Small Bathroom Ideas for Irish Homes: Tiles, Trays & Layout
A practical plan for compact bathrooms: where to spend space, which surfaces to choose and what to measure before buying.
K.Style Donegal Town · 9 min read
The short answer
In a small bathroom, the layout comes first. Confirm clearances and drainage, then choose tiles and fittings that serve the space.
01 / The guide
Start with a measured drawing, not a mood board
Sketch the room and mark where the door swings, where the window sits and which walls contain plumbing. A beautiful shower layout is useless if the door cannot open or the basin blocks the route to the WC. In an en suite, even a few centimetres can change which tray and vanity fit.
If you want to move a toilet or create a level-access shower, speak to the installer early. Waste runs, floor construction and waterproofing determine what can actually be done; tile choice comes later.
02 / The guide
Use tile scale to calm a busy room
A 30×90 wall tile can reduce the number of visible grout lines compared with a small-format tile. A 60×120 format can make a striking wall, but it also needs careful planning around niches, corners and cuts. Ask your tiler to check the substrate and handling requirements for the tile size.
Miami and Lincoln White are marble-effect looks shown in the Tileanna 2025 brochure. Rather than assuming light tiles always enlarge a room, hold a sample beside your actual lighting: polished and matt surfaces reflect light differently.
Worth noting: Large format does not mean fewer cuts. Check the layout around fixtures before ordering.
03 / The guide
Bath or shower? Decide from how the room is used
A shower may free up floor area, but removing the only bath in a family home can be a costly compromise. Consider who uses the room now and who may use it later. If you do opt for a shower, check the tray footprint, screen opening and room left to dry off.
The Tileanna brochure includes slate-effect shower trays in white, black and anthracite. Compare the actual tray dimensions and waste position with your installer; a low-profile look still needs enough depth for the waste and fall.
04 / The guide
Treat the wet zone as a system
Before any tile goes on, the shower walls and floor need the right waterproofing system. Ask the installer how the tray or wetroom former, tanking, corners and penetrations will work together. A tile and grout finish is not itself a waterproof membrane.
A heated towel rail can improve comfort and free wall space, but it is not a substitute for suitable ventilation. Check the heat output, location and bathroom electrical requirements with qualified tradespeople.
05 / The guide
Choose one focal point and keep the rest practical
Small rooms suit one bold idea, not five. Try:
- A ribbed or textured tile behind the basin only.
- A patterned floor like Alhambra or Ronda with plain walls.
- A single niche in the shower wall instead of shelves.
Worth noting: For the floor, check the exact tile's wet-area suitability and slip resistance; a wall tile is not automatically a floor tile.
06 / The guide
What to bring to K.Style
Bring a rough drawing and photos rather than waiting for a polished plan. We can compare wall and floor finishes, show you tile scale and discuss tray and towel-rail options. A fitter should then confirm waterproofing, plumbing and final quantities on site.
Your questions
Frequently asked questions
What size tile is best for a small bathroom?
There is no single best size. Larger tiles can reduce visible grout lines, but the wall dimensions, fixture positions and cuts determine whether a format works well.
Should I use the same tile on the floor and walls?
A continuous look can calm a small room, but check that the exact tile is rated for both wall and wet-area floor use; a wall-only tile is not suitable for the floor.
Can you help plan a bathroom?
Yes. Bring your room measurements to the Donegal Town showroom and we'll work through tile, tray and fittings together.