Small Vanities: Clever Design Solutions for Bathrooms Short on Space
When every centimetre matters, compact vanities prove that smart design can turn limitations into advantages. Forget squeezing in bulky cabinetry—these pieces are about creating bathrooms that work harder without feeling crowded. At The Blue Space, we’ve spent over a decade helping homeowners across Australia rethink small bathrooms. Whether it’s a cosy ensuite or a narrow powder room, our range of narrow, slimline, and custom vanities delivers style and practicality in equal measure.
Why Slimline Designs Shine
Standard vanities often swallow precious floor space. Slim alternatives, like those in our slimline vanities collection, flip this script. Imagine a wall-hung unit with a streamlined countertop—it hugs the wall tightly, keeping walkways clear and making the room feel instantly larger. Many include clever touches like pull-out trays for skincare products or hidden compartments for cleaning supplies.
For ultra-compact areas, consider a vanity as narrow as 400mm. These petite heroes, part of our 400mm-600mm vanities range, fit snugly into cloakrooms or tight corners. Pair one with a circular mirror and wall-mounted taps, and suddenly your bathroom feels organised rather than chaotic.
Solving Awkward Layouts
Bathrooms come in all shapes—some with quirky angles, others with frustratingly placed pipes. Curved vanities, like those in our curved vanities collection, wrap around obstacles gracefully. One client had a protruding pipe in the corner of their heritage terrace—we fitted a custom curved unit that concealed it while adding storage.
Freestanding designs offer flexibility too. A vintage-inspired freestanding vanity can anchor a rustic bathroom, while a floating modern piece suits apartments. Materials matter: timber vanities from our solid timber vanities range add organic texture, while glossy finishes reflect light to brighten dim areas.
Storage That Works Smarter, Not Harder
Small bathrooms collect clutter fast. The fix? Vertical thinking. Tall, slim cabinets like those in our Turner Hastings vanities collection use height instead of floor space. One model includes a pull-out laundry bin—perfect for hiding dirty towels.
Mirrored cabinets are another win. Install one above a narrow vanity, and you’ve got extra storage plus the illusion of depth. For ensuites, our ensuite vanities range offers units with open shelving for daily essentials. Pro tip: use woven baskets on shelves to corral smaller items.
Style That Matches Your Vision
Your bathroom should feel like yours, even if it’s petite. Love Hamptons-inspired charm? Our Hamptons vanities collection pairs classic panelling with matte brass handles. Prefer minimalist edge? The ADP Glacier vanities offer handleless drawers in crisp white—think clean lines and hidden storage.
Colour choices matter. Soft greys and whites make spaces feel airy, but don’t fear bold accents. A deep green vanity with gold hardware can add drama without overwhelming. Explore our white bathroom vanities range for neutral bases you can accessorise with pops of colour.
When Off-the-Shelf Doesn’t Cut It
Odd alcoves or sloping ceilings? Our custom vanities service tailors dimensions and finishes to your space. We once designed a 480mm-wide vanity for a client with a niche between a shower and doorway—adding a recessed sink gave them full functionality without compromise.
Built to Endure Daily Life
Small doesn’t mean fragile. Humidity and daily use demand tough materials. The Marquis vanities range uses moisture-resistant MDF and steel hinges, while our Timberline vanities feature sustainably sourced hardwood sealed against water damage.
Look for details that signal quality: dovetail joints in drawers, soft-close mechanisms, and scratch-resistant surfaces. One customer told us their toddler uses their vanity as a step stool—thanks to reinforced corners, it still looks brand new.
Pair with Purposeful Extras
Maximise your vanity’s impact with thoughtful add-ons:
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Lighting: LED strips under wall-mounted units add a warm glow.
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Hardware: Swap standard taps for wall-mounted mixers to free up bench space.
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Mirrors: An oversized mirror leans into the illusion of space.
Our Ingrain vanities and shaving cabinets collection offers coordinated sets, while the Otti vanities range includes built-in power outlets for gadgets.
Vertical Tricks for Tiny Bathrooms
When floor space is scarce, think upward. Tall cabinets in our wall-hung vanities collection store towels or cleaning kits without intruding on roominess. Floating shelves beside the vanity? Perfect for displaying plants or rolled hand towels.
Real Stories: How We’ve Helped
The Terrace House Ensuite: A 1.5m x 2m bathroom in Newtown needed storage without sacrificing style. We installed a curved vanity with a built-in hamper and mirrored cabinet. The owner now says it’s their “mini sanctuary.”
The Heritage Home Challenge: A Melbourne cottage had a sloped ceiling in the bathroom. Our custom team built a 500mm-wide vanity with a slanted back, painted in heritage green to match the home’s 1920s charm.
Material Guide: What Works Where
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Solid timber brings warmth but needs yearly sealing in steamy rooms.
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High-gloss laminate resists fingerprints and brightens dark corners.
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Ceramic countertops handle hot styling tools but require sturdy support.
Styling Hacks for Small Bathrooms
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Tiles: Large-format tiles reduce grout lines, making floors feel bigger.
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Paint: Use semi-gloss on walls—it reflects light and stands up to moisture.
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Doors: Replace swing doors with pocket sliders to save space.
Keeping Your Vanity Pristine
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Wipe gloss surfaces with a damp microfibre cloth to avoid streaks.
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Re-seal timber annually—think of it as a “spa day” for your vanity.
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Avoid abrasive cleaners on ceramic tops; a mild soap solution works best.
Why Choose The Blue Space?
We’re bathroom specialists, not just a retailer. Our team helps you navigate plumbing quirks, measure tricky spaces, and choose finishes that last. Visit our showroom to test drawer glides or see how a 600mm vanity can surprise you with its storage.
Ready to transform your compact bathroom? Explore our full bathroom vanities & furniture range or chat with our experts for tailored advice.
