Small Bathroom Mistakes to Avoid

5 things I’d Never Do As An Architect In A Small Bathroom (think anything under 2.3 x 2m).

Whether you're renovating or designing from scratch, these practical tips will help you avoid common design pitfalls that make tight spaces feel even more cramped.

🛁 Key Takeaways:
1️⃣ Optimize layout: The most efficient arrangement? Sink, Toilet, Shower—in that order.
2️⃣ Skip the bath: A generous shower keeps things open and makes the space feel larger.
3️⃣ Toilet clearance: Make sure there’s at least 900mm x 1500mm of clear space for comfort!
4️⃣ Heated towel rail placement: No one wants to wrestle with a damp towel—place it thoughtfully.
5️⃣ Ventilation matters: If a window isn’t possible, invest in powerful mechanical ventilation to prevent mold and keep the air fresh.

[curtismcmillan]

shower only = open and spacious feeling

bathtub = stress relief
washing unusual items (rugs, duvets)
washing pets
washing small children
storing water during emergencies
makeshift esky
cold immersion therapy
epsom salt baths
alone time in busy households

one tub per household is the best of both worlds!

[rosemarysarsfield]

Im going to have to diagree with the only shower no bathtub. I think youre assuming that if the bathroom is that small there is another one somewhere in the home, but ive never lived anywhere with more than bathroom and theyve all always been the small layout youre describing (sink, toilet, shower/tub in a line on one wall). So since its my only bathroom the shower/tub combo is a must! I would never live anywhere without a tub.

[leab.]

Wtf! Bath and shower combo is amazing. Practicality of shower, relaxing factor of a good bath, children, soaking big items that need a wash, space saving.

[Alina-yjnd]

Bath and shower together was the best decision for our extra small bathroom. It is super comfortable and relaxing. I would say 100% better than having it separate . Really, I do not know where it is coming from!!!!

[e.m.powered]

Regardless of space I am always a “shower over bath” person. Best of both worlds.

[richardstokes]

Not just a powerful fan, but a ventilation path for make up air. If you take the air out, it has to be replaced… undercuts or ventilation grilles in doors are needed.

[ag]

As someone who absolutely hates baths and hasn't had a bath in probably a couple of decades, I definitely wouldn't buy a house without a bathtub in it. Babies, animals, blankets, etc. are all best washed/soaked in a bath. Moreover, the resale value of a bathroom with a bathtub/ shower combo is higher than one with just a shower because more people want a bath in their home than people who don't. Obviously, if you have more than 1 bathroom in your home, then both rooms don't need a bath. However, if you only have 1 bathroom in your home, then making it without a bath and shower is not the way to go. I do really like towel warmers, but I wouldn't put the need for 1 over the need for a bath. You can always just put your towels in the dryer for 2 minutes or buy a portable towel warmer for 20 bucks off of your nearest home goods store/ internet marketplace.

[txgh]

Don’t listen to the first one if you plan to sell your home in the UK, having a bath will increase the resale value

[AuroraBorealis-lg]

I used to hate having bath and shower and always wanted a nice and big shower...but then I started working in sales where I am mostly on my feet, doing lots of travel and many trade shows, so when I come home, a nice hot bath is the best remedy to a crazy week. I think it depends on your lifestyle. I am the only person in the house that uses the tub...

[angelacarroll]

I have a small bathroom, just big enough for a bath, shower, toilet and basin/vanity unit with mirrored doors. It served a family of six for many years. (2nd toilet outside).
Planning was important. A shower with opaque side & door, so others could use toilet at the same time, or an adult could shower same time a child washed in the bath. There were clashes sometimes, in timing, but overall, we had to make it work 😊

[sjxveru]

❤ ALWAYS, loved a shower only sitcuation, never took baths, taught all my kids to shower from six months, well worth it.
not a fan of windows IN the shower stall either, too much maintainance.

lol so many toilets are placed in tight areas, need to almost put your head in the toilet to reach around & clean the under parts, of course poshies hire somebody to clean for them.

[valerieann]

I love the new curb less showers. So much easier to clean and use if disabled

[nieuwegeljo]

You forgot one issue: never place the toilet paper holder behind someone!! I have seen this so often and it is a nuisance.

[bluefishhh]

Removing the bath lowers value of house and restricts buyer segment (especially parents of young children who need to bathe their kids)

[sugarplumk]

I really think I might need to get you in to redesign our bathroom!

We have a separate toilet with small sink. The bathroom is small, with bath and a shower next to it. On the other wall is the entrance door with a sink and vanity. Empty nesters now but we rarely use the bath. I wouldn’t want to not have a bath in the house but it rarely gets used now. Might have grandchildren one day 🥰 We do have a window but it’s not enough so we will install an extractor fan. At the moment we’re using a dehumidifier. We do have a shower in our tiny ensuite so we could lose the shower in the main bathroom or have one over the bath for occasional use but that’s not ideal IMO. That was food for thought. Thank you! 🙏

[InnaDanceUA]

My biggest regret in my apartment is agreeing for the shower instead of a bath. I thought it was not critical as I was taking a shower 99% of the time anyway. But I didn't realise how crucial it is till it is gone. Don't make my mistake.

[mrspontiac]

No bath does look spacious, but when you only have one small bathroom it doesn't make sense to not have a bath in there, both in practical and house-value terms.

[kimberley]

Sorry, but if I don't have the room for a separate shower and bath - I'm having a combo. I want the best of both world and I'm poor.

[Rosebud]

Yes and something else is not to put the toilet next to the bath! Who wants to relax next to the crapper?

[MintyCanRead]

It's actually an absolute deal-breaker for me if the toilet is next to the shower/bath.