Research shows homeowners want to make their bathrooms bigger, but for some selfbuilders, space doesn’t always allow. Sonia De Gioia, Sales Director of Showrooms for Geberit explores some of the innovations that help to deliver a spacious sanctuary in spite of limitations.
For many homeowners, the bathroom has become far more than a purely functional space. Once designed primarily for speed and convenience, today the bathroom is increasingly regarded as a personal sanctuary – a space to unwind and switch off from the pressures of modern living. As a result, demand for larger, more comfortable bathroom environments has grown in recent years.
Homeowners are rethinking the role of the bathroom – not just a room for quick showers, but a luxurious space for comfort and relaxation. This shift is strongly influenced by the hospitality sector. High-end hotels have long led the way in creating oversized, indulgent bathroom suites with generous showers and warm lighting, where sanctuary is key.
As domestic design increasingly draws inspiration from hotel luxury (even bringing appliances such as premium shower toilets into domestic projects), homeowners are looking to replicate those experiences at home – all feeding into wider design trends for wellness-oriented homes.
Reflecting these shifts, more than a fifth (21%) of UK homeowners increased the size of their bathroom during renovations and over a quarter (28%) borrowed space from a bedroom to do so, according to research by Houzz.
Space maximisation remains one of the defining renovation drivers as a result, but with pressures mounting on selfbuilders and despite the appetite to sacrifice other rooms, extra footprint isn’t always an option. Rising construction costs, smaller plots, and the need to prioritise bedroom or storage space can mean that physically expanding the bathroom simply isn’t feasible. Structural limitations might also impact decisions.
Instead, designers are turning to smart layout planning and thoughtful specification to unlock every inch. Increasingly, the challenge is how to achieve the feeling of more space, rather than relying on physical expansion.
Here are some of the most effective techniques to deliver a bathroom that feels significantly bigger, without increasing its physical size.
Wall-hung WCs
Wall-hung toilets have become a popular choice to help support design goals, overcoming many of the challenges around space, hygiene and installation. All with more affordable solutions and increased design choices too.
The demand is clear to see. In research commissioned by Geberit in 2025, almost half of respondents (43%) said they associate wall-hung toilets with ‘modern, premium bathroom design’ and ‘space-saving aesthetics’, while almost three quarters (73%) of homeowners said a wall-hung toilet fitted as standard in a new home would be appealing.
Crucially, wall-hung WCs allow pipework and the cistern to be concealed behind the wall by using pre-wall frames systems such as Geberit Duofix, while lifting the toilet’s footprint off the floor creates an added illusion of space. They can be easily installed in tricky spots too, such as under a window, in a narrow wall duct or under a sloping ceiling where closed coupled toilets could not be placed, for added flexibility in placement.
Gone are the days of complex installations for wall-hung toilets. Quick and affordable pre-wall frame systems combine with clever developments such as concealed fixings and the position of water inlets, for example, which make life easier for installers. Servicing and access to the cistern is made easy via the flush plate.
These benefits are all evident in the Geberit Duofix Alpha range of universal installation elements, designed for drywall construction. The installation system is available in three heights, each with effortless handling and single-person installation, plus a range of on-trend flush plate finishes – all combining to make it quicker and easier to install wall-hung WCs.
Wall-mounted furniture
Following the same principle, wall-mounted furniture such as vanities, cabinets and storage help to free up floorspace and create a sense of space that extends throughout the room. The psychological effect of seeing more visible floor area is significant, particularly in narrow or L-shaped rooms.
Just as importantly, wall-mounted furniture makes cleaning easier and reduces the visual clutter that can make compact bathrooms feel cramped. Slimline cabinets, recessed shelves and built-in storage help maintain tidy surfaces, ensuring the bathroom retains a calm, spacious appearance.
Consider colours carefully
Colour is another powerful tool in shaping how big (or small) a room feels, and sticking to light colours such as light neutrals, pale pastels or ‘spa-tone’ blues and greens can help make bathroom spaces appear bigger. These colours reflect more light and enhance the sense of openness.
On the other hand, strong contrasts or busy patterns can break up sightlines and pull walls inward. For selfbuilders working with compact footprints, a soft, cohesive colour palette remains one of the most cost-effective ways to achieve a spacious look with minimal intervention.
Use glass and mirrors
Reflective materials are invaluable when designing for small spaces. Large mirrors amplify both natural and artificial light, creating depth and broadening sightlines. A well-placed mirror can almost double the perceived size of a room.
Glass shower screens or doors offer similar benefits. Unlike shower curtains or framed enclosures that visually divide the room, clear glass maintains an open run of sight from wall to wall. Additionally, gloss tiles can bounce light around the space, enhancing brightness and reducing the ‘enclosed’ feel that often accompanies compact bathrooms.
The limitations of physical space do not need to restrict ambition in bathroom design, particularly as bathrooms become increasingly important to wellbeing and lifestyle. Through a combination of wall-hung sanitaryware, carefully considered furniture and thoughtful colour choices, it’s entirely possible to create a bathroom that feels calm, contemporary and generously sized, all without moving a single wall.