Knowing how to maximise small bathrooms, ensuites or cloakrooms can transform a compact and often challenging room into a beautiful, practical bathroom for you and the family. At Russ Deacon Home Improvements, we understand the unique demands of each property and specialise in creating bespoke bathroom designs that make the most of every inch.
Small bathrooms don’t need to feel cramped or limited – with the right approach, they can be just as luxurious, comfortable, and stylish as larger rooms.

Why Bespoke Design is Essential
When considering how to maximise small bathrooms, bespoke design is one of the most powerful solutions. Standard bathroom suites often fail to fit awkward layouts, sloped ceilings, or period property quirks that are common in many homes.
Every property is different. Older townhouses, seaside cottages, and modern apartments often come with compact bathrooms that require a tailored approach. This is where bespoke design truly excels. Rather than trying to squeeze in standard-sized units, our design team creates custom-built solutions that make use of every available centimetre, without making the room feel cluttered or uncomfortable.
By designing made-to-measure cabinetry, custom vanity units, and carefully planned layouts, we ensure that the room feels open, balanced, and elegant. Bespoke solutions also allow clients to select materials, finishes, and features that match their personal style while addressing the specific challenges of the space provided.
Clever Storage Solutions
One of the most important aspects of understanding how to maximise small bathrooms is managing storage intelligently. Without adequate storage, clutter can quickly overwhelm a small area. The goal is to create storage that blends seamlessly into the design, offering function without sacrificing style.
Some of the most effective storage solutions include:
- Recessed shelving: Built directly into walls, recessed shelves provide discreet storage for toiletries and accessories, reducing the need for bulky cabinets.
- Wall-mounted cabinets: Floating storage units keep the floor space clear, making the room feel larger while offering generous storage capacity.
- Built-in niches: These work particularly well in shower areas, offering a tidy and attractive way to store bottles and toiletries.
- Custom vanity units: Designed specifically for the available space, these units combine countertop space with hidden storage, helping to maintain a clean and organised look.
- Mirrors: this always helps to grow the space for you!
By investing in bespoke storage solutions, homeowners can ensure that everything has a place, reducing visual clutter and creating a calm, spa-like atmosphere even in the smallest of bathrooms.

Use Light and Reflective Finishes
Another crucial strategy when exploring how to maximise small bathrooms is the use of light and reflective surfaces. Colour and finish choices can dramatically influence how spacious a room feels.
Soft, neutral tones like warm whites, soft greys, and calming creams open up the space, while reflective materials such as glossy tiles and mirrors amplify natural and artificial light. Installing a large mirror or mirrored cabinet can visually double the size of the room, while glossy vinyl floors, like those from Karndean Flooring, add a luxurious, contemporary feel.
Frameless glass shower enclosures, chrome fixtures, and high-gloss cabinetry all contribute to the illusion of a larger, brighter bathroom. Our design team works closely with clients to select the perfect combination of colours, finishes, and textures that make the most of both space and style.
Selecting the Right Fixtures
Choosing appropriate fixtures is another key element when determining how to maximise small bathrooms. Oversized bathtubs or bulky basins can overwhelm a compact space, but carefully chosen alternatives can provide comfort without compromising space.
Options include:
- Wall-hung toilets and basins: These fixtures free up valuable floor space and create a floating effect, contributing to a sense of openness.
- Walk-in showers with clear glass panels: Frameless glass creates a seamless transition across the room, eliminating visual barriers.
- Compact baths: Freestanding or back-to-wall baths in smaller dimensions still offer a luxurious soak without dominating the room.
- Corner basins and showers: These designs make excellent use of awkward corners, freeing up the centre of the room.
With a bespoke design approach, we tailor each fixture to the client’s needs and the bathroom’s dimensions, ensuring functionality, comfort, and elegance are perfectly balanced.
Luxury Finishing Touches Complete the Look
Even in a small bathroom, luxury can be achieved with careful attention to detail. High-end finishes and features can turn a practical space into a personal retreat. When considering how to maximise small bathrooms, these luxury touches can make a significant difference:
- Underfloor heating: Adds warmth without the need for visible radiators.
- Heated towel rails: Offer both practicality and comfort.
- Bespoke lighting: Carefully positioned lighting highlights features and adds ambience.
- High-quality taps and shower heads: Deliver both performance and visual appeal.
- Bespoke tiling: Feature walls or patterned tiles bring character and depth to a small room.
At Russ Deacon Home Improvements, we help clients select materials and features that reflect their taste while improving the practicality and luxury of their small bathrooms.
How to Maximise Small Bathrooms with Expert Guidance
Learning how to maximise small bathrooms requires experience, creativity, and skilled craftsmanship. At Russ Deacon Home Improvements, our team brings decades of expertise to every project, working closely with homeowners to create bathrooms that are both stunning and practical, regardless of size.
We understand that every home is unique, and every client has different priorities, whether that is maximising storage, creating a calming retreat, or incorporating luxurious details. Our bespoke design process ensures that no detail is overlooked, and every centimetre of space is used to its full potential.

Speak to Russ Deacon Today
If you are looking for ideas on how to maximise small bathrooms in your home, we are here to help. With a blend of bespoke design, innovative solutions, and exceptional craftsmanship, Russ Deacon Home Improvements can turn even the smallest bathroom into a room you love.
Contact us today on 01323 642075 to arrange your personal design consultation. Alternatively, visit our showroom at 369 Seaside, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN22 7RP, where you can meet our experienced team and explore a wide range of design options to inspire your project.