Introduction
Small bathrooms can be challenging spaces to design and decorate. With limited square footage, it can be difficult to fit in all the necessary fixtures and create a space that is both beautiful and functional. However, small bathrooms present great opportunities to get creative and make every inch count. With careful planning and clever design tricks, small bathrooms can feel expansive and offer plenty of style. From utilizing vertical storage space to opting for space-saving fixtures, there are many ways to make a small bathroom feel grand. Here are 30 inspiring ideas to transform your pint-sized bath into a bathroom full of big style.
Use Wall-Mounted Fixtures
Wall-mounted toilets, sinks, and cabinets can help save precious floor space in a small bathroom. Mounting fixtures on the wall eliminates the need for bulky cabinets and pedestals, opening up the room. Look for wall-mounted sinks and toilets that suit your bathroom’s style. Also consider wall-mounted medicine cabinets with mirrors to add storage and visual interest.
Install a Pedestal Sink
Pedestal sinks have a slim profile that frees up floor and vanity space in tiny bathrooms. A pedestal sink has a classic, timeless look that pairs well with many design styles from vintage to modern. Look for petite pedestal sinks that fit your bathroom’s dimensions. Add wall-mounted shelves or cabinets nearby for extra storage.
Choose a Space-Saving Shower
A shower stall with glass doors can save space compared to bathtubs in small bathrooms. Look for narrow shower stalls and corner shower units that tuck into unused spaces. To save even more room, consider a neo-angled shower design. The angled shape protrudes less into the bathroom than a standard square stall.
Use Pocket Doors
Pocket doors that slide directly into the wall are perfect space-savers for tiny bathrooms. They eliminate the need for doors that swing open into the room. Pocket doors help keep walkways clear and give a smooth, built-in look. Use pocket doors on the bathroom entrance, linen closets or other storage areas.
Install Corner Shelves
Maximize vertical storage space in a small bathroom with corner shelves. angular corner shelves utilize wasted space and have a clean, modern look. Use corner shelves in the shower to hold toiletries or near the vanity to store towels and beauty supplies. Look for corner shelves with glass or wire accents.
Choose a Compact Vanity
Maximize space with a narrow vanity that fits tight areas. Look for compact vanities that are 20 inches deep or less. Wall-mounted vanities can also help save space. Make sure to look for small sinks to pair with your petite vanity. Add a slim mirror or medicine cabinet above to reflect light and add storage.
Use a Wall-Hung Toilet
A wall-hung toilet can instantly make a small bathroom look and feel more open. By mounting the toilet directly on the wall, you eliminate the need for a bulky tank and base. This helps open up precious floor space. Make sure to install the specialized wall-mounted toilet carrier correctly for safety and optimal performance.
Install Vertical Tile
Installing tile vertically can make ceilings appear taller in a small bathroom. It creates a sleek, contemporary look. Useglass subway tiles, marble mosaic tiles or other elongated tiles. Vertical tile also leads the eye up and down rather than horizontally, which helps give the illusion of a larger space.
Add a Large Mirror
Strategically place mirrors to make your small bathroom feel more spacious. Try covering one wall with a floor-to-ceiling mirrored surface to instantly double the sense of space. For ample reflective light, make sure your mirror runs the length of the vanity. You can also use a mirrored medicine cabinet for storage and style.
Use Glass Shower Doors
Using frameless glass shower doors can make even the tiniest stall feel more expansive. Glass reflects light, adding to the illusion of size. Make sure to use tempered safety glass. Consider clear glass doors with simple hardware for a clean, contemporary vibe. For easy maintenance, look for glass shower doors that have water repellent and anti-scale treatments.
Install Shelves Over The Toilet
Maximize vertical storage space by installing shelves above the toilet area. Floating shelves give a modern touch and keep the space neat looking. Use the shelves to store extra toilet paper, candles, small décor items or baskets. Make sure the shelves are safely secured and water-resistant.
Opt for Vessel Sinks
Vessel sinks are a great option for small bathrooms needing a style boost. Their bowl-shaped design sits on top of the vanity, rather than inside it. This helps save cabinet space. Vessel sinks come in stunning shapes, sizes, colors and materials to fit your style. They are an easy way to add artistic flair in a petite bath.
Use Patterned Floor Tile
Small spaces are great canvases for making a bold flooring statement. Use smaller-scale tile sizes to prevent overwhelming the room. Intricate patterns and bright colors add drama underfoot. Opt for low-maintenance porcelain or ceramic tile. Adding a border or geometric shape helps contain busy patterns.
Install Wall-Mounted Lights
Wall sconces and pendant lights provide ambient light while saving space on sink tops and vanities. Look for quality fixtures that complement your bathroom’s finishes and details. Opt for energy-efficient LEDs. Place matching sconces on each side of the mirror for even illumination. Mini pendants are ideal for showers.
Build Custom Storage
Maximize every inch with custom built-ins designed for your bathroom’s unique storage challenges. A carpenter or contractor can construct cabinets, open shelving and other storage solutions tailored to utilize awkward spaces. Built-ins have a polished, upscale look and can be painted to match your décor.
Use Glass Block Windows
Glass block windows inject soft natural light while obscuring views for privacy. The thick glass blocks help insulate against noise. Use glass blocks in place of standard windows or install them on walls where you need more light. For a vibrant punch of color, choose colored and patterned glass blocks.
Install Recessed Niches
Recessed niches built into the shower wall are handy for storing shower essentials. This helps keep bottles and accessories tidy and organized. Niches add visual interest and come in a range of sizes. Look for watertight niches made for shower walls. Consider widening existing shower niches for more storage capacity.
Add Wainscoting
Wainscoting panels and chair rails break up walls visually in a small space. Opt for beadboard or tongue and groove boards in moisture-resistant materials. Use crisp white colors to feel crisp and clean. Wainscoting adds texture and architectural interest at eye level. Limit wainscoting to halfway up the wall to keep the space from feeling too boxy.
Choose Pendant Lighting
Mini pendant lights provide task lighting at the vanity while freeing up counter and cabinet space. Look for delicate globes or drum-shaped pendants in materials like glass, metal or fabric. Opt for hang heights low enough to provide direct illumination. In a double vanity, use two matching pendants spaced evenly apart.
Include Open Shelving
Open shelving instantly creates a lighter look in small bathrooms. The airy, open design showcases towels, toiletries and décor. Use slender metal brackets and boards for an industrial vibe. Or select wall-mounted glass shelves for a transparent, floating effect. Make sure to display only your most attractive items.
Use High-Gloss Tile
High-gloss ceramic, porcelain or glass tile adds depth and drama in a small bathroom. The lustrous sheen reflects light, adding to the feeling of spaciousness. Use large-format glossy tiles for expansive visual impact. Pair with contrasting grout colors for added definition. Limit glossy tile to smaller surfaces, like walls or backsplashes, to prevent overwhelming the space.
Opt for Soft Neutrals
Stick with soft, neutral hues when painting small bathrooms. Light tones of grey, tan, ivory and cream make walls recede, creating a feeling of openness. Contrast with bright white trims and ceilings for crisp definition. Deeper shades like navy blue can work well on cabinetry and add punch without making the space feel closed in.
Install a Skylight
Skylights flood small bathrooms with natural light, instantly making them feel more expansive. Place a skylight near the shower or tub to create a spa-like ambiance. Opt for an energy-efficient unit with frosted or translucent glass to protect privacy. Make sure the skylight is properly flashed and sealed to prevent leaks.
Include Hidden Storage
Tuck storage into unexpected places, like drawer bases beneath sinks or cabinets with false drawer fronts. Look for narrow spaces between wall studs to add recessed shelves. Turn the space under the stairs into under-stair bathroom storage. For a polished look, finish all sides of DIY custom storage.
Paint Stripes
Painting horizontal stripes in contrasting colors adds a sense of space and height. Use at least one bold tone, like navy or charcoal grey, for dramatic contrast. Opt for wide stripes to exaggerate the illusion. Choose high-quality paints to allow for easier, clean edges. Tape off stripes with painter’s tape and apply two coats for best coverage.
Replace Bulky Doors
A standard door can gobble up valuable space in a small bathroom. Consider removing the door completely and hanging a discreet curtain instead. Or replace a hinged door with a slimmer pocket door that slides directly into the wall. Use sliding barn doors on a metal track for a rustic-chic look.
Add Tub Skirts
Skirting placed around the bottom of a freestanding tub can help anchor it while softening hard edges. Use fabric skirting for a romantic cottage look or try unfinished wood planks for a more rustic style. Make sure skirting allows for proper maintenance and ventilation. Leave some space between the skirt and floor.
Extend Cabinets to the Ceiling
Extending bathroom vanity cabinets all the way to the ceiling can double storage capacity. Use the additional vertical space to store seasonal items like beach towels. Place commonly used essentials in easy-to-reach areas. Make sure cabinets have adjustable shelves to maximize versatility.
Include Windows
Even the smallest windows can make a cramped bathroom feel refreshed and airy. Place windows high on walls for optimal light and privacy. Use textured glass or obscured film to prevent views in but allow daylight to filter through. For energy efficiency, choose double-paned windows in insulating frames.
Use a Wall-Mounted Vanity
A wall-mounted vanity helps open up floor space in a tiny bath. Look for streamlined floating vanities that protrude just slightly from the wall. Make sure it can support the weight of sinks and plumbing. Built-in LED vanity lighting adds a beautiful glow for tasks. Opt for vessel sinks to maximize the sense of space.
Conclusion
With some creativity and smart design choices, even the most pint-sized bathroom can be transformed into a stylish retreat. Focus on making the most of every inch through space-saving fixtures, vertical storage and light colors. Look for ways to add style through materials like tile, glass and metal accents. By leveraging clever solutions, your small bathroom can feel fresh, expansive and full of possibilities.
