.
“Opt for a matte black to complement a monochromatic look, a Victorian style for more traditional bathrooms, or a brushed brass finish to match the latest trends.”
And Rob suggests if you want warm towels all year round, it’s good to invest in a dual-fuel rail which can run without having to fire up your central heating.
Storage solutions
It’s important to not clutter up the floor if you’re really struggling for space.
The experts suggest adding shelves in materials that will enhance your bathrooms theme be it an upcycled cabinet or separate shelves, you can use the walls to your advantage.
You can also pop your loo rolls up there to stop excess clutter on your floors.
And if you have room, adding some trailing potted plants will add a touch of greenery to your small space.
