Your small bathroom might just become your favorite space in the house.
If you live in an older home, you know that bathroom sizes often reflect a bygone era of modesty. But small doesn’t have to mean cramped or uninspiring. With the right design choices, even the tiniest bathroom can transform into a stylish and functional retreat. Here are 10 ideas to help you make the most of your small bathroom.
#1: Go Vertical
When floor space is limited, look up! Utilize vertical space by adding shelves, hooks, or wall-mounted cabinets above the toilet or sink. Tall, narrow cabinets offer valuable storage for toiletries and towels without taking up much room.
#2: Rethink the Sink
Wall-mounted or pedestal sinks are ideal for tight spaces, while corner sinks can be especially useful in very narrow bathrooms. In this new Arts and Crafts Home, the powder room’s curved vanity and tiny sink were tucked into the wall to save space.
#3: Wall Mounted Faucet
A wall-mounted faucet keeps countertops clear and functional. Tiling the backsplash is a aesthetic and functional choice that introduces style and protect the wall from water damage.
#4: Go Big and Ditch the Grout
Consider removing the bathtub and opting for a walk-in shower with large-format tiles to reduce grout lines. Large tiles visually expand the space and are easier to clean. Add a glass shower door to keep the room feeling open and airy.
#5: Go Neutral
Neutral tones create a sense of calm and openness in small spaces, but that doesn’t mean boring! Play with textures and materials like marble, stone, or textured tile to add depth. Neutral shades also make it easy to add pops of color with towels, art, or accessories, which can be changed out seasonally.
#6: Pocket Door
Pocket doors are a game-changer for small bathrooms. Unlike traditional doors that swing open, pocket doors slide into the wall, saving floor space and giving you more flexibility with layout. They work particularly well in powder rooms.
#7: Use the Space Above the Toilet
If a large vanity isn’t an option, the space above the toilet is prime real estate for storage. It’s an extra space to hold essentials like towels, toiletries, or decorative touches to personalize the space.
#8: Blend In
Details like vents, registers, and other fixtures don’t have to be eyesores. Customize these elements to blend in with the flooring or walls, allowing them to add to the design rather than distract from it. A flush marble or tile register, for instance, keeps the design clean and cohesive.
#9: Go Tankless
Tankless toilets are both space-efficient and stylish. They take up far less room than traditional models and offer a sleek, modern profile.
#10: Work the Corners
Wrapping up our small bathroom design ideas (though we could keep going!), we encourage you to see every space as an opportunity. Just as we make the most of attics with angled ceilings, small bathrooms often benefit from clever corner solutions. A corner shower with a glass door not only maximizes usable space but also keeps the room feeling open and airy. Add vertical or ceiling-height accent tiles to draw the eye upward, creating the illusion of height and a more spacious feel.
