I’m an interiors expert – lino is a huge no on your bathroom floor, and people always waste their fifth wall

It’s probably the most used room in your home, but messy floors, questionable color schemes, and boring fixtures could degrade your small bathroom.

Design experts from various British homeware brands have shared their top tips for filling even the smallest toilets with charm and character.

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From lighting tips to flooring and the color of your walls, our experts will take care of your bathroom redesign.

And here they reveal which mistakes you should avoid immediately…

Natural light

Abbas Youseffi, design director at Porcelain supermarketsays natural light can make a big difference in your small bathroom.

He says it’s important to think about how the materials bring in the light.

And he added that the best way to keep it nice and bright is to use surfaces that reflect light.

Abbas said: “In a small bathroom you have to make the most of the natural light you have.”

“So you have to think about what materials you use and how they reflect the light in the room.”

“Matte surfaces like natural stone don’t work well in small spaces, especially with limited light.

“Choose reflective surfaces instead. Shiny or metallic surfaces and a big old mirror.”

“When you’re finished, you can reflect the light and create a space that feels spacious in a small space.”

Aha moments

Abbas says it’s also important not to neglect the choice of lighting and to prioritize function over form.

But there is one big mistake to avoid.

He warns against viewing a lamp as an afterthought and avoiding classic spotlights.

He said: “Bathroom design has increased significantly in recent years, and bathroom lighting has followed suit – meaning there is plenty to choose from when it comes to stunning pendant lights, statement wall lights and moody mirror lighting.”

linoleum

If there’s one absolute no-no for your small bathroom, it’s linoleum on your floor.

Abbas says linoleum is “an absolute taboo!”

Instead, he suggests using some statement tiles for the small space, such as checkerboard tiles.

And as an added tip, he recommends using the same tiles from floor to ceiling.

He says: “Nothing ages a room more than the dreaded vinyl floor.”

“Choose statement flooring in a small space.

“Checkerboard tiles are a classic for small bathrooms, or to create a sense of depth and space, go all out and use the same tiles from the floor to the walls and even around the bathtub.”

And while bathrooms used to avoid wood, there are now wood-look tiles that, according to Abbas, “not only look great, but also contribute to a timeless look.”

He added: “The really nice thing about decorating a small space is that it doesn’t take much to create a luxurious finish, so go all out with an elaborate floor.”

It’s not just about color

The walls of your bathroom don’t have to be plain and bare with just one coat of paint.

Our experts say you can spruce up your walls to transform the room.

Tim Dixon from Nice walls says wallpaper can be a good tool and he has a top tip for making it last.

Tim said: “Colour can be boring.

“For an instant design update, choose a feature that will transform the look of your bathroom.

“Sealing your wallpaper with a coat of decorative varnish will help seal it and protect it from the effects of moisture in the bathroom.”

Here too, Abbas recommends using tiles on the wall.

He adds: “Ribbed tiles are having a REAL moment right now and look amazing on walls.”

“You can even get fluted wood-look tiles to achieve the wood-slat look.

“These tiles add some instant wow and are super easy to maintain and install.”

But if you want to keep it simple with a brush and can, use paint.

Victoria Yardley by Victory colors says bright and bold is the way to go.

She says: “While bathrooms can feel cold and clinical, bright colors and bold patterns will breathe life into bathrooms.”

Don’t ignore the fifth wall

One part of the bathroom that is almost always neglected is the fifth wall: the ceiling.

Every bathroom, even the smallest, has an extra wall that you can use as a blank canvas and replace the bright white color we usually see.

Victoria says it provides another blank canvas on which to get creative.

She says, “Who wants to sit back in the bath and stare at a white sheet?”

“Channel the calming energy of blue or harness the revitalizing power of a red hue.”

“Or why not wallpaper it with a botanical jungle print that you can really get lost in.”

Warm up

We all want our bathroom to be cozy, but you could be making a very costly mistake.

Rob Nezard, MD of UK radiatorsstates that you don’t need both a radiator and a towel rail.

He says this will make your bathroom look messy and you’ll end up paying extra energy bills.

Rob says: “Not only does it take up space, it can look messy and end up costing you extra money for the energy they both use.”

“A good towel rail or towel radiator is ideal for a small bathroom.

“It can do anything you want it to do, and there’s something to suit any design scheme.”

“Choose a matte black to complement a monochrome look, a Victorian style for more traditional bathrooms, or a brushed brass finish to match the latest trends.”

And Rob recommends that if you want warm towels all year round, you should invest in a dual fuel distribution system that works without having to turn on your central heating.

Storage solutions

If you’re really short on space, it’s important not to overcrowd the floor.

The experts suggest adding shelves made from materials that enhance the theme of your bathroom – be it an upcycled cabinet or separate shelves – you can use the walls to your advantage.

You can also place your toilet paper rolls there to avoid unnecessary clutter on your floors.

And if you have space, you can add a touch of green to your small space with some hanging potted plants.

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