Awkward bathroom layout? These clever products solve common design problems

Slimline design ranges, streamlined bi-fold shower doors and products for corner installation are ideal solutions for a smaller bathroom – Sally Smith assesses the latest product ranges on the market.

Compact and awkward-shaped bathrooms are notoriously tricky for designers to meet the requirements of the ‘design savvy’ customer looking for a high-end finish. However, with the growth of modular bathroom furniture ranges and the increasing variety of ingenious products coming to market there are plenty of stylish options available.

"The demand for compact bathroom solutions is steadily increasing, mirroring the fact that Britain is home to the smallest average bathroom size in Europe. We’ve witnessed a notable rise in interest for compact bathroom offerings, ranging from fitted and modular storage solutions to mirrored LED cabinets and tall wall units," explains Charlotte Tilby, head of marketing at Woodstock Trading Co.

Feedback from the company's retailers confirms consumers are demanding more personalisation in the smaller bathroom space, including loft en suites and understairs toilets. "Bathroom furniture sales have evolved significantly in recent years, with modular designs gaining popularity for their increasingly versatile colours and finishes, helping people realise their dream bathroom whatever the shape and size," adds Tilbury.

Nicola Friel, manager of VitrA’s specification & design hub in Clerkenwell, London, has also seen an uptick in the demand for modular bathroom furniture in recent years. "Driven by changing lifestyles and the need to make better use of available space, bathrooms are no longer centred solely around the vanity unit. Storage is now being installed around the room using a combination of wall-mounted tall units, co-ordinated cabinets and mirror units," says Friel. "Our Archiplan washbasins are ideal for narrow or awkward spaces, with a compact projection of only 28cm, the design provides a generous basin, creating both an illusion of space and a better user experience."

Yiota Toumba, senior designer at Villeroy & Boch, adds: "Tall cupboards are proving popular as they make the most of vertical space without crowding the room. Wall-hung slim storage units and modular systems always work well in corners or awkward spots. It’s about giving clients options that combine style with smart functionality."

Julian Pearson, commercial director at Atlanta Bathrooms, agrees that bathroom design is facing new challenges. "Compact city apartments, loft conversions, cloakrooms, and properties with unconventional layouts are increasingly common. The market for modular bathroom furniture has been growing steadily, driven by consumers seeking practical, flexible, and future-proof solutions. Corner vanities, mid-sized modular units and adaptable storage configurations are among the most requested products," explains Pearson.

A shower door such as a sliding quadrant model can offer a stylish option for a smaller layout, especially when working around architectural elements within a restricted space, but there are further options available. Gillian Furey, marketing manager, Flair Showers, says: "For smaller, compact spaces, consider bifold shower doors, as they open inwards, reducing the amount of space they occupy when opening. Suitable for either a shower tray or wetroom installation, the ORO 2000mm-high bifold enclosure is the perfect solution where wider access is required in a limited bathroom space."

Dileep Arulmoli, commercial & operations director at The Shower Lab, says: "Our View 21 single-hinged shower panel is worth considering for consumers looking to optimise and conserve space. The double-hinged panels easily fold out to form a splash guard around the shower space. When not in use the panels fold flush against the wall eliminating the need for a threshold, ideal for a multigenerational home, or for users with additional needs."

Built-in niches in shower areas and wall recesses are ideal storage solutions in more compact bathrooms adding a touch of that ‘must have’ hotel glamour to the space.

Alvin Biggs, MD at RAK Ceramics UK, adds: "Recessed shelving and shower niches have been re-imagined and now come in a choice of stylish finishes such as brushed brass, nickel and matt black. Sales of our modular bathroom furniture have remained strong with vanity units in wall-mounted and floorstanding options appealing to consumers who want under-sink storage space for their bathroom essentials."

Kerrie Black, group merchandising & marketing director at Bagnodesign, adds: "The trend for soft, organic shapes is set to continue in 2026 with arches, graceful curves and sculptural forms proving particularly popular. Perfect for creating the illusion of space, bringing improved flow to smaller bathrooms."