Making the most of small bathroom

By Benjamin Clarke | Published on 20th June 2023

It's becoming more common to face the challenge of a restrictive bathroom or washroom space. In this article, we look at the market solutions that are now available to support installers.

For domestic installers, the combination of a rising number of homeowners looking to add value to their property with those catering for children staying at home longer, means that space saving bathrooms and cloakroom options are undeniably in demand.

This is simultaneously replicated in the commercial market where space is increasingly at a premium and bathrooms need to meet multiple requirements. Fortunately, there are a range of innovations now widely available to solve this problem across both sectors.

As with any project, but especially on those where drainage systems need to be changed, the first step must be to plan how the room will function, keeping the aesthetics as an important, but almost secondary consideration. The technical aspects should be prioritised and never become an afterthought, especially as plumbing changes can affect the required building regulations. While larger contracts will often have wider support from specifiers and architects, it is something that the domestic installer will often have to take sole responsibility for.

An ideal solution?

With minimal floor space, the option of having both a free standing shower cubicle and a bath has become all but obsolete for owners of new build properties. It is certainly not an option for hospital or school bathrooms where space is always going to be restricted. However, a bath can be a key part of therapy in a healthcare establishment or be an important element of accommodating a family, while it can be significant in adding value to a home.

A shower bath often presents the ideal solution - homeowners have quickly caught onto the dual benefits of this product with demand rising accordingly. Without taking up much additional floor space, the P shape of the shower bath provides the best of both worlds, providing the same showering experience as an enclosure with the option to have a bath when needed.

As well as innovative product design, changing the shape and size of traditional sanitary ware is an obvious, and ultimately, effective way of meeting the demands of a challenging space.

En-suite and cloak room ranges are compact and, therefore, incredibly practical for a small bathroom, whether this is within a crowded family home or a student accommodation block where a washing function is needed in each room. The good news is that the growing popularity of these ranges also means there is no need to compromise on style.

The basin is often key when it comes to space restrictions. This not only applies to size but its shape; corner styles are widely available and provide greater flexibility when working with a domestic washroom or even a bed side space in a patient's room.

Illusion of space

In addition to ensuring functionality creating the illusion of space can be vital for the aesthetics to be successful. This is particularly true for those trying to achieve a clean and contemporary finish. A back to wall or wall-hung WC is a simple way of achieving a tidy finish as it conceals the working of the toilet. As an added bonus to homeowners and maintenance teams, these styles are often much easier to clean.

A bathroom which is practical for everyday life must also include furniture to provide adequate storage. The addition of cupboards and shelves is not only practical, but add further value to an incredibly important room which all of the family use. For commercial environments, it can also be an essential way of securely storing personal effects. With fitted, free-standing, and modular solutions now readily available, installers have access to options that are both aesthetically pleasing and practical for restricted spaces by filling wasted space such as the room underneath basins.

If the end-user isn't looking for a permanent fixing then free-standing furniture might be the most suitable choice. A higher quality option is advisable to ensure it is sturdy enough to withstand longstanding use. A cheaper alternative may be initially attractive for the budget-conscious but can start to move and become unstable with added weight. However, a fitted design can work with a specific space and tailored to the layout of the individual room. This usually means that the final result will be tailor-made and, therefore, fit the requirements much more closely. Pipework can also be discreetly hidden to create a much cleaner look. This option, or even a completely prefabricated module, is often popular in the commercial sector as it allows a speedy installation and a solution designed especially for the space in question.

Contemporary look

In recent years, modular furniture has grown in popularity due to the more contemporary look it provides. Not only does it have similar benefits to fitted options, but it can be positioned against the wall and off the ground to provide a greater illusion of space. It is, therefore, a fantastic option for bathrooms that are really restricted, including cloak rooms and en-suites.

Consumer trends in the bathroom market, which often arise from social and economic influences, such as children staying at home longer or a difficult housing market, have driven demand for innovative sanitary ware which creates a flexible space. This is now bringing additional benefits to the commercial sector which prioritises functionality, hygiene and durability. With manufacturers already on board and making the right products easy to access via your local merchant, all that is needed to convert even the smallest of spaces into a fully functioning bathroom or commercial washroom is careful planning and sound product knowledge.

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