8 Narrow Bathroom Ideas You’ve Got To Try

More often than not, there’s a room that’s slightly higgledy-piggledy in a house.

Extensions happen, house layouts change and different homeowners moving in and out make use of the walls around them in different ways. Sometimes we’re left with rooms that are strange or obscure shapes and sizes.

When left with a narrow room, many transform a lack of space into a space with purpose by installing a bathroom.

And, if you live in a small home or apartment, you know that space is always at a premium. That's why it's important to make the most of every square inch you have, even in the bathroom.

Whilst narrow bathrooms do come with some obvious small space challenges, there’s also some fun to be had and creativity to unleash during a slimline bathroom redesign.

If you have a narrow bathroom, you may be wondering how to make the most of the space. We've got you covered with some great ideas.

Maximising space in a narrow bathroom

 

Before we dive into design inspiration and ideas for your narrow bathroom, we’d encourage you to have a real look at the space available to you.

Consider what’s great about it already, as well as the things that you’re not so keen on.

Rediscovering what your space has to offer

Most people think of a narrow bathroom as being long and skinny.

But there are actually a few different ways that a bathroom can be narrow.

What does your bathroom actually look like?

You might have a long, narrow rectangle room; a square with one side much shorter than the others; or an L-shaped room with a narrow entryway.

Rather than looking at what you can’t do, consider what you can do.

No matter what shape your narrow bathroom is, there are always ways to make the most of the space!

 

Have you considered changing the layout of your bathroom?

 

If you get the wrong layout, it can feel impossible to find an interior design that works.

Once you’ve got the layout right, you can work your way up.

Changing the configuration around and moving core features may be what’s needed to maximise space and fix any alignment or balance issues you may have.

It could be something as simple as moving just the basin, maybe your shower is ill-placed or perhaps you’ll plan a complete switch-up.

With a little bit of planning, you can make some changes that will give you a more functional and better-looking bathroom.

Turn the narrowness into a character feature

In order to maximise the space, you need to embrace the space.

Accepting that you have a narrow bathroom, and enhancing what it brings to your home will shift your mindset from narrow and cramped to compact and complete.

To do this, it’s all about finding the balance between accentuating the narrow style, whilst achieving the everyday practical functionality needed and expected from your bathroom.

Whether you have a narrow cloakroom toilet or a slim family bathroom, whatever you require from that space needs to be attainable in your redesign.

While that might mean bringing some level of practicality and common sense into the design mix - for example you may not be able to fit a supersizes whirlpool bath into your slimline space, with a little creativity, you’d be surprised at just how much you pack into a smaller space.

Here are a few tips you might want to consider

1. Use a light colour palette to make the room feel larger

In a narrow bathroom, there’s always a greater emphasis on the walls because they are closer together.

Therefore getting the colour and composition right is key.

Light colours make rooms look larger.

So if you want to give your small bathroom the illusion of more space, start by looking for lighter shades and tones to colour in your walls, floor and ceiling.

Paint is an inexpensive way to splash a dabble of brightness across the walls.

For refreshing cooler tones, choose light blues, icy whites and light shades of lavender.

And, if you’re all about humble warm vibes, choose cream, light mocha, light pink and even earthy light and bright green.

To start building texture, incorporate tiles or wall panels into the mix.

For a modern glamorous boutique feel, choose bright white marble or gloss.

Looking to bring a little spa serenity into your home? Choose sandy-coloured wall panels.

And if it’s the ultra-contemporary concrete look you’re going for, choose grey panels.

 

2. Celebrate smallness with a darker colour palette

If you’re under the illusion that narrow bathrooms and dark colours shouldn't go together, we want you to park that idea right here.

Dark colours in a smaller space aren’t the cardinal sin that many think it is.

Yes, lighter colours make a space feel bigger, but darker colours really can bring out the best of a slim bathroom.

Embrace the narrow bathroom look with beautiful bold and bouncy colours and deeply dark textures.

Give your space a lavish new upgrade whilst making the room feel cosier and more intimate with deep greens and blues.

For something a little more hot and heavy, why not consider rusty orange shades?

And for a true boost of bold body, why not consider timeless black or go grey gracefully?

 

Don’t forget that you don’t have to stay entirely down the darker end of the colour wheel.

To lift things a little, balance dark colours with light tones.

Plateau out the balance between two tones and accentuate wall height by painting the bottom half of your wall a rich dark colour, and filling the top half with brighter accents using tiles or wall panels.

Or to concentrate dark in one space, and draw the eye through the room, create a stand-out feature wall with a dark and intriguing colour.

Because the walls are closer together, it’s important to enhance the depth of the space. Painted wall panels breathe evermore character into the space, and offer a subtle detail that makes a huge difference to the walls.

 

3. Keep the features and fixtures compact

If you have a narrow bathroom, chances are you’re looking for ways to get the most out of your space, without creating a cramped and overworked bathroom space.

To do just this, it's important to choose fixtures and features that are compact and don't take up a lot of space.

Which basin do you choose for a narrow bathroom?

Let’s start with your basin. Whether you’re revamping a narrow cloakroom bathroom or upgrading the master bathroom, a basin is a core feature you can’t really go without.

Instead of a traditional vanity, opt for a semi-pedestal basin or a wall-hung basin that opens up the floor space.

Alternatively, you could choose a wall-mounted vanity unit, which will also provide a compact storage space, but air on the side of caution with these bulkier basins.

Choose a vanity colour that compliments your wall colour choice.

Or, for a simple basin and toilet set up, such as a cloakroom bathroom or ensuite, choose a small basin, or a single small slimline or corner vanity unit.

 

Bath or shower?

The answer to this question depends on how wide your bathroom is.

Whilst your bathroom may be oblong-shaped and narrow, there may be space for a small straight bath pushed up against the wall.

And if you don’t have the space, instead swap out a bulky bath, and go for a sleek walk-in wet room shower.

Wet room showers lend themselves to being more forgiving in bathrooms where you want to avoid breaking the room into clunky chunks.

Choose a smaller shower tray, and a clear screen to avoid a static feel.

 

Toilets for narrow bathrooms

There are plenty of space-saving toilets, perfect for narrow bathrooms.

For the yesteryear look, why not consider a beautiful high-level toilet. This will place the focus on room height, rather than the lack of room depth.

It can serve as the main focal point of the room, particularly in slimline cloakroom toilets, or something that compliments a vintage bathroom design.

For a more modern approach, choose a back to wall or wall hung toilet. Instantly, you’ll recuperate floor space, making the room feel more capacious, whilst building a more contemporary feel.

4. Slimline storage for narrow bathrooms

Storage is inevitably important for the majority of homeowners when planning out a bathroom redesign.

But if you’re scratching your head and wondering just how you’re going to include those all-important storage spots in your narrow bathroom redesign, we’ve got some fantastic space-saving ideas.

Look for creative ways to integrate storage into your design without compromising on style

For all of your lotions, potions and beauty products, why not choose a slimline floating bathroom cabinet? Match with your floating vanity unit, or a wall or accessory colour.

One way to take advantage of a narrow bathroom is by installing floating shelves.

These shelves are great for storing extra towels, toiletries, and even decorations. They also help to make the space feel more extensive by concocting the illusion of more perpendicular space.

A wall-mounted slimline towel rail is not only a great way to warm the room up, but also for drying wet towels.

 

5. Let in natural light

While narrow bathrooms are common in many homes, there are ways to make the space feel bigger using light. Natural light not only makes rooms look more spacious but also makes them feel more airy and open, even with darker colours.

Keep windows clear

Let the sunshine in. Start by cleaning the windows and letting in as much natural light as possible. If you have privacy concerns, consider frosted glass or window film.

Opening up blinds and curtains will let in more light and make the space feel more open.

If you don't have any windows in your bathroom, consider installing a skylight; even a small window can make a big difference.

Hang mirrors

A well-placed mirror can make a small bathroom feel twice as large.

Mirrors also have the added benefit of making the space look brighter and more cheerful. If possible, place your mirror opposite a window so that it reflects the natural light into the room.

You can also hang mirrors above vanities and sinks to give the illusion of more counter space.

Or to elongate the room even more, put a mirror on the back of the bathroom door.

Choose a frame that compliments bathroom features. For example, if you have brushed brassed or matte black taps, find a mirror with a similar colour match.

 

6. Incorporate different geometric patterns

With a narrow room, you risk the chance of the room feeling a little static and lifeless with too many straight lines and corners.

Add soulful character by integrating a combination of straight and smooth silhouettes with different 2D and 3D geometric patterns.

This is a really easy way to add visual interest to a narrow bathroom and create a more open, inviting and stylish space.

Large patterns can make spaces look smaller than they are, so use them in moderation, whilst smaller prints or geometric patterns will help create visual interest without overwhelming the space.

Consider the walls and floors

One way to do this is by using patterned tiles. You can use them on the floor, on the walls, or even in the shower.

If you're not ready to commit to tiles, another option is to use stencils. You can stencil patterns onto the walls or onto the floor.

This is a great option if you want to add a pop of colour or if you want to experiment with something that is less permanent than tiles.

 

A mix and match across bathroom features

Another way to incorporate geometric patterns into your bathroom features. From curvy vessel basins and retro toilets to deep baths and smooth shower doors, mix and match between smooth and sharp lines.

Think about your accessories

You can also add pattern and texture through your accessories.

Look for towels, rugs, and shower curtains that feature the pattern you've chosen.

Find soap dispensers, toothbrush holders, and other small items that will help tie the whole look together.

The key is to start small and gradually add more elements as you get comfortable with the look. Combine both large and small patterns.

 

7. Add plants

Plants not only add refreshing and evergreen splashes of colour and life to any room but also help purify the air.

Place some potted plants around your small bathroom to help oxygenate the space and make it feel more inviting.

Choose smaller succulents for window seals, and large hanging house plants for floating shelves to highlight wall height.

8. Dress up the wall with artwork and pictures

You may spot a running theme here, but in narrow rooms, it's all about enhancing the look of the walls.

Why not incorporate a gallery wall in your bathroom?

Ideal for guest bathrooms, this is a perfect spot to showcase artwork. Or to take a trip down memory lane, incorporate family photos placed inside different sized frames.

For a vintage look, print photos in black and white for added effect.