The Best Decorating Tips For Compact Spaces

Small spaces involve compromises, but it’s possible to fit all the necessary bathroom features – sink, mirror, storage, etc. – if you’re willing to miniaturize. This clever shelf started out as an apple crate, while the tiny mirror hides some modest shelves.

“Neutral bathroom decor has always been popular, and even more so in smaller spaces,” says Ruth Foster, interior designer at Victoria Plum. If you take this into account when choosing the color of your wall and floor tiles, you create a warm and harmonious design with timeless elegance.”

In small bathrooms, hidden storage is your best friend. This blocky sink has storage underneath, with a weathered and worn door for a bit of character.

The advantage 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, they’re more resilient than you think.

Pictured: GP & J Baker Magnolia Wallpaper at Wallpaper Direct

Clutter is only a reality in small bathrooms and can only be contained with clever storage and strict organization. This bathroom offers a bit of charming clutter with mismatched mirrors, towel stacks, and lots of popular accessories.

Shown: Country Living Artisan Stormy Gray ceramic wall tile

“Shelves are a great way to store luxury products that you want to show off,” says Rikki. “Rather than wasting closet space on uglier bathroom essentials, create a spa-like presentation with a mix of candles, body lotions and reed diffusers and plants, just make sure everything serves its purpose and stay organized. Hooks at the back of a door can also be useful for towels and robes, but remember to put too much on them as it makes the room look good.”

Careful space planning is so important in a small bathroom. Consider a corner sink – you can buy some that are only 35cm wide, or if a wet room isn’t feasible, corner showers can be as little as 70cm deep.

A feature item or two is quite enough in a small space, so make the most of it. They can actually become inspiration or a base for the rest of the room – like the fabulous powder blue on this Burlington sink.

Pictured: Enchanted Blue Edwardian cloakroom in Burlington

The cutest solution for small bathrooms. The tiny Tubby Tub from The Albion Bath Co. measures just 120 cm in length and offers a small dose of luxury even in the smallest of spaces.

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

The use of color can change your perception of small spaces – a cheerful and uplifting yellow or sunny sky blue, for example, can open up even the tightest or most claustrophobic spaces. “Consider painting one wall a bright and cheerful hue — it can really open up the space, especially in small bathrooms,” says Rhiannon Johns, interior designer and head of brand at Piglet in Bed your bathroom might be the best place to use them (especially if it’s a bit extravagant) and this will create a beautiful backdrop for your morning routine.”

“A mirrored cabinet is a popular choice for smaller washrooms as it’s another way to combine storage with an important bathroom feature to make efficient use of space,” says Rikki. Your sink gives space and makes everything look a lot neater. An added benefit of a mirrored cabinet is that it helps open up the space and create the illusion of a larger bathroom.”

Pictured: Country Living Wicklow bathroom at Homebase

If your bathroom has a sloped or sloped ceiling that cuts into your space, a clever design trick is to choose pieces that are narrow but as tall as the space will allow – the narrow Kit-Kat tiles, long strips on the sink curtain and large shower screens are great examples – this will create the nod to height where it is lacking.

Pictured: Pickle & Bonbon Stripe Fabric curtain at Colors of Arley

There’s a good reason to lean into the cosiness of small spaces and replace harsh overhead lights with softer ambient lighting. “Bathrooms often feature fluorescent, bright lighting,” says Rhiannon. “If you’re not a fan of bright white light in your home, swap out the built-in lightbulbs for warm-tinted lightbulbs. Alternatively, you can stage the evening with candles. Bathing or doing your candlelit self-care routine makes me feel particularly therapeutic.”

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

The worst thing you can do in a small bathroom is lose all character. Some framed artwork, an antique towel chair, pretty bath curtains – all the decorative touches go a long way in making a cramped space more welcoming.