Choose a style
Styles guide every choice, from the tiles to the tap. Pick one main style and let the others appear only as small accents, and write down three words that describe the look you want, such as calm, bright and natural, to test each choice against, because a bathroom that mixes modern, classic and rustic features looks confused. Look at photos of finished bathrooms, save the ones you like and look for what they share: the colours, the finishes, the lighting and the amount of clutter.
Colour palettes
Light neutrals suit small bathrooms, while dark tones suit large bright ones, and a bathroom with no window usually looks better in light colours with good lighting. Choose one metal finish, for example chrome for a clean look, brushed gold for a warm classic look or matte black for a modern one. Use the same finish on the faucets, the shower, the towel rails and the accessories, and pick handles and the frame of the mirror to match. See tile colours.
Tiles and walls
Use anti-slip floors and easy-clean walls, and add one feature wall behind the vanity or in the shower niche, where it is seen most. Large tiles reduce grout lines and make cleaning easier, and a matt finish hides water marks better than gloss. Keep the floor and wall tones close so that the room feels calm. See bathroom tiles design.
Lighting and mirrors
Layer ceiling, mirror and accent light. A bright ceiling light for cleaning, soft light at the mirror for grooming and a small warm light near the tub or the shower for relaxing give a bathroom more character than one bright bulb. Use moisture-rated fittings in wet zones and keep switches outside the splash area. Dimmers and warm bulbs help in the evening, and a motion sensor night light is useful for children and older family members. See LED bathroom mirrors and lighting.
Vanities and storage
Choose a vanity and cabinets that hide clutter. Decide what must stay on show, such as a tray with a few nice items, and give everything else a closed home. A wall-hung vanity with drawers, a recessed niche in the shower and a tall cabinet for towels can hold most things without crowding a small room. See bathroom vanities and storage and organizers.
Low-cost upgrades
- New faucets and accessories in one finish.
- Fresh grout and sealant.
- A new mirror and lighting.
- A painted or replaced vanity front.
- A new set of towels, a mat and a plant that likes humidity.
- New hooks and a towel rail in the same finish as the faucets.
- A deep clean of the grout, which can transform old tiles.
See bathroom renovation cost for budgets.
Fittings and fixtures
Pick matching fittings. See bathroom faucets, bathroom shower and commodes.
Mistakes to avoid
- Too many finishes and colours.
- Polished tiles on wet floors.
- No ventilation.
- Ignoring storage.
- Choosing trends that date quickly for large surfaces such as tiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Light colours, a large mirror, wall-hung fixtures, a glass screen, matching grout and recessed storage make a small bathroom feel bigger. Keep one metal finish. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis. Check the warranty terms and who honours them before you pay.
Modern suits most new homes, classic suits traditional homes and minimal suits small rooms. Choose a style and keep colours and finishes consistent. Check the warranty terms and who honours them before you pay. Measure carefully and confirm sizes with the supplier before ordering.
Start with light neutrals for walls and tiles, add one feature wall and choose one metal finish. Check colours in the room's light. Measure carefully and confirm sizes with the supplier before ordering.
Replace faucets and accessories, refresh grout, add a mirror and better lighting and update the vanity front. If in doubt, send a photo and the measurements and we will advise. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis.
Use a vanity with drawers, a mirror cabinet, recessed niches and corner racks. Choose moisture-resistant materials. If in doubt, send a photo and the measurements and we will advise. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis.
Send the style and a photo on WhatsApp. We confirm what we can supply and reply with a written rate for the fittings and fixtures. Ask for the specification in writing so you can compare quotes on the same basis. Check the warranty terms and who honours them before you pay.
Send the bathroom size, the items you want and a photo of the space on WhatsApp. We confirm what we can supply and reply with a written rate that lists every fitting, so you can compare quotes on the same scope.