A small bathroom looks bigger when it has as much open floor as possible, light and consistent surfaces, a single tile size and good lighting. You gain the most space with a level-access shower instead of a bath, a wall-hung toilet and furniture that does not stand on the floor. Below are small bathroom ideas for the kind of rooms you find in apartment blocks and attic conversions across Slovenia and much of Central Europe.
Layout: where to put the shower, toilet and basin
In a small bathroom everything starts with the floor plan. Draw the room to scale, mark the door, window and waste pipes, and try out two or three layouts. The fewer things you move, the lower the cost, because relocating the drain is usually the most demanding part of a bathroom renovation.
A shower instead of a bath
A level-access shower with a linear drain and a fixed glass panel takes up less room than a bath, and the floor visually runs all the way to the wall. Keep the glass clear, without frosted patterns, so the eye can travel through it. If you cannot give up the bath, choose a shorter or asymmetric model and fit a glass screen above it instead of a curtain.
Wall-hung toilet and concealed cistern
A wall-hung toilet with the cistern built into the wall frees up the floor and makes cleaning easier. The concealed frame also creates a ledge above the toilet for soap, a plant or towels. In older buildings, check the wall depth and the position of the waste pipe, as the frame sometimes has to sit slightly forward.
Sliding doors
A door that opens inwards often takes exactly the patch of floor you need most. A sliding door along the wall or a pocket door that disappears into it solves the problem, while an outward-opening door is a cheaper option if the hallway allows it.
Furniture for a small bathroom
Bathroom furniture should be shallow, wall-hung and closed. Open shelves quickly look cluttered, while closed cabinets calm the room down.
- Wall-hung vanity unit – choose a shallower model, and the floor beneath stays visible.
- Mirror cabinet – replaces a wall shelf and hides toiletries; with built-in lighting it also lights your face.
- Recessed shower niches – instead of shampoo baskets; they are easiest to build during the renovation, while the walls are open.
- Tall narrow cabinet – uses the height of the room, which is key in small bathrooms.
- Washer and dryer stacked – if both have to go in the bathroom, stack them in a cabinet with doors.
When choosing materials, go for moisture-resistant boards and edging, because ordinary chipboard swells quickly in a damp room.
Colours, tiles and lighting
Light, warm neutrals (white, sand, pale grey, beige) reflect light and open up the room. That does not mean everything has to be white: one darker wall behind the basin or a coloured tile in the shower adds depth, as long as the rest stays calm.
Large tiles and fewer grout lines
Larger formats such as 60 × 60 or 60 × 120 cm mean fewer grout lines and a more uniform surface. Using the same tiles on floor and walls blurs the line between them and makes the bathroom feel larger. Terrazzo tiles are a good choice if you want pattern: the small flecks of colour are not overpowering but add character. Use them on one surface, for example the floor, and keep the walls plain.
Two types of lighting
A single ceiling light is not enough. Combine general lighting (downlights or a flush ceiling fitting) with lighting around the mirror that does not cast shadows on your face. An LED strip under the vanity or in a niche gives a soft night light and highlights the open floor. In bathrooms, choose fittings with a suitable moisture rating (the IP code), especially near the shower.
A bathroom without tiles: microcement and other options
More and more people are choosing a bathroom without tiles. A grout-free surface looks bigger and is easier to clean, and with some solutions the old tiles do not even have to come off.
| Option | Advantages | What to watch |
|---|---|---|
| Microcement | Thin layer, no grout lines, can go over sound existing tiles | Needs an experienced applicator, a proper substrate and a protective sealer; price depends on the contractor |
| Waterproof decorative plasters and coatings | Soft, natural look, suited to walls outside the shower | In the shower they need waterproofing and sealing |
| Wall panels (composite, laminate, PVC) | Quick to fit, little mess, cheaper | Quality of joints and edges determines how long they last |
| Large-format tiles | Very few joints, durable, a proven solution | Harder to lay, need a flat substrate |
The price of microcement per square metre varies a lot between contractors, so ask for at least three quotes and check that each one includes substrate preparation, waterproofing in the shower and the final protective coat. Ask for references too, ideally photos of bathrooms that have been in use for a few years.
Attic and rustic bathrooms
An attic bathroom has sloping ceilings that make the room look smaller, but they can be used well. Put the shower under the highest part of the ceiling and the toilet and basin where a little less headroom is fine. Build low fitted cupboards under the lowest part of the slope. A roof window above the shower or basin brings in plenty of daylight and makes airing easier.
A rustic bathroom can feel warm even in a small space if you do not overdo it. Pick one natural material, such as a wooden shelf or a timber vanity top, add ceramics in earthy tones and taps in matt black or brass. The wood should be treated for damp rooms and must not sit directly in the shower.
Renovating a small bathroom in a block of flats
A small bathroom renovation is often the first step of a larger apartment makeover, so the same building rules apply.
- Shared risers – the main water and sewage pipes are common parts of the building. Talk to the building manager before any work, especially if you want to replace or box them in.
- Waterproofing – apply it in and around the shower beneath the tiles or microcement. A leak in a block of flats damages not only your home but also the neighbours below.
- Ventilation – windowless bathrooms need an extractor fan, ideally with an overrun timer or humidity sensor, to prevent mould.
- Noisy work – follow the house rules and let your neighbours know in advance.
- Order of work – plumbing, wiring and waterproofing first, then tiles or other finishes, and furniture and lights last.
Frequently asked questions
How can I make a small bathroom look bigger?
By freeing up the floor: a level-access shower with a glass panel, a wall-hung toilet and wall-hung furniture. Light colours, large tiles or grout-free surfaces, a big mirror and good lighting also help.
Is a bath or a shower better for a small bathroom?
Usually a shower, because it takes up less room and looks lighter. A bath makes sense if you use it regularly or bathe small children; in that case choose a shorter or asymmetric model.
Can microcement be applied over old tiles?
Often yes, if the tiles are firmly fixed and the substrate is stable. Let the contractor decide after an inspection, because covering cracked or hollow tiles is not recommended.
What is the best colour for a small bathroom?
Light, warm neutrals such as white, sand and pale grey. You can use a darker shade on one wall or in a niche to give the room depth.
