Full article first published on Houzz

Amanda Pollard, Houzz Contributor

For every bijou bathroom dilemma, there's always a solution.

Check out these great ideas to help you address the challenges that may come up when designing your compact washroom.

Free up floor space

Problem: You’re feeling crammed in your tiny bathroom

Solution: Create the illusion of space by freeing up the floor area. Choose wall-hung sinks and toilets that float above ground and leave the area below clear. Your washroom will feel airier, and you’ll create some versatile storage space for stowing baskets or wastepaper bins beneath the sink.

Look for bathroom pictures

Build in to awkward areas

Problem: Your loft bathroom’s sloping roof is presenting a challenge

Solution: Take the opportunity to be creative with your design and build right into the space. Here, the designers have used every inch by constructing a mirrored unit that fits snugly into the eaves. The toilet has been placed directly below the shortest area, which leaves more vertical room for standing at the washbasin.

Keen to make the most of your loft? Kit it out with these clever storage solutions

Create extra storage

Problem: You’ve squeezed in your shower, loo and sink, but now you’re left with zero room for storage.

Solution: Rather than use up valuable space, create some extra areas by getting a builder or joiner to cut into the wall. In this compact washroom, storage niches have been built into the shower area and wall above the toilet providing plenty of space for towels and toiletries.

Be a space invader

Problem: You’re unable to build recessed shelving, or you need even more storage

Solution: Think creatively about your small-space storage and look around for under-used areas, such as the foot of the bath. Here, a simple platform has been built above the ledge to give two tiers of storage instead of one.

Make the most of small areas, such as wall space beside a window or a high spot above the doorway, and construct shelves to fit. Even a small shelf can be useful for storing toiletries.

Light up a windowless room

Problem: Your bathroom is tucked into a room with no windows and it feels a little dark

Solution: Think carefully about your lighting design to include as much illumination as possible. Incorporate both overhead fittings and ones around the mirror to reflect the light around the room.

You could also make a feature of your lighting, as they’ve done here with LED strips concealed within the ceiling recesses. The alcoves give off a diffused light, which creates a pretty dappled glow on the grey walls.

Fit in a shower and bath

Problem: There’s not enough space for the separate shower and bath you’ve always wanted

Solution: In this cleverly designed wash space, a wet room floor means there’s no need for a dedicated shower enclosure. Instead, the designers have installed a showerhead next to the bath. A neat screen divides the space from the rest of the room, but the transparent glass keeps it looking airy.

Planning a wet room? Here’s what to consider.

Style up your over-the-bath shower

Problem: You still can’t include a separate shower space, but want to make a feature of your fittings

Solution: Here, the on-trend black shower has turned an over-bath spray into a stylish statement. If you don’t fancy black, you could go for another finish, such as copper.

Pop in a basin

Problem: The room is so tiny, there’s not even space for a sink

Solution: Get round this by opting for a very small washbasin, and maximise space by fixing your taps to the wall. This round sink fits perfectly into the area and the neat tap and faucet above don’t take up too much room.

Find bathroom basins and sinks on Houzz