When it comes to good bathroom design there is more to consider than choosing taps and tiles (as fun as that part is). Get the bathroom layout right, and you will have a beautiful, functional space. Get it wrong, and you could end up with a cramped bathroom plagued by impractical niggles or, worse, that needs to be completely refitted. Watch out for these common bathroom design mistakes and your dream bathroom needn’t become a nightmare. 

Installing a separate bath and shower is a luxurious bathroom option, but trying to shoehorn in a freestanding tub plus an independent shower cubicle into a small bathroom will look cramped. Instead, go for the more practical shower-over-bath option. Designed well the finished result can look just as deluxe. 

There is no denying that the rest of our homes are getting smarter so don't leave the bathroom in the past when choosing features. From simple splash-proof USB sockets for vanity areas to voice-activated shower control, future-proofing your new bathroom will ensure up-to-date longevity years after installation. 

Wallpaper can look stunning in the bathroom, but choose wisely before you commit. For, instance a designer handprinted paper that's super porous will not last a week in a humid environment. However, most manufacturers now offer specially treated surfaces that are splash-proof. It's advisable to hang bathroom wallpaper away from areas that may endure direct water contact such as showers, directly around baths and behind the sink. 

An on-trend sink and matching hardware may have seemed a chic idea in the showroom but certain materials simply aren't efficient in real life. Just imagine this smooth jet black sink after small children have finished brushing their teeth. The dark background will show up mildew white limescale sooner rather than later if not kept impeccably clean at all times. 

With so many inspirational TikTok shorts and Instagram reels to scroll through of original decorating ideas we forgive you for thinking creating something in your own home will be a breeze. But, before you put on your overalls to get ultra creative do your research and know your skill level. This upcycled bathroom idea of a mural-painted bath panel is certainly beautiful, however, it's been carefully curated and styled by a professional artist and industry expert.

A bathroom window is vital for light and ventilation but it can leave you exposed to prying eyes. Adding water-resistant blinds are 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. 

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

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.

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. 

Future maintenance can cost thousands if there are problems that can’t be quickly fixed, such as inaccessible taps or pipework, which means you must rip up flooring or damage walls if problems occur. Use fixings that can easily be unscrewed if necessary or perhaps create a false tile or bath front that’ll give easy access to a plumber. 

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, as well as avoid discolouration, while a brightly-hued 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.

This may sound obvious but when you fall in love with a particular tile design it can be easy to overlook how suited it is for the task at hand. Always check whether a tile is hardy enough before using it on your bathroom floor, or you may find yourself living with unsightly chips before too long. Similarly, some floor tiles are just too heavy to use on partition walls. Many designs are suitable for both walls and floors like these wood grain effect, Oakhurst tiles, but if in doubt, ask your tile supplier before you buy. 

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 might regret it.

If you’re renovating an existing bathroom and the layout already makes sense, think carefully before switching sanitaryware around. Moving pipes can quickly become expensive and can raise more problems than it solves. If you do want to switch things up, make sure you consult a plumber first to make sure your plan is feasible. 

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.

Your bathroom is perfectly planned and the builders are poised to make it become reality – but this is no use whatsoever if your sanitaryware, tiles and other fittings haven’t been delivered in time. Make sure you check the lead times for all items well in advance and place your orders accordingly to avoid paying workpeople to twiddle their thumbs while you’re left without a working bathroom until everything arrives. 

If you’ve been super-organised and ordered your bathroom supplies well in advance, don’t just put them to one side until they’re needed. Unpack and check each item to make sure it’s exactly what you ordered and that nothing is broken. You may have a limited time window in which to return faulty goods.

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.

Bathrooms are notorious for harbouring hidden costs. Rusted pipes, rotting joists, dodgy electrics and endemic mould are just some of the nasty surprises you might uncover once you start lifting up tiles and floorboards. If at all possible, allow a 15 to 20% contingency fund so you’re prepared for the unexpected. 

But before planning your layout, there’s a more important underlying issue to address first: where are your pipes going to go? Start with the soil stack, the wide pipe that carries off waste water from your sanitaryware. Your loo needs to be a maximum of 6m from the soil pipe to allow for proper drainage. Showers, baths and basins should be a maximum of 4m away. Consider how smaller pipes will reach the soil pipe, as this may be affected by the layout and condition of your underfloor joists. 

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.

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.

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. 

The height of a towel rack, the depth of a bath and a slightly too low shower head can mean the difference between an average bathroom and a brilliant one. Think about the tallest and the shortest person in the house, and that could include small children, before deciding where things should go. 

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. 

Even if your DIY skills are second to none, it’s still a good idea to consult expert advice before you start your project. Many high street and high-end bathroom stores have design teams who can help you iron out any flaws in your bathroom plan. In some instances, seeking advice is non-negotiable. If you want to knock down walls, move or add windows or install new joists, you’ll need to check with your local building control office about whether you need Building Regulation approval.

Every building project generates dust. Hauling heavy equipment and products to and from the bathroom can also scuff up your floors. Minimise the damage by protecting floors of hallways and any other rooms used to access the bathroom with a temporary floor covering, such as Correx. If your bathroom is an ensuite, cover bedroom furniture with dust sheets.

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. 

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