Bijou bathrooms – working wonders with a small space

Having a bijou bathroom may create a few challenges, but there are always design-led solutions that will result in a perfectly practical and on-trend space.

Create the illusion of space by freeing up the floor area with a wall-hung toilet and sink. Floating products leave the area below clear, forming much-needed storage space as well as giving the feeling of an airier washroom.

It can often be difficult to fit a bath and a shower into a small washroom, so a wet room floor can be the perfect solution. Without the need for a dedicated shower tray area, the room feels larger; and bath fans can still enjoy a compact tub with a shower over it if it’s an essential you can’t live without.

Decor-wise, light, bright schemes are always a winner, but don’t be afraid to be bold and mix patterns, materials and monochrome themes for super-stylish bathrooms that offer a surprisingly spacious feel.

We’ve teamed up with VictoriaPlum.com to bring you five top tips on making the most of a bijou bathroom…

Walk-in wet room

If you’re short on space, a wet room – a shower room with an open, fully-tiled shower area – is a fantastic option. As the entire room is waterproofed, it offers great protection for the whole area. Not installing a bath creates extra space, while the absence of a shower tray produces the illusion of a larger room.

Many wet rooms don’t feature a shower screen, but you may want to install a small one if the bathroom is particularly compact to prevent spray. Not only are wet rooms practical, they also make a super-stylish contemporary addition to any home. Try mixing a modern grey wall panel with a bold colour, like deep green, for a chic finish. A sleek wall-hung vanity unit also gives a bigger feel to a smaller space.

Shop now: Mode Hale grey-stone matte wall hung vanity unit and basin, £359, VictoriaPlum.com;Multipanel Linda Barker Ferro Grafite Hydrolock shower wall panel, £159, VictoriaPlum.com.

Off the wall

There’s a number of innovative design choices you can make to create the illusion of space in a bijou bathroom. Always opt for wall-hung sanitaryware, which is less bulky, leaving more wall space on show. A contemporary wall-hung vanity unit can still offer excellent shelving solutions as well as a handy double basin set-up often associated with more grandiose bathrooms. Finally, a clever floor-to-ceiling radiator provides warmth without taking up much needed space, while maintaining a modern, sleek aesthetic.

Shop now: Mode Heath freestanding bath 1700 x 806, £566.10, VictoriaPlum.com; Mode Ellis short projection wall hung toilet with soft close toilet seat, £167.20, VictoriaPlum.com; Mode Tate countertop basin 555mm, £94.99, VictoriaPlum.com.

Trim your tub

There’s nothing quite as relaxing, restoring and revitalising as sinking into a hot bath after a long day. Small bathroom? No problem. You can still create an indulgent spa-like sanctuary – complete with your very own tub. Baths come in varying sizes, and you can always install a smaller tub that also comes with a shower screen to save on space, like this 1400mm-long model.

That’s right, just because you have a shower over the bath doesn’t mean you have to opt for a shower curtain. Keep things contemporary with a built-in shower screen and choose a contemporary grey shower panel for an ultra-chic finish.

Shop now: Orchard square edge straight shower bath with 6mm shower screen, £209, VictoriaPlum.com;Multipanel Linda Barker Soapstone Stellar unlipped shower wall panel 2400 x 1200, £219, VictoriaPlum.com.

Monochrome magic

It’s black and white: a monochrome scheme can elevate a small bathroom to a sumptuous space that feels – and looks – larger than it is. A statement patterned floor creates a fabulous focal point, while a dark wall adds style and a white tiled shower area defines the space in an on-trend way. Pair a monochrome decor scheme with a space-saving wall-hung vanity unit and toilet for the ultimate feel-bigger bathroom.

Shop now: Mode Orion chestnut wall hung countertop basin shelf, £84.99, VictoriaPlum.com; Mode Tate countertop basin 555mm, £94.99, VictoriaPlum.com; Mode 8mm walk in shower enclosure pack with return panel and walk in tray, £399, VictoriaPlum.com.

Material world

Mixing materials is an excellent way to inject interest into a small bathroom. While a space-saving wall-hung vanity unit is already ideal, rustic wood drawers will also add texture and warmth to the room, while a high-gloss surround brings the modern vibe. Breathe life into a compact area by bringing the outside in with a handful of house plants, and pair with a white, bright decor scheme for a light-filled contemporary space.

Shop now: Mode Burton white & rustic oak wall hung vanity unit and basin 600mm, £199, VictoriaPlum.com; Orchard L shaped right handed shower bath with 6mm shower screen, £199.20, VictoriaPlum.com.

If you need help with planning and fitting your bathroom,VictoriaPlum.comnow offer a fully certified and accredited bathroom design and installation service. Visit the websiteto make an enquiry, and for more information and design-led bathroom inspiration.