19 small bathroom decorating tricks you’ll wish you tried sooner

Wall-mounting your fixtures is one of the most effective decisions you can make in a small bathroom, freeing up your floor entirely, which reads as extra space even when there isn't much of it. Rather than boxing in the pipework and eating even further into the room, it has been left exposed to become part of the composition. As for the red paint – it takes nerve, but a deeply saturated wall colour in a small space precisely because there's not much of it.

If you have a touch more space than the bathroom above, work in some hidden storage. This blocky sink is in fact wall-mounted, but with a bespoke cupboard added below, with a weathered and worn door for a bit of character.

The upside of a small bathroom is that you can experiment with big ideas without them being overwhelming. Blousy florals work well in small spaces – and don't be afraid of wallpaper in a bathroom, provided it's well ventilated. Interior designer Sophie Robinson says: "Just keep it away from wet areas, such as shower cubicles and splashbacks. Apply a coat of decorator's matt varnish to protect it from moisture damage, and it can last for years."

Pictured: G P & J Baker Magnolia Wallpaper at Wallpaper Direct

A bathroom retailer might be your first port of call when designing a small space, but their standardised sizing may not be suitable. Look instead around antique fairs and in second-hand shops for unique little cupboards and shelving units. A compact antique dressers can be used as a bespoke sink unit too.

Pictured: Wall paint by Annie Sloan

A double sink is a total treat for family bathrooms, and even the smallest of spaces can accommodate two sinks if you source something compact. These fabulous painted examples make a big feature of a usually nondescript bathroom detail. Try Etsy for similar hand-painted sinks.

Painting your surfaces in a uniform colour maximises the feeling of space in a small room – too many colours can feel just as crowded as too many accessories.

Michael Rolland, Managing Director at The Paint Shed, recommends Farrow & Ball's Dead Flat range or Little Greene's Intelligent range for the job. "These paints are versatile and designed for a variety of surfaces,with options for walls, radiators, skirting boards and more, making them ideal for colour drenching," he says. A lot of bathtubs can be spruced up with acrylic-based paints too.

“Shelves are a great way of storing luxury products that you want to show off," says Rikki. "Instead of wasting cupboard space intended for uglier bathroom paraphernalia, create a spa-like display with a mix of candles, body lotions, reed diffusers and plants, just ensure that everything is fit for purpose and keep on top of this."

The worst thing you can do in a small bathroom is strip away all character. Some framed artwork, pretty patterns, an antique chair to hold towels – any decorative detailing will go a long way in making a cramped space more welcoming.

And this diminutive Tubby Tub bath from The Albion Bath Co. measures just 120cm in length, offering a small dose of luxury in even the tiniest of spaces.

Pictured: Tubby Tub Roll Top Bath at The Albion Bath Co.

Using colour can alter your perception of small spaces – a sunny sky blue can open everything up, whilst a rich red feels enveloping and romantic.

"If you have a favourite colour, your bathroom might be the best place to use it (particularly if it’s a bit extravagant), and doing so will create a lovely backdrop for your morning routine," says Rhiannon Johns, interior designer and head of brand at Piglet in Bed.

Note too that you can replace a door that opens inward with a space-saving barn or pocket door.

Planning your space carefully is so important in a small bathroom. Consider a corner basin – you can buy some that are just 35cm in width, or if a wet room isn't feasible, corner showers can be as little as 70cm in depth.

In a small bathroom, every surface is a working surface — and this room makes the case for thinking beyond the obvious. A narrow ledge running the length of the bath at dado height keeps toiletries and small objects close to hand without encroaching on floor space, and the bath surround itself provides a natural resting place for things in daily use. Most usefully, the back of the door – so often wasted – is pressed into service. "Hooks on the back of a door can come in handy for towels and robes too but remember to place too much on them as this well make the room look crowded," says Rikki.

“If you’re looking to bringing a slice of yellow galore to a specific room in the house, my first suggestion would be the bathroom," says Marianne Shillingford, Creative Director at Dulux." Much like your favourite lemony shower gel, zaps of yellow paint in this space can kick your day off with a lightning bolt of energy and refreshment."

There is a case for leaning into the cosiness of small spaces and replacing glaring overhead lights with softer ambient lighting. "Bathrooms are often fitted with fluorescent, bright lighting," says Rhiannon. "If you’re not a fan of stark white light in your home, swap out the fitted bulbs for some warm-toned bulbs. Alternatively, set the scene in the evening with candles. Bathing or undertaking your self-care routine in candlelight can feel particularly therapeutic."

Pictured: For a similar marble basin, try this handmade version from Etsy

“Neutral décor in the bathroom has always been popular, and even more so in smaller spaces," says Ruth Foster, interior designer at Victoria Plum. “Adopting light shades like taupe, cream and white will create a lighter and brighter bathroom, making it appear larger than it really is." Note too the lovely gingham curtain, a great solution if you don't have sufficient space for cupboard doors to swing open.

Paint and murals can enliven a space and the furniture within it. We love the joyful scene painted on the side of this bathtub, and if you were to do the same in your own bathroom, consider investing in Annie Sloan's brilliant chalk paint that works on wood, metal, laminate and concrete.

Pictured: Paint by Annie Sloan

Small shower cubicles are an opportunity to use wish list tiles in an affordable way. This Balineum collection is by British artist Fee Greening, with 12 tile designs that draw on her original ink and watercolour illustrations.

Pictured: Curious Tiles by Fee Greening at Balineum

Clutter is just a reality of small bathrooms, and can only be mitigated so much with clever storage and stringent organisation. This bathroom embraces a bit of charming messiness with lots of well-loved accessories.