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Planning your space: smart layout and tiling ideas for small bathrooms

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Before considering style for your small bathroom, it is crucial to plan your layout. Designing your space to ensure that every inch is maximised and practical. Measure your bathroom to ensure you select furniture and sanitaryware that will fit, enabling you to move comfortably in your space. Planning layout and knowing sizes ensures you don’t create any awkward layouts that may make the bathroom feel even more compact

 

Before considering style for your small bathroom, it is crucial to plan your layout. Designing your space to ensure that every inch is maximised and practical. Measure your bathroom to ensure you select furniture and sanitaryware that will fit, enabling you to move comfortably in your space. Planning layout and knowing sizes ensures you don’t create any awkward layouts that may make the bathroom feel even more compact.

 

Smart space-saving ideas

 

Wall hung: Wall hung furniture frees up floor space, maximising space in the bathroom.

Corner installations: Putting furniture, basins or showers in room corners saves space and makes the room feel bigger.

Mirror cupboards: By having a mirror with shelves, this provides extra storage that is out of the way and dual purpose.

LED mirrors: Adding LED mirrors into your space is a perfect way to add practicality and style. This also brightens up your space, helping to make the bathroom feel airy and bright, this particularly helps in small bathrooms with small windows or little natural light.

 

 

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Larger tiles can make a small bathroom look bigger

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Large format modern bathroom tiles for small bathrooms are growing increasingly popular, we believe this trendy style works both beautifully and practically in a small bathroom. Big tiles in a small bathroom result in fewer grout lines, creating a seamless look that makes the room feel more expansive. Extending your tiles from your floors to ceiling give the space an illusion of more height and creates a minimal and elegant style that doesn’t overwhelm the room.

 

 

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Bathroom tile ideas for small bathrooms: light colour scheme

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Colour schemes can dramatically change the perception of size of any bathroom. A light colour palette is one of the most classic tiling ideas for small bathrooms as it can make your space feel bright and airy. Colours like whites, creams, beige, light grey and pastels are perfect for brightening up your space and reflecting light. These tones are extremely versatile and work beautifully in modern bathrooms as well as traditional aesthetics. By choosing the same tone for your bathroom floor tile for small bathrooms and your wall tile it creates a seamless design, making the room feel larger.

 

 

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Tiling patterns layout and for small bathrooms

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When it comes to floor tile designs for small bathrooms, consider adding a pattern to add some dimension and character to your space. Patterns and layout can even make your bathroom feel more expansive. Your eye tracks and follows the pattern or layout which can elongate your space and extend the perceived height.

 

Chevron and herringbone: Adds depth and creates an illusion of a bigger space.

Stripes: Using striped pattern tiles or creating a stripe effecting using 2 shades of the same tile increases height and creates a focal point.

Pattern: Adding a patterned tile as a feature in a small bathroom can be an amazing way of drawing the eye. Adding a focal point and depth to your space takes away from the attention being on the size of the room. Adding a patterned backsplash to your sink, having a patterned wall in your shower or adding as a border are great ways to inject personality and colour into your bathroom without overwhelming the compact size. Small bathroom tile designs don’t strictly have to be sleek and minimal.

Vertical: Laying tiles vertically elongates the space and draws the eye upwards.

 

 

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Smart storage solutions to complement compact bathroom tiling styles

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With a small bathroom, you really don’t want to add any unnecessary clutter.

 

Our N&C Sanitaryware Expert, Reece Mitchell says ‘I’d recommend adding a column unit, they’re slim and maximise your wall space. They’ve got plenty of room for any products you want tucked away’.

 

Utilise your under-sink storage with drawers. Perfect for storing cleaning supplies and toiletries you need to hand. Furniture can also be the perfect way to add a pop of colour into a small space without overwhelming the room. Furniture in bolder colour pair particularly well with small bathroom grey bathroom tiles.

 

Mirror cabinets provide another practical and sleek solution.

 

Consider LED options for adding further brightness to your bathroom. By including smart storage solutions, you ensure your surfaces are kept clear, meaning not only does the bathroom have an open feel but also keeping the space useful and functional.

 

 

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Showers, Baths & Wetrooms: Maximise your space

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To ensure you can get everything into your small space, it’s important to consider design options. Consider a wet room setup, eliminating the need for a bulkier shower tray and enclosure. Wet rooms also offer a seamless and sleek look, creating an open, expansive feel. Combining baths and showers offers the best of both worlds, consider adding a shower bath instead of a straight. Shower baths offer the convenience of an invigorating shower as well as a relaxing soak in one bath. Available in either an L shaped, or P shaped design, this bath type is a practical solution for saving space.

 

 

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Dark Tiles in Small Bathrooms: How to Create a Cosy, Dramatic Look

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Not everyone wants a light and bright bathroom, and we’re here for it. Why not consider going for a dark and moody style? Dark tiles in a small bathroom such as blacks, purples, and reds, mixed with wood or marble accents and touches of brass or gold creates a dramatic and cosy space. At the beginning of 2025, our team conducted trend analysis and forecasting, highlighting the trend of dark and moody tones and we think this palette works perfectly in a small bathroom, adding a splash of character and drama to your home.

 

 

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Add a pop of colour

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If you’re opting for a neutral palette with your tiles, have some fun with adding a pop of colour with your furniture. Or if you really want to add some intrigue, consider pairing neutral floors with wallpaper effect wall tiles. Wallpaper effect tiles offer the charm and character of wallpaper with the added practicality of ceramic or porcelain, essential for your bathroom space. Whether it’s a green vanity unit or a tropical pattern feature wall, a pop of colour or print can really inject personality into your space without being overwhelming.

 

Transforming a small bathroom into a beautiful space is possible - it really doesn’t have to be a solely functional and boring space. By ensuring you plan out your layout and integrate space saving innovations, you can make the most of your space without having to compromise on your style.

 

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FAQ

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Q: What is the best way to lay floor tiles in a small bathroom?

A: Herringbone or chevron layouts can make the floor feel bigger than it is, perfect for smaller bathrooms. Additionally, large formats laid in a grid pattern creates minimal grout lines making the room seamless and expansive.

 

Q: What colour tiles are best for small bathrooms?

A: ‘Best’ is all down to personal preference, style and aesthetic. However, a light palette of white, beige, cream, light grey and pastels are a classic option for small bathrooms as naturally these light tones make the space feel bright and airy. Dark tones work too, paired with gold/brass accents and ambient lighting, this palette is a stunning option for a warm and cosy space.

 

Q: What type of tile makes a small bathroom look bigger?

A: Large format tiles create a seamless space with minimal grout lines making the bathrooms feel vaster than it is. Additionally, glossy tiles that reflect light can help make a space feel brighter and bigger. Q: What is the best size tile for a small bathroom? A 300x600mm or 600x600mm tiles are ideal for a smaller bathroom as they have the ability to have minimal grout lines whilst also being a practical size to fit in smaller spaces.