Thinking about giving your tiny bathroom a functional yet chic makeover? 💭🚿 Check out these great tips + ideas for making every square inch count!
✅ Eye-Catching Design Moves: Add some flair with bold wallpapers, standout mirrors, and clean minimalist touches. It’s amazing what these can do to jazz up a cramped space. 🪞🌟
✅ Smart Storage Tips: Uncover unique and clever ways to cut the clutter and stay organized, all while keeping things stylish. (no more messy counters!) 🧴📚
✅ Play with Light and Materials: See how light colors, shiny surfaces, and well-placed lighting can create the illusion of a bigger, brighter, and more welcoming bathroom. ⚪✨
🚽 Keep reading for even more brilliant small bathroom ideas!
1. Switch to a Corner Sink
Which leads me to say, for those tiny bathroom scenarios, having a corner sink can seriously be a lifesaver.
This positioning opens up floor space you didn’t know you had, freeing up room for better movement. Essentially, it helps your little bathroom breathe a bit more.
2. Jazz it Up With Wallpaper
And, hey, ever considered sprucing up the bathroom with some bold wallpaper? A spunky, busy print can add character and charm, making the space feel larger and more lively.
Think florals or geometric patterns—get creative, have fun with it!
3. Add a Statement Mirror
Try putting in a big, uniquely-shaped mirror. Mirrors bounce light around and can really make the space look way bigger than it actually is.
Think about it like this – more light, more “space”.
On the left, a rustic bathroom showcases a natural wood counter and uniquely shaped mirror, paired with a bowl-style sink and warm lighting.
On the right, a modern bathroom features a sleek black vanity, a large round mirror, and fresh flowers, blending functionality with refined elegance.
4. Utilize Over-the-Toilet Storage
If you need extra storage, look no further than the space above your toilet. I’m telling you, over-the-toilet cabinets or shelves are totally underutilized heroes.
They’re ideal for tucking away towels, toiletries, and even a few decorations to make everything look neat and stylish.
On the left, there’s a cozy bathroom starring a wooden vanity, open shelving for easy access, and warm lighting that makes the space feel inviting.
On the right, there’s a clean, organized look featuring a sleek wooden vanity, plenty of neat shelving, and pops of greenery to keep things fresh.
5. Use Vertical Space to Declutter
So, let’s be real—small bathrooms can feel like a tight squeeze, right? But making the best use of your vertical space can totally change the game.
Add some stylish wall-mounted shelves or maybe even lofty cabinets to stash your essentials—it keeps things tidy and gives you that much-needed space.
6. Install a Glass Shower Enclosure
So, you’ve got a small bathroom and you want it to feel bigger and classier? Think about going with a glass shower enclosure.
You see, unlike those bulky, opaque shower curtains, clear glass opens up the space visually. It really makes a difference.
7. Choose a Floating Vanity
Ever considered a floating vanity for a small bathroom?
By floating the vanity above the floor, not only do you get way more floor space, but it looks super sleek and modern.
8. Embrace Minimalism
Now, if you really want to make your small bathroom shine, go minimalist. Just stick to the essentials—choose streamlined fixtures and keep the knick-knacks to a minimum.
It’ll make the space feel open and breezy without all the clutter.
9. Incorporate Built-In Storage
Small bathrooms often end up cramped, which is why having smart, built-in storage is a game-changer.
little nooks in the shower walls or shelves that blend in seamlessly. They’re perfect for your toiletries and don’t eat into valuable space.
10. Brighten Up with Light Colors
Colors are key 🔑 in setting the vibe of your bathroom. Light colors can work wonders, making a small room feel airy and spacious.
If you’re brainstorming colors, you can’t go wrong with whites, light blues, or gentle pastels. These shades will surely give your bathroom a cozy, roomy feel. 🤍🩵
11. Shower & Bath Solutions
Small Bathroom Ideas with Shower
Corner Showers: Pop a shower in the corner, and voilà, tons of floor space saved! Think about it – most of these corner showers are designed in sharp triangles or smooth quarter-circles. 📐
And with sliding doors? Even better! No more wrestling with doors that swing out and take up valuable room.
I really like this “oval” style, the shower in the corner… it gives a modern bathroom feel.
Curbless Showers: If you’re into that modern, chic vibe, a walk-in shower (without a pesky curb) is your best bet. Not only does it give you a sleek look, but it also makes the bathroom roomier.
Plus, there’s super handy for everyone, especially if accessibility’s important for you.
A chic yet functional curbless shower, perfectly blending in with sleek subway tile walls. The walk-in design not only boosts accessibility but also gives the space a modern, open feel.
Glass Doors: Here’s a hot tip: ditch the frosted glass for clear glass doors. Why? They kind of “fool” the eye into thinking there’s more space.
The whole room just feels open and airy because your eyes can see right through them, making it seem like the space continues beyond. 📏
I would avoid curtains; they can be quite beautiful, but they make the bathroom look smaller.
Small Bathroom Ideas with Bath or Tub
Finding room for a bathtub in a small bathroom can be challenging but achievable with smart design choices:
Compact Tubs: Go for bathtubs that are specifically designed for smaller spaces.
Think Japanese soaking tubs—they’re deep and give you a luxurious bathing experience, but they’re not overly long, so you don’t have to sacrifice tons of space.
Freestanding Tubs: A petite freestanding tub can really be an eye-catcher in your bathroom. You could tuck it into a corner or angle it to make the most out of your limited space. It adds character without hogging too much room.
Shower Over Bath: This combo is a real space-saver! Install a shower above your bath to make use of vertical space.
A flexible handheld showerhead or maybe with a simple curtain can keep things functional and undemanding.
Sliding Glass Screens: Instead of dealing with those pesky curtains, try using a sliding glass screen. It doubles up as a shower door and bath screen, keeping water where it should be without needing any extra space to swing open.
L-Shaped Tubs: and about thought about an L-shaped tub? It’s got this one end that’s a bit wider, perfect for a roomy, comfortable shower.
And the other end suits a traditional bath just fine. Best of both worlds!
Dual-Function Fixtures: Go for fixtures that pull double duty! Like a shower head that can also act as a handheld spray. It saves space and adds lots of flexibility.
Raised tub platform: Propping your bathtub up on a bit of a platform heightens your overall bathroom experience. It improves water drainage, and clearly sets the tub apart from the rest of the room.
Small Bathroom Ideas Shower Only
So, you’ve got a bathroom where a tub just isn’t happening, and all you’re working with is a shower. Not to worry!
Some nifty tricks can help make the best out of your limited space:
Foldable Benches or Seats: Think about adding a foldable bench inside your shower. It’s super handy for sitting but doesn’t hog space when folded up.
Compact Shower Columns: Go vertical! 🔝 Consider a shower column that packs in everything – the head, handheld spray, and even some shelves for storage. Perfect to keep things organized without using much space.
Choosing Colors and Materials for Tiny Bathrooms
When you’re fixing up or designing a small bathroom, picking the right colors and materials is super important. The right choices can make a tiny space feel bigger, brighter, and a bit fancy. ✨🚿🌟
Let’s dig into how you can use color and materials to your advantage.
Color Schemes
Light and Neutral Hues for a Larger, Airier Feel
White and Off-White:
White is a classic pick for small spaces. It bounces light around, giving the room a breezy and open vibe.
Off-white variations, like ivory or alabaster, add some coziness without losing that spacious feel.
Pastels:
Soft pastels—think mint green, sky blue, and blush pink—add a touch of color without overpowering the room. They’re great for creating a relaxed and gentle atmosphere.
Grays and Beiges:
Light grays and beiges are wonderfully flexible neutrals that can make your bathroom look modern and sleek.
They’re a great backdrop, helping other elements stand out without being too flashy.
Creating a Welcoming Space with Monochromatic Color Schemes:
Stick to One Hue:
Using shades of one color can really bring a room together. Think about different shades of blue – they can make your space look interesting without clashing.
Mix the Tones:
Adding depth with various tones of a single color gives your room a sense of dimension. For instance, playing with light and dark grays can result in a sleek, stylish look.
Easy on the Eyes:
A monochromatic palette tends to have a calming effect, making a room look bigger and more unified. Without a bunch of clashing colors, the space just feels more relaxing and expansive.
Materials
Use of Reflective Surfaces Like Glossy Tiles or Glass:
Glossy Tiles:
If you’re looking to brighten up a room, glossy tiles are your go-to. They bounce light around, making your space feel airier and more spacious.
Perfect for walls and backsplashes, these shinier finishes can really make a difference. And speaking of classics, subway tiles are always a top pick for that neat and timeless look.
Glass:
Glass installations can seriously step up your light game. Think shower doors, shelves, or even countertops—these not only spread light better but ooze a certain elegance too.
Frameless glass shower enclosures are especially brilliant; they keep everything looking sleek and make the room feel way less cramped.
Mirrored Surfaces:
Don’t underestimate the effect of a well-placed mirror. Whether it’s mirrored tiles or a big, dramatic mirror, you’ll get a lot more depth and light reflection.
It’s like tricking the room into feeling way bigger than it really is. So for bringing in some extra “oomph” to your space, mirrors are definitely your friend!
Waterproof and Durable Materials Suitable for Small Bathrooms:
Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles:
When dealing with small bathrooms, ceramic and porcelain tiles really shine.
These “bad boys” can take a beating and keeps water where it should be—with plenty of different styles, patterns, and finishes to let your creativity take flight.
Vinyl and Laminate Flooring:
Don’t sleep on modern vinyl and laminate—they’ve come a long way. These durable floors are pretty tough against water and come in so many styles that mimic natural wood or stone.
You get that upscale look without the giant price tag.
Quartz and Solid Surface Materials:
Considering something snazzy for countertops or vanity tops? Quartz is a rock-solid choice (pun intended). Not only is it non-porous and waterproof, but it’s also super low maintenance.
With tons of color and pattern options, you’ll find something that jives with your design taste.
Accents and Textures
Add Subtle Patterns and Textures Without Overwhelming Your Space
Textured Tiles:
Throwing in some textured tiles on an accent wall or in the shower area can make your space pop. Opt for nuances like ribbed or embossed tiles, which give a sense of style without making the area feel too busy.
Wallpaper:
Water-resistant wallpapers with delicate patterns can infuse some character and charm into the room. Go for small, neat patterns or vertical stripes to create an illusion of height and make the place look bigger.
Natural Elements:
Bringing in natural touches like wooden accents will add a dose of warmth and texture. Consider treated, water-resistant woods such as teak or bamboo for accessories or petite pieces of furniture.
Patterned Flooring:
Fancy floor tiles with small, detailed designs can draw your eyes down, subtly making your room look more spacious. Geometric patterns and herringbone layouts work great for this trick.
Lighting in Small Bathrooms
Below, I’ll go over how to squeeze the most out of both natural and artificial light to revamp your small bathroom.
Natural Lighting
Maximizing Natural Light with Windows or Skylights:
Windows: Big windows are your friend, flooding the room with light. Worried about prying eyes? Just put the windows higher up on the wall for privacy.
Keep window frames sleek and minimalistic. Less structure, more glass—simple math for more light.
Skylights: Don’t have exterior walls? Skylights are a total game-changer. Light streaming in from above makes sure your space feels bright and inviting all day long.
Check out tubular skylights. They’re perfect for small bathrooms since they don’t need much roof space but still bring in tons of light.
Adding Frosted Glass for Privacy Without Losing Light
Windows: Frosted glass is great at letting light through while blocking prying eyes, which is perfect for those cozy bathroom windows.
You can also jazz up your existing windows with decorative films that offer a bit of privacy and some style without ditching the natural light.
Shower Enclosures: Thinking of your shower? Frosted or textured glass enclosures work wonders.
They give you that private bubble while still letting light bounce around, making your bathroom feel more airy and open.
Choosing Fixtures Like Recessed Lights, LED Mirrors, and Wall Sconces
Recessed Lights: Recessed lights are like secret agents in small bathrooms—they hide away, so they don’t clutter up your space, and if you want to avoid pesky shadows and get even lighting, just position them correctly.
LED Mirrors: Mirrors with LED lighting are a win-win. They not only light up your face brilliantly for those morning routines but also save energy. Plus, they make the whole place look brighter and sleek.
Wall Sconces: Want to avoid the monster-under-the-chin shadows? Toss in wall sconces on each side of your mirror. They not only light up space perfectly but also spice up your décor game significantly.
