Bathroom planning tips

Bathrooms aren't like other spaces when it comes to decorating. Essentially functional, they confront you with issues such as plumbing and pipework, yet at the same time are expected to be calming, tranquil sanctuaries. And all this in a room usually less than half the size of any other in the house. The secret is not to let the practicalities intimidate you.

The more space available, the more choice you'll have. Larger bathrooms (such as those reclaimed from bedrooms) will have enough square-footage for freestanding baths, washstands, linen cupboards and generously cut washbasins, whereas small rooms (including those eked out of attics) will demand a more disciplined approach, with built-in furniture, counter-top basins incorporating neat storage, and compact, wall-hung loos. The overall effect can be relaxed and unfurnished, including pretty ceramics and the occasional armchair to make it feel more like a living area, or sleek and minimal to accent practicality.

Whatever the size, planning the layout carefully will help you make the most of it. If the space is very cramped, you might want to consider making plumbing alterations to create a better arrangement. For example, siting a bath beneath the sloping ceiling of an attic room will help avoid any waste of the full-height space. You can also create instant space by re-hanging the door so that it opens outwards instead of into the room.

The fittings themselves give you plenty of scope for different looks. Old-style basins, loos and roll-top baths tend to be large and luxurious, a good choice for spacious bathrooms and for en suite rooms where they sit comfortably next to traditional bedroom furniture. Original pieces can be found at architectural salvage centres (check that the bath feet are matching pairs so that the bath stands evenly) but good replicas are also available from manufacturers. Fit classic taps to match (if you're buying salvage taps, make sure they will conform to modern plumbing and water pressure, and unscrew the body to check that the inside isn't corroded or encrusted with limescale). Modern fittings are generally more compact and streamlined, and it's worth looking at the new breed of basin, made from materials as varied as glass, steel and stone, and designed in intriguing shapes such as elegant shallow dishes that sit on a countertop.

Converted bedroom
Converting a bedroom provides plenty of space for traditional freestanding furniture, but the floor joists might not be strong enough for a cast-iron bath, so they may have to be reinforced or you could install a fibreglass design that at least looks like metal.

Small-space minimalism
Small bathrooms can become even smaller thanks to space-hogging airing cupboards and water tanks. These can be moved elsewhere or perhaps a wall can be knocked through into a wasted cupboard area behind, which can extend the usable floor space by up to a metre.

Wood-panelled attic
Hollowed out of the roof to create a new room, attic conversions opportunity to start from scratch. One big limitation can be space, with a ceiling that slopes right down to the floor. Fit the bath along one wall, with a shower at the higher end and a narrow shower screen cut at an angle to follow the slope of the room.