Designing a small bathroom can be a big challenge. With limited space, every inch matters when trying to fit in all the necessary fixtures and create a functional yet inviting room. However, with clever layouts and space-saving features, bathrooms measuring roughly 100 square feet or less can accommodate all the essentials while still feeling open and easy to navigate.

Take a look at how these 8 tiny bathrooms under 100 square feet manage to fit a toilet, sink, shower, storage, and more into an efficiently organized footprint. Discover smart techniques like floating vanities, corner showers, and multipurpose furniture that maximize every bit of available space. Find inspiration from these models for creating a comfortable, beautiful small bathroom designed to meet your needs.

Choose Space-Saving Fixtures and Features

One of the keys to creating a well-functioning petite bathroom is selecting fixtures and features specifically made for small spaces. Opting for a corner shower rather than a bathtub saves several square feet. Compact elongated toilets fit into tight footprints better than round bowls. Floating vanities save space below, as do pedestal sinks that eliminate the cabinetry underneath altogether. Other space-saving elements like narrow shelves, corner cabinets, and towel racks that mount to walls or mirrors also help preserve precious floor area.

Incorporating some of these space-conscious fixtures and features is an easy way to free up more room in a small bathroom:

Corner Shower

A corner shower layout takes advantage of unused space by tucking the shower into one corner of the bathroom. Compared to a tub/shower combo or regular alcove shower, it has a smaller footprint, leaving more floor space for other items. Glass doors, rather than shower curtains, also prevent the shower from encroaching on the rest of the room.

Elongated Toilet

Elongated toilet bowls maximize comfort and accessibility. New compact elongated models have a specially designed tank that sits closer to the wall, reducing the total depth. This allows an elongated bowl to fit in the same rough-in space as a round toilet.

Floating Vanity

Floating vanities appear to hover above the floor, with no cabinetry underneath. This opens up the space visually and allows for easier cleaning.Floating vanities can also be wall mounted, completely keeping the floor clear below.

Pedestal Sink

Without the need for a cabinet base, pedestal sinks have a slim profile. They also showcase more floor space and create an open, leggy look.

Mirror Cabinet

Mirror cabinets provide discreet storage behind the reflective glass door. This adds function while taking up zero additional floor space.

Corner Cabinet

Corner cabinets are shaped to tuck right into a corner, utilizing space that may otherwise go unused. Great for storing toiletries and bathroom essentials while keeping counters clutter-free.

Wall-Mounted Fixtures

Installing the toilet paper holder, towel bar, and other fixtures on the wall gets them up and out of the way. Wall-mounting as many items as possible is an easy way to expand floor and counter space.

Arrange the Layout Efficiently

Carefully planning the layout is equally as important as choosing space-saving components. The goal is to position fixtures and features in a way that maximizes every inch while still feeling organized and allowing comfortable movement within the room.

Here are some tried-and-true small bathroom layouts to make the most of a petite footprint:

Corner Toilet

Situating the toilet in the corner makes use of the often underutilized space. It also allows more room for the other fixtures and door access.

Aligned Fixtures

Aligning key fixtures along one wall—like the toilet, sink, and shower—creates a streamlined, efficient layout. This bathroom zone leaves the rest of the room open.

Floating Toilet

Floating toilets hung on the wall free up floor space underneath and make cleaning easier. Some models have an ultra-slim tank that protrudes just a few inches from the wall.

Peninsular Vanity

A vanity situated like a peninsula in the center of the room separates the toilet and shower. This layout defines separate zones while still keeping an open feel.

Pocket Door

Pocket doors slide into the wall when open, saving the swing space required by traditional hinged doors. This allows positioning fixtures closer to the doorway while maintaining easy access.

Optimize Storage Solutions

Tucking away toiletries, towels, and other bathroom necessities makes the space feel more open and less visually cluttered. Take full advantage of every storage opportunity—both hidden and display—with these storage-boosting ideas:

Mirrored Cabinet

Mirrored cabinets hide shelves and/or hang bars behind the reflective door. Hang it above the toilet tank or vanity to maximize vertical storage.

Wall Niche

Recessed wall niches integrated into the shower design corral shampoo, soap, and other shower essentials.

Freestanding Storage

A narrow storage cabinet, shelving unit, or freestanding tower tucked into an unused corner becomes a personalized place to store towels and toiletries.

Undersink Storage

Container-store small bath accessories like cleaning products in organizers that slide neatly under the sink vanity. Keep the narrow space organized.

Medicine Cabinet

In addition to providing discreet storage behind the mirror, many medicine cabinets include organizational features inside like shelves and trays for easy access to small items.

Drawers

Opt for vanities and storage furniture with drawers to hide away items you want out of sight. Drawer organizers also keep the contents neatly arranged.

Wall Ledges

Ledges installed at varying heights provide customizable display space. Use them to show off decorative objects or keep frequently used items within arm’s reach.

Choose Multi-Tasking Fixtures and Furnishings

One smart trick for gaining function in a small bathroom is selecting fixtures and furnishings that multitask. For instance, a vanity that includes a built-in laundry hamper adds extra utility in the same footprint. Other examples include:

Vanity Stool

A slender vanity stool tucks under the floating vanity when not in use. Pull it out to create an instant seat for putting on makeup or doing your hair.

Ledge Shelf

Ledge shelves mounted at standing height create a useful resting spot for folded towels, candles, plants, and decor.

Cabinet Combination

Combine a medicine cabinet above with a drawer base below to get the most storage out of a single fixture. Consider open shelves on one side for frequently used items.

Towel Ladder

Freestanding towel ladders add a handy place to hang multiple towels in a slim footprint. Choose a model with a built-in shelf for even more functionality.

Mirror Shelf

Floating wall shelves under a mounted mirror provide both display ledges and a spot to set items while using the sink.

Baskets

Woven baskets are attractive bathroom storage that complement virtually any style. Use them to hold rolled towels, toilet paper, bath accessories, and more.

Work With the Existing Architecture

Not all tiny bathrooms are designed and built from the ground up. More often, you’re working with an existing small space and looking for creative ways to carve out an efficient layout. Take note of architectural details and permanent elements that can work for—or against—your functional bathroom vision.

Size Up the Space

• Carefully measure the bathroom and create a simple floor plan sketch. This helps visualize the existing layout and determine the best option for reconfiguring fixtures and furnishings.

Account for Plumbing Locations

• The existing locations of water supply lines, drain pipes, and ventilation determine where the sink, toilet, and shower must stay put. Moving plumbing is costly.

Check Doorway Openings

• Note the width of the doorways and halls leading into the bathroom. Large fixtures like a bathtub often can’t fit through narrow openings.

Assess Windows and Venting

• Consider how natural light, ventilation, heat lamps, and exhaust fans impact the ideal locations for each fixture. Easy access is key for proper moisture control.

Work Around Existing Finishes

• Taking into account tile layouts, special accents, and any finishes you want to preserve will help inform the most cost-effective remodel options.

Evaluate Electrical and Lighting

• Check if the existing lighting layout will provide enough illumination in the new configuration. Also note where electrical outlets are located in relation to new fixture positions.

Choose Style and Finishes Strategically

Design details like colors, materials, and finishes have a big impact on the overall look and feel of a small bath. Tailoring these stylistic choices smartly can help expand the sense of space rather than make the room feel cramped.

Light, Bright Color Palette

Sticking with light, neutral wall colors keeps the space feeling open and airy. Crisp white is a popular choice for a seamless, spacious look.

Mirrored Walls or Cabinets

Strategically placed mirrors reflect light and views, making the room appear larger. Covering one wall entirely with mirror tiles amplifies the effect.

Glass Shower Doors

Clear glass shower doors maintain an open sightline in a small bathroom. Frosted glass provides privacy while still allowing light to filter through.

Glossy Surfaces

Polished tiles, glass shower doors, and lacquered vanities impart a sleek, streamlined look that keeps the eye moving. Glossy finishes also reflect light, brightening up the space.

Mini Subway Tile

Smaller size tiles like a mini subway pattern make walls appear less crowded. Opt for lighter grout colors as dark grout lines can close in a petite space.

Wall-Mounted Fixtures

Visually lifting fixtures like floating vanities and wall-hung toilets adds to the feeling of openness and space since your eye continues underneath.

Contrasting Floor Tile

A darker tile on the floor grounds the lighter upper walls and cabinetry, drawing attention down and making ceilings appear higher.

Take Advantage of Natural Light

Access to plentiful natural light can make a bathroom feel significantly larger, regardless of its actual square footage. When remodeling a tiny bath, leverage any existing windows and also look for ways to bring in more sunlight.

Large Mirrors

Position a wall-sized mirror across from a window so it can double the brightening impact of the natural light streaming in.

Skylights

Adding a skylight overhead showers the entire room with natural light from above, making the space feel instantly more open and airy.

More Windows

Depending on placement, you may be able to add a window to bring in natural light that didn’t previously exist in the small bath.

• A taller, elongated window provides more illumination than a standard square one.
• Horizontal windows mounted near the ceiling distribute light without compromising privacy.

Window Niche

Carve out a recessed niche around a window instead of cabinets below. This opens up the wall and allows natural light to spread deeper into the room.

Clear Glass Shower

Using clear glass shower doors (or none at all) rather than curtains or frosted glass allows sunlight to stream through to the rest of the bathroom.

FAQs About Designing a Small Bathroom:

How can I make my small bathroom look bigger?

Using design tricks like light colors, lots of mirrors, glass shower doors, and floating fixtures visually expands a petite bathroom. Also choose space-saving sink and toilet options. Multitasking furniture and wall-mounted storage increase function without increasing the footprint.

What size should a small bathroom be?

Ideally, a basic bathroom should be at least 5 by 7 feet, or about 35 square feet. However, you can make a bathroom work in as little as 25 square feet by incorporating space-saving layouts and fixtures. Focus on allowing proper clearances around fixtures and doors.

How do I arrange a small bathroom?

Align fixtures efficiently along one wall, float the vanity in a central peninsula, tuck the toilet in a corner, or stack functions (like combining the toilet and a vanity) to maximize every inch. Allow at least 21 inches of clearance in front of sinks and toilets, and 24 to 27 inches in front of showers.

Should I get a pedestal sink or vanity in a small bathroom?

For a truly tiny bathroom, a pedestal sink may be the better choice to save space since there is no cabinetry beneath. However, a floating vanity can work with proper planning, and you gain storage. Consider your needs, the existing layout, and clearances required.

What type of flooring is best for small bathrooms?

Porcelain or ceramic tile flooring withstands the humidity in bathrooms and has a sleek, seamless look. Use large tiles with small grout lines to avoid a crowded feeling. Neutral tones help lighten the space. Mosaic tiles can make floors appear busy.

How much space do you need for a stand up shower?

The absolute minimum size for a shower is 36 by 36 inches. For comfortable changing space, look for shower dimensions of at least 48 inches long by 36 inches deep—or larger if possible. Glass doors save space versus curtains.

How do you layout a master bathroom?

Separate the wet zone (shower, tub, toilet) from the dry vanity area if possible. Use floating vanities, narrow partitions, and pocket doors to delineate areas without closing off the space. Add a spacious walk-in closet, dual sinks, compartmentalized storage, and a private water closet for the toilet if the master bath is large.

Conclusion

While a small bathroom under 100 square feet presents certain layout and storage challenges, it can absolutely be designed to hold all the necessary fixtures and feel open, inviting, and easy to navigate. Clever space-saving tricks like floating vanities, compact toilets, multipurpose furniture, and wall-mounted storage are key. Arrange fixtures efficiently and maximize natural light to expand the feel of the room. With careful planning and strategic use of every inch, you can transform a tiny bath into a comfortable, beautiful oasis. The inspiring examples here showcase how even a footprint under 100 square feet can accommodate a shower, toilet, sink, storage, and style.

See How 8 Bathrooms Fit Everything Into About 100 Square Feet

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Choose Space-Saving Fixtures and Features

Selecting the right fixtures and features is key to maximizing every inch in a tiny bathroom. Consider the following space-saving options to open up floor area:

Corner Showers

Tuck a corner shower into an unused area instead of an alcove or tub shower. The smaller footprint leaves more room for other fixtures.

Compact Toilets

New compact elongated toilets fit in a smaller rough-in space but offer the comfort of an elongated bowl.

Floating Vanities

Floating vanities appear to hover above the floor, opening up space below. Wall mounted styles also work.

Pedestal Sinks

With no cabinet underneath, pedestal sinks have a slim profile and showcase floor space.

Mirror Cabinets

Add storage without taking up floor space by using a cabinet behind the mirror.

Corner Cabinets

Make use of wasted corner space with a triangular corner cabinet.

Wall-Mounted Fixtures

Get items up and off the floor by mounting the toilet paper holder, towel bars, and other fixtures on walls.

Arrange the Layout Efficiently

Carefully planning fixture positions makes the most of every inch. Try these smart small bathroom layouts:

Corner Toilet

Situate the toilet in a corner to free up floor space for other items.

Aligned Fixtures

Lining up fixtures along one wall—like the toilet, sink, and shower—keeps the rest of the room open.

Floating Toilet

Hanging the toilet on the wall leaves space clear underneath for a cleaner look.

Peninsular Vanity

A vanity positioned like a peninsula separates the toilet and shower into zones.

Pocket Door

Pocket doors slide into the wall, allowing fixtures to be placed closer to the doorway.

Optimize Storage Solutions

Take advantage of every storage opportunity with these ideas:

Mirrored Cabinets

Hang a mirrored cabinet above the toilet or vanity to discretely tuck away items behind the mirror.

Wall Niches

Built-in wall niches in the shower corral shower supplies and get them off shelves and counters.

Freestanding Storage

Tuck a narrow cabinet or shelving unit into an unused corner for more storage.

Undersink Organizers

Keep the space under sinks neat with sliding organizers.

Medicine Cabinets

Medicine cabinets often include shelves and trays to organize contents.

Drawers

Opt for vanities with drawers to conceal items you want hidden away. Use organizers.

Wall Ledges

Floating ledges on walls provide display space and spots to set down items.

Choose Multi-Tasking Fixtures and Furnishings

Get more function out of fixtures like a vanity with a built-in hamper or a stool that tucks under when not in use:

Vanity Stool

A slim stool slides under the floating vanity to create an occasional seat at the sink.

Ledge Shelf

Mounted ledges become a handy resting spot for items like folded towels and candles.

Cabinet Combo

Combine a medicine cabinet up top with drawers below for optimal storage.

Towel Ladder

Slim freestanding towel ladders double as handy extra hanging space.

Mirror Shelf

A shelf below the mounted mirror provides display