Design becomes magic: a creative guide to small, functional and elegant bathrooms

Designing a small bathroom means working with millimetre precision: every centimetre makes a difference, every choice affects daily functionality and perceived comfort. With narrow, irregular or reduced-depth layouts, the goal is always to create a welcoming, practical and visually harmonious space. Bertani approaches this topic with an integrated method, combining technical expertise, product knowledge and design sensitivity. Whether it is a long and narrow bathroom, a small guest bathroom, a bathroom with a washing machine or an urban renovation, the quality of the result depends on the ability to find intelligent, consistent and well-proportioned solutions.

What dimensions should a small bathroom have?

When it comes to small bathrooms, the most common questions concern minimum dimensions and the correct layout of elements. In many cases, the usable space measures between 1.20 and 1.50 metres in width and between 1.80 and 2.40 metres in length. This space requires careful management of circulation, depths and heights. The real challenge is achieving balance: ensuring comfort at the washbasin, leaving adequate space around sanitary fittings, and positioning the shower or bathtub without compromising movement. In these environments, the quality of the chosen solutions makes a decisive difference. At Bertani, you will find numerous solutions for small-format bathrooms, without jeopardizing aesthetics and functionality. Here are some of them.

The bathtub even in small bathrooms: the solution is Tub by NIC Design

In many renovations, especially in urban contexts, there is a desire to keep a bathtub, despite having limited space available. This is where Tub by NIC Design comes into play: a truly intelligent, design-driven solution conceived specifically for small bathrooms. Tub sfills the space of a standard shower tray, approximately one metre by one metre, yet offers the possibility to immerse yourself in water like in a traditional bathtub. It is a perfect hybrid for those who do not want to give up the relaxation of a hot bath but do not have the 170–180 cm normally required for a standard bathtub. Its compact shape allows for extremely versatile installations: it can be placed in a corner, against a wall or even in the centre of the room, while maintaining a clean, contemporary aesthetic. Despite its reduced dimensions, it offers a capacity of up to around 400 litres, ensuring a truly comfortable experience. For small bathrooms, Tub represents an “all-in-one” solution: bathtub, dedicated shower area and optimized footprint combined in a single, coherent product. If you prefer to have only a shower, our article How to choose the right shower tray: materials, heights and installation is designed to guide you towards the best choice.

Wall-hung sanitary ware, even without load-bearing walls

In small bathrooms, one of the most common issues concerns the installation of wall-hung sanitary ware. Often, walls are not load-bearing and cannot accommodate the fixing structures required for suspended fittings. Two optimal solutions that overcome this limitation are Wall by Ideagroup and AL_Offset by antoniolupi. These are boiserie systems that integrate the WC cistern, the load-bearing structure for wall-hung sanitary ware and storage space into a single volume. The result? A furnishing element that simultaneously fulfils aesthetic, technical and storage functions. These modules enable the installation of wall-hung WC and bidets even where it would otherwise not be possible, without invasive masonry work, and with a much simpler system management compared to traditional false walls. For a small bathroom, this means being able to choose suspended products that are visually lighter and easier to clean, even in seemingly unfavourable conditions.

WC with integrated bidet: the smartest choice when space is limited

The theme of space-saving solutions in small bathrooms includes an increasingly popular protagonist: the WC with integrated bidet. Among the most advanced systems is Geberit AquaClean, an ideal solution that combines hygiene, comfort and space optimisation. Replacing the traditional WC and bidet pairing with a single element frees up valuable space for a storage unit, a larger shower or improved circulation. Warm water, adjustable spray, air drying, lady function and odour extraction turn this product into a daily comfort ally, as well as a smart solution for compact bathrooms.

Verticality as an ally: Cactus by antoniolupi

In small bathrooms, floor space is the most difficult aspect to manage. For this reason, working vertically is essential. Cactus by antoniolupi is a perfect solution: a freestanding element that anchors between floor and ceiling without drilling or masonry work. Thanks to its minimalist structure, it can integrate hooks, small trays, adjustable mirrors and coat hooks, creating a true “vertical system” in very little space. It is ideal when a traditional cabinet would be too bulky, yet a functional area near the washbasin or shower is still required.

Compact yet striking washbasins: Consolle 45, Ventiquaranta and more

The washbasin is one of the elements that most strongly influences the perception of space. In small bathrooms, light forms and aligned volumes are essential. Consolle 45 by NIC Design represents an elegant and compact freestanding solution, installable without masonry work and available in a wide palette of colours and finishes. It is perfect for small bathrooms, with great attention to design.

Ventiquaranta by Agape, on the other hand, is a true micro-system: a Cementobasic® washbasin with integrated storage, designed to maximise even the smallest spaces. It is ideal for guest bathrooms or narrow spaces where a compact composition is required.

The 027 mirrored cabinet, also by Agape, solves another typical issue: storage space for products and cosmetics. Its sliding door eliminates front clearance, an essential detail when the bathroom is narrow, while maintaining a clean and contemporary aesthetic.

Mezzana by antoniolupi completes the range with a recessed niche that offers storage without projecting into the room, perfect for narrow walls or minimalist bathrooms. For further solutions on how to best integrate a mirror in a small bathroom, you can read the article: Bathroom mirrors: functionality and design compared.

Multifunctional heated towel rails: Serie T by Antrax

Serie T by Antrax transforms the heated towel rail into an element that does more than simply heat the room: it becomes a shelf, a support surface, a towel holder and an organisation spot. In small bathrooms, this versatility is invaluable, as it allows for the elimination of additional furniture, the effective use of vertical space, and a clean aesthetic. The sleek aluminium profile and the option to integrate shelves and hooks make it a perfect complement in contemporary bathrooms, where design and functionality interact naturally.

Bertani design approach: when space is limited, precision is essential

A small bathroom works when the entire project is coherent. Bertani follows every phase—survey, layout, product selection, analysis of technical constraints, system definition and aesthetic integration to create small yet extremely well-designed and functional environments. Our work goes beyond product selection: it consists of reading the space, realigning proportions, choosing the most suitable solutions and creating a bathroom that, despite its limited dimensions, is beautiful, comfortable and durable. If you are designing or renovating a small bathroom, Bertani can help you find the best solution for your space.

Contact us for a dedicated consultation or discover our bathroom furnishing proposals on the Bertani website.