Content: In many UK homes, the family bathroom or en-suite is one of the smallest rooms in the house. But small doesn’t have to mean cramped. As professional bathroom designers, we know that a few clever tricks can visually expand a space, making it feel brighter, larger, and more luxurious.

A great strategy is to use large-format tiles on both the walls and floor. It might sound counterintuitive, but large tiles mean fewer grout lines. A grid of small, busy tiles chops up the space, but large, seamless tiles with a matching grout colour create an unbroken surface that makes the room feel more expansive and serene.

Choosing wall-hung fixtures is also a game-changer. A “floating” or wall-hung vanity unit and a wall-hung toilet are your best friends in a small bathroom. By lifting the fixtures off the ground, you allow the floor to flow underneath them uninterrupted, which instantly makes the room feel bigger, airier, and much easier to clean.

You should also replace any shower curtains with a clear, frameless glass screen. A curtain is a visual wall that cuts your room in half, while a glass screen is completely see-through. It keeps the sightlines open, allowing your eye to travel to the back wall, which makes the entire room feel like one continuous space.

Sticking to a light, bright colour palette is essential. Dark, bold colours can be dramatic, but in a small space, they absorb light and make the walls feel like they’re closing in. Whites, off-whites, soft greys, and light natural tones will reflect light around the room, making it feel bright and open.

Finally, maximise your light and mirrors. Good lighting is key, so use a layered plan of ceiling spotlights and wall lights by the mirror to brighten every corner. Then, install the largest mirror you can fit. A mirror not only reflects light but also reflects the view, creating an illusion of depth that can visually double the size of your space.