Size and Layout:
Small bathrooms require compact and efficient layouts. The key to making a small bathroom feel larger is smart space planning, such as utilizing vertical space, floating furniture, and mirror placement.
In a small bathroom, a Shower-tub Combo, Corner Shower, or Bi-fold Shower Door can help maximize available space while still offering a functional bathing experience.
Fixtures:
Shower Enclosures:
Corner Shower Enclosures:
- Space-Saving Design: Corner Shower Enclosures are ideal for small bathrooms because they utilize an often-unused corner of the room, saving precious floor space.
- Square or Neo-Angle Designs: Corner enclosures can be designed in square or neo-angle (three-sided) shapes to make the most efficient use of the available space. The angular design maximizes the shower area while minimizing the impact on the rest of the bathroom.
- Frameless or Semi-Frameless: Frameless or semi-frameless glass shower enclosures are perfect for small bathrooms because they give an open, airy feel. The glass allows light to flow through the space, making the room look larger.
Sliding Shower Doors:
- Space-Efficient: Sliding Shower Doors are an excellent solution for small bathrooms because they don’t require extra space to open and close. This is particularly useful when space is at a premium.
- Modern Look: Sliding doors are available in sleek, modern styles, often with frameless glass or minimal framing to give the bathroom a contemporary look.
- Smooth Operation: Sliding doors are easy to use, making them perfect for smaller, compact spaces.
Bi-Fold Shower Doors:
- Compact and Practical: Bi-fold Doors fold inward when opened, making them an ideal option for small bathrooms. They take up less space than traditional hinged doors, providing more flexibility in terms of layout.
- Stylish and Functional: Bi-fold Doors come in glass or acrylic panels and can be designed to suit modern or traditional bathroom styles.
Quadrant Shower Enclosures:
- Curved Design: Quadrant showers are curved at the front and fit into a corner. The curved design allows more room for standing inside the shower while keeping the space feeling open and not too crowded.
- Space-Saving: These enclosures work well in small bathrooms because the rounded edges save floor space and create a fluid, modern aesthetic.
Walk-In Shower with Glass Partition:
- Open and Airy: For those who prefer a walk-in style, a glass partition with a single panel can create a shower area that feels open and spacious, even in a small bathroom.
- Minimalistic: A walk-in shower can be designed without a door, offering easy access and a streamlined appearance, which works well for smaller spaces. Just ensure the floor is designed to prevent water from spilling outside.
Shower-Tub Combo:
- Dual Functionality: For small bathrooms that need both a shower and a bathtub, a Shower-tub Combo is an efficient way to offer both without taking up excessive space. These units typically feature a bathtub with a shower head above it, making them versatile for different needs.
- Space-Saving: A Shower-tub Combo works well in smaller apartments or homes where a bathtub is still desired but space is limited.
Shower Enclosure Considerations for Small Bathrooms:
- Size and Fit: Choose a shower enclosure that fits snugly into the available space. Consider opting for corner units, sliding doors, or bi-fold doors to save space.
- Glass and Transparency: Clear glass enclosures make the space feel larger by maintaining visual continuity and allowing light to flow throughout the bathroom.
- Water Control: Ensure that water does not spill outside the shower area. Look for water-tight seals and consider glass panels or enclosures with integrated water barriers.
- Ease of Access: Sliding or bi-fold doors provide easy access to the shower without taking up extra space when opened.
Bathtubs:
Alcove Bathtubs:
- Standard Space-Efficient Option: Alcove Bathtubs are designed to fit into a three-wall enclosure, making them one of the most space-efficient bathtub options for small bathrooms.
- Compact Design: Available in standard sizes, alcove tubs fit snugly into smaller spaces and offer a simple yet functional bathing solution.
- Shower-Tub Combo: Many alcove tubs come with a showerhead and a tub-shower combo, allowing you to have both a bathtub and a shower in one compact unit.
Freestanding Bathtubs
- Luxury with a Small Footprint: While larger freestanding tubs can take up a lot of space, there are compact models available that are perfect for smaller bathrooms. Look for small freestanding tubs that are designed with a smaller footprint.
- Modern or Vintage Styles: These tubs come in various styles, including modern, minimalist designs, or more traditional, vintage-style tubs. Even in small bathrooms, a freestanding tub can make a bold design statement.
- Space Consideration: A freestanding bathtub can be placed in the center of the bathroom or against the wall, but it requires enough space around it for installation and access.
Corner Bathtubs:
- Space-Saving Design: Corner Bathtubs are a great choice for small bathrooms because they fit into the corner of the room, making use of otherwise unused space. The bathtub is designed with slanted sides, which reduces its overall footprint.
- Comfort and Relaxation: Even in small bathrooms, corner tubs can provide a relaxing, comfortable bathing experience while saving space.
Compact Soaking Bathtubs:
- Smaller Size: A compact soaking tub provides the benefits of a deep soak without taking up much room. These tubs are shorter and narrower than standard bathtubs but still allow for a relaxing bath.
- Ergonomic Design: Some compact soaking tubs have ergonomic designs that maximize comfort while minimizing space usage, ideal for small bathrooms.
Bathtub with a Built-In Shower:
- Multi-Function: For small bathrooms, a bathtub with a built-in shower (also known as a shower-tub combo) is often the best solution. This setup allows for both a bath and a shower in one compact unit, making it ideal for households with varying bathing needs.
- Space-Efficient: By integrating the two functions, the bathtub and shower take up less space than if both were separate units.
Bathtub Considerations for Small Bathrooms:
- Size and Space Efficiency: The bathtub should fit comfortably within the bathroom without overcrowding the space. Alcove tubs, corner tubs, or compact soaking tubs are great choices for small bathrooms.
- Multi-Function: If space is particularly tight, a bathtub-shower combo can provide the best of both worlds. A well-designed combo allows residents to use the tub for both bathing and showering, maximizing functionality.
- Comfort: Even in small bathrooms, comfort should not be sacrificed. Choose a bathtub that is designed for deep soaking or relaxation, even in a compact size.
Style and Aesthetics:
Light-colored materials and mirrored surfaces (such as glass shower doors, mirrored tiles, or reflective surfaces) are used to make small bathrooms appear more expansive.
Simple, streamlined designs work best. Avoiding heavy décor or large accessories helps maintain the illusion of space.
Functionality:
- Maximized Storage: Since small bathrooms often lack extensive storage, wall-mounted shelves, floating vanities, or corner storage solutions are essential.
- Water Efficiency: In smaller bathrooms, water-saving fixtures like low-flow toilets and energy-efficient lighting help conserve space and energy.
- Multi-Functionality: Shower-tub combos and space-efficient fixtures that can serve multiple purposes are critical for making the most of a small bathroom.
Feature |
Hotel Bathroom |
Apartment Bathroom |
Small Bathroom |
Size & Layout |
Varies from small to spacious; luxury focus |
Often compact but functional; efficiency |
Very compact; must optimize every inch |
Shower Enclosures |
Frameless or framed glass enclosures, walk-in showers |
Sliding doors, bi-fold doors, corner enclosures |
Sliding, bi-fold, corner enclosures, tub-shower combos |
Bathtubs |
Freestanding tubs, jacuzzi tubs, tub-shower combos |
Alcove tubs, compact freestanding tubs |
Alcove tubs, corner tubs, compact soaking tubs, tub-shower combos |
Style & Aesthetics |
Luxurious, modern design with premium finishes |
Simple, functional, modern or traditional |
Clean, minimalistic, use of light and mirrors |
Functionality |
Luxury features like heated floors, smart showers |
Space-saving solutions, efficient fixtures |
Multi-use fixtures, space-maximizing designs |
Storage Solutions |
Vanity units, wall-mounted shelves, compact storage |
Floating vanities, mirrored cabinets |
Wall-mounted shelves, floating vanities |
Water Efficiency |
Water-saving fixtures in mid-range hotels |
Water-saving fixtures to reduce utility bills |
Low-flow fixtures, water-efficient designs |