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Looking to refresh your bathroom but unsure how to make the most of a compact space? Senior Designer Jo Sangster from Ripples London shares her expert advice on creating a small bathroom or cloakroom that’s as stylish as it is practical — proof that limited square footage needn’t limit your creativity.
Choose wall-hung furniture
When floor space is scarce, lifting furniture off it can completely change the feel of a room. Wall-hung sanitaryware creates the illusion of more space, while letting the floor run uninterrupted for a lighter, airier look. A wall-hung WC with a slim concealed cistern keeps sightlines clean, doing away with bulky boxing, while a floating vanity makes everyday cleaning that bit easier. Jo suggests pairing the look with concealed wall-mounted basin taps – a subtle touch that frees up surface space and adds a refined, contemporary edge.
Get smart with storage
In a small bathroom, clutter quickly becomes the focal point, so well-planned storage is everything. A compact wall-hung vanity with deep drawers will neatly swallow up daily essentials, from skincare to spare loo rolls, while shelves above the WC can double as a display ledge for rolled towels, a favourite candle or small decorative pieces. Built-in niches inside the shower or beside the bath are another space-savvy solution, keeping shampoos and soaps to hand without crowding precious surfaces.
Embrace light and bright colours
A pale colour palette can work wonders in a small bathroom, amplifying natural light and helping the space feel more expansive. Fresh, lightly coloured tiles will bounce light around the room, while soft, neutral paints make for a calm backdrop that lets the design details take centre stage. Think tonal layers of warm whites, soft greys or barely-there blushes for a serene and airy finish.
Perfect your lighting
Lighting can make or break the mood in a small bathroom, especially if natural light is in short supply. Jo recommends combining ceiling lights for general illumination with subtle indirect lighting tucked into recesses or at floor level to gently wash the walls with light. It’s a simple way to add depth and dimension, making even the tiniest space feel warm, welcoming and well thought-out.
Incorporate nature-inspired elements
Introducing natural materials is a clever way to soften the edges of a small bathroom, bringing a sense of calm and balance. Ferns or peace lilies will happily thrive in the humid air, adding fresh colour and a spa-like feel, while timber touches – from a pale oak vanity to slender wooden shelving – bring warmth and texture without straying from a modern, streamlined aesthetic.
Mirror magic
A strategically placed mirror is one of the oldest tricks in the design book – and for good reason. In a small bathroom, it can double the sense of space in an instant, bouncing light around the room and opening up the view. Oversized mirrors feel bold and glamorous, while a backlit design adds soft, flattering glow and a sense of understated luxury.
