A modern en suite bathroom featuring a grey tiled floor and white bath underneath a large window

These days, the majority of new build homes come equipped with a beautiful ensuite incorporated into the master bedroom – and it’s easy to see why.

Not only is an ensuite both a convenient and comfortable addition to any home, but these valuable home improvements may add thousands to the resale value of the property, too.

With this in mind, it’s always worth investing in your pre-existing ensuite bathroom or installing a new one.

If you’re looking to install a brand new ensuite or make the very best of the one that you already have, our guide explores the best ensuite bathroom ideas, layout tips for small ensuite designs, budget tips, and answers to some of the most common questions to make your ensuite dreams a reality!

Ensuite bathroom ideas

Whilst they’re usually around half the size of a master bathroom, ensuites can still be decorated in many different ways and, using a series of design tricks, you can make the most of this generally smaller space.

Here are some of our favourite small ensuite bathroom ideas.

Ensuite shower room ideas

Ensuite shower rooms have become increasingly popular in modern homes, offering a private and convenient space for daily hygiene routines. However, designing an ensuite shower room that meets your needs and style preferences can be a daunting task. Here are some ensuite shower room ideas to inspire your next renovation project.

One popular option for ensuite shower room ideas is the use of shower wall panels. These panels provide a seamless finish and are easier to clean than traditional tiles. They also come in a variety of colours and styles, making it easy to find the perfect fit for your design scheme.

When it comes to the overall design of your ensuite shower room, there are several options to consider. Ensuite bathroom design ideas can incorporate a minimalist design, industrial style, natural materials, statement tiles, or even create a spa-like atmosphere with dual shower heads and sleek glass partitions. Consider your personal style and needs when planning your renovation to create a functional and stylish space.

Small ensuite designs

Modern en suite bathroom ideas are all about function meeting luxury, even in small spaces. Designing a small ensuite can be a challenge, but it's important to make the most of the space available. Here are some small ensuite designs to help you create a functional and stylish bathroom.

  • Opt for a corner shower: A corner shower can help save space, allowing you to use the remaining area for other fixtures.
  • Use light colours: Light colours can help to make a small ensuite feel brighter and more spacious. Use light coloured wall panels or paint on the walls and floors to create a clean and open feel. White wall panels, or beige wall panels, for example, can help to open up your space.
  • Choose slimline fixtures: When choosing fixtures such as toilets, sinks, and cabinets, opt for slimline designs that take up less space. This will help to maximize the available space.
  • Mirror placement: Place a large mirror above the sink to reflect light and create the illusion of more space.
  • Shower wall panels: Shower wall panels can be a great option for a small ensuite as they provide a seamless finish and are easy to clean. They are also available in a range of colours and styles to suit any design scheme.
  • Floating vanity units: Incorporating floating vanity units creates the illusion of space and is a great small ensuite bathroom idea for maximising functionality whilst adding a contemporary finish. 

Tips for ensuite bathroom ideas

Ensuite bathrooms are a luxurious addition to any home, providing a private and convenient space for daily hygiene routines. It can be difficult to know where to start when designing your ensuite bathroom. That’s why we've compiled some helpful tips and ideas to inspire your next ensuite renovation project. From space-saving fixtures to stylish finishes, these ensuite bathroom ideas will help you create a functional and beautiful ensuite bathroom that you'll love to use and show off to guests. So, whether you're planning an ensuite renovation project or just looking for some fresh inspiration, read on for our top tips for ensuite bathroom ideas.

Create the illusion of space

The first of our ensuite bathroom ideas is to create the illusion of space. Even the smallest of bathrooms can be made to look and feel larger if you know how.

First of all, when it comes to making a smaller ensuite bathroom appear larger, less is certainly more. We’d advise investing in built-in storage, such as an all-in-one sink and storage unit.

This is down to the fact that any additional furniture taking up space on the floor will likely give the room a more cluttered feel, whilst built-in storage units give the room a cleaner and more spacious look.

Another way to create the illusion of space is to purchase a large, wall-mounted mirror for your ensuite. You’ve probably heard this classic interior design tip before, and that’s because it works!

Keep it light

Our next ensuite idea is to use avoid the use of a darker colour scheme. Since many ensuite bathrooms may not include a window, it’s a good idea to go for a light and simple colour scheme.

We don’t necessarily mean that your bathroom needs to be painted white and include no colour – just that lighter colours are the way to go. Think accents of light blues, sage greens, etc. You can even add bathroom feature walls for some visual interest in these colours.

Patterned white wall panels are also a great option. We have many great options within the DBS Bathrooms range, including these stylish London tile panels and this sleek white wood effect cladding.

A modern ensuite bathroom with a geometric-patterned grey floor, white walls, a large illuminated mirror, and a black toilet

Select furnishings carefully

When creating small ensuite designs, it can be difficult to come up with ensuite bathroom ideas that are functional and aesthetically pleasing. In smaller bathrooms, selecting the right furnishings is even more important!

We’d recommend choosing furnishings which are fairly small – pillar candles, succulents and small decorative ornaments are all good options.

It’s also a good idea to put up a small shelf for decorative items, rather than having them out on countertop spaces – keeping these surfaces empty will prevent the room from feeling cluttered.

 Incorporate depth and texture with panels

Wall panelling can be a great choice for those looking to create a small ensuite bathroom design that maximises space and functionality without compromising on style. Opt for sleek and stylish white subway tiles that add texture to your ensuite walls, or incorporate diagonal-patterned chevron panels for added depth.  

A grey-panelled ensuite bathroom with a grey-tiled floor, chrome fixtures, and a circular mirror on the wall.   

How much does it cost to install a brand-new ensuite?

The installation costs of a brand new ensuite will vary depending on several factors, and this could impact your ensuite bathroom ideas.

First off, there’s the cost of creating the space for your ensuite – this will likely involve constructing a new partitioning wall or even constructing multiple walls to build a room inside an existing space in the home.

Then comes the costs involved with plumbing installations, electrical rewiring and, if necessary, the installation of a window in the new room, followed by the costs of the interior décor – wallpaper, paint, tile flooring, etc.

The simplest way to estimate the overall potential cost of constructing an ensuite is to add the material costs to the labour costs and VAT - once you’ve shopped around and received quotes from all suppliers and contractors involved, getting the information needed to do this shouldn’t be too difficult.

On average, the cost of an ensuite installation in the UK is around £4,000, but every ensuite bathroom renovation cost is different.

How much does it cost to renovate an ensuite?

The average cost to renovate an existing ensuite is, again, dependent on a number of factors.

Re-fitting an ensuite with brand-new toilets, sinks and shower/bath is likely to cost a minimum of £2,000, with costs varying according to the quality of the materials used.

After this, you’ll need to estimate the costs of purchasing and installing new décor – paint, flooring, etc.

One way to save on the costs of the ensuite bathroom décor is to take a look at the DBS Bathrooms wall panels range. We think that everyone should have access to affordable, beautiful home furnishings – that’s why every wall panel in the DBS range is designed with the highest quality in mind, without the hefty price tag.

With hundreds of colours, patterns and textures to choose from, there’s something for every ensuite bathroom in the DBS range. Using the simple tongue-and-groove installation system, you can install our wall panels easily yourself, without the need to call on expensive contractors.

If you’re taking on an ensuite renovation and are looking for inspiration for your ensuite bathroom ideas, be sure to take a look at our full range of bathroom wall panels and get in touch to request samples today.