10 Small Bathroom Ideas That Actually Work

If you have a small bathroom in your home, you know that it can make your morning and evening routines a challenge. With limited space, no bathroom storage, and little natural light, small bathrooms can be challenging to navigate. Dealing with them can be frustrating and stressful.

But don't despair. Just because you have a tiny bathroom doesn't mean it can't be beautiful and functional. There are several ways to design a small bathroom to make it appear and feel larger. In this post, we discuss interior design tricks that will help you make the most of your available space.

Ideas and design tricks for your bathroom

If your current powder room or a primary bathroom leaves much to be desired, here are some of our favorite interior design ideas from the experts to help you plan your dream bathroom today.

Use bright and light colors

A fresh coat of paint is the quickest way to spruce up your bathroom. A neutral 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 convert an entire wall into an accent wall.

Opt for neutral palettes or more subdued shades to make your bathroom feel spacious, bright and relaxing. Neutral colors are great for adding energy and vibrancy to your space.

Go dark and bold

While lighter colors can make your bathroom appear larger 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 incorporating natural materials like stone flooring or wood vanity and pairing them with complementary accessories. Add a statement mirror to give the illusion of additional square footage.

Decorate with wallpaper

Creative solutions, such as adding wallpaper, are a great way to add texture and depth to any bathroom. Floral designs, for example, can add a touch of character to your decor and bring much-needed vibrancy. Choose a pattern that works with your color scheme.

Ensure your bathroom is well-ventilated to prevent steam damage to the wallpaper. Opt for vinyl wallpaper specifically designed for bathrooms and apply it to walls that will not be directly exposed to 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 space with mirrors

Mirrors can also help make a small bathroom feel larger and add depth to any small room. Try to place mirrors on the walls opposite the windows. They help to reflect light and make the space feel larger.

If you have sufficient space, consider adding 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 inviting is to eliminate 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.

Install a floating vanity

In a small bathroom, you're often left with a choice between a pedestal sink or a vanity. While the pedestal sink can give you space, storage is often crucial. A wall-mounted vanity is an excellent option, as it offers storage and occupies less physical space.

In addition to making your bathroom appear larger, a wall-mounted sink frees up space for smaller items. You can place storage boxes and accessories underneath it, saving on the cost of additional storage cabinets.

Make a big statement with a skylight

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

Adding skylights to existing small bathrooms isn't always possible, but if you're building a new bathroom, consider incorporating 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 space in your bathroom, consider using open shelving instead of cabinets or closets. This option provides extra storage and counter space without occupying too much precious space, making your bathroom feel spacious and uncluttered.

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

Add floating shelves

Floating cabinets with shelves are another great way to add storage to a small bathroom. They don't occupy any floor space, making them 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 a more coherent style to your overall look.

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 rooms. 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 room around the sink and visually expand the area.

How do you arrange things in a small bathroom?

Choosing the ideal layout is particularly important when working with a small space. Each type of small bathroom requires different solutions for a functional interior and to visually expand the space.

Small bathroom with a shower

Small bathrooms with showers are becoming increasingly popular due to their practicality and convenience. In this type of layout, particular attention should be paid to:

• Organization of functional areas - it is a good idea to separate the bathing area in one of the corners. Thanks to ingenious solutions, you can move freely from the sink to the shower, and the bathroom seems more organized.
• Shower enclosure - look for models without thresholds, which are easier to keep clean and make the room seem larger. The frameless glass allows you to see the entire bathroom, evoking a feeling of a larger area.
• Large-format tiles, covering the four corners of the room with the same material in a larger format, visually increase the space and reduce the number of joints, making cleaning easier.

Small bathroom with a shower and a bathtub

Combining a shower and bathtub in a small bathroom requires a particularly thoughtful approach. The key is to make optimal use of every square inch:

• 2-in-1 combination - modern solutions allow you to install a bathtub with a shower function. Glass screens instead of curtains make the bathroom seem larger and more elegant.
• Different zones - even with a small floor area, we can design functional bathrooms by dividing them into a bathing zone (with a tub) and a shower zone. A clever solution is to utilize corner models that maximize utilization.
• Illuminate all areas - each functional zone should have adequate lighting, which will also help to visually enlarge a small bathroom.

Small bathroom with only a sink and a shower

This minimalist layout is a good idea for a very small bathroom where every inch counts:

• Maximum use of space - giving up the bathtub allows for more freedom in arranging the other elements. Install a larger shower enclosure or add bins to declutter and hide items.
• Compact solutions - consider corner or wall-mounted sinks, as they take up less space and make it easier to keep the floor clean.
• Functionality - despite the limited space, clever design solutions can yield a highly functional interior.

In each of these layouts, you should carefully consider where to place all the fixtures. Be sure to try different solutions that help you incorporate various small bathroom ideas and enhance the comfort of everyday use.

Use AI software for bathroom design

AI tools like Planner 5D help you test small bathroom ideas before you spend money. You can try different style tile patterns and colors in minutes.

Easily change the style from modern to farmhouse with just a few clicks. See how a new window might look or test different design ideas without the mess.

These programs are also great for budget planning. You can price out different options and see what fits your wallet. Try neutral colors that reflect light and compare them to darker choices. Upload photos of your bath to get realistic results. The software shows you problems before you start work.

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.

FAQ

What is the trend for small bathrooms?

Current small bathroom ideas emphasize clean lines and efficient storage. Open shelving replaces bulky cabinets. Wall-mounted vanities make the floor look bigger. Large tile on the wall means fewer grout lines for a cleaner look. Skip the tub and opt for a walk-in shower.

Can you remodel a small bathroom for $5000?

Paint is your best friend for a quick change. New fixtures, such as faucets and towel bars, don't cost much. You can tile just one accent wall instead of the whole room. Keep the tub and toilet in their current locations to minimize plumbing costs. Shop sales for vanities and mirrors. DIY work helps stretch your budget further.

How to make a small bathroom look good?

A well-lit room always looks bigger. Add a large mirror above the sink. Choose design elements that match your style. Pick two or three colors max. Keep decor simple and useful.

What color makes a small bathroom look bigger?

Neutral colors work best for small bathroom design. White paint on the wall or tile opens up the space. Light gray and soft beige tile work well, too. These colors reflect the sun instead of absorbing it.