13 of the best small bathroom designs to maximise your space

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Renovating a small bathrom can be tricky. You don’t want to compromise on style, but you also want to avoid creating a cramped, cluttered space.

Luckily, there are some simple renovation tips to help create the illusion of space. Planning is key, from the layout and floor plan to storage solutions.

Here are some top tips for maximising space with a small bathroom design.

The best small bathroom renovation tips

1. Storage ideas

Mirrored cabinets are a space saver when it comes to small bathrooms. Not only do they look great, but the extra storage allows for clear benchtops and surfaces.

Our top picks for mirrored cabinets:

• Timberline Jazz Arch shaving cabinet, $717 (usually $956), The Blue Space
• Living Fusion Sofie bathroom mirror cabinet 75cm, $99.99, Temple & Webster
• Lighted bathroom mirror cabinet, $295, Amazon

2. Wall mounted taps 

If possible, wall-mounting your taps can save you a lot of space. “If you have a small vanity, opting for wall-mounted taps will allow for a narrower sink, giving you a wider walkway so you can stand comfortably while brushing your teeth,” says Wesley Sinclair from Highgrove Bathrooms. Additionally, wall-hung basins are a great option as they can fit into a small space and free up wall space. 

Our top picks for mirrored cabinets:

• Expert Homewares 3-piece black wall-mounted bath sprout & tap set, $89.99, Temple & Webster
• Indigo Alisa wall basin/bath mixer 220m matte black, $179 (usually $356), The Blue Space
• Vale Symphony wall-mounted bath and shower mixer in chrome, $109.95, Renovator Store

3. Use mirrors to your advantage

Installing a mirror, whether it’s floor to ceiling or wall to wall, can make the room look bigger. As Wesley explains, “The right mirror can almost magically broaden the size of a room, regardless if no other alterations have been made, so don’t be afraid to expand the size of your mirror.”

Our top picks for bathroom mirrors:

• Tate round wooden framed wall mirror 80cm, $119.99 (usually $149.99), Temple & Webster

• Hubert arched wall mirror, $251.10 (usually $279), Freedom
• Maddison Lane Lilly wall mirror, $219.99, Temple & Webster

4. Install a shower screen

Skip the shower door and install a frameless panel shower screen. Your bathroom will feel much more spacious with a new-age look as well. 

If you’re worried about the floor getting wet, installing a dual-sided shower drain allows water to be efficiently drained from a larger area, preventing water buildup and reducing the risk of clogs. 

Stormtech delivers the perfect bathroom drainage solution, featuring a dual-sided shower drain with glass screen support. Not only are they stylish and functional, but the award-winning designs come in a range of luxurious colours and finishes.

Our top picks for frameless panel shower screens:

5. Use larger tiles

Larger tiles are key when it comes to creating the illusion of a bigger bathroom. “By incorporating large tiles and patterns into a small bathroom, it tricks the eye into seeing extensive latitude,” Wesley said. “With less grouting and lines to break up the visual, your bathroom will appear broader with a higher ceiling.”

Our top picks for larger bathroom tiles:

• Marlo 300x600mm grey terrazzo look porcelain tile, $48/m2, Temple & Webster
• White Gemma tile rectified matt 300x600x9mm ceramic, $22/m2, The Blue Space
• Alessia Tiles Aurora matt 600x600mm marble look porcelain tile, $60/m2, Temple & Webster

6. Decorate with light colours

White or neutral colours are best for a small bathroom. “Light coloured floor and walls always make a room seem larger than it actually is.” 

If you don’t want to add colour with fixtures and more permanent changes, you can do so with decor, like towels and bath mats.

Our top picks for neutral coloured bathroom decor:

• Adairs Comfort Collection white textured towel range, from $8.99, Adairs
• Luxury Egyptian towel collection in latte, from $16.09 (usually $22.99), Sheridan
• Australian cotton towel range in grey, from $12.95, Pillow Talk

7. Install ceiling lights

This is probably the most underrated “trick” when trying to create the illusion of space.

“Try flush-mounted ceiling lights for the perception of greater space or add lighting around the vanity to brighten up that area,” Wesley said. “A lighted mirror or tape lighting on cabinets and vanity tops will do the trick.”

Our top picks for bathroom lights:

• Oakleigh Home white wexler round LED ceiling light, from $39.99 (usually $73.99), Temple & Webster
• Luminea Helsinki 30cm LED ceiling light in white, $79.99 (usually $82), Temple & Webster
• Zander Lighting Mardo metal wall ceiling light, $59.99 (usually $69.95), Temple & Webster

8. Natural light 

Increasing natural light in bathrooms with windows is a great way to open up a room. If you are looking for privacy, opt for shutters over frosted glass. 

Our top picks for bathroom shutters:

• Fauxwood eco designer window shutters, $289 (usually $299), DecoRug
• Easy lift trim-at-home cordless pleated fabric shade, $41.85, Amazon
• Custom plantation shutters, personalised quote, Spolight

9. Shower and bath combo

Just because you have a small space doesn’t mean you should miss out on one of life’s greatest luxuries — the bathtub. Look for a shower and bath combination to maximise space and add a touch of luxe.

Our top picks for bathtubs:

• Fontaine Industries Ariana acrylic free-standing bath, $999, Temple & Webster
• Nueva Bathware Dahlia gloss white acrylic fluted freestanding bath with overflow, from $1399, Temple & Webster
• Nueva Bathware France gloss white acrylic corner bath, from $1329, Temple & Webster

10. Round basins

Oval or circular sinks are perfect for small bathrooms as they are softer than round sinks and give you more counter space than a square sink.

Our top picks for round bathroom basins:

• Kiora 360mm matte white round ceramic above counter basin, $149,99, Temple & Webster
• Falper Ciotola oval benchmount bowl basin matte white, $1277, Winning Appliances
• Bao round 360mm above counter basin in matte white, $216 (usually $295), The Blue Space

11. Ledges 

Ledges are a great way to add extra storage without compromising on aesthetics. Install a ledge below the sink or above the toilet to hold your daily essentials, such as soaps and lotions. This eliminates the need for additional floor space.

Our top picks for bathroom ledges:

• Timberline Splice bathroom shelf, $124.99 (usually $133), Temple & Webster
• Evie Home Cedric industrial wall shelf, $119.99, Temple & Webster
• Niki wall-mounted shelving unit, from $65, Etsy

12. Function is key

In any small space, functionality should come first. Stackable baskets are a stylish and efficient storage solution, helping you keep essentials organised without cluttering the area. They’re perfect for storing spare linens, extra toilet paper and other necessities while making the most of vertical space. Plus, their versatility allows you to rearrange or move them as needed, keeping your space tidy and adaptable.

Our top picks for bathroom baskets:

• Artiss laundry hamper wooden bathroom storage cabinet in brown, $132.99, Myer
• Habitat Lennon stripe laundry hamper, $39.95, Pillow Talk
• Scalloped natural storage baskets, from $20.99 (usually $29.99), Adairs

13. Indoor plants

Add a splash of colour and life to your bathroom with an indoor plant or two, they help to purify the air and open up the space. Make sure you pick a plant that will be able to withstand the bathroom conditions.

Looking to save money on bathroom essentials? Check out our coupon codes for Myer, Temple & Webster and more.

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