8 bold design choices that make a small bathroom feel more luxurious
You don't need a major renovation to create a luxurious bathroom
It's often said that small spaces provide the perfect opportunity to be bold with your design choices, and for good reason.
For one, decorating a compact room can feel far less daunting than tackling a larger space, making it easier to commit to a striking colour, pattern or material.
Small rooms also tend to be spaces we spend less time in, which often gives us the confidence to be more adventurous and experiment with ideas we might shy away from elsewhere in the home.
Bathrooms are a prime example. Whether it's decorative antiques, richly coloured tiles or a statement basin, embracing bolder design choices can transform a purely functional room into one that feels full of personality. Better still, because the footprint is smaller, the cost of investing in higher-end materials or decorative details is often more manageable, allowing you to create a luxurious look without the budget of a larger renovation.
Punchy tiling
Punchy patterned tiles bring energy and vibrancy to any space, and with countless designs and colour combinations available, they can be tailored to suit your individual style. An all-over tiled scheme is particularly effective in a wet room, creating an immersive, cocooning feel. To prevent the space from feeling overwhelming, keep the ceiling plain and uncluttered.
In bathrooms designed for longer, more leisurely use, particularly those with a bath, a lighter, more open approach may be preferable. Interior designer Sarah Southwell, for example, balances deep blue tiles along the lower half of the walls with a paler shade above, creating depth without sacrificing brightness.
When it comes to finishes, gloss tiles are a smart choice, helping to reflect light and enhance the sense of space
Coloured sanitaryware
Love it or loathe it, coloured sanitaryware is back and it’s a seriously impactful way to impart style in small bathrooms. Before your mind wanders to the avocado suites of the 70s - and think I’ve gone completely mad for suggesting it - take a look at the bathrooms in Parisien hotel Les Deux Gares, designed by Luke Edward Hall, or boutique hotel, The Rose in Deal.
For a contemporary take, look to the retro-inspired collections from Bold Bathroom Co, whose pastel basins and WCs are perfectly suited to compact spaces. A turquoise suite paired with soft dusky pink walls creates a chic, understated scheme, while those who favour a more playful aesthetic can take inspiration from interior designer Sophie Robinson and embrace a vibrant combination of zesty yellow and piglet pink.
Wall sconces
While many of us live in fear of switching on the ‘big light’ in our living rooms or bedrooms, we rarely think twice about doing so in the bathroom. Ironically, despite investing considerable effort into creating restful and uplifting environments in our bedrooms, bathrooms, which also play a central role in both our morning and evening routines, are often treated as purely functional spaces.
For years, bathroom lighting has been dictated by practicality, with plain IP44-rated fittings prioritising safety over style. Thankfully, that has begun to change. The rise of rechargeable lamps, decorative wall lights - that are bathroom-safe - has transformed the way we illuminate these spaces, making it easier than ever to create a warm, layered scheme.
A wall sconce, for example, can instantly give even the smallest bathroom a luxurious, boutique-hotel feel, particularly when chosen in a brass finish. Positioned either side of a mirror or above a basin, it provides a softer, more flattering light than a single overhead fitting.
A decorative basin
The beauty of a decorative basin is that it does much of the hard work for you. Whether hand-painted, richly coloured or adorned with intricate patterns, a statement basin naturally becomes the focal point of the room, allowing the surrounding scheme to remain relatively simple. Pair it with understated tiles, pared-back fittings and a neutral palette to let its craftsmanship shine. Or, if you want to go full on with colour and pattern, just be sure to keep the area around the basin simple, as seen here with the simple olive green panelling. London Basin Co is your go-to spot for gorgeously, decorated basins.
Mixed materials
Layering different materials is one of the easiest ways to give a small bathroom depth, character and a more luxurious feel. Combining contrasting textures, think polished marble alongside richly grained wood, or glossy zellige tiles paired with brushed brass fittings, creates visual interest and prevents the space from feeling flat.
The most successful schemes balance smooth and tactile surfaces, allowing each material to complement the next. Much like a well-designed boutique hotel, a thoughtful mix of finishes adds richness and sophistication, making even the smallest bathroom feel carefully curated.
Antiques
When designing a small bathroom, it's easy to assume bespoke is the only solution. But don't overlook the charm – and practicality – of antiques. Homes were once far more compact than they are today, meaning furniture was on a smaller scale. This makes antique pieces ideal for squeezing into awkward corners and compact rooms.
A vintage chest of drawers can be transformed into a characterful vanity unit, while an antique washstand or side table can provide useful storage without dominating the space. Beyond their practical benefits, antique pieces bring warmth, individuality and a sense of history that flat-pack furniture simply can't replicate, helping even the smallest bathroom feel thoughtfully curated rather than purely functional.
Artwork
Don't let fears of moisture put you off hanging artwork in the bathroom. Thanks to better ventilation, improved extraction systems and protective glazing, incorporating art into a bathroom is easier than ever. Whether it's a gallery wall of vintage finds, a bold contemporary piece above the bath or a collection of framed sketches, artwork helps create a room that feels considered and curated. Better still, it lends the space the feel of a luxury hotel or spa, where decorative touches are given just as much thought as the fixtures and fittings themselves.
Luxury toiletries
With so many beautifully packaged products available, upgrading your toiletries is an effortless way to bring a touch of hotel-style luxury to the bathroom. Decant everyday essentials into elegant dispensers or invest in attractive bottles that deserve to be left on display. Grouped together on a tray beside the basin or bath, they instantly make the space feel more considered and indulgent.
It's a simple styling trick, but one that can elevate even the most modest bathroom, creating the impression of a high-end retreat without the need for renovation.
Daisy Bendall is the Houses Editor at Country Living and House Beautiful, where she spends her days sourcing some of the most inspiring homes across the country. Prior to specialising in real homes, Daisy worked for Good Housekeeping, Red, Elle Decoration and Prima, styling shoots, covering the latest decorating trends and hunting down the best buys for your home.
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