These tiny bathroom ideas can provide you with quick decorating ideas and astute design advice to help you maximize your tiny area.
Charm and functionality should be smoothly blended in small bathroom ideas that not only make a small space appear bigger and more functional, but also incredibly elegant. You shouldn’t feel like you’re dealing with a strictly utilitarian scheme just because it’s smaller.
Although there are plenty of bathroom design ideas to get you motivated for a makeover, it can be challenging to make designs fit in a smaller space. However, even the smallest bathrooms may feel roomy and opulent with astute design and layouts. And fear not—there are many methods to make a bathtub function in a smaller space if you insist on having one.
Therefore, these little bathroom ideas will assist you in creating your ideal scheme if you’re staring at your bijou area and wondering how to construct a functional scheme that complements your interior design style.
39 Small Bathroom Ideas
There are many methods to add a striking decorative element to your small bathroom ideas, regardless of whether you choose a traditional feature or a sleek, streamlined appearance. There are lots of design options to make the most of your space, whether you have a tiny bathroom, box room, or both.
Decorate with joyful colors
Brighten up your small bathroom by choosing a color that makes you feel happy. Whether it’s a soothing shade or a vibrant hue that boosts your mood, painting the space in a color you love can transform it into a joyful retreat. For a more nuanced approach, use vibrant tiles or accents to complement the primary color. If you prefer a more subtle touch, consider a decorative chest of drawers that doubles as a functional vanity, adding both style and practicality.
Add interest with patterned floor tiles
Transform your small bathroom with decorative floor tiles that stand out. Choose one or two eye-catching features to enhance the room without overwhelming it. A great way to achieve this is by combining a neutral wall color with bold, patterned tiles. This approach elevates the space, making it feel more distinctive and engaging.
Add clever storage to a small bathroom
(Image credit: Future)
Efficient storage solutions are crucial in a small bathroom. Focus on vertical storage and wall-mounted fixtures rather than bulky floor units. By using wall-mounted toilets, vanities, and accessories, you can keep the floor clear and maximize available space. Think creatively about utilizing niches, mirror cabinets, and shelves to enhance storage without cluttering the room.
Make a feature of architectural details
Architectural elements like arched partition walls can add charm and depth to a small bathroom without sacrificing space. Here, the arch is highlighted with simple white tiles to emphasize its shape. Incorporating an arched niche can bring historical charm to a modern bathroom. Adding traditional elements like a clawfoot tub can enhance the character and richness of the space.
Paint wall paneling for added coziness
If your bathroom features paneling or if you plan to add it, painting the panels in a warm color can make the space feel more inviting. Painted paneling remains a popular choice. Red paneling paired with pink accents and gold accessories creates a cozy, personalized environment.
Introduce playful pattern
Small bathrooms offer a great opportunity for playful design. Adding bold patterns through wallpaper, fabric, or tiles can infuse personality into the space. Good lighting is essential to highlight these patterns—bright light ensures that the space feels inviting and visually interesting. Patterns on the border tiles can help make the small bathroom feel taller.
Invest in sufficient lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in a small bathroom’s design. Good lighting is essential for both functionality and ambiance, so include decorative wall lights around mirrors to provide flattering illumination and enhance the room’s aesthetic.
Create a design feature of an alcove
Alcoves can be a design challenge, but with smart planning, they can become a striking feature. Mosaics are a great choice for alcoves, as they optimize small spaces and reflect light beautifully. Using distinct mosaic designs and a neutral paint color can turn an alcove into a visually appealing focal point.
Keep a small bathroom free from clutter
Maintaining a clean, uncluttered bathroom is key to making a small space look its best. Opt for integrated storage solutions to keep essentials neatly stored away. A full-height mirrored cabinet is a great option for maximizing storage and keeping the space organized.
Use a colored bath as a focal point
When working with limited space, a colored bath can be a striking focal point. Introducing color through a bath can add personality and create a visual distraction. A freestanding bath in a pastel shade or with vertical ribbing can make the space feel larger and more engaging.
Make space for a niche
Incorporating a shower niche is an excellent way to save space and keep your bathroom organized. A recessed shelf can declutter the shower area and add a stylish touch. Use a contrasting colored trim to highlight the niche and ensure it complements the overall design of the room.
Match bathroom wall and floor tiles
Creating a seamless look by matching wall and floor tiles can make a small bathroom feel more spacious. Using the same tiles on both surfaces creates a continuous look that enhances the feeling of space. Large-format tiles are particularly effective at creating a high-end, expansive feel in smaller rooms.
Paint walls and woodwork in the same shade
Painting walls and woodwork in the same color can visually expand a small bathroom. This technique creates a cohesive look that makes the space feel more open. Using a single color throughout avoids visual interruptions and creates a seamless flow.
Add a small bathroom in the eaves
Maximize the potential of compact spaces like attic eaves by turning them into functional bathrooms. This small attic bathroom features a Crittall-style shower screen and skylight, making it feel bright and airy. Investing in bespoke fittings and high-quality finishes can make a small attic bathroom feel luxurious and well-integrated into the home.
Create room to maneuver with pocket doors
Pocket doors are a practical solution for optimizing space in a small bathroom. They allow you to separate areas without taking up extra room. Sliding doors that disappear into the wall make it easier to move around and keep the space looking tidy and functional.
Embrace deep colors in a small bathroom
Deep, rich colors can create a cozy atmosphere in a small bathroom. Using a jewel-toned tile can add opulence and warmth. Combining deep colors with brass and copper details enhances the luxurious feel, making the small space inviting and stylish.
Make a small bathroom a wet room
Transforming a small bathroom into a wet room can create a more spacious feel by eliminating the need for a shower enclosure. Consider using the same flooring throughout and a frameless shower screen to maintain an open, unrestricted feel. This design choice maximizes the use of space and makes the bathroom feel larger.
Decorate a small bathroom with wallpaper
Adding wallpaper to a small bathroom can introduce character and charm. Opt for vinyl wallpaper designed for bathrooms or use standard wallpaper with a strong adhesive and protective varnish. Wallpaper adds personality and can be a great choice for areas with good ventilation.
Add luxurious bathroom accessories
Elevate your small bathroom with luxurious accessories. Adding a touch of glamour can transform the space into a stylish retreat. Consider accessories like a stylish bath caddy or a freestanding towel rack to add sophistication and enhance the room’s ambiance.
Choose quality finishes
Small bathrooms allow for the use of high-quality materials that can make a big impact. Investing in quality finishes and details can enhance the space and make it feel more refined. A bespoke wallpaper or elegant fixtures can provide a timeless, elevated look that stands out in a compact setting.
Give the illusion of space with decor
To make a small bathroom feel larger, use decor elements that create the illusion of space. Horizontal lines or textured tiles can help widen the room. Incorporate natural materials and strategic lighting to add warmth and depth, enhancing the overall feel of the space.
Wall mount to make a small bathroom feel larger
Minimizing floor clutter by opting for wall-mounted fixtures can make a small bathroom appear more spacious. Wall-mounted basins and WCs clear up floor space and reduce visual bulk. This approach helps the bathroom feel more open and less cramped.
Use mirrors to make a small bathroom feel larger
Mirrors are an effective tool for enhancing the sense of space in a small bathroom. Mirrored walls can create the illusion of a larger area and reflect light to brighten the room. Installing antique mirrors can also add texture and visual interest while maintaining functionality.
Choose minimal fixtures to boost a small bathroom
Opting for minimal fixtures helps avoid visual clutter in a small bathroom. Choose glass shower screens or streamlined fixtures that blend into the space. This approach keeps the room looking open and clean, enhancing the sense of spaciousness.
Pick a cohesive style that suits your home’s period
(Image credit: Future/Paul Raeside)
Designing a small bathroom to complement the style of your home can enhance its charm. Using light colors and traditional fittings can create a period look that feels harmonious. Embracing classic elements like Art Deco designs can add character and continuity, even in a small space.
Keep the decor simple but add elegant fixtures
(Image credit: Future/Jonathan Gooch)
In a small bathroom, simplicity in decor paired with elegant fixtures can make a big difference. Reflective finishes and streamlined surfaces help maximize space and minimize awkwardness. Using subtle patterns and high-quality materials can keep the room feeling light and spacious.
Be brave with bold pattern
Murals are making a big splash in bathroom design this year, and incorporating one through tiles can be a smart way to add character to a small bathroom without overwhelming the space. While wallpaper is traditionally used for adding patterns, it might not be the best choice for bathrooms with high moisture levels. Tiles offer a durable and stylish alternative, allowing you to bring vibrant patterns into your space without compromising functionality.
Invest in a vintage wash basin
Embracing vintage elements can infuse a small bathroom with charm and warmth. Vintage wash basins or compact vanity units blend beautifully with modern fixtures, creating a balanced, inviting look. These classic pieces not only add personality but are often more sustainable. Their smaller size is ideal for compact bathrooms, offering a nostalgic touch that contrasts nicely with contemporary elements.
Create a focus with a bathroom feature wall
To inject personality into a small bathroom, consider adding a feature wall adorned with patterned tiles. This approach can draw attention to a specific area of the room, like an end wall or a focal point. Incorporating patterns, whether bold or subtle, can breathe life into small spaces. Opt for Victorian-inspired tiles or trellis patterns to create a timeless, captivating feature.
Draw the eye up
Small bathrooms may lack floor space, but they often boast impressive ceiling heights. Make the most of this by adding features that draw the eye upward, such as a stylish chandelier. Many people believe that bathroom lighting must be purely functional, but a striking ceiling light can add elegance and make the room feel more expansive. Just ensure that any lighting fixtures are suitable for bathroom use.
Squeeze in shelving to boost storage in a small bathroom
No matter how tiny your bathroom, there’s always potential for clever storage solutions. Look for opportunities to add shelving, like in an attic alcove, where previously unused space can be turned into a functional storage area. To keep the space visually appealing, avoid overloading shelves and use decorative elements like house plants or ceramics. Incorporate baskets to conceal items that need to be easily accessible.
Hang artwork wisely to distract from small bathroom proportions
(Image credit: Future/Rachael Smith)
Artwork can be a fantastic way to enhance the atmosphere of a small bathroom. By hanging artwork higher on the walls, you can emphasize the vertical space and shift focus away from the room’s dimensions. Curate your selection to maintain a cohesive look, and choose frames or artworks that are durable and resistant to moisture.
Use vertical space in a small bathroom
Maximize storage in a small bathroom by utilizing vertical space instead of crowding the floor area. Opt for slim, wall-mounted towel racks and ladder shelves to keep the space open and airy. Open shelves can add a relaxed vibe, and stretching out furnishings vertically can help save space. Sleek, tall corner cabinets are also an excellent choice for optimizing small areas.
Hang a bold and daring wallpaper
While small bathrooms often benefit from light, airy colors, they also offer a great opportunity to experiment with bold patterns and rich colors. Don’t shy away from using dramatic wallpaper to make a statement. A vibrant or intricate design can transform a compact space into a stylish retreat, proving that even small rooms can handle big design moves.