8 Brilliant Bathroom Design Ideas for Small Spaces in 2025

Owning a home in Eastbourne, from a charming Victorian terrace in Meads to a modern flat near the marina, often means working with a compact bathroom. But a small footprint need not sacrifice style or function. The right design can maximise space, improve flow and elevate comfort.

In this listicle, Harrlie Plumbing and Heating shares 8 practical bathroom design ideas for small spaces, each with clear implementation steps, UK product suggestions and real examples from Eastbourne homes. You will learn how to integrate floating vanities, corner showers with glass enclosures and built-in storage niches to unlock every centimetre.

These bathroom design ideas for small spaces will transform cramped layouts into efficient, stylish retreats - no matter your budget. We cover budget-friendly fixes like over-toilet shelves, premium upgrades such as continuous large format tiles and space-saving solutions like pocket doors. Each tip centres on maximising light, minimising clutter and enhancing usability.

Whether you’re planning a full bathroom renovation with Harrlie Plumbing and Heating or seeking quick wins in a rental property, these insights will help you save time, reduce costs and elevate your bathroom’s aesthetic. Dive in to discover how strategic layouts, custom fittings and smart materials can make every centimetre count in your Eastbourne home.

1. Elevate Your Style with Floating Vanities & Wall-Mounted Storage

One of the most effective bathroom design ideas for small spaces is to lift your storage off the ground. A wall-mounted or ‘floating’ vanity creates an immediate illusion of a larger room by revealing more floor space. This visual trickery reduces the perceived bulkiness of traditional floor-standing units, making the entire bathroom feel more open and airy.

Beyond aesthetics, this approach offers significant practical benefits. Floating units provide essential storage without occupying valuable floor area, a perfect solution for compact layouts. They are also easier to clean under, contributing to a more hygienic environment. For many period properties in Eastbourne, which often feature charming but uneven floors, a floating vanity is an ideal choice. A professional installation, like those carried out by the experts at Harrlie Plumbing and Heating, ensures a perfectly level surface, regardless of the floor's condition.

Successful Implementations in East Sussex

This modern design solution is incredibly versatile. We have seen it used to great effect in various local properties:

• Renovated Seafront Flats: Compact, high-gloss white floating units modernise smaller bathrooms in flats along Eastbourne's seafront, reflecting light and enhancing the sense of space.

• Modernised Farmhouses: Our team at Harrlie Plumbing and Heating recently fitted a custom-built oak floating vanity in a modernised farmhouse just outside Polegate, adding warmth and contemporary style.

• Old Town Cloakrooms: In the compact downstairs cloakrooms common in Old Town, a slimline floating vanity with an integrated basin maximises every available centimetre.

Actionable Tips for Installation

To ensure a successful installation, consider these key points:

• Assess Wall Structure: Before purchasing, it is crucial to have a professional from Harrlie Plumbing and Heating assess your wall structure. Floating units require strong, secure mounting points, which may need reinforcement in older stud walls.

• Choose Light Colours: Opt for vanities in white, pale grey, or light wood tones to enhance the ‘floating’ effect and make the unit recede visually.

• Add Undercabinet Lighting: Installing an LED strip light underneath the vanity amplifies the sense of space and adds a layer of sophisticated ambient lighting.

• Conceal Pipework: For the cleanest finish, plan for the plumbing to be re-routed into the wall. This is a crucial step where our professional expertise at Harrlie Plumbing and Heating is invaluable.

2. Corner Shower Solutions with Glass Enclosures

Reclaiming an underused corner is one of the smartest bathroom design ideas for small spaces. A dedicated corner shower unit, particularly one with a glass enclosure, can transform a cramped layout by tucking the shower neatly away. This frees up central floor space, making the room feel significantly more navigable and less cluttered.

The key to this strategy is the use of clear glass, which prevents the shower from becoming a visual barrier. Unlike a bulky bathtub or an opaque shower curtain, a transparent enclosure maintains an uninterrupted sightline across the room. Designs like neo-angle or quadrant (curved) showers are specifically engineered to fit snugly into corners without sharp, intrusive edges, providing a surprisingly spacious showering experience within a compact footprint.

Successful Implementations in East Sussex

This space-saving solution is a popular choice for properties with challenging layouts across the region:

• Victorian Terraced Houses: In the narrow bathrooms typical of Victorian homes in Eastbourne's town centre, a quadrant shower enclosure replaces an old bath, instantly creating a more functional and modern space. A recent Harrlie Plumbing and Heating project in the Upperton area did just this, to the client's delight.

• Loft Conversion En-Suites: For en-suites built into loft conversions with sloped ceilings, a custom-cut glass corner shower maximises the available headroom and footprint.

• Seaside Holiday Lets: Compact neo-angle showers are frequently installed in holiday lets near the seafront to offer guests a full, comfortable shower without sacrificing the entire bathroom floor plan.

Actionable Tips for Installation

To get the most out of your corner shower, consider these professional tips:

• Opt for Clear Glass: Always choose clear, frameless, or semi-frameless glass over frosted or patterned options to maximise the flow of light and the feeling of openness.

• Consider Door Type: A sliding or bi-fold door is often a better choice than a hinged one, as it won't swing out and obstruct movement in the limited space.

• Integrate Smart Storage: Ask your installer from Harrlie Plumbing and Heating to build recessed shelving (a niche) into the shower wall. This provides essential storage for toiletries without protruding into the shower area.

• Use Large-Format Tiles: Tiling the enclosure with large tiles minimises grout lines, which creates a cleaner, more expansive visual effect and simplifies cleaning.

3. Over-Toilet Storage Cabinets and Shelving

One of the most overlooked vertical spaces in any bathroom is the area directly above the toilet. Capitalising on this with over-toilet storage is a brilliant bathroom design idea for small spaces, turning an empty wall into a functional and stylish hub. These units, often called ‘space savers,’ provide essential storage for towels, toiletries, and cleaning supplies without taking up a single centimetre of precious floor space.

This solution is perfect for maximising utility in the most compact of rooms, such as en-suites or downstairs cloakrooms. The units range from simple open shelving, which keeps the space feeling airy, to full cabinet systems that elegantly frame the toilet area, concealing clutter. In many of Eastbourne's older terraced houses with limited bathroom footprints, this approach offers a practical way to add storage where it seems impossible.

Successful Implementations in East Sussex

We’ve seen this vertical storage strategy used effectively across the region:

• Student Lets near University of Brighton: Affordable, freestanding VASAGLE units are a popular choice in compact student bathrooms in Eastbourne, offering style and function on a budget.

• Meon Valley Holiday Cottages: Simple, classic white Zenna Home cabinets are frequently installed in guest bathrooms, providing a clean, organised look for visitors.

• Bexhill Powder Rooms: Custom built-in shelving and cabinetry installed by professionals like Harrlie Plumbing and Heating create a high-end, seamless finish in newly renovated ground-floor WCs. We recently completed a project like this in a period property in Bexhill’s Old Town.

Actionable Tips for Installation

To make the most of your over-toilet storage, consider these key points:

• Measure Everything: Before buying, carefully measure the width and height of your toilet cistern and the available wall space. Ensure there's enough clearance for the lid and flush mechanism to operate freely.

• Prioritise Safety: Always secure freestanding units to the wall using the anti-tip hardware provided. For wall-mounted cabinets, our team at Harrlie Plumbing and Heating can ensure they are safely anchored into wall studs.

• Organise with Baskets: Use stylish baskets or containers on open shelves to group smaller items like cotton balls, soaps, and makeup. This prevents a cluttered look and keeps things tidy.

• Choose Adjustable Shelves: Opt for units with adjustable shelving to accommodate taller items like shampoo bottles and cleaning sprays, giving you greater flexibility.

4. Reclaim Valuable Space with Pocket and Barn Doors

A traditional hinged door requires a significant amount of clear floor space to swing open, a luxury that many compact bathrooms simply cannot afford. This is where space-saving doors provide one of the most transformative bathroom design ideas for small spaces. A pocket door slides discreetly into a cavity within the wall, while a barn-style door glides along an external track, both options completely eliminating the door’s swing radius and instantly freeing up valuable square footage.

This simple change can reclaim as much as nine square feet of usable floor area, creating new possibilities for layout and fixture placement. It allows for a more open feel and can be the key to fitting in that extra bit of storage or a more comfortable vanity unit. In the terraced houses of Meads or the compact flats near Eastbourne Pier, this reclaimed space can make a world of difference to the bathroom’s overall functionality and flow.

Successful Implementations in East Sussex

We have seen these clever door solutions solve spatial challenges in a variety of local properties:

• Victorian Terraced Houses: In the narrow bathrooms of Victorian homes in Old Town, pocket doors are a popular choice to maximise the tight floor plan without compromising traditional aesthetics.

• Modern Coastal Apartments: Frosted glass barn doors have been installed in modern apartments along the Sovereign Harbour, adding a contemporary design element while allowing light to filter through.

• Converted Farmhouse En-suites: A recent Harrlie Plumbing and Heating project in Westham saw us fit a rustic, reclaimed wood barn door for a new en-suite, adding character and practicality to the compact space.

Actionable Tips for Installation

Before committing to a sliding door system, consider these crucial factors:

• Check Wall Suitability: Pocket doors require a stud wall with sufficient depth and no obstructions. It is essential to have a professional from Harrlie Plumbing and Heating inspect the wall to ensure it is free of essential wiring or pipework before any work begins.

• Invest in Quality Hardware: Opt for high-quality, soft-close mechanisms for both pocket and barn doors. This prevents slamming, reduces wear and tear, and ensures a smooth, quiet operation for years to come.

• Prioritise Privacy: If choosing a glass door, select a frosted or obscure finish to maintain privacy while still benefiting from light transmission between rooms.

• Plan for Installation Complexity: Installing a pocket door is more involved than hanging a standard door, as it requires opening the wall. This work is best integrated into a larger renovation and handled by experienced professionals.

5. Multi-Functional Furniture and Fixtures

When every square centimetre counts, one of the smartest bathroom design ideas for small spaces is to choose furniture and fixtures that serve multiple purposes. This approach prioritises efficiency, ensuring that each element in your bathroom works harder for you. Items like storage ottomans that provide seating, mirrors with integrated shelving, or vanities with built-in laundry hampers dramatically increase functionality without cluttering the limited floor plan.

This strategy is about maximising utility, not just adding storage. A well-chosen multi-functional piece can solve several common small-bathroom problems at once, such as a lack of seating, insufficient towel storage, and a place to conceal laundry. For homeowners in Eastbourne, especially those in terraced houses or apartments where space is at a premium, this is a highly practical and stylish solution that elevates the room’s usability. It’s a clever way to update your bathroom on a budget by investing in pieces that deliver exceptional value.

Successful Implementations in East Sussex

We've seen this concept applied creatively in various local settings to great effect:

• Family Homes in Hampden Park: A sturdy storage bench with a moisture-resistant finish provides a safe spot for children to sit while also hiding away bath toys and extra towels.

• Mezzanine Apartments at the Marina: Sleek, mirrored cabinets with hidden charging points for electric toothbrushes and shavers keep surfaces clear and modernise the space.

• Victorian Guesthouses: Custom-built vanity units designed and installed by our team at Harrlie Plumbing and Heating have incorporated discreet laundry hampers and pull-out shelving, making them perfect for compact en-suites in Eastbourne’s many guesthouses.

Actionable Tips for Installation

To integrate multi-functional pieces successfully, keep these points in mind:

• Prioritise Primary Function: Decide which function is most important. If you desperately need seating, choose a piece that is comfortable and sturdy first, with storage as a secondary benefit.

• Check Materials: Ensure all materials, from wood finishes to upholstery fabric, are specifically designed to withstand the high humidity of a bathroom environment to prevent warping, mould, or mildew.

• Measure Everything: Before buying, measure not only the space where the item will go but also the doorways and hallways it must pass through. This is a simple step that is often overlooked.

• Consider Accessibility: Think about how you will access each function in daily use. A storage lid should be easy to lift, and integrated drawers should not be blocked by the door or other fixtures.

6. Large Format Tiles and Continuous Surfaces

One of the most powerful bathroom design ideas for small spaces involves thinking big with your surfaces. Using large format tiles (typically 30x60cm or larger) or continuous surfaces like porcelain slabs creates fewer grout lines. This lack of visual interruption tricks the eye into seeing one seamless, expansive surface, making the entire bathroom feel larger, cleaner, and more cohesive.

This technique is about minimising visual clutter. The fewer lines breaking up the floor and walls, the more open and serene the space appears. It’s a modern approach that lends a touch of luxury and is particularly effective in compact shower enclosures or wet rooms. For professional advice on selecting the right materials for your space, our guide on how to choose bathroom tiles offers detailed insights.

Successful Implementations in East Sussex

We've seen this design principle transform small bathrooms across the region:

• Modern Meads Apartments: In new apartment developments in the Meads area of Eastbourne, large-format, marble-effect porcelain tiles are used from floor to ceiling to create a luxurious, hotel-inspired feel without overwhelming the space.

• Victorian Terrace Conversions: To modernise compact bathrooms in converted Victorian terraces in Eastbourne, continuous microcement surfaces on floors and in shower areas provide a seamless, contemporary finish that contrasts beautifully with period features.

• Coastal Holiday Lets: In smaller holiday lets near the coast, large, sandy-coloured tiles create an unbroken visual flow, enhancing the feeling of a bright and spacious retreat. The Harrlie team often recommends this for landlords looking for a durable, low-maintenance finish.

Actionable Tips for Installation

To maximise the benefits of this approach, precise installation is key:

• Choose Rectified Tiles: Opt for rectified tiles, which have been mechanically finished to have precise, straight edges. This allows for the tightest possible grout lines, enhancing the seamless effect.

• Match Grout Colour: Use a grout colour that closely matches the tile itself. This helps the grout lines to recede visually, contributing to the illusion of a single, continuous surface.

• Plan the Layout: A professional from Harrlie Plumbing and Heating will meticulously plan the tile layout to minimise cuts and avoid awkward slivers of tile at the edges of the room.

• Ensure a Level Subfloor: Large format tiles are less forgiving of uneven surfaces. It is essential to ensure the subfloor is perfectly level before installation begins, a critical preparation step our team always undertakes.

7. Recessed and Built-in Storage Niches

One of the cleverest bathroom design ideas for small spaces is to claim storage from within your walls. Recessed or built-in niches utilise the empty space between wall studs, creating valuable storage that doesn't protrude into the room. This technique turns structural cavities into functional, stylish features for everything from toiletries in the shower to decorative items above the loo.

This approach is the ultimate space-saver, as it adds storage with zero impact on the bathroom’s physical footprint. By building into the wall, you maintain clean lines and an uncluttered feel, which is essential for making a small room feel larger. In older Eastbourne properties, where walls can be thicker, there is often even more potential depth to create surprisingly generous recessed shelving, a task where professional planning is key to success.

Successful Implementations in East Sussex

We've seen this streamlined storage solution work wonders in various local settings:

• Modern Wet Rooms: In new-build apartments near the Sovereign Harbour, custom-tiled, waterproofed shower niches provide a seamless and high-end look, keeping shampoos and soaps neatly off the floor.

• Victorian Bathroom Renovations: In terraced houses in Meads, a tall, recessed shelving unit built into a non-load-bearing wall can replace a bulky freestanding cabinet, preserving floor space. Harrlie Plumbing and Heating has extensive experience creating these features.

• Compact En-suites: A recessed, mirrored medicine cabinet above the basin in a small en-suite offers hidden storage without the visual weight of a surface-mounted unit.

Actionable Tips for Installation

To integrate recessed storage effectively, consider these crucial points:

• Plan Early: The ideal time to incorporate niches is during a renovation or the initial build phase. A specialist from Harrlie Plumbing and Heating can identify suitable non-load-bearing walls and plan around existing pipework and wiring.

• Prioritise Waterproofing: For niches inside a shower or wet room, professional waterproofing is non-negotiable. Using systems like Schluter-KERDI-BOARD ensures a fully sealed, mould-resistant installation.

• Think About Proportions: Design your niche to fit your most-used items. Measure tall shampoo bottles and ensure there's enough height, and consider adding a small shelf for soap bars or razors.

• Incorporate Subtle Lighting: For a truly luxurious touch, consider adding a small, waterproof LED downlight at the top of the niche. This creates a beautiful focal point and adds a layer of ambient light.

8. Embrace a Smaller Footprint with Compact and Wall-Mounted Toilets

Another one of the most transformative bathroom design ideas for small spaces is to rethink the toilet's form and placement. A wall-mounted or ‘wall-hung’ toilet conceals its cistern within the wall, creating a clean, minimalist look that makes the bathroom feel significantly larger. By lifting the bowl off the floor, it frees up valuable visual space and makes cleaning the floor underneath effortless.

This design choice is not just about aesthetics; it is a powerful space-saving solution. The tank is hidden, and the bowl itself often has a more compact projection than traditional close-coupled models, saving crucial inches in a tight layout. For properties where every centimetre counts, such as a new downstairs cloakroom installation, this can make a world of difference. The team at Harrlie Plumbing and Heating can expertly install the necessary frame and cistern within your stud wall, ensuring a secure and flawless finish.

Successful Implementations in East Sussex

We've installed these space-saving toilets in a variety of local settings, with excellent results:

• Modern Meads Apartments: Sleek wall-hung toilets from brands like Duravit are a popular choice in the modern apartments of Meads, contributing to a high-end, uncluttered aesthetic.

• Victorian Terrace En-suites: In converted loft en-suites within Eastbourne's Victorian terraces, a compact back-to-wall toilet offers a compromise, hiding the cistern in a slimline unit to save space without major wall construction.

• New Build Homes in Willingdon: A current trend we're seeing at Harrlie Plumbing and Heating for new builds aiming for a contemporary feel is the use of Kohler wall-mounted toilets, providing a touch of luxury and maximum space efficiency.

Actionable Tips for Installation

To ensure a seamless and reliable installation, consider these key points:

• Confirm Wall Integrity: The first step is a professional assessment. Harrlie Plumbing and Heating must verify your wall can support the mounting frame and a load capacity of over 200kg to ensure safety and stability.

• Plan for Maintenance Access: Choose a model with a high-quality flush plate that provides easy access to the concealed cistern for any future maintenance needs.

• Consider Comfort Height: Many wall-hung models can be installed at a custom ‘comfort height’, offering better ergonomics, which is particularly beneficial for taller individuals or those with mobility issues.

• Integrate Smart Features: If you're considering a smart toilet or bidet seat, ensure that an electrical supply is planned and installed safely within the wall cavity during the initial fitting. You can learn more about the specifics in our guide to downstairs toilet installation.

8 Key Bathroom Design Ideas Compared

Your Next Step to a Better Bathroom in Eastbourne

Transforming a compact bathroom from a cramped, cluttered area into a serene and functional sanctuary is no small feat, but as we've explored, it is entirely achievable. The journey from envisioning your ideal space to enjoying the finished result is paved with strategic choices. By embracing innovative bathroom design ideas for small spaces, you can fundamentally alter the perception and utility of even the most modest room in your home.

The key takeaways from our guide centre on a few core principles: maximising floor space, utilising vertical real estate, and creating an illusion of openness. From the visual lift provided by floating vanities and wall-mounted toilets to the practical genius of corner shower enclosures and pocket doors, each idea works to reclaim valuable square footage. We saw how clever storage, such as over-toilet cabinets and recessed shower niches, can keep surfaces clear and organised, which is crucial for maintaining a sense of calm and order. Furthermore, the strategic use of large format tiles creates seamless surfaces that trick the eye, making the room feel larger and more cohesive.

Turning Inspiration into Reality

The true value of these concepts lies in their combined application. Imagine a Victorian terrace home in the Meads area of Eastbourne, where a small, awkwardly shaped bathroom is a common challenge. By integrating a wall-hung toilet and a floating vanity, you instantly open up the floor. Add a sleek, frameless glass corner shower, and the room feels brighter and less segmented. For landlords in nearby Bexhill or Hastings, implementing these durable and stylish solutions not only enhances tenant satisfaction but can also add tangible value to the rental property. It’s about more than just aesthetics; it’s about smart, long-term investment in your property’s functionality.

Mastering these design approaches means you are no longer limited by the physical dimensions of your bathroom. Instead, you are empowered to create a space that is both beautiful and perfectly tailored to your lifestyle. The difference between a merely functional bathroom and a truly exceptional one often comes down to expert planning and professional execution. This is where specialised knowledge in plumbing, tiling, and installation becomes invaluable, ensuring that every element, from hidden pipework to flawless tile lines, contributes to the final, polished result. A well-executed design not only looks stunning but also functions flawlessly for years to come.

Ready to bring these sophisticated bathroom design ideas for small spaces to life in your Eastbourne home? The expert team at Harrlie Plumbing and Heating specialises in transforming compact bathrooms into stylish, high-functioning spaces. Contact us today at Harrlie Plumbing and Heating for a no-obligation consultation and let us help you build the beautiful, practical bathroom you deserve.