10 Great Little Ideas for Your Bathroom Makeover
Sometimes it's the little thoughtful inclusions that make a bathroom sing – don't miss 10 of the best
If you’re in the bathroom planning stage, you’re probably thinking about how best to maximise your available space as well as how to make it an attractive room to be in. Here, we present 10 clever bathroom design ideas that may spark some solutions you haven’t thought of.
Here is the same concept in a slightly larger space, with a strip drain aligned with the glass shower screen.
Need help designing your new bathroom? Find a qualified and reviewed bathroom designer near you on Houzz
Need help designing your new bathroom? Find a qualified and reviewed bathroom designer near you on Houzz
2. Placement of fittings and fixtures
Thoughtful placement of fittings and fixtures is key in a small bathroom.
Here, the hand-towel rail is exactly where it’s needed after washing your hands or face in the basin.
Notice too, how the wall-hung vanity, wall-mounted tap and concealed-cistern toilet minimise protrusion into the room. This, combined with a restricted colour palette (including taking the same floor tiles up the walls) maximises the available floor space.
Thoughtful placement of fittings and fixtures is key in a small bathroom.
Here, the hand-towel rail is exactly where it’s needed after washing your hands or face in the basin.
Notice too, how the wall-hung vanity, wall-mounted tap and concealed-cistern toilet minimise protrusion into the room. This, combined with a restricted colour palette (including taking the same floor tiles up the walls) maximises the available floor space.
Here’s another great example of space-saving placement in a bathroom.
3. Statement wall tiles
Never discount the work a feature tiled wall does in your bathroom. A single wall with decorative tiles punches above its weight both in terms of aesthetic impact and budget.
Never discount the work a feature tiled wall does in your bathroom. A single wall with decorative tiles punches above its weight both in terms of aesthetic impact and budget.
This is another case in point, which reinforces how wallpaper can perform the same decorative job.
Find more Scandi-style bathroom design ideas here
Find more Scandi-style bathroom design ideas here
4. Wall-hung vanities
We mentioned it before, but wall-hung vanities are one of the best space-saving approaches for bathrooms. In small bathrooms they give the illusion of more space, while in bigger bathrooms they deliver a streamlined, modern look. And in both, they allow an ease of cleaning you will forever be grateful for.
We mentioned it before, but wall-hung vanities are one of the best space-saving approaches for bathrooms. In small bathrooms they give the illusion of more space, while in bigger bathrooms they deliver a streamlined, modern look. And in both, they allow an ease of cleaning you will forever be grateful for.
Here’s another example.
5. Double basins
If all the family uses or gravitates to a single bathroom and you have the space, then it is wise to consider installing double basins. It means people can use the space at the same time, rather than queuing up, thus minimising the chance of friction. Because we all know family harmony is important.
If all the family uses or gravitates to a single bathroom and you have the space, then it is wise to consider installing double basins. It means people can use the space at the same time, rather than queuing up, thus minimising the chance of friction. Because we all know family harmony is important.
6. Niches
Why take up valuable space with a shelf or bulky storage when you can utilise the wall to store or display important or decorative items? We’d go so far as to say a bathroom without a niche is a bathroom that’s not living up to its potential.
Why take up valuable space with a shelf or bulky storage when you can utilise the wall to store or display important or decorative items? We’d go so far as to say a bathroom without a niche is a bathroom that’s not living up to its potential.
Here is the niche idea writ large and made into a significant feature in this roomy bathroom.
7. Sconce lights
You can save vertical space too and minimise sightline intrusions by having lights wired into the wall. Sconces are also an excellent way of lights doing double-duty, illuminating the room while providing task lighting where it’s needed.
You can save vertical space too and minimise sightline intrusions by having lights wired into the wall. Sconces are also an excellent way of lights doing double-duty, illuminating the room while providing task lighting where it’s needed.
Here’s another great example of sconce lighting done right.
8. Curtains
You can add an air of opulence with expensive surfaces and tiles, but if you’re on a limited budget and want a sense of luxury, floor-to-ceiling curtains are a fantastic option. Look for lightweight, machine-washable fabrics such as linen, cotton or polyester as they are quick-drying and easy to clean.
You can add an air of opulence with expensive surfaces and tiles, but if you’re on a limited budget and want a sense of luxury, floor-to-ceiling curtains are a fantastic option. Look for lightweight, machine-washable fabrics such as linen, cotton or polyester as they are quick-drying and easy to clean.
They work in big or small spaces.
9. View to nature
If you have your privacy sorted, then a view to greenery is gold in a bathroom. It lends a sense of space, and brings in colour and movement you may not otherwise have in what we generally design to be a very practical space. From long views over backyards to plantings in narrow spaces outside bathroom windows, there are many ways to add foliage that you can gaze at.
If you have your privacy sorted, then a view to greenery is gold in a bathroom. It lends a sense of space, and brings in colour and movement you may not otherwise have in what we generally design to be a very practical space. From long views over backyards to plantings in narrow spaces outside bathroom windows, there are many ways to add foliage that you can gaze at.
Failing that, pot plants can do the trick nicely.
10. Flexible shower wand
If you have people of different heights in your household, and/or a dog, then a flexible shower wand or hose system is a convenience you’ll be thankful for.
Your turn
Which of these 10 ideas would you adopt for your next bathroom renovation? Tell us in the Comments, like this story, save the images and join the conversation.
More
Almost every bathroom needs a tiler, but how do you choose a good one? Find out here with this Renovation Insight: How to Choose a Tiler
If you have people of different heights in your household, and/or a dog, then a flexible shower wand or hose system is a convenience you’ll be thankful for.
Your turn
Which of these 10 ideas would you adopt for your next bathroom renovation? Tell us in the Comments, like this story, save the images and join the conversation.
More
Almost every bathroom needs a tiler, but how do you choose a good one? Find out here with this Renovation Insight: How to Choose a Tiler
A single glass screen in front of the shower and bath can prevent your bathroom from looking too small by allowing views right to the end of the room. This approach also allows the bath and shower (and plumbing) to be placed close together.
The set-up usually relies on a floor that drains to a single grate (often one that’s positioned next to the glass shower screen or in the middle of the wet-zone enclosure, such as here) to ensure water doesn’t pool around the floor of the bath.