Boxed-in bathrooms kill projects. There’s never enough space, no matter what the spec sheet says. If your site brief calls for a modern family setup but you’re stuck with a footprint no bigger than a broom cupboard, you’ve got a problem. That’s most new builds and urban refurbs.
Here’s how to sidestep the usual bodges and actually deliver proper bathing and showering without eating half the room. Just remember, choose the wrong bath material and you’ll be back fixing cracks or flex in no time.
Why Space Wastes Most Bathrooms
Too many small bathrooms end up with compromises: skinny baths, pokey showers, and clients who hate the end result. A standard straight bath might tick the “box” on paper, but once you add a shower over the top, you’re left elbowing the glass.
That’s why L-shaped baths have become the smart choice. They give you up to 30% more usable showering space compared to a straight bath, without needing more floor area.
Why the L-Shaped Bath Wins in Small Rooms
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Extra space where it counts: The wider end lets adults and kids shower comfortably.
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Dual-purpose: Clients get a full soak and a proper shower.
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Budget-friendly: Cheaper and easier to fit than cramming in a separate enclosure.
For compact family bathrooms under 2m x 2m, L-shaped baths like the Vermont Bath solve the “too small” problem better than any straight bath.
How to Build a Small Bathroom That Works
1. Pick the Right Bath Shape
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L-shaped: Sharp, modern, and efficient.
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P-shaped: Softer curves for a contemporary look, plus even more showering space.
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For strict rectangle layouts, L-shape is the fastest fit.
2. Choose a Smart Bath Screen
Skip bulky fixed glass. Go folding, sliding, or curved for max space and better clearance.
3. Storage That Fits, Not Fills
Slim mirrored cabinets, wall shelves, or built-ins. No bulky flat-packs in tight footprints.
4. Plan Every Millimetre
Mark screen swing, storage points, and bath edges before tiling. Saves you from costly refits.
Where Freestanding Baths Fit the Picture
If space is the enemy in most bathrooms, what about projects where you’ve got room to play with? That’s when a free standing bath makes sense.
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1700 x 700 Freestanding Bath
Slimmer footprint, ideal when you want a freestanding look without sacrificing floor space. -
1200 x 1200 Bath
For very small installs, a 1200 bath can still deliver practicality, though it’s more of a niche solution for en-suites and loft conversions.
And for larger layouts? Designs like the Naxos Freestanding Bath or Oregon Freestanding Bath (1850 x 850mm) transform a bathroom from functional to statement-worthy. They’re not for broom cupboards—but in the right project, nothing else compares.
Objections You’ll Hear (and Why They Don’t Stack Up)
“L-shaped is too modern—I want traditional.”
There are period-style straight baths that work, but if space-saving is the priority, L-shaped or P-shaped always wins for function.
“Folding or sliding screens leak.”
Not if you spec toughened glass panels built for small spaces. Installed right, they seal tight and take a knock.
Final Word
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Don’t shoehorn straight baths into tiny footprints.
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Use L-shaped or P-shaped baths for genuine bath-and-shower flexibility.
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For larger bathrooms, consider a freestanding bath—with 1700 freestanding bath models offering the ideal mix of style and practicality.
Get the shape right, and even the smallest bathroom becomes a space clients actually enjoy using.
Explore our full bath range to find compact solutions and standout statement baths for any project.