Small bathroom ideas for Dublin homes: plan the layout first

Record the awkward moments

Think about what gets in the way now. Does the door clash with a cupboard? Is there nowhere to put towels? Is it difficult to clean behind a fitting? These are useful design problems to solve, even if the existing layout is broadly retained.

Bring a measured sketch to the discussion, including the door, window, sloped ceiling and fixed obstacles. Product photographs alone do not show how a fitting will behave in your room.

Choose between bath and shower deliberately

Base the decision on how the household uses the room and whether another bathroom is available. A combined arrangement may suit one family; another may prefer a shower. Check the practical implications with the installer before removing a bath or ordering a larger enclosure.

SONAS identifies floor planning and the bath-versus-shower choice as important considerations for compact bathrooms. Use actual product dimensions to test the proposal.

Plan storage around daily items

List what must be stored: cleaning products, towels, toiletries and spare supplies. Decide what belongs in the bathroom and what can be stored elsewhere. Look at opening drawers and doors on the plan, not just the unit’s width.

A smaller selection of well-placed storage may work better than filling every available wall. Discuss how you will reach and clean around each piece.

Check the whole layout before buying

Review door swings, standing space, screen movement and access to controls with the installer. Discuss ventilation and lighting early, as they need to be coordinated with the renovation. For an apartment, establish any building-management conditions that affect the proposed work.

Keep the finish choices coordinated

Compare tile and furniture samples together under the room’s lighting. Avoid assuming a particular colour or tile size will fix a layout problem. Send us your room dimensions, photographs and the three things you most want to improve so your quotation starts with the right priorities.