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Bathroom Space
Bathroom Space

Small Bathroom Fit-Out Guide

Fitting out a small bathroom is an exciting design challenge. Sure, you’ll have to work within some tight space constraints, but overcoming these limitations and making the most of what you’ve got can be deeply satisfying.

The best small bathroom fit-outs are the result of a succession of carefully considered design decisions – every element earns its place, and all work together perfectly.

In this guide we’ll walk you through the fit-out process for small bathrooms, from developing a design to creating a space that makes the most of a compact footprint.

1. Plan the layout

If you’re undertaking a renovation, the biggest limitation – beyond space – is the plumbing layout.

While the position of supply lines and drainage can be changed, this is a big and expensive job when the pipes are concreted into the foundation of the home. Your best bet is to work to the current supply and drainage positions.

Other key layout considerations:

  • How you’ll use and move through the space should determine the sequence of fixtures (toilet, vanity, shower). Place these space-hungry elements in the corners where possible.
  • Create more space by ensuring the door swings out from the bathroom, or installing a sliding door.

2. Choose wall-hung fixtures

The right fixtures for a small bathroom will be space-efficient, beautiful and built to last. When floorspace is limited, it’s a smart move to make use of the walls:

3. Get strategic with the shower

Certain shower design choices can grant you more space or simply make things feel roomier.

Frameless shower screens, for example, allow you to see the entire space without an aluminium frame getting in the way, which can help to make a small space feel larger. An open shower can also visually expand a tight space by removing the screen door from your sightline.

Install a shower niche instead of a protruding shelf that eats into your limited shower space. Large format tiles can also feel more expansive and spacious, particularly when they’re paired with a linear drain.

4. Choose your materials and finishes

Mirrors are your friend in small bathrooms, as they can instantly double the perceived space. As such, the larger the better, particularly if, in the case of shaving cabinets, they also offer discreet storage.

Dark materials and finishes can make a small bathroom feel claustrophobic. You should instead opt for a light and tight theme: a lighter colour palette made up of just a couple of different colours or finishes, as a heavily varied scheme can feel too busy for a small space.

Speaking of light, the natural variety should be maximised where possible, whether through a frosted window or a skylight. LED mirrors can give you light right where you need it, reducing your reliance on downlights that tend to cast inconvenient shadows in small spaces.

5. Get help from the pros

While you can hypothetically DIY most of your small bathroom fit-out, it’s generally worth paying for professional help, as it can be a tricky and time-consuming task, particularly when you have to work within a confined space.

At bathroom space we have experienced professionals in our showrooms, who will also be able to guide you on making the most of that space, whether through the layout or smart fixture and design choices.

Small space, big results

With a bit of careful planning and some strategic fixture choices, you can make your small bathroom feel so much bigger.

If you’re currently in the planning stages of your reno, our expert guides to starting your renovation and trending bathroom styles for 2026 are loaded with insights and inspo. And once you’ve got a layout in mind, you can shop our complete collections of vanities, baths, toilets, mirrors, showers, tapware and accessories.

And our team is always here to answer any other bathroom questions you might have: expert advice, offered up without expectation, from people who know bathrooms inside out.