These little bathroom ideas will help you make the most of your limited space by providing fast decor inspiration and clever design recommendations.
Small bathroom ideas should not only make a small area feel larger and more functional, but also look great, flawlessly integrating charm and function. Just because you’re working with a smaller design doesn’t mean it has to be completely utilitarian.
While there are plenty of bathroom ideas to inspire a makeover, designing for a smaller area can be tricky. But with careful planning and organization, even the smallest bathrooms can feel enormous and opulent. And don’t worry if a bathtub is a must-have for you; there are numerous methods to make it work in a smaller space.
So, if you’re staring at your small area and wondering how to build a functional scheme that complements your interior design style, these small bathroom ideas will help you construct your ideal scheme.
Decorate with Joyful Colors
A simple yet effective way to design a small bathroom that’s enjoyable to use is to paint it in a hue that brings you joy. Whether you find tranquility in calm shades or prefer the dopamine decor trend with vibrant colors, the choice is yours. Interior designer Matthew Williamson suggests painting small bathrooms in yellow for an instant mood lift. In this example, bright yellow walls and ceiling are paired with patterned tiles that feature yellow accents, creating a playful and cheerful space. For those hesitant to use too much color, Williamson recommends incorporating a stylish and functional piece like a decorative chest of drawers that can double as a vanity unit.
Add Interest with Patterned Floor Tiles
A small bathroom is the perfect space to introduce beautiful decorative elements. Opt for standout features to give your scheme an elevated, yet not overdone, appeal. Kali Gibson from Fireclay Tile advises treating smaller rooms like jewel boxes, creating immersive experiences with color and pattern. This bathroom showcases pink walls paired with eye-catching patterned floor tiles, combining warmth with unexpected design elements.
Add Clever Storage to a Small Bathroom
(Image credit: Future)
Storage is crucial in a small bathroom. With limited space, you need to get creative to maximize every inch. Irene Gunter of Gunter & Co suggests thinking high-level rather than using bulky floor-standing units. To keep the floor area clean and spacious, consider wall-mounted fixtures like loos and vanities, and low-level accessories such as toilet brushes or bins. Utilize niches, mirror storage units, and shelves to make the most of your space.
Make a Feature of Architectural Details
Arched partition walls are making a comeback, offering a way to incorporate on-trend curves without sacrificing too much space. In this bathroom, an arched niche clad in simple white tiles accentuates the architectural feature. Interior designer Heidi Caillier explains that adding an arched niche brings charm and a sense of history to a new bathroom. Placing a traditional clawfoot tub within the arch enhances the character and depth of the space.
Paint Wall Paneling for Added Coziness
Painting paneled walls in a warm color can instantly make a small bathroom feel cozy and inviting. Edward Bulmer, founder of Edward Bulmer Natural Paint, suggests combining strong colors like Malahide or Invisible Green with exquisite wallpapers. In this example, paneled walls are painted a rich red hue, paired with a pink cabinet skirt and gold accessories, creating a space enriched with personality.
Introduce Playful Pattern
Small bathrooms are ripe for decorative opportunities. Mike Fisher, founder of Studio Indigo, encourages adding playful patterns to give the space personality and a conversation piece for guests. Patterns can be introduced through wallpaper, fabric, or tiles. In this bathroom, border tiles draw attention to the height of the room, making the small space appear larger.
Invest in Sufficient Lighting
Lighting is more than just functional; it’s an integral design element in small bathrooms. Good lighting can be an instant energy booster in the morning and help you relax in the evening. Mary Graham and Nicole Salvesen of Salvesen Graham stress the importance of good bathroom lighting, including decorative wall lights on either side of a mirror to provide flattering light for the face and a decorative feature.
Create a Design Feature of an Alcove
Alcoves can be awkward, but with clever design, they can become focal points in small bathrooms. Using mosaics within an alcove can optimize smaller shower spaces and create a point of interest. James Thurstan Waterworth, founder of Thurstan, recommends pairing distinct mosaic designs within an alcove and setting them against a neutral paint color to enhance the space.
Keep a Small Bathroom Free from Clutter
A clutter-free bathroom looks neat and beautiful every day. Eva Sonaike, creative director at Eva Sonaike, advises opting for integrated storage solutions to keep the space clean and uncluttered. In her bathroom, a full-height mirrored cabinet spans an entire wall, providing ample hidden storage for beauty essentials.
Use a Colored Bath as a Focal Point
A stunning bath in a color other than white can distract the eye and create a focal point in a small bathroom. Barrie Cutchie, design director at BC Designs, suggests using pastel shades to add personality and liven up the space. A freestanding bath in a pastel color draws attention and creates a striking focal point, making the bathroom feel more spacious.
Make Space for a Niche
Including a shower niche in your design saves space and looks stylish. Jenna Choate, founder of Interior Fox, recommends installing a recessed shower shelf to avoid clutter and add a practical storage solution. Make a feature of the niche by using a colored trim that contrasts with the wall tiles.
Match Bathroom Wall and Floor Tiles
Using the same tiles on walls and floors creates a continuous look, enhancing the feeling of space. Jo Oliver, director at The Stone & Ceramic Warehouse, notes that large format porcelain tiles are ideal for creating a high-end look and making smaller rooms appear larger.
Paint Walls and Woodwork in the Same Shade
Painting walls and woodwork in the same shade creates a seamless feel that makes a small bathroom appear larger. Choose a timeless hue that fits with your home’s design style for a cohesive look.
Add a Small Bathroom in the Eaves
Embrace the challenge of adding a compact bathroom in an attic space. A Crittall-style shower screen adds drama, while a skylight and pale scheme keep the room light and bright. High-quality finishes and bespoke fittings make a small attic bathroom feel luxurious.
Create Room to Maneuver with Pocket Doors
Pocket doors are perfect for small spaces, as they slide into the wall cavity, freeing up space for maneuvering. Combining a bathroom with a laundry room using pocket doors ensures functionality without compromising on space.
Embrace Deep Colors in a Small Bathroom
Deep colors can create a cozy, cocooning effect in a small bathroom. Use jewel tones and metallic details to achieve a luxurious and opulent look.
Make a Small Bathroom a Wet Room
Wet rooms are a great option for small bathrooms. Although more expensive due to the waterproofing required, they offer a roomier feel as there’s no need for a closed-off shower enclosure.
Decorate a Small Bathroom with Wallpaper
Patterned wallpaper can add character to a small bathroom. Choose a design that suits your style, and ensure the room is well-ventilated to prevent damage from steam.
Add Luxurious Bathroom Accessories
Add a touch of luxury to your small bathroom with glamorous accessories like brushed gold fittings. These details can elevate the space and make it feel more polished and sophisticated.
Choose Quality Finishes
High-quality materials and finishes can make a significant impact in a small bathroom. Choose timeless and elevated options that stand out and enhance the overall design.
Give the Illusion of Space with Decor
Use optical illusions with tiles to create a sense of space. Horizontal lines can widen the appearance of a room, while natural materials add warmth and texture.
Wall Mount to Make a Small Bathroom Feel Larger
Wall-mounted fixtures like basins and WCs clear the floor area and make a small bathroom feel larger. Place sanitaryware in corners or gaps to minimize intrusion and maximize space.
Use Mirrors to Make a Small Bathroom Feel Larger
Mirrored walls create the illusion of a wider space and reflect light, making a small bathroom brighter. Antique mirrors add texture and character to the design.
Choose Minimal Fixtures to Boost a Small Bathroom
Minimal fixtures, such as frameless glass shower screens, prevent visual divides and make a small bathroom feel more spacious and uncluttered.
Pick a Cohesive Style that Suits Your Home’s Period
(Image credit: Future/Paul Raeside)
Designing a small bathroom to suit your home’s age and style can enhance the space. Use light colors and tones with traditional fittings to achieve a period look.
Keep the Decor Simple but Add Elegant Fixtures
(Image credit: Future/Jonathan Gooch)
Use reflective finishes on joinery and recessed handles to maximize the feeling of space in a small bathroom. These finishes reflect light and streamline surfaces.
Be Brave with Bold Pattern
Introducing bold patterns through tiles can add interest to a small bathroom without overwhelming the space. Choose designs that complement the overall style of your home.
Invest in a Vintage Washbasin
Decorating with vintage pieces adds character and sustainability to a small bathroom. Vintage washbasins or compact vanity units offset modern fixtures, creating a relaxed and organic look.
Create a Focus with a Bathroom Feature Wall
A single wall of patterned tiles can add character to a small bathroom. Strategically placed tiles draw attention and create a focal point, adding personality to the space.
Draw the Eye Up
Maximize ceiling height in a small bathroom by adding features that encourage the eye to look up. Hanging a chandelier adds drama and emphasizes the roominess above.
Squeeze in Shelving to Boost Storage in a Small Bathroom
Maximize storage by utilizing every inch of space, such as adding shelves in alcoves. Keep shelves curated with decorative items to avoid clutter.
Hang Artwork Wisely to Distract from Small Bathroom Proportions
(Image credit: Future/Rachael Smith)
Carefully positioned artwork can emphasize clear wall space rather than the room’s size. Choose frames and artworks that withstand bathroom conditions.
Use Vertical Space in a Small Bathroom
Maximize vertical space with tall, slim storage units and ladder shelves. These options save floor space and add a relaxed feel to the bathroom.
Hang a Bold and Daring Wallpaper
Bold colors, prints, and patterns in wallpaper can add personality to a small bathroom. Choose designs that complement your style and withstand bathroom conditions.