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Bathroom floor ideas for small bathrooms


14 Small Bathroom Floor Ideas From Designers

Choosing thoughtful, stylish, and durable flooring is essential to setting a strong foundation in any room. But this is especially true in small bathrooms, which tend to provide some tricky conundrums. Big-ticket items (showers, tubs, sinks, and toilets!) and storage needs tend to get most of the attention, but choosing the right materials for your surfaces deserves some thought too, as this can end up making a big difference. So consider this a friendly reminder not to underestimate flooring! Whether you're looking for creative design solutions to make do with a less than ideal bathroom floor situation, or you're about to embark on a renovation, you're in the right place. With 14 small bathroom flooring ideas from designers ahead, you'll get to know the best materials for a bathroom environment, while also seeing inspiring decorating ideas and tips.

1

Natural Stone Slab

Read McKendree

Lucy Harris extended a tile wall all the way across the bathroom to for a consistent feel, an essential in a small bathroom. For a similar level of consistency, while still incorporating contrast, she used the same marble slab on the bathroom floors. All-glass shower doors keep it feeling open and breezy.

2

Wood

Trevor Tondro

This marble and glass shower is a welcome modern surprise in the rustic 1770s Charleston residence designed by Cameron Schwabenton. The overall eclectic approach honors the integrity of the home's history with rustic wood foundations. But by incorporating more modern materials, like the marble and glass used in the shower, it also feels contemporary and polished.

3

White Painted Wood

Paul Raeside

A simple design trick? Paint your surfaces white for a bright, crisp upgrade. Designer Andrew Flesher gave this small farmhouse bathroom a fresh coat of white paint, including on the old wood floors. He also made the most of the limited space by skipping bulky cabinets and installing a floating basin sink.

4

Natural Stone Tiles

Heidi Caillier

A great way to save without totally compromising your vision is to use natural stone tiles instead of larger seamless slabs. Given their natural resistance to water, natural stone tiles like marble or granite are an excellent flooring choice for a saturation-prone space like a bathroom. This bathroom designed by Heidi Caillier features black and white stone tiles on the floors and alternating gray marble subway tiles on the shower e.

5

Graphic Porcelain Tiles

Haris Kenjar

Designer Andy Beers of Ore Studios created a bold irregular pattern with graphic floor tiles that are further emboldened by a modern pendant in this small bathroom.

6

Poured Concrete

Leanne Ford Interiors

On the durability scale, concrete flooring ranks highly especially when it comes to water resistance. The edgy look of poured concrete is also perfect for any risk-takers or city dwellers with modern style out there. Instead of having to choose between a shower and a tub (or cramping in both) Leanne Ford used concrete flooring in this entire bathroom and installed a central drain so that the space can function as a wet room.

7

Zellige Tiles

Laure Joilet

The small dusty pink and mauve zellige tiles and cheerful tangerine powder-coated cabinets bring so much life to this bathroom designed by ETC.etera. They offer a more eclectic and unique look because of their unique firing process than other clay tiles.

8

Wood-like Vinyl

Robert Peterson / Rustic White I

For a bathroom just off the main bedroom in Alison Victoria's Atlanta loft, the HGTV star designer made it feel more spacious and open by not installing doors and by using the same flooring in every connecting room. When Victoria moved into the loft, the existing concrete floors had a red-orange stain, so she laid vinyl plank flooring that resembles wood throughout the space. It's a great budget-friendly alternative to wood, and it's super durable (i.e., perfect for bathrooms!).

9

Colorful Area Rug

Hadas Dembo

Mise en Scene Design opted for contrasting copper features for a moody yet rustic feel in this powder room. A vibrant blue area rug emboldens the entire room. If you're not quite ready to rip up your floors or you want to experiment with some color schemes, throw an area rug in a bold color over the floor, as seen here.

10

Terra Cotta Tiles

Corinne Mathern Studio

In this modestly sized powder room designed by Corinne Mathern Studios, the tiny shelf transforms an awkward corner into something chic and pracical It's just large enough to fit a select few cosmetics or a vase with flowers. Modern lighting and accessories fix it the contemporary moment while the original terra cotta flooring honors the Spanish Revival architectural bones.

11

Graphic Ceramic Tiles

Atelier ND

Ceramic tiles are an easy favorite in bathrooms, especially on the floors. They're very water-resistant, easy to clean, and they’re incredibly versatile, coming in essentially every shape or color. Here, in this small bathroom by Atelier ND, a wavy contrasting floor tile is carried up the side of a built-in tub, unifying several surfaces in this bathroom.

12

Carpeting

JAke

The thin carpeting connects this small bathroom and dressing room by McLaren.Excell to the primary bedroom beyond and also provides a soft landing for cold feet. The swanky custom gold details, industrial matte and concrete materials, and warm wood paneling blends monastic calm with bold design. Carpet doesn't seem like the best fit for splash zones, but with the right shower design, it can actually work quite well.

13

Cork

Shawn Henderson

Cork is an eco-friendly material and it's also gaining more traction in the design world. In this tiny New York City powder room designed by Shawn Henderson, it proves an unexpectedly stylish surface material. If you do decide to use it on your floors, make sure you finish it with a water-resistant coating to ensure a long lifespan.

14

Mosaic Tiles

Heidi Caillier

In this bathroom by Heidi Caillier, a unique pattern is created in the shower with a mix of mosaic tiles and subway tiles. The rest of the floors are wood.

Hadley Mendelsohn Senior Editor Hadley Mendelsohn is House Beautiful's senior design editor and the co-host and executive producer of the podcast Dark House.

10 Small Bathroom Flooring Ideas That Wow

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Just because you have a small bathroom, doesn’t mean you have to limit your options when it comes to bathroom flooring.

A small bathroom can still have BIG style! These ideas are sure to inspire you create a bathroom that is not only functional, but stylish.

Before picking out a style of tile for your small bathroom or powder room, decide on your goals and end vision for the space.

Do you want to give the illusion of a bigger space? Or do you want to pack wow factor in by the bucket load? You can of course do both! It’s also important to consider budget and durability before making your final decision.

Tile Pattern and Color

Nowadays, there’s so many choices when it comes to choosing the color and pattern for your tile. For a small bathroom or powder room, it’s important not to overwhelm the space and make it feel more closed in than it already is.

If you are looking for a statement patterned tile, or a tile that’s a dark color, consider keeping the walls simpler.

White shiplap, white (or light colored) painted walls or white subway tile are good options. This will ensure that the floor has big impact and that the walls don’t compete for attention.

Bold patterns can bring visual interest to a small space and are such a fun choice for a powder room. While something so visually striking might not be your first choice for a larger bathroom or kitchen backsplash, powder rooms are a great place to try out some design risks!

Plus, you’ll have to buy such little flooring that even something that would normally be out of budget will be affordable!

1. Cement Tile

Cement tile has been around for a very long time and is a beautiful product. It’s a bit more difficult to install, since it’s so thick and can chip easily.

However, the beauty in this style of tile is that the pattern is baked right down through the tile instead of just on the surface. It will age and patina over time and does require some maintenance, but it’s a truly beautiful product.

This tile also comes in an almost identical porcelain version, that requires zero upkeep and maintenance and is a fraction of the price.

2. Ceramic Tile

This is a quality tile, that comes in many colors, patterns, and shapes. Perfect option, if you are looking for something that looks high-end, without the hefty price tag.

Not only does it look amazing, this is a durable option that will last for a long time.

Another benefit is it is an easy flooring to maintain. Ceramic tiles will not degrade in quality because of foot traffic, flooding, or wear-and-tear like other forms of tile.

Use ceramic tiles to make an elaborate mosaic scene, or install large tiles to make your small bathroom appear larger.

handmade, patterned ceramic floor tiles via Elizabeth Lawson Design

This small bathroom is set withs neutral colors designed around this beautiful handmade, patterned ceramic floor tile.

Some of my favorite ceramic tile options

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3. Porcelain Tile

When it comes to a variety of styles and colors, porcelain tile offers that and much more. It is usually affordbale, durable, easy to care for, and waterproof.

Want to know a fun fact? Porcelain tile comes in a glazed option that is made to look like marble, wood, and even natural stone.

Small Bathroom with Porcelain Flooring via MSI Surfaces

When it comes to a small bathroom, this one sure is a tight space.

This fun pattern helps make the room look a little bigger than it actually is.

Some of my favorite porcelain tile options

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4. Natural Stone Tile

Looking for a durable, yet classic flooring choice? Natural stone tile commands two thumbs up when it comes to flooring choices.

There are plenty of fun colors and styles for you to choose from.

It can be expensive, however it usually increases property value on your home.

You will need to seal the stone to preserve it from wear-and-tear, water damage, and stains.

slate flooring via Digs Digs

Depending on the style you choose, larger syles with give off the illusion of a larger space.

This colorful surfboard looks amazing on this tile floor, colorful decor will surely pop!

Another example of natural stone is marble. And we all love marble! It comes in many forms of tile – from large format squares to penny tile.

Marble Herringbone Floor via Shine Your Light

Some of my favorite marble flooring options

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5. LVP Plank Flooring

If you are looking for a durable flooring, LVP plank flooring is a great choice. These planks are super resilient and waterproof.

So if you have children, pets, or just a lot of foot traffic, this choice will hold up well. You can also use it throughout your home.

It is an easy-to-install option, affordable, and easy to maintain.

LVP Plank Flooring via The Happy House

Krista’s bathroom may be small, but it is mighty! Look at the gorgeous attention to detail.

She has made her small space look bigger, and it is on trend.

We loved the freestanding tub, and the tiled shower. The wood grain on this LVP Plank is so pretty!

I used LVP planks in my tiny master bathroom several years ago, and it has help up so well! It also feels soft underfoot and never gets cold!

6. Luxury Vinyl Tile

Not only is luxury vinyl tile an inexpensive option, it is gorgeous to boot! This is a way to give off the traditional high-end bathroom floor look, without the hit to the wallet.

This type of flooring is water damage resistant, and it will not scratch or stain. There are many design chooices such as ceramic tile, stone, or hardwood looks.

This is another great option in bahtrooms with high moisture and humidity.

High-End Looking DIY with Luxury Viny Tile by Jenna Allen via Home Talk

Jenna did an amazing job with her bathroom remodel. She wanted to update her flooring without the huge price tag.

7. Hardwood Flooring

Hardwood is a traditional, yet timeless look. They can bring warmth into your bathroom, and an outdoor element inside.

However, it isn’t waterproof, or water resistant. Some pro’s are that it is a durable choice, and good for high traffic areas.

Example of Hardwood in Bathroom via CityFloor Supply Co.

While I would not recommend hardwood floors in a bathroom with a tub or shower, there won’t be as much moisture in a powder room.

With a few extra precautions you can maintain the wood floors in your bathroom. It may be worth the extra steps to have this gorgeous look.

8. Herringbone Tiles

This type of tile will definitely make your bathroom look larger. It also works perfect in narrow spaces.

The smooth and sleek movement of the pattern, offers a fantastic style to any small space.

Herringbone flooring via The Decorologist

Look how lovely and sophisticared this herringbone floor looks in Kristie’s bathroom. All the details in her remodel are perfection, and her floor pairs perfectly with her grey cabinets.

The herringbone pattern can be replicated with any type of brick-style tile. So whether you prefer ceramic, porcelain or marble, you can get the look you want.

9. Stained Concrete

Stained or textured-stamped concrete areas are perfect when you want to make a statemen and get a customized look. Fun opions are concrete that looks like, marble, leather, stone, or even wood planks.

Some benefits of stained concrete are it’s affordable, water-resistant, heat, dent, and chip-resistant.

Azure Blue Acid Stained Bathroom Floor via Direct Colors

This is an example of a Azure Blue Acid Stain, with water-based High Gloss Sealer and finished off with Residential Concrete Floor Wax.

10. Cork Tile

There are many benefits to choosing cork tikle for your small bathroom. Not only is it eco-friendly and hypoallergenic, it is also resistant to mold and mildew.

Cork Tile via Signature Hardware

This is a non-traditional choice, but has some fun benefits like the thermal properties that offer natural heat. Cork tile is soft and spongy, which feels great on your feet.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to options for small bathroom flooring, you have a ton of choices. Just keep it simple and clean, all why utilizing your every inch of your space. You can install larger tiles to make your space feel bigger.

Why not add drama through fun and creative patterned tiles? When installing flooring in a small bathroom it can be very budget-friendly, since you need less materials.

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Small Bathroom Design 2020

Everything you read about the design of small bathrooms is hardly applicable in a real apartment, and all the photos had nothing to do with your renovation. I have prepared 9 adequate applicable tips and 103 photos from ordinary real apartments after renovation and relocation , not in a perfectly clean room.

9 design ideas for small bathrooms

Some things may seem controversial, we'll figure it out below.

  1. Find space for a narrow vertical or corner cabinet. Usually all the photos on the Internet are taken in a sterile clean bathroom, which in fact does not exist. Design without order makes no sense and maintaining order without closed storage systems is unrealistic. nine0010
  2. The basic style is minimalism. In a small area, our task is to make it as simple as possible. As a result, it will not work, because high functional load, but it will look good. If you are smart with finishing, there will be a collective farm.
  3. Light colors are much better than dark ones. I myself love dark colors in the interior, but in a small bathroom and a small kitchen, only light ones, take my word for it.
  4. If the washbasin is deep and the size allows, use a mirror cabinet with hinged doors. In a small bathroom, there is always not enough storage space. nine0010
  5. Countertop bowl takes up less space. There is a useful plane around the bowl.
  6. Tiles for a small area do not have to be small. There will be a separate item.
  7. WC with installation. It takes up less space, does not waste the floor, is easy to clean, looks modern.
  8. The heated towel rail can be conveniently placed in a niche above the installation. But not in terms of usage. But it does not take up space at all and it is easy to supply and drain water. close to the stand. nine0010
  9. I'm attacking your bath. Most likely you don't need it. Practice shows that even those who liked to lie in the bath, when they have both a bath and a shower, they hardly use the first one. About the design of a bathroom with a shower.

Now let's take a look at real photos. If you plan to place a washing machine in the bathroom, read about the design of a bathroom with a washing machine. There is a photo with the machine.












Trendy tiles for a small bathroom

For a small bathroom, the choice of tiles is not critical. Yes, she gets off everything except the ceiling, but at the same time all visible areas are small. The main thing is not to be too smart with tiles and not to take something bright and catchy. The idea is simple:

The interior of a small bathroom is not built on tiles, but they can ruin it.

To imagine what is relevant now, see the photo of the tiles in the bathroom. Equally important is the correct laying of tiles in the bathroom. nine0005

in a small area in the bathroom: a sink, cabinet, mirror, bathtub, wardrobe, toilet bowl, heated towel rail, door, towels, rug, toothbrushes, toothpaste, tubes, etc. Everything has its own colors, everything blocks the walls. If you choose a colorful bright tile, you will get porridge in 99% of cases. There is not a single item in the photo below, but there are already a whole bunch of flowers. This is how the bathroom can look only after the renovation and before the move.

Choose a light tile. The ideal colors are shades of grey. They do not contrast with the colors of the plumbing, do not narrow the space, and are well suited for the best gray grout. The smaller the area, the more important it is to follow this rule. Read about the design of the bathroom in Khrushchev. Compare from the photo how the design looks in reality in dark and light colors in a small area:











Gloss tiles are usually a poor choice. But in the interior of a small bathroom - gloss ok . The best semi-matte as usual. If the surface is not flat, but with a texture - good.












for a small bathroom we choose modern design styles, the tiles must match. Imitations of wood, stone, travertine, concrete - approx. Incomprehensible glazed colored tiles that do not imitate any material - not ok. In 2020, natural materials are in fashion in bathrooms.








There is an opinion that tiles in a small bathroom should also be small. In fact, the size of the tile is not so important. If 2 solid ones fit on the wall, it's fine. The main thing is the correct cladding of its walls. It is strictly forbidden to lay rectangular tiles vertically. This nonsense is broadcast under the sauce of visually enlarging the room and blah blah. No, it's terrible, you can't do that. nine0005

Never lay rectangular tiles vertically.


You can use spot patchwork on the walls, but there should not be any non-abstract patterns and patterns. Patchwork is also different and for a small bathroom is better suited light cold colors. Use at most on 1 least loaded wall.







and the grout itself is not cheap and it is advisable to take an epoxy grout for it. And if the bathroom is small, then the budget is most likely limited. If you really want to, you can zone some areas with mosaics, but this should be with ideas and with reference to other objects. nine0005




You don't have to worry about floor tiles - there is almost no floor. Its area is already small, part of it is lost under the bathtub and cabinet, the other under the rug. Take porcelain stoneware of a neutral color, grout in color and do not worry. It is better to lay tiles on the floor from the entrance. all other corners will be forced and clippings will not be visible.






Small area repair

Keep it simple. When you actually start using the bathroom, a wild amount of things will appear and any complex design idea will be part of the salad. nine0005

Every centimeter counts, and manufacturers allow for tolerances of several millimeters. Solidity is important in design - the smaller the gaps, the better both the appearance and practicality. If your plan includes back-to-back joints, take a tape measure and personally measure all items before buying. This also applies to tiles from different collections.










Try to hide and make everything monolithic. If you say 1 word, base small bathroom designs - neatness .








The bathtub for a small bathroom is rectangular as standard, but there are corner options that take up even less space. The smallest corner bath 140×90 i.e. shorter than regular cast iron.






Take a matte stretch ceiling. The cheapest option with an acceptable appearance and maximum practicality. nine0005



If you have money, then it is ideal to take a mixer built into the wall. Firstly, it does not take up space, and secondly, it does not have the problems of conventional mixers - it does not collect water stains around itself, it does not get dirty from splashes that constantly fall on it.

Analysis of real photos

Photo first, analysis below.

Realized ideas

Bathroom less than three meters without a toilet. There is enough storage space thanks to the large narrow cabinet to the left of the sink. It is in the correct color (white gloss). Due to the color it does not look bulky, although it is very roomy. The bathtub has a folding glass curtain and a bar for a shower head - you can take a shower even while standing and not fill the bathtub. The colors of the tiles are beige and gray, the grout is the correct gray. Part 1 of the wall is accented with a non-navyaschev pattern - it is permissible on 1 wall. Hanging cabinet - convenient to clean, does not occupy the floor. nine0005

The eye estimates the area of ​​the room by the free floor. In a small bathroom, hanging a cabinet is important.

An example of a modern classic small bathroom design. A glass for a toothbrush and a soap dispenser are raised from the washbasin. This is important because when they stand on the washbasin, there are constant circles of dirt around them. Glossy tiles in the form of bricks have taken root in all styles, it is unrealistic to spoil the interior. Again, a white glossy cabinet and wardrobe. On the floor, wood-effect porcelain stoneware that does not match in style or color. If the area was larger, it would look bad. But in a small bathroom it is not striking. There are no gaps between the cabinet, cabinet and door trim. The latter is often forgotten and miscalculated. nine0005

Enough flowers. Inexpensive neutral finish - background. The colors are added with towel and artificial grass. Therefore, it is important to leave the neutral finish in the small bathroom . Too high concentration of objects with their own colors.


2 examples where modern bathroom design ideas are implemented in a very small area. Light colors, neat chiseled accents and overall airiness = a beautiful bathroom.

Errors

If a photo is included in the errors section, it does not mean that the design of the bathroom there is bad, errors can be pinpoint due to the features of a small area.

A good example of small bathroom design: wood effect tiles in the wet area, decorative plaster on the rest of the walls. Mistakes 2. An ordinary toilet bowl and not an installation. As a result, it does not look modern, it takes up space, a box is visible hiding the sewerage outlet from the shower, toilet paper and other items lie almost on the floor. Installing a hanging toilet would hide all communications and organize a normal storage system above the installation. nine0005

Slatted plastic ceiling in the bathroom - the last century. Tension costs the same pennies, but it would have looked normal.

Just a reminder of the benefits of light colors in a small area. Very cool tiles and stylish design, but because of the small dimensions, the bathroom looks cramped.

Visually, the size of this bathroom is reduced to the border of white tiles. For zoning, there are enough differences in color for a couple of tones. There is no need to use such contrasting finishing materials in a small bathroom. nine0005

Outdoor storage areas look beautiful only in photos in design projects. In reality, they always create a mess and spoil the interior. Circled on the left is a white grout that has already turned black. The washing machine should also be closed with the same door as on the left.

Wrong choice of tiles (glossy glazed, it's not clear what), wrong laying (vertical), unprincipled horizontal mosaic borders = design about nothing. New, neat, but does not cause emotions. nine0005

Don't be smart, make enough storage space, choose the right light tiles, use the ideas from point 1, and you're guaranteed a cool bathroom interior. Read also about the design of the toilet.

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