10 Small Bathroom Ideas and Design Tricks

If you have a small bathroom in your home, you know it can make your morning and evening routines challenging. With limited space, lack of storage and limited natural light, small bathrooms can be hard to navigate. Dealing with them can be frustrating and stressful.

But don't despair. Just because your bathroom is small, it doesn't mean that it can't be beautiful and functional. There are plenty of ways to make your small bathroom look and feel bigger. In this post, we discuss some design tricks that will help you make the most of your small bathroom.

Ideas and design tricks for your bathroom

If your current bathroom leaves much to be desired, here are some of our favorite ideas from the experts to help you plan your dream bathroom today.

Use light and bright colors

A fresh coat of paint is the quickest way to spruce up your bathroom. A lighter palette will help to brighten up the space and make it feel more spacious. Don't be afraid to experiment with bright shades, play with complementary color schemes or create an accent wall.

Opt for neutral palettes or more subdued shades to make your bathroom feel spacious, bright and relaxing. Bright colors are great for adding energy and vibrancy to your space. Not sure what color to pick? Make sure to read our post on choosing the right paint for your home.

Go dark and bold

While lighter colors can make your bathroom seem bigger and brighter, you can create an intimate and luxurious feel with dark colors. With the right combination of lighting and accessories, a dark bathroom can create a sense of luxury and maintain the illusion of openness.

When considering darker and bolder colors, try to incorporate natural materials like stone or wood and pair them with complementary accessories. Add a statement mirror to give the illusion of space.

Decorate with wallpaper

Wallpaper is a great way to add texture and depth to any bathroom. Floral designs, for example, can add a little character to your decor and add much-needed vibrancy. Choose a pattern that works with your color scheme.

Ensure your bathroom is well-ventilated, so the wallpaper doesn't get damaged by steam. Opt for vinyl wallpaper designed for bathrooms and apply it to walls without direct contact with water. You can also use a strong adhesive under the wallpaper and cover it with a coat of decorator's varnish to protect against moisture.

Maximize your mirrors

Mirrors can also help to make a small bathroom feel bigger and add dimension. Try to place mirrors on the walls opposite the windows. This will reflect natural light and make the space feel brighter.

If you have enough space, add a large mirror above the sink to give your bathroom a more luxurious feel. With a stretched mirror above a vanity, two people can use it to get ready at once. Opt for statement mirrors with unique frames.

Skip the shower door

Another excellent tip for making a bathroom feel more spacious and bright is eliminating barriers. Consider a glass panel instead of a shower curtain or a solid shower door. It's a great way to create the illusion of space and make your bathroom feel brighter.

Float the vanity

In a small bathroom, you're often left with a choice between a pedestal sink or a vanity. While the pedestal sink can save you space, storage is often crucial. A floating vanity is an excellent option as it offers storage and takes up less physical space.

In addition to making your bathroom appear larger, a floating vanity frees up space for smaller items. You can tuck in storage boxes and accessories underneath it, saving on getting additional storage cabinets.

Install a skylight

Installing a skylight is one of the best ways to make a small bathroom feel larger. It will flood the room with natural light and make it feel airier and more spacious. You can also save space by eliminating additional light fixtures.

Adding skylights to existing small bathrooms isn't always possible, but if you're just building your bathroom, consider adding one as part of your design. Skylights are not only practical, but they also add character to any room.

Opt for open shelving

If you have limited storage space in your bathroom, consider using open shelving instead of cabinets or closets. This option will give you extra storage without taking up too much room and making your bathroom feel boxy.

Opt for recessed shelving to maximize space in awkwardly shaped bathrooms and to use up otherwise dead space. You can paint the shelves the same shade as the rest of the room to make the shelves blend into the overall scheme.

Add storage with floating shelves

Floating shelves are another great way to add storage to a small bathroom. They don't take up any floor space, so they are an excellent option for those with limited space. They come in different styles, making it easy to match any decor.

You can mount floating shelves around the bathtub, over toilets and near showers to maximize all the surfaces. They strike a nice balance between form and function, adding more storage options.

Add a little greenery

Plants are a great addition to any bathroom. Create a natural focus with greenery by hanging plants or placing them on floating shelves. Plants also purify the air and add a little freshness to any room.

Choose low-maintenance plants that thrive in environments similar to your bathroom. Strategically placed plants can add depth and expand cramped spaces. Make sure to trim your plants and re-pot overgrown ones.

Install wall-mounted faucets

Wall-mounted faucets are another simple space-saving trick to incorporate into your small bathroom design. This option is a great way to free up space around the sink and visually expand the area.

Conclusion

So there you have it – some design tricks that can help you make the most of your small bathroom. With a bit of creativity, even small spaces can be both functional and appealing. We hope these ideas have inspired you to tackle your bathroom today.