One of the biggest issues that the average home in the UK faces when choosing bathroom hardware is size. Our bathrooms are tiny, often comprising just enough room to twist between the WC, basin and bath.

So if you’re opting for a shower room because fitting a bath isn’t possible then what are your options? How can you maximise the space available?

You’re going to need room to move around between a WC, basin and a shower. Consider the following small shower room ideas.

1. Choose a suitable shower

Corner shower cubicle

The smallest corner shower you can buy for tray mounting is 700x700mm. Indeed the smallest tray size available is a matching square 700x700mm.

With profile adjustment in a space with true walls, you might be able to get the shower door size down to 650mm. You’ll need to cut the tray down though to complement that or fit the edge into a wall recess where it meets your tiling.

At the 700mm size, you’ll be choosing from a pivot, hinge or bifold shower doors. An option where the door opens inwards will also save on your floor footprint. Don’t expect much elbow room though.

Wetroom screens

Alternatively, you could consider a wet room floor and mount a single shower screen onto that. This means you could opt for a narrow longer shower space, perhaps at an absolute minimum of 600mm from the wall.

In terms of the actual glass, there are walk-in shower enclosures from 500mm in size. Add a hinged flipper panel at approx 300mm and you have a compact and practical showering space.

2. Take every storage opportunity

In a small shower room try to incorporate storage into each piece of hardware.

Vanity basins

Instead of installing a basin with dead space or a pedestal beneath consider a vanity unit. Options are available with a single shelf or contained cupboard beneath.

You could also incorporate a WC unit into this.

Mirror cabinets

A slim mirrored cabinet perhaps with lighting built-in is great for storing all your essentials. Toothbrushes, cosmetics and medicines can all be neatly tucked away.

A mirrored surface also has the benefit of bouncing light around the room. Options with LED lights will exaggerate this and help you with grooming.

Wire shower caddies

Open wire shower caddies are inexpensive and can be hung from your shower or corner mounted. They’ll help contain all your shower gels and hair products instead of leaving them on the floor.

3. Use minimal space for heating hardware

Radiators

There are plenty of small towel radiators available that won’t take up much wall space. If you’re really struggling then you could mount one higher up your wall perhaps with a warming rack. Or choose a slim vertical option, some are slim enough to tuck behind a door. Look for products that don’t project too far from the wall to lessen the impact on your floor space.

Underfloor heating

If you have no free wall space then consider underfloor heating. This will only be a viable option if you’re renewing the flooring. Inexpensive complete kits are available that are easy to install and are pretty frugal in terms of running costs.

4. Go light and reflective on wall and floor surfaces

In a small space, you need to avoid dark colour schemes. Go pale and let the light bounce around making the space feel larger. Of course, you could go for a bold feature wall to add colour and personality.

In terms of wall materials, tiles and shower wall panels are hygienic and easy to clean. Wall panels are quicker and less expensive to install plus they can hide imperfect walls whereas tiles are less forgiving.

For flooring forget carpet. Opt for tiles, vinyl or bathroom ready laminates. Again these are easy to clean and many will be compatible with underfloor heating.

5. Use the recess of the ceiling for lighting

Light from a window is helpful but you’ll also require electrical lighting. Opt for slim projection led lights that are IP44 rated.

Downlights recessed into the ceiling and spaced at regular intervals will provide even lighting in a small shower room.

Wrapping things up

We hope these small shower room ideas have offered some inspiration to motivate you into taking action. Remember before purchasing anything consider the size and the remaining space that will be available once you fit that item. Small projection products will also use less space.

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