19 Small Bathroom Ideas to Maximize Your Space

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Sreelakshmi

Meet Sreelakshmi, our engineer-turned-design maestro at Remodr. She blends technical know-how with an eye for style, making home design accessible and exciting. From DIY tips to the latest trends, let Remodr be your quick guide to transform your space with Sreelakshmi’s expertise.

Here are some small bathroom ideas to use the limited space and enhance the aesthetics.

Wall-Mounted Sink

Wall Mounted Sink
Wall Mounted Sink (Image Source: https://www.instagram.com/karagriderdesign)

Wall-mounted sinks are attached directly to the wall, leaving the area beneath them open.

This makes the room feel less cramped and more comfortable for daily use.

You can select from a range of styles and materials to find a design that complements the bathroom decor.

Open Storage

Open Storage
Open Storage (Image Source: https://www.instagram.com/houseliftdesign)

By utilizing open shelves, you can showcase towels and other bathroom essentials in an organized and accessible manner.

Install them on unused wall space, such as above the toilet or bathtub.

Customize the number and arrangement of shelves to suit your storage needs and design preferences.

Skylight

Skylight
Skylight (Image Source: https://www.instagram.com/cornerstone.builders)

By allowing natural light to enter the space, skylights create a bright and airy atmosphere, making the bathroom feel more spacious.

This is helpful in small bathrooms where windows are not feasible due to limited wall space.

Skylights also reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day.

Light Color Palette

Light Color Palette
Light Color Palette (Image Source: https://www.instagram.com/rrr_remodeling_tile)

Light colors such as white, pastel, and gentle grey make the bathroom appear more spacious.

Additionally, they can reflect and distribute light effectively.

Lighter colors also provide a neutral backdrop, making it easier to introduce other decorative elements.

Mirror

Mirror
Mirror (Image Source: https://www.instagram.com/karagriderdesign)

Mirrors can reflect light, whether it’s natural sunlight or artificial lighting.

When properly placed, this reflection can make the bathroom feel bigger than it is.

They also complement the overall design of your bathroom and are essential for personal grooming.

Pocket Door

Pocket Door (Image Source: https://www.instagram.com/hdpocketdoors)

Since pocket doors slide into the wall, they don’t require the clearance of swinging doors.

This frees up more usable space and avoids interfering with other bathroom fixtures, such as the sink or toilet.

When closed, they also offer privacy, just like traditional doors.

Corner Bathtub

Corner Bathtub
Corner Bathtub (Image Source: https://www.instagram.com/ashleywebbinteriors)

When space is limited, placing bathtubs at corners can effectively maximize the available area.

Measure the available space to determine the appropriate bathtub size.

Also, allocate sufficient space for entering and exiting the bathtub, ensuring the placement does not obstruct other bathroom fixtures or pathways.

Floating Bathroom Vanity

Floating Bathroom Vanity
Floating Bathroom Vanity (Image Source: https://www.instagram.com/meganmolten)

Floating bathroom vanities are mounted on walls and do not touch the floors.

Cleaning becomes easier and results in a less cluttered appearance.

Moreover, they provide a place to keep personal care items, towels, and other essentials.

Shower Curtains

Shower Curtains
Shower Curtains (Image Source: https://www.instagram.com/britdotdesign)

Shower curtains can be a smart solution for small bathrooms, offering a practical and stylish way to enclose the shower area without taking up extra space.

The curtain can also be easily pulled open or closed, allowing for easy access to the shower while keeping the rest of the bathroom dry.

Glass Shower Door

Glass Shower Door
Glass Shower Door (Image Source: https://www.instagram.com/florianglassservice)

The clear properties of glass enable natural light to penetrate, creating a brighter and more spacious feel in the bathroom.

By wiping them regularly and occasionally using glass cleaner, you can keep the glass shower doors clear and enhance the cleanliness of the bathroom.

Furthermore, tempered glass used in shower doors is durable, making them a good investment.

Wall Hook

Wall Hook
Wall Hook (Image Source: https://www.instagram.com/thesassybarn )

Wall hooks make the most of vertical space, allowing you to hang items like towels, robes, or other clothing on the wall rather than occupying floor space.

They are also easy to install, and you can position them at an ideal height for your needs.

In addition, they are easily removable and leave minimal damage to the wall if you decide to reposition or replace them.

Vertical Tiles

Vertical Tiles
Vertical Tiles (Image Source: https://www.instagram.com/bedrosianstile )

Vertical tiles create the illusion of taller walls, creating a sense of spaciousness in the bathroom.

It also creates a unique look by going against the usual horizontal tile layout, making the space more appealing.

Choose tiles that match your preferred design style.

Sliding Barn Door

Sliding Barn Door
Sliding Barn Door (Image Source: https://www.instagram.com/creativewood_fc)

In contrast to traditional hinged doors, sliding barn doors move on a track attached to the wall.

This design saves floor space, making it a suitable option for small bathrooms.

Besides, they are sold as complete kits, including the door, track, hardware, and instructions, allowing for easy installation with basic DIY skills.

Recessed Lighting

Recessed Lighting
Recessed Lighting (Image Source: https://www.instagram.com/rrr_remodeling_tile)

The recessed lighting fixtures are flush with the ceiling, so they take up no space in the room.

Arrange them in various patterns to achieve the desired lighting effect.

By distributing the light evenly across the room, recessed lights can eliminate shadows and create a spacious feel.

Walk-In Shower

Walk-In Shower
Walk-In Shower (Image Source: https://www.instagram.com/dwellingsinc)

Walk-in showers eliminate the need for a traditional bathtub, which can take up a lot of floor space in a small bathroom.

Additionally, they are easier to maintain than bathtubs.

Individuals with mobility issues will also find them convenient because they offer easy accessibility.

Wall-Mounted Toilet

Wall-Mounted Toilet
Wall-Mounted Toilet (Image Source: https://www.instagram.com/janaj.interiors)

Wall-mounted toilets save space by concealing the tank within the wall during installation.

Install them at a height that suits your specific needs.

They also offer dual-flush options, which can help save water and reduce environmental footprint.

Wallpaper

Wallpaper
Wallpaper (Image Source: https://www.instagram.com/atlartassociates/?ref=consciousbychloe.com)

Wallpapers are statement pieces that make your bathroom unique.

Opting for lighter colors and patterns can help create an illusion of a larger area.

Additionally, they are easier to install and a cost-effective way to update the look of your bathroom.

Heated Towel Rack

Heated Towel Rack
Heated Towel Rack (Image Source: https://www.instagram.com/purpose_drivenjones/)

A heated towel rack keeps your towels dry and creates a luxurious experience.

This is beneficial in smaller bathrooms with limited ventilation, as it can prevent damp towels from developing unpleasant odors or mildew.

In addition, their energy-efficient design ensures no significant rise in electricity bills.

Plants

Potted Plant
Potted Plant (Image Source: https://www.instagram.com/ellisandhale)

Plants make the space feel fresh and vibrant.

Place them near sinks, shelves, or above toilet tanks to purify the air and balance the humidity.

Hanging plants such as spider plants and ferns are suitable choices to enhance the appearance and save space in small bathrooms.

Light Color Palette

Start by painting your bathroom walls in light, neutral colors such as soft whites, creams, or light grays. Light colors help to open up the space visually, making it feel larger and more airy.

Reflective Surfaces

 Incorporate mirrors and reflective surfaces to bounce light around the room and create the illusion of space. Consider installing a large mirror above the sink or adding mirrored tiles to the backsplash.

Floating Vanity

Opt for a floating vanity instead of a bulky cabinet to free up floor space and create a more open feel. Choose a sleek, wall-mounted design with storage drawers to keep your essentials organized without taking up precious square footage.

Wall-Mounted Storage

Maximize vertical space by installing wall-mounted shelves or cabinets above the toilet or beside the vanity. These shelves can be used to store towels, toiletries, and decorative items while keeping the floor clear.

Compact Fixtures

Choose compact fixtures such as a small pedestal sink or a corner sink to save space without sacrificing style. Look for toilets with a smaller footprint or consider a wall-hung toilet to create the illusion of more floor space.

Pocket Doors

Replace traditional swinging doors with pocket doors to free up space in a small bathroom. Pocket doors slide into the wall when not in use, saving valuable floor space and allowing for better flow in tight quarters.

Glass Shower Enclosure

Install a glass shower enclosure instead of a bulky shower curtain or a solid shower door. The transparency of the glass creates a seamless look that visually expands the space, while also allowing natural light to penetrate into the shower area.

Tile Tricks

Use large-format tiles on the walls and floors to create a sense of continuity and spaciousness. Light-colored tiles with a glossy finish are ideal for reflecting light and making the room feel brighter and more open. Consider using the same tile on the floor and walls to visually enlarge the space.

Smart Storage Solutions

Get creative with storage to keep clutter at bay in a small bathroom. Utilize built-in niches or recessed shelves in the shower area to store shampoo bottles and bath accessories. Hang baskets or hooks on the back of the door for additional storage.

Vertical Gardens

Bring nature indoors with a vertical garden or a living wall. Install wall-mounted planters filled with air-purifying plants like ferns or spider plants to add a touch of greenery and freshness to your small bathroom without taking up floor space.

Strategic Lighting 

Illuminate your small bathroom with a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting to create a bright and inviting atmosphere. Install overhead lighting to evenly light the space, task lighting above the vanity for grooming, and accent lighting to highlight architectural features or artwork.

Multi-Functional Furniture

Choose multi-functional furniture pieces that serve dual purposes in a small bathroom. For example, a vanity with built-in storage or a mirrored medicine cabinet with adjustable shelves can provide both functionality and style in a compact package.

Sleek Accessories

 Keep accessories to a minimum to avoid cluttering the space. Choose sleek, minimalist accessories in coordinating finishes to maintain a cohesive look. Consider items like a modern towel rack, a stylish soap dispenser, or a streamlined toilet paper holder to add functional elegance to your small bathroom.

Illusion of Height

Create the illusion of height in a small bathroom by extending tiles vertically from floor to ceiling. Vertical lines draw the eye upward, making the ceiling appear higher and the room feel more spacious. Consider using subway tiles or narrow vertical tiles for this purpose.

 Statement Wall

Add visual interest to your small bathroom with a statement wall. Choose a bold wallpaper, a vibrant paint color, or a decorative tile pattern for one accent wall to create a focal point without overwhelming the space. Keep the rest of the walls neutral to balance the look.

About the author

Sreelakshmi

Meet Sreelakshmi, our engineer-turned-design maestro at Remodr. She blends technical know-how with an eye for style, making home design accessible and exciting. From DIY tips to the latest trends, let Remodr be your quick guide to transform your space with Sreelakshmi’s expertise.

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