Small Bathroom Design Tips: How to Maximise Space in London Homes
- ASH, VECTOR
- Aug 3
- 5 min read
In London, where space is often at a premium, small bathrooms are the norm rather than the exception. Whether you live in a Victorian terrace in Walthamstow or a modern flat in Notting Hill, making the most of limited bathroom space can significantly improve daily comfort and property value. In this guide, we’ll share practical small bathroom design tips to help you maximise space and transform your bathroom into a functional, beautiful sanctuary. You’ll also find plenty of bathroom makeover inspiration from Vector Living, your trusted London-based construction and project management partner.
Why Small Bathroom Design Matters
Smart small bathroom design is about more than aesthetics. It’s a practical solution for improving usability, storage, and resale value. In a city like London, where every square metre matters, intelligent design can unlock potential that traditional layouts miss.
Vector Living specialises in crafting bespoke interior spaces for homeowners across London, Surrey, and Hampshire. From our complete house renovation in Twickenham to our new-build project in Hampton, we’ve helped clients like Flo and Rob reimagine their bathrooms with style, efficiency, and value.
Space-Saving Layouts: The Foundation of Small Bathroom Design Tips
Layout is everything when space is tight. The right layout can make a bathroom feel larger, brighter, and more functional.
1. Choose a Corner Sink: Installing a corner sink frees up floor space and improves flow—ideal for narrow bathrooms.
2. Opt for a Wall-Hung Toilet and Vanity: These give the illusion of more space and make the floor easier to clean.
3. Consider a Wet Room: By removing the need for a separate shower tray, wet rooms are a sleek, space-saving alternative.
Vector Living’s design team can assess your current layout and propose an optimised configuration tailored to your home’s footprint and your lifestyle. Our planning process takes into account local authority requirements, ensuring that any changes remain compliant and practical.
Bathroom Makeover Inspiration: Creating a Visual Impact
Designing for a small space doesn’t mean sacrificing style. In fact, a compact canvas is an opportunity for creativity.
If you’re seeking bathroom makeover inspiration, start with finishes and colours:
Light and Bright: Light colours reflect more natural light and visually expand the space. Think off-white tiles, pale stone countertops, and glass panels.
Bold but Balanced: Dark feature walls or colourful tiles can work well if balanced with bright fixtures and strategic lighting.
Use of Mirrors: A large mirror can double the sense of depth in the room. Consider integrated lighting for functionality and drama.
Our projects in Twickenham and Hampton are great examples. One featured soft marble-effect tiles with a floating oak vanity unit, while the other made a bold statement with navy wall panelling and brass fittings.
See more on our Instagram.
Related:
Explore our smaller scale project Services
Curious about how to transform your home? Explore Vector Living’s complete smaller scale project page for more information.
Storage Without Compromise
A major hurdle in small bathroom design is finding space for storage without clutter.
Our go-to small bathroom design tips include:
Built-In Niches: Recessed wall niches inside the shower or above the sink provide discreet storage without protruding into the space.
Vanity Drawers Instead of Doors: Drawers make better use of internal space and are easier to access in tight quarters.
Over-the-Toilet Shelving: Utilise vertical space by building above the WC.
At Vector Living, we custom-build cabinetry to suit each project. Whether you need a vanity with hidden compartments or mirrored cabinets that double as lighting panels, we can deliver fully integrated storage solutions that enhance function and form.
Light, Air and Flow
London’s older homes often struggle with dim or awkwardly placed bathrooms. Introducing better light and flow can dramatically change the perception of space.
Natural Light: If possible, enlarge or reposition your window. Skylights or sun tunnels are great for top-floor bathrooms.
Layered Lighting: Combine task, ambient and accent lighting. LED downlights, under-cabinet strips, and wall sconces each serve a purpose.
Ventilation: An extractor fan with a humidistat prevents condensation and mould—especially critical in compact spaces.
We handled just such a challenge in a South West London home, where we integrated a full lighting redesign and improved mechanical ventilation for a healthier, brighter bathroom.
Explore our construction process here
Fixtures and Fittings: What to Choose
Your choice of fixtures impacts not just aesthetics but also water efficiency and storage. Consider:
Compact Sanitaryware: Slim-profile toilets and basins save centimetres without compromising usability.
Multifunctional Taps and Showers: Integrated mixer taps, rain showerheads with detachable handsets, and thermostatic valves offer both luxury and practicality.
Statement Hardware: High-end finishes like brushed brass or matte black elevate the design and add a contemporary edge.
We recommend choosing fittings with sustainable features where possible. Brands like Hansgrohe and Crosswater offer stylish, water-saving models that complement our commitment to sustainability.
Planning, Compliance, and Project Delivery
All bathroom renovations must comply with building regulations, particularly in relation to plumbing, electrics, and ventilation.
Vector Living offers:
In-house planning support and design advice
Fully qualified, registered contractors
Guaranteed compliance with current UK standards
Every client is assigned a dedicated project manager who oversees everything from contractor coordination to certification, ensuring your bathroom renovation runs smoothly, on time, and on budget.
You can read about our full design and build process in this Instagram post.
Our Blog:
Planning a UK Property Project from Abroad?
Discover how Vector Living delivers seamless loft conversions and home extensions for clients living overseas. Read our latest blog and learn how we provide trusted, turnkey project management for global homeowners and investors.
What Our Clients Say
“We are delighted with the result. The house is exactly what we had hoped for and more.” – Robert, Hampton. Read more in our Hampton Case Study or view the Instagram post
“Vector Living transformed our family home into a space we can grow into. From the design to the final finishes, everything was managed perfectly.”
– Flo, Twickenham.
Why Choose Vector Living?
With over a decade of experience transforming homes across London, Surrey, and Hampshire, Vector Living is your trusted partner in residential construction.
Qualified and Trusted Contractors: Every trade covered, vetted, and certified.
Dedicated Project Manager: One clear point of contact.
Fully Insured and Guaranteed: £5m public liability, £10m employers’ liability, and a limited defects warranty.
Happy Clients: Repeat customers and glowing testimonials speak for themselves. Flo said, “Working with Vector Living and Ash has been just so easy, we would definitely recommend to other families in the area.”
You can browse more testimonials and completed work on our Projects page and About Us section.
Ready to Renovate Your Bathroom?
If you’re searching for small bathroom design tips or bathroom makeover inspiration, Vector Living offers everything you need to reimagine your space. Whether you’re based in Camden, Hackney, Richmond, or East Dulwich, we deliver custom interiors that are smart, stylish, and designed to last.
Request your free design consultation:
Call 0208 058 8008 or email office@vectorliving.co.uk
VECTOR Living – On Time. On Budget. On Point.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you fit a bath in a small London bathroom?
Yes, you can. We often install compact, freestanding or corner baths in tight spaces, paired with wall-mounted taps and integrated storage to keep the area functional.
2. Do I need planning permission for a bathroom renovation?
In most cases, no. However, if your property is listed or the works affect external walls or drainage systems, planning permission may be required. Vector Living handles all necessary permissions on your behalf.
3. How much does a high-end bathroom renovation in London cost?
Prices vary based on specification and space. On average, a high-end bathroom renovation in London can range from £12,000 to £25,000. We provide fixed-cost quotes following a site visit.
4. What is the typical timeline for a bathroom renovation?
Most small bathroom projects take between 2–4 weeks depending on complexity, including any preparatory work like structural alterations or rewiring.
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