Ensuite bathrooms : design that makes good space-sense

Although it's often one of the smallest spaces in the home, the ensuite bathroom can also be one of the most used – so space is an important commodity. Here are some ideas for ensuite bathrooms to make the most of available space.

Let's face it: who doesn't enjoy room to move in an ensuite bathroom? According to Rebecca Jaeschke, general manager of Bathroom Concepts, an efficient design is imperative to making an ensuite bathroom feel luxurious and spacious. "After all, everyone likes somewhere to relax and unwind at the end of a long day," she says.

Making space work in your ensuite bathroom design

Rebecca's tips for building a space-efficient ensuite bathroom include working with the minimum space requirements when positioning items such as the toilet and shower. "But make sure that doors don't block the entry or conflict upon opening," she says.

When designing ensuite bathrooms, it's important to be realistic about the space you have to work with. "Select appropriate fittings to suit the size of the space," Rebecca advises. While a corner spa bath may be the ultimate in luxury, if you don't have enough room it will result in a cramped ensuite.

Adequate bench space is a must, to ensure that the bathroom is easy to use and you're not constantly juggling your toiletries. Likewise, storage in an ensuite bathroom is all-important. If space is really tight, consider recessed storage units to take advantage of the room inside the wall cavity.

Create a light and bright ensuite bathroom

Alternatively, Rebecca says the illusion of space can be created in your ensuite bathroom design through generous lighting, lighter-coloured wall and floor tiles and wall-mounted fixtures such as toilets and vanity units. "Large tiles also make an area feel bigger and you have less grout lines to clean," she says. "Small tiles create more lines and can appear busy and cluttered."

Plenty of natural light also works wonders to create a greater feeling of openness in a small ensuite bathroom. "If you're unable to have a window in the ensuite, consider installing an opening skylight," suggests Rebecca. "This draws in natural light and provides ventilation inside the ensuite."

Rebecca's final tip for success in building or renovating ensuite bathrooms is to include a large mirror and a clear frameless shower screen rather than a traditional shower enclosure. "The reflective properties of these can further add a sense of openness to the space," she says.

For more great ideas for building a space-efficient ensuite, contact a bathroom designer in your area: