Is the UK finally changing the rules when it comes to how big bathrooms, ensuites, and downstairs loos are? We investigate…
While we’ve always been told ‘bigger doesn’t mean better’, it seems UK homeowners are starting to disagree – when it comes to bathroom sizes, at least.
According to the 2025 UK Houzz Bathroom Trends Study, bathroom sizes are increasing, with one in five homeowners enlarging their bathrooms during renovations (21%). The report suggests that most expansions take space from bedrooms (28%) or are achieved by extending the home (18%).
Louise Ashdown, head of design at West One Bathrooms, has seen this shift first-hand, and explains: “Several factors are driving this change.”
Wellbeing-inspired interiors
“The post-pandemic focus on wellbeing and the home as a sanctuary has played a major role, as has the growing cost of moving. With more people choosing to stay put, homeowners are investing in meaningful upgrades to daily life, and a larger, better-appointed bathroom consistently comes out top,” explains Louise.
She also attributes this differing attitude to evolving family dynamics. “Where once every bedroom might have had its own ensuite, households are now more inclined to sacrifice one small spare room in favour of creating a standout main bathroom. It is a move that’s not only improving the lived experience, but boosting property values, too.”
Louise says she’s seen homeowners converting box rooms, reconfiguring upper floors, or extending into the loft to prioritise a more expansive bathroom. “It is not just about creating more space, but creating the right kind of space. A bathroom with a double vanity, freestanding bath, and walk-in shower doesn’t just look beautiful, it also feels luxurious to use.”
Maybe a bigger bathroom size doesn’t mean better?
Although, if you simply don’t have any more space to steal, going bigger doesn’t always have to be the answer. “I think some homeowners do this because they think it’s the only way to solve their small bathroom,” says Adam Wollerton, bathroom designer at Bathroom & Kitchen Eleven.
“However, we often find we can reconfigure the bathroom to more cleverly use its dimensions, so they don’t necessarily have to steal space from the bedroom. In reality, with a proper designer who has a good knowledge of products, they can redesign the space properly to allow what they want; they might not need to extend,” explains Adam.
So while yes, you don’t have to pinch space, the point is people are now seeing the benefits of having slightly smaller bedrooms – and are, instead, using that extra footprint to add another layer of luxury to their bathrooms. The question is, how big will you go?
Enjoyed this post? Click here to discover the perfect bathroom basin and tap set-up
About Post Author
