Ideas for renovating a small bathroom in a prefab panel block of flats

Bathrooms in prefab tower blocks have plenty of drawbacks. They are not only small and cramped but also impractical. How do you fit even an ordinary washing machine into a room like that? Bathrooms with two entrances are a problem too (who came up with that?). Renovating them has its own particular requirements that you must follow. So before you start choosing tiles, mirrors or bathroom accessories, focus on what lies ahead:

• removing the laminate bathroom core
• building new partition walls
• running new water and electricity lines

So there will be a huge amount of work. Be prepared for it.

Sketch out the room

As we have already mentioned, you will most likely be fighting for space. That is why you need to draw the interior and measure everything, ideally twice. Would you like a shower enclosure or a bath? In that case, think about your life situation and preferences. If you have young children, a bath will definitely come in handy. If you live alone, a shower enclosure will be enough. Then focus on other equipment such as a washing machine or tumble dryer, and furniture

Don’t be afraid to bring in a designer, for example!

To remove the laminate core or not

Yes, we are not big fans of the laminate core either. But let’s be honest, renovating a small bathroom is not cheap, so consider whether simply repairing the core might do. If you decide to replace it with masonry walls,  be ready not only for dust but also for some new discoveries, such as leaks, mould or poorly installed wiring. If you opt only for repairing the core, you may still end up replacing it completely in a few years. Removing it entirely also gives you more freedom when it comes to changes. You can build new partition walls, move the bath or shower enclosure and transform the bathroom beyond recognition.

Bathroom renovation and building permits

Unfortunately, paperwork is just as important for renovations in a tower block flat. However, it has its own criteria. If you intend to alter load-bearing structures, you will need a building permit. If that is not your case, a simple notification will be enough. The best advice is therefore to contact the building authority, where you will find out everything you need. Don’t forget to inform the owners’ association (společenství vlastníků jednotek) about the work. This way you will avoid unnecessary disagreements and disputes.

Furnishing a small bathroom

Out with what you don’t need

Having a small bathroom really is a problem. Where do you put the washing machine, for example? If it does not fit in your bathroom, put it in the kitchen. Also try to make use of the wall space, creating storage that goes upwards and along the wall rather than out into the room. The best place is around the washbasin. Hang a bathroom cabinet with a mirror there, for example, and get a small closed cabinet for under the washbasin.

Light-coloured walls

The psychology of colour is also important, so play around a little with illusion. White or light cream paint makes a space look bigger, while darker colours make it look smaller. Choose lighter shades for large surfaces and save bright and dark colours for accessories. If you still decide on a dark colour, paint just one wall, which should make the room look longer.

Bath or shower enclosure?

With a bath, focus mainly on its dimensions. Make sure there is enough space in the bathroom. When choosing one, also think about your pets: it should be resistant to animal claws.

Do you like corner baths? Their small advantage is that they are unusual, but you are better off going for a good classic. At first glance a corner bath may seem to save a little space, but in the end, unless it projects into the room, you will not be able to stretch out properly in it.

We recommend a shower enclosure  measuring 80 x 80 cm. The shower doors also matter. Choose clear, transparent ones, which make the space look bigger, at least visually.

Toilet

You will also have to compromise on the toilet. Tower block bathrooms do not have much space for a WC. It is certainly not generous. So if you go for a wall-hung WC, expect to have less room. 

How much will a new bathroom cost you?

Conversions cost a lot. When renovating a small bathroom,  the price also depends on the scope of the work. A complete makeover costs between 60,000 CZK (about 2,800 USD) and 250,000 CZK (about 11,000 USD), but it can also come out more expensive.

USD amounts are approximate, converted at the Czech National Bank rate of 21.75 CZK per USD on 9 October 2026.