Big style in a small space? Absolutely! This week we’re taking a look at a stunning small bathroom design that packs a serious punch. Though it’s only 43 square feet, this space makes the most out of every inch with striking style choices.
Key Elements for Maximizing a Tiny Bathroom
When dealing with an ultra-compact bathroom, careful planning and strategic design moves are essential to create a functional and beautiful space. Here are some of the key elements utilized in this 43 square foot stunner:
Layered Lighting
With limited natural light available, layering multiple lighting sources creates ambiance and makes the small space feel bright and airy. This bathroom uses recessed can lights, dramatic pendants, and accent lighting.
Neutral Color Palette
Sticking to a neutral base of white with accents of wood and black keeps things simple and refined. Pops of green foliage provide just enough color without overwhelming.
Pattern Play
Patterns and textures add visual interest in a small area and make it feel larger than it is. Herringbone tile floors, graphic shower tile, and a bold leafy rug all pack pattern into this petite bathroom.
Mirrored Cabinets
Reflective surfaces give the illusion of more space. The mirrored medicine cabinets maximize storage while bouncing light around the room.
Floating Vanity
Lifting the vanity off the ground streamlines the look and makes the space feel more open. It also allows the beautiful herringbone floor to take center stage.
Curbless Shower
By extending the tile to outside the shower instead of having a bulky curb, the shower blends seamlessly with the rest of the bathroom. The result is a room that feels more expansive.
Step-By-Step Bathroom Layout
This brilliant bathroom design makes every inch count through careful planning of layout and storage. Here is how it all fits together:
Entry Area
The entry space features a framed mirror and hand towel hook mounted on beautiful wood-look porcelain tile. A narrow niche below provides discreet storage.
Toilet and Towel Storage
Turning the toilet perpendicular to the shower enclosure saves space. A corner shelf and two floating shelves above the toilet maximize storage for folded towels.
Vanity
Centered on the far wall, the floating wood vanity provides ample surface space. Mirrored medicine cabinets offer hidden storage. Cubbies keep toiletries organized.
Shower
On the right wall, bold green, black, and white tile turns the shower into a stunning focal feature. A glass door and tile extending outside the shower keep the look seamless.
Laundry Hamper
Tucked away next to the vanity is a rolling laundry hamper that can easily be moved out of the way as needed.
Rug and Window
A dog-friendly leafy rug adds softness underfoot and brings in nature. The window above the toilet fills the small bathroom with natural light.
6 Key Design Choices Behind the Chic Look
This petite powder room packs a serious style punch. Here are 6 standout decisions that make it shine:
1. Striking Floor Tile
Herringbone white wood-look porcelain tile lays a neutral yet eye-catching foundation. The bold directional pattern makes the space feel larger.
2. Floating Vanity
Raising the vanity creates visual space and allows the tile to take center stage. The rich wood finish provides warmth against cool tile and black accents.
3. Vibrant Shower Tile
Mosaic green, black, and white tile transforms the shower into a stunning feature wall. The vibrant pattern is an artistic focal point.
4. Theatrical Lighting
Pendant lights over the vanity make a dramatic style statement while providing ideal task lighting. Recessed cans add ambient light.
5. Mirrored Cabinets
Mirrored medicine cabinets reflect light to make the room brighter. They also provide hidden storage for essentials.
6. Window for Natural Light
Although small, the window above the toilet washes the space in natural light and connects it to outdoors. The soft white shade filters light.
FAQs About Designing Ultra-Compact Bathrooms:
How can I make a tiny bathroom feel bigger?
- Use floor-to-ceiling mirrored cabinets to reflect light and create the illusion of space.
- Install glass shower doors rather than shower curtains.
- Choose neutral colors for walls, floor, and ceiling to open up the space.
- Use floating shelves and cabinets to free up visual space.
- Add a large mirror to give the illusion of more room.
What type of sink works best in small bathrooms?
- Vessel sinks or floating vanities save space since they don’t require underlying cabinetry.
- Wall-mount faucets provide a sleek, minimalist look that doesn’t clutter the room.
- Pedestal sinks offer an elegant option that enhances visual space.
Should I get a shower or tub in my small bathroom?
- Showers tend to work better than tubs in compact bathrooms since they take up less space.
- Corner showers or neo-angle showers can maximize space when layout is tight.
- If you want a soaking tub, consider a petite rectangular tub or narrow Japanese soaking tub.
How can I add storage to a tiny bathroom?
- Install shelves or cabinets above the toilet to hold towels and toiletries.
- Use space under pedestal sinks for rolling storage bins or baskets.
- Medicine cabinets provide excellent hidden storage behind mirrors.
- Deep shelving in the shower recess can hold shower necessities.
What flooring works well in small bathrooms?
- Large scale tile or stone flooring helps a compact bathroom feel more expansive.
- Glass, metal, or porcelain penny tile adds eye-catching pattern underfoot
- Neutral colored floors keep the space feeling light and airy.
- Avoid dark floors, which can make a small space feel closed in and even smaller.
Should I paint my tiny bathroom a dark color?
- It’s generally best to avoid dark colors in small bathrooms, which can make walls feel like they are closing in.
- However, one dark accent wall in a bold tile or paint color can be dramatic. Keep other walls light.
- Dark paint can work in bathrooms with ample natural light to counteract gloominess.
- If using darker paint colors, keep the ceiling and trim light to avoid feeling too enclosed.
Achieving Spa Style in Small Bathrooms
Just because your bathroom is compact doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on spa-style amenities and design. Here are 7 tips for creating a relaxing, spa-like oasis in a petite powder room:
1. Include Soft Textiles
Add lush towels, robes, rugs, shower curtains and other soft textiles to help create a soothing, spa aesthetic. Stick to a serene color palette like white, grey or pale blue.
2. Incorporate Natural Materials
Natural materials like stone, wood, wicker, bamboo and linen feel spa-like. Use these on walls, floors, furniture and accessories for an organic vibe.
3. Invest in High-End Fixtures
Luxurious rain shower heads, stone vessel sinks, and elegant faucets make a strong spa statement. Quality craftsmanship is worth splurging on.
4. Allow Natural Light to Flow
If possible, add windows and skylights to fill your small bathroom with rejuvenating natural light. Sheer linen curtains filter the light beautifully.
5. Include Candlelight and Soft Ambiance
Strategically placed candles and dimmable lights create a soothing, tranquil environment. Accent lighting sets the mood.
6. Incorporate Greenery and Fresh Flowers
Houseplants, succulents and fresh flower arrangements instantly lend a spa-like feel and bring life to compact bathrooms.
7. Display High-End Bath Amenities
Apothecary jars filled with bath salts, cotton pads, Q-tips, etc. add a pampering touch and spa visual appeal. Mount floating shelves or wall organizers to show off products.
5 Modern and Minimalist Small Bathroom Ideas
If a streamlined, uncluttered look is your style, these contemporary small bathroom ideas will provide inspiration:
1. Stick to a Neutral Monochromatic Color Scheme
Keep the palette minimal with shades of white or light grey on walls, cabinetry, tile, and accessories for a tranquil vibe. Add pops of color with towels, art, or greenery.
2. Incorporate Seamless Glass Partitions
Frameless glass shower enclosures and glass sink partitions create transparent dividers between spaces for an airy, open feel.
3. Install Wall-Mounted Fixtures
Mounting the toilet and sink/vanity on the wall eliminates bulky cabinets and frees up visual space for a clean look.
4. Add LED Strip Lighting
For a modern touch, install LED lights under floating shelves, behind mirrors and vanities, or at floor level to create soft, ambient lighting.
5. Select Sleek Materials Like Porcelain or Quartz
Crisp white porcelain, engineered quartz, and solid surface materials keep the aesthetic fuss-free. Matte finishes prevent shine.
Small Bathroom Inspiration: 7 Soothing Scandinavian-Style Designs
For serene style perfect for small bathrooms, here are 7 calming Scandinavian-inspired designs:
1. Light and Airy All-White Color Palette
White walls, cabinetry, tile, and linens create a bright and airy feel. Add warmth with wood accents.
2. Natural Wood Vanities and Furnishings
Wood injects organic texture. Opt for light stains like oak or maple to keep things calming.
3. Earthy and Minimalist Materials
Natural stone, jute, cotton, seagrass and wool add cozy minimalism. Keep textures simple.
4. Ample Natural Lighting
Large windows, skylights, and sun tunnels wash spaces in rejuvenating natural light.
5. Minimalist Style Fixtures
Unfussy fixtures in matte black or chrome have simple, streamlined silhouettes.
6. Freestanding Bathtubs
Soaking tubs placed in front of windows provide a serene focal point.
7. Plants for Pops of Green
Foliage brings life and freshness to neutral palettes. Display in hanging planters or on floating shelves.
Conclusion
This diminutive 43 square foot bathroom is living proof that a small space can still make a BIG style statement. Strategic layout, spatial illusions, and standout design choices combine to create a stunning, spa-like retreat. The neutral palette keeps things calming and refined, while creative use of color, shape, texture, and pattern transforms this petite powder room into a work of art. Though compact, this thoughtfully planned bathroom delivers form and function in equal measure. With smart solutions for storage, lighting, and style, luxury is possible even in the most pint-sized of rooms. This bathroom may be small, but its design ideas provide endless inspiration!
