Storage furniture: how to optimise space in a small bathroom?

Planning the layout of a small bathroom

Measure your space accurately

Take measurements with a tape measure: length, width and height of the room. Also note the exact location of the window, door and water supply points. This information will help you choose furniture that is perfectly suited to your space constraints.

Pay particular attention to the position of existing pipes. Moving a drain or water supply can be very costly.

Identify your priority needs

In a small bathroom, every piece of furniture counts. Think about your daily use: storage for toiletries, space for laundry, surface space to put your things... Take into account the number of people and their specific habits.

A vanity unit with built-in drawers combines efficient storage with space saving. To maximise storage, opt for vertical solutions that make use of height rather than width.

Configure your plan in 3D

Visualise your project by creating a scale plan on graph paper or using a 3D design tool. Start by placing the fixed elements: door, window, pipes. Then add the essential sanitary facilities such as the shower, toilet and washbasin.

Finally, integrate your storage furniture while respecting the necessary circulation space – allow at least 70 cm in front of each piece of equipment. This methodical approach will reveal any unused areas and help you avoid ergonomic issues before you make your final purchase.

Optimising furniture and its layout

Every piece of furniture counts in a small bathroom. We help you select furniture that combines functionality and aesthetics to maximise your space.

Washbasin unit with integrated drawers

The vanity unit is the heart of your bathroom. Choose models with drawers rather than traditional doors: you can easily access the contents and make the most of all the available space, even around the drain. Soft-close drawers ensure optimal comfort of use and increased durability.

Wall-mounted vanity units create a feeling of space by freeing up floor space. This solution also makes it easier to keep your bathroom clean. Our partner manufacturers offer compact models ranging from 60 to 80 cm in width, perfectly suited to small spaces. You will find a variety of finishes to suit your taste: natural wood (oak, teak), white lacquer or contemporary concrete effect.

Multifunction mirror cabinet

The mirror cabinet is a particularly clever solution for small spaces. It combines three essential functions: mirror, lighting and storage. You can conceal your toiletries while retaining an indispensable reflective surface.

Discover the features of the current models:

• Integrated LED lighting, often dimmable
• Indoor electrical sockets for your healthcare devices
• Shelves adjustable to suit your needs
• Anti-fog systems for added convenience

With a standard depth of 15 to 17 cm, these wardrobes offer substantial storage space without encroaching on your walking space. Some models feature double-sided mirrored doors, multiplying the viewing angles.

Vertical shelving to gain height

In a small bathroom, making the most of the height is essential. Vertical shelving allows you to create additional storage space without cluttering up the floor.

Opt for narrow (20 to 40 cm wide) but tall columns, ideally placed in unused corners. These furniture items reach 170 to 180 cm in height, offering you considerable storage space. Alternate between closed compartments and open niches to maintain a feeling of space while displaying a few decorative items.

Also consider wall shelves, which are particularly effective above the toilet or in the shower area. These discreet solutions create additional storage space without visually cluttering your room.

Integrate space-saving solutions and accessories

Certain specific fixtures allow you to make the most of every square centimetre of your small bathroom. We have selected these smart solutions for you, combining functionality and space optimisation.

The wall-mounted towel dryer

Wall-mounted towel dryers offer much more than just comfort: they are a real space-saving asset. Today's electric models are particularly slim and shallow, making them ideal for small spaces while fulfilling a dual essential function.

For the most cramped configurations, opt for narrow models measuring 40 to 46 cm wide, compared to 55 cm for a standard model. Some brands even offer ultra-compact versions that are 34 cm wide, specially designed to fit between two columns or in a small space. These appliances slide discreetly along the wall without obstructing traffic.

Corner or wall-mounted toilets

Corner toilets are particularly practical thanks to their triangular cistern, which makes perfect use of the corner space. These compact models generally measure less than 60 cm across, compared to an average of 75 cm for standard toilets.

Wall-hung toilets are another effective solution. The cistern is concealed within the wall, leaving the floor completely free and creating a feeling of space while also making cleaning easier. This configuration eliminates visually cluttered elements and gives your bathroom a sleek, minimalist look.

Two-in-one furniture (storage + seating)

Multifunctional furniture is becoming indispensable in small bathrooms. A bench with built-in storage space provides both a practical seat and discreet storage space for your towels or toiletries.

Bamboo chests with padded seats are a particularly suitable option for small bathrooms. These practical solutions come in a variety of sizes and finishes to match your existing décor. They provide a comfortable place to sit while effectively concealing your belongings.

Create a spacious and practical atmosphere

Optimising a small bathroom is not just about choosing the right furniture. The visual atmosphere radically transforms the perception of space.

Opt for light, neutral colours.

Light colours are your best ally for creating the illusion of space. They reflect light rather than absorbing it, immediately giving your bathroom a feeling of spaciousness. For the best effect, use a single colour throughout the room.

White remains the gold standard for "pushing the walls back", but there are other options available to you:

• Neutral tones such as beige or taupe bring warmth and serenity while enlarging the space.
• Pastel colours – sky blue, powder pink or aqua green – effectively capture natural light.

Avoid dark colours such as black or navy blue, which make the space look smaller. Bright colours have the same negative effect. For finishes, choose glossy surfaces for your tiles and furniture: they amplify light reflection and enhance the feeling of space.

Take care of the mirror lighting

Well-designed lighting determines how your small bathroom is perceived. Dark areas accentuate the feeling of cramped space, while well-distributed light visually opens up the room.

Integrated LED mirrors are a particularly clever solution: they combine lighting and mirror functions while saving wall space. This approach guarantees uniform lighting and optimal use of every available centimetre.

Making use of forgotten spaces

Your small bathroom hides storage treasures you may never have noticed. These overlooked areas can significantly increase your storage capacity without cluttering up the walking space.

Use the back of the door

The back of the door provides free and accessible storage space. A hanging organiser with multiple pockets instantly transforms this space into a storage solution for your towels, toiletries or everyday accessories. Fabric models are ideal for lightweight items.

Optimising the bath screen

The apron of your bathtub conceals a considerable amount of space that is generally unused. This area can accommodate clever built-in storage for your towels and bath products.

Some manufacturers offer ready-to-install solutions, but you can also create your own apron with compartments or sliding drawers. This approach makes clever use of wasted space while maintaining the aesthetics of your bathroom.

Install niches in the shower

The recessed niches in the shower wall offer discreet and elegant storage. Available in different finishes – stainless steel, matt black or white – they keep your shampoos and shower gels within easy reach without cluttering up the shower space.

Plan for these fixtures during a renovation to avoid unsightly accumulation of products on the edges. This simple solution eliminates clutter while keeping your shower space clean.

Optimise your small bathroom for maximum comfort

Designing a small bathroom requires careful thought, but the results are well worth the effort. Every piece of furniture you choose counts towards creating a space that is both practical and pleasant. We have guided you through the essential steps: planning the layout, choosing the right furniture and making the most of every available centimetre.

Multifunctional furniture with drawers or mirrored cabinets allow you to save space without sacrificing storage. Space-saving solutions—wall-mounted towel rails, wall-hung toilets, two-in-one furniture—can truly transform your daily life.

The visual atmosphere also plays a key role. Light colours and well-designed lighting visually enlarge the space, while often overlooked areas (door backs, bath screens, shower niches) offer surprising storage possibilities.

Your small bathroom can rival larger spaces in terms of functionality. The important thing is to ensure consistency between your daily needs and the solutions you choose. With these strategies, you can create a perfectly optimised environment that simplifies your life.