You've fitted the suite perfectly into your bathroom but 'oh no' you didn't think about the door and now it hits the beautiful new bath or vanity unit every time you enter the bathroom. If this is the case why not think about installing a sliding door to maximise the space you have in a small bathroom. 

It's all very well going for striking feature taps that look ultra-chic but if you share the bathroom with other family members perhaps it's best to think about practicalities first. A large central bath tap that juts out the centre of the bath can be dangerous when bathing little ones or a cascading mixer tap might get in the way when using the overhead shower.

Wooden fixtures are a stylish luxury bathroom trend but before you go installing that country-style wooden panelling or choosing an oak fronted vanity unit, be sure it has had the correct treatment to protect it from humidity and water which could lead to a quick onset wood rot. 

When it comes to a practical space like a bathroom, function has to come before form, especially in a small bathroom. Make sure you allow enough space between sanitaryware so people can move around and sit or stand comfortably – for example, there should be at least 60cm between the toilet and anything that’s in front of it. Towel rails should be fitted within easy grabbing distance of the bath or shower and cupboard and shower doors need to open without obstruction.

A bathroom window is vital for light and ventilation but it can leave you exposed to prying eyes. Adding shutters is a practical window dressing solution for controlling light and privacy as you need it especially when a bathtub has been strategically placed to enjoy a beautiful view. These pretty café shutters offer a pop of colour to the bathroom scheme too. 

It might seem a modern and space-saving solution to leave the tub out of your bathroom plan but think carefully before you do. There are many situations a bath could be more practical than just a shower. Also, should you be thinking of moving on in the future, it is often a necessity on prospective buyers' lists. Factor in both if you can or opt for a combination of the two with an over-bath shower, which can look beautiful too. 

Baths come in many shapes and sizes so it is all too easy to order the wrong size, which is frustrating, timely and costly. Measure the length, the back-to-front space for the width, the floor-to-top for height and finally the depth. Also, take into account any additional space you may need to incorporate for shower heads and mixer taps.

Wall space in bathrooms is often overlooked but thought about properly can be a useful storage provider. Shelves with towel storage make a decorative statement and cutout alcoves add depth that is perfect for stylish toiletries and bathroom plants. As the saying goes 'buy cheap, buy twice', so when adding storage a cheap finish will rust, corrode and may even damage other surfaces. Whereas, stainless steel has durable and hardwearing qualities that will last for years to come.

Towels, shampoo bottles, toothbrushes, spare toilet rolls – you’ll need to find room for all these things and more. If possible, include a mixture of bathroom storage: open shelving for attractive toiletries and accessories, and cupboards for more day-to-day bits and pieces. A mirrored cabinet with an integrated electric toothbrush and razor charger is a neat storage option, while built-in shelving, cupboards and drawers will help you make the most of every inch of space.

If you have any inkling that you might move to a new house in the next five years, then you’d do well to keep your bathroom a neutral and bright space that won’t alienate future buyers. Grey and white bathroom suites will all stand you in good stead and are easy to personalise with your favourite colours in accessories and furnishings. Consider applying a waterproof bathroom wallpaper, painted feature wall, or add artwork and greenery to make the space yours without jeopardising a future sale price. When you're ready to sell-up, it's a simple repaint or wallpaper stripping job to get it viewing ready.

While too much clutter is unsightly you should account for creating a little bit of counter space around a vanity unit. Whether it’s a place to put a make-up bag while you’re getting ready or somewhere to park your morning coffee, if you don’t add in a little bit of table-height surface you’ll regret it.

Well-chosen accessories can make or break any design scheme, and the bathroom is no exception. Treat yourself to some top-quality towels – organic cotton towels feel luxurious and are eco-friendly, too. If you’re short on hidden storage, consider decanting shampoos and shower gels into attractive bottles. Small soaps and bath salts can be stored in glass Kilner jars. 

If you have a large bathroom or live in a poorly-insulated house, chances are a single heated towel rail won’t be enough to keep your bathroom warm, especially in winter. Work out exactly how much heating you need using a British Thermal Unit (BTU) calculator, such as the one on the B&Q website. Underfloor heating is a great space-saving option for a bathroom and will make dark, chilly mornings that little bit more bearable. 

One of the biggest nightmares a homeowner can face is springing a leak in the bathroom. Luckily, there are a few things to do when you’re installing to protect yourself against any future disasters. The bath overflow needs to be checked when it's plumbed in and if you half-fill the bath with water before applying your sealant, it will account for the extra weight and flex which should stop cracks appearing. 

Plain tiles can be given an instant overhaul simply by choosing the right grout. A darker grout can create an eye-catching pattern in its own right, while a brightly-coloured grout will make an even bigger style statement. If you want your grouting to last and not leak, go for epoxy grout rather than cement grout, as it’s highly durable, waterproof and practically stain-proof.

Bad bathroom lighting is at best impractical and at worst dangerous. Make sure you layer up a mix of general lighting, task lighting (for make-up etc.) and mood lighting for unwinding in the tub. If you want to include statement fittings such as a chandelier or sconces, it’s essential that you choose an option with an ingress protection (IP) rating, which is safe to use in wet areas. Here’s a handy guide to choosing the right IP-rated lighting depending on what ‘zone’ you are using it in. 

Thinking of laying carpet in your bathroom? Think again! It may have been popular in the 70s but it's not a practical flooring choice. Fibres will trap moisture leading to mould; bacteria can thrive in the pile which also leads to bad odours. Then, there is the matter of stain occurrence from toothpaste, soap and dare we say it, urine. For a more hygienic alternative look for a machine washable bath mat.

Don't ruin your beautiful new bathroom with messy piled towels. Keep fresh towels within easy reach with a laundry cupboard or displayed neatly folded on wall shelves. And, soggy towels on the floor is a definite no! So, if there is room, a laundry basket just for used towels will keep floors clean, dry and tidy. 

Use oversized tiles in a small bathroom and chances are you’ll end up having to cut the edge pieces down to size, which can look messy and awkward. But go too small, and your bathroom may feel too busy. Medium-sized floor tiles of around 45cm x 45cm are often the safest bet in a small space. You can go a bit smaller on the walls, as long as you limit the pattern and colour palette. 

When it comes to painting a bathroom you need to think about a finish that can handle a hot and steamy environment or the paint will flake and peel in just a short time. Look for moisture-resistant paint or versions specifically produced for bathrooms that are anti-mould and mildew.

Block colour and statement bathroom features are on-trend but before you order too many terrazzo tiles and vibrant paint shades, be sure to balance the scheme or you could end up with an overpowering jumble. Colourful bathrooms are also likely to date quicker, so it could end up knocking money off your home's value. 

We’ve all been there: falling in love with glorious waterfall showers, statement sinks and enormous soaking tubs after a trip to a glamorous bathroom showroom. In reality, these room sets have been designed around the suite with perfect proportions, so it’ll never feel cramped or ‘too much’. Put that oversized bath in your average family home though and it soon becomes an albatross. Too often it becomes a glorified towel holder, filling it up takes forever and it’s too big to get children in and out of safely. You’re better getting something more suited to the space that you’ll use every day.

Flooring is a great area in the bathroom that can make a statement but a shiny surface and water can be an ultra-hazardous combination. When choosing flooring think about who will be using the space; modern marble is gorgeous for a grown-up ensuite but not ideal for elderly members of the household and small children. If you want extra protection, lookout for slip-resistant surfaces like rubber flooring and lay down a stylish bath mat for extra water absorption. 

Loved this? Check out these affordable luxury bathroom ideas everyone can afford