Hunting for realistic small bathroom ideas is a challenge that most of us face. After all, a winning small bathroom design that's practical but still packs a stylish punch is key to making what can be the tiniest and often forgotten room in your home, work for you.
Admittedly, the struggle can be seriously real when it comes to updating a small bathroom. I have a small bathroom myself so I know how tricky it can be to create a space that's both stylish and modern, without cluttering up the room.
Whether you're looking for pretty powder room plans or ensuite bathroom designs that unexpectedly add delight, these ideas we've found will ensure your bathroom is everything you want it to be — pretty, functional, and a space-savvy hidden gem.
Best small bathroom ideas
Bored of your dull-looking small bathroom? Take note of these 16 ideas for beautifying your bathroom and making more of the space you have.
1. Install an alcove shelf
Is that dead space above your bathtub staring at you glumly? If so, put it to good use with a simple feature that will maximize your bathroom storage space, aka a recessed alcove. It's the perfect spot for bath salts, a candle, and that natural sponge. And don't stop there — if coastal grandmother is your kinda look, add some sea-inspired decorative accents.
2. Get graphic with a two-tone scheme
Transform a bland, snug space into a striking sanctuary with a two-tone color scheme.As demonstrated here in this punchy little black-and-white bathroom from @renovation_at_5a, graphic patterned floor tiles coordinate with a black vanity sink (featuring built-in storage), a black-painted small bathroom window idea, a large round wall mirror to ping-pong the light, and houseplant pops to elevate the overall aesthetic.
It's easy to see how this kind of look can enhance a small space, adding depth and interest.
3. Channel boho warmth with accessories
In snug spaces, let the details deliver the difference. Hug your scheme in earthy warmth with cozy boho-inspired accessories for an instant hit of color and texture. Assorted patterned tiles can create a character-fueled backsplash, especially when it's partnered with budget-friendly bath towels and a bathmat to pile on the tactility.
4. Take storage above and beyond
When you're limited on floor space, take storage solutions to the walls with bathroom shelving ideas that double up as a place for organization and personal touches. Renters can also set up this kind of layout through adhesive wall-mounted shelves.
5. Splash out on materials
"Small can still be beautiful and the benefit of small is wall and flooring material costs are less (as less space to cover) so you can splash out on some really gorgeous choices here," says Kate Whitfield, founder and interior architect at An Artful Life.
As shown here, continuing the patterned floor tiles onto the bathtub enhances the sense of open space and continuity, transforming an otherwise bulky and bland bathtub.
6. Embrace a moody palette
“Don’t be afraid to go a little moody with colors for small bathrooms," says Lilli Morgan, co-founder and co-principal designer at LS Design Studio."Many people are scared of making a small space feel smaller when using any color other than white, however, sometimes going a bit bolder can give the space a really cool feeling."
Morgan used a stormy blue-gray on the walls, but the addition of the brass hardware gives a flashy accent and prevents the space from feeling closed in or monotonous.
7. Max out potential with concealed storage
"Consider concealed storage to hide away items such as spare toilet rolls and cleaning products," says Whitfield. "We've designed hidden cupboards behind toilets before, above and to the sides of a concealed cistern. There are many options for neat little basin units out there, but make sure you choose a tap size that suits." Water all over the floor of a tiny bathroom is not something you want to deal with.
8. Don't be afraid to mix and match tiles in small spaces
The internet is full of interior myths that can crush our small bathroom ideas. If someone has told you that you can't get creative because of the size of your compact room, pour those thoughts down the drain. Get experimental with space-enhancing small bathroom tile ideas to create a cool sanctuary of calm and color.
This bathroom by Liz (aka @prettyprospectcottage) is pretty tiny. Here, she has installed two tile designs by Walls and Floors in her blue, black, and white bathroom, complemented with beautiful lily pad tiles in Denim by Ca Pietra.
9. Squeeze in a tiny bathtub
Desperate for a stylish tub to add a wow factor to your small bathroom design? With the right small bathroom bathtub idea, you can slip a tiny one into a petite space effortlessly. Style with a tray and keep a pile of fluffy luxury bath towels nearby, too.
If you don't like the thought of switching out a tub for a shower appliance, you don't have to. This Tubby Torre miniature bathtub is perfect for bathing animals and small children.
Remember, however, that small bathroom ideas can build up grime more quickly, so get comfortable with how to clean a bathtub for sparkling results.
10. Choose wall-hung fittings to enhance space
Wall-mounted furniture is one of those clever small bathroom ideas that can create the illusion of a larger bathroom. This is because you can see the floor beneath the fittings. Keep the effect going by picking minimalist wall fittings, and choose the best bathroom flooring you can afford in a light color.
11. Maximize vertical space with a ladder shelf
A small bathroom design always needs clever bathroom storage ideas. We love the addition of a ladder shelf to a small space as it's both an attractive design feature and a handy storage piece. Basic ladder shelves are great for stylishly displaying luxury bath towels.
12. Get your shelfie on with open shelving
Open bathroom shelving ideas are an effective way of storing and displaying essentials. It gives small spaces a dose of personality and prevents too many harsh angular lines.
With a relaxed, individual look and feel, open-shelving solutions provide ample storage and make it easy to create shelfie content when styled with house plants, fresh towels, and other attractive small bathroom essentials.
Choose a standout piece, as shown above, to add contrast to your space, or create a blended look by painting open-shelving in a shade that mirrors the existing scheme.
13. Make a small bathroom feel taller with paneling
Create the illusion of added height with bathroom wall paneling ideas that add another dimension in a jiffy. Or if it isn't an option, paint your wall halfway up. Combine a darker color on the lower section with a light contrast shade on the upper half (extended onto the ceiling), to create the feeling that there is a larger distance between the halfway point and the ceiling.
14. Create a mini jungle with houseplants
You can't go wrong with houseplants! Real or faux, they instantly bring in color, texture, and literally life to even the smallest of spaces.
They can actually help to make your space feel bigger too if you place them strategically. Put taller statement plants in the corners of the room so they can soften the edges, making the smaller dimensions less obvious. Whatever the size of your space, the benefits of houseplants can be enjoyed by all.
15. Allude to space with horizontal tile patterns
Visually stretch your small bathroom and make it feel less narrow with horizontal patterns that "widen" a space.
Shown here, a horizontal(ish), chevron-style stripe opens up this smaller space, and by having all that pattern on the far wall it actually makes it feel longer, too. Match with a large format, fuss-free floor tiles, or rustic flooring so you don't overwhelm the room.
16. Mix tiles and wallpaper
Not only does tiling or paneling halfway up a wall add the illusion of height to your bathroom, but it also gives you the opportunity to do something bold with this other half of the wall. Wallpaper is our top choice! It's the perfect way to bring in pattern and color without taking up any actual space, your walls are still free to hang mirrors, lighting, and storage.
FAQs
What looks good in a small bathroom?
Choosing decor and furniture for a small bathroom can be tricky, because you don't want to make the space look or feel any smaller than it already is. Pick out pieces of decor and accessories that are light colored, compact, and necessary. Avoid adding anything to the space that is not a necessity.
What color should I paint my small bathroom?
To make your small bathroom feel as light as possible, opt for a lighter hued color scheme, rather than a dark colored one.
Now you've taken steps to add a little more color and style to your small bathroom, you might want to take note of these small bathroom storage mistakes, so that you can avoid filling your space with clutter.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert and enthusiast, I have personal experiences or opinions, but I can provide you with information on small bathroom design ideas. Here are some concepts related to the article you mentioned:
Small Bathroom Design Ideas
When it comes to small bathroom design, it can be a challenge to create a space that is both practical and stylish. However, with the right ideas and strategies, you can maximize the potential of your small bathroom. Here are some concepts to consider:
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Install an alcove shelf: Utilize the dead space above your bathtub by installing a recessed alcove shelf for additional storage [[1]].
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Get graphic with a two-tone scheme: Create visual interest in your small bathroom by incorporating a two-tone color scheme. This can be achieved through the use of patterned floor tiles, a contrasting vanity sink, and accessories that complement the overall aesthetic [[2]].
-
Channel boho warmth with accessories: Add character and warmth to your small bathroom by incorporating boho-inspired accessories. Consider using patterned tiles for a character-filled backsplash and budget-friendly bath towels for added texture [[3]].
-
Take storage above and beyond: Maximize storage in your small bathroom by utilizing wall-mounted shelves or adhesive wall-mounted shelves. This allows you to keep your bathroom organized while saving floor space [[4]].
-
Splash out on materials: Small bathrooms offer the opportunity to use high-quality materials without breaking the bank. Consider using patterned floor tiles to enhance the sense of open space and continuity in your bathroom [[5]].
-
Embrace a moody palette: Don't be afraid to use bold colors in small bathrooms. A moody color palette can give your space a cool and unique feeling. Pair darker wall colors with contrasting accents to prevent the space from feeling closed in [[6]].
-
Max out potential with concealed storage: Consider incorporating concealed storage options in your small bathroom to hide away items such as spare toilet rolls and cleaning products. Hidden cupboards behind toilets or basin units with storage can help keep your bathroom clutter-free [[7]].
-
Don't be afraid to mix and match tiles: Disregard the myth that small bathrooms limit your creativity. Experiment with different tile designs to create a cool sanctuary of calm and color. Mix and match tiles to add visual interest to your small bathroom [[8]].
-
Squeeze in a tiny bathtub: If you desire a bathtub in your small bathroom, consider opting for a compact tub that fits the space. Style it with a tray and keep fluffy bath towels nearby for a luxurious touch [[9]].
-
Choose wall-hung fittings to enhance space: Wall-mounted furniture can create the illusion of a larger bathroom by allowing the floor to be visible beneath the fittings. Opt for minimalist wall fittings and light-colored flooring to enhance the effect [[10]].
-
Maximize vertical space with a ladder shelf: Add a ladder shelf to your small bathroom for both storage and design purposes. It can be used to display luxury bath towels and adds an attractive feature to the space [[11]].
-
Get your shelfie on with open shelving: Open shelving provides storage and personality to small bathrooms. Display essentials such as house plants, fresh towels, and attractive bathroom essentials to create a relaxed and individual look [[12]].
-
Make a small bathroom feel taller with paneling: Create the illusion of added height by using bathroom wall paneling or painting the lower section of the wall in a darker color and the upper half in a light contrast shade. This creates the feeling of a larger distance between the halfway point and the ceiling [[13]].
-
Create a mini jungle with houseplants: Houseplants can add color, texture, and life to small bathrooms. Strategically place taller statement plants in the corners of the room to soften the edges and make the smaller dimensions less obvious [[14]].
-
Allude to space with horizontal tile patterns: Use horizontal tile patterns to visually stretch your small bathroom and make it feel less narrow. Combine with large format floor tiles or rustic flooring to avoid overwhelming the room [[15]].
-
Mix tiles and wallpaper: Use tiling or paneling halfway up the wall to create the illusion of height in your small bathroom. Take advantage of the remaining wall space by incorporating wallpaper for pattern and color without taking up actual space [[16]].
Small Bathroom Decor and Color Choices
When choosing decor and colors for a small bathroom, it's important to consider elements that can make the space feel larger and brighter. Here are a couple of tips:
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Choose light-colored decor and accessories: Opt for light-colored decor and accessories to create a sense of openness and brightness in your small bathroom. Light colors can help reflect natural light and make the space feel more spacious [[17]].
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Use a lighter hued color scheme: When painting your small bathroom, consider using lighter hues to make the space feel as light as possible. Lighter colors can create the illusion of a larger and more open space [[18]].
Remember, these are just some ideas to consider when designing a small bathroom. Feel free to explore and adapt these concepts to suit your personal style and preferences.