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55 Small Bathroom Ideas 2023

1

Hide Stored Goods With a Skirted Vanity

James Merrell

Flowery chintz brings a touch of the garden into this bathroom, where designer Justine Cushing managed to fit in a dressing table and a matching chair that tucks underneath it thanks to a clever layout. The pretty skirt also hides other stored-away essentials.

2

Choose Graphic Accents

Thijs de Leeuw/Space Content/Living Inside

A wavy contrasting floor tile, carried up the side of a built-in tub, unifies several surfaces in this bathroom by Atelier ND at actor Carice van Houten's Amsterdam home. A bright red towel warmer takes up barely any square footage adds serves more than one function: storage, and coziness.

3

Personalize With Monograms

Alexander Reid

Alexander Reid personalized this small rental bathroom with a monogrammed shower curtain that also features a classic border. Pretty framed prints and a garden stool take up little space but go a long way as far as formalizing the room.

4

Work Around Rooflines

Lauren Miller

Don't let a quirky floor plan or roof lines block your creativity or your dream bathroom setup. In the primary bathroom of her home (formerly a church), designer Nathalie Chong set tub into the dormer offers and squeezed in a double vanity. She mimicked the drama of the ceiling with different-sized mirrors to make the slanted roofline work and dabble in asymmetry.

5

Leave Windows Bare

Erin Little

Natural light is too important for cramped spaces to block with curtains. If you can afford to keep the windows bare (i.e. there's enough privacy as is!) then focus on incorporating rich materials elsewhere to do the visual heavy lifting instead of adding window treatments. A stone and bronze vanity, geometric floor tiles, and plaster finish walls do the trick in this small bathroom designed by Brigette Romanek.

6

Keep Millwork Minimal

Stephen Kent Johnson

Design firm Studio Shamshiri “chose minimal finishes and millwork that didn’t distract from the nature outside,” and used vertical space to play up the height of the bathroom. They also added sneaky storage via a floating custom cubby spanning the length of the double vanity and installed an equally long towel bar beneath it.

7

Replace Swinging Doors

Shade Degges

“Everything feels sort of candlelit,” says designer Jae Joo of this Boston home. The elegant powder room is no exception. Ambient lighting radiates a soft glow, wood finishes emit warmth, and the green floral wallpaper brings the entire room to life; together, these elements have a cocooning effect. Replacing hinges and installing pocket doors—whether at the entrance or on a closet enclosure—saves a lot of usable space in a small bathroom.

8

Use Fewer Materials

Gieves Anderson

Use the same materials on the shower stall and the sink vanity as designer Nina Barbiras of Fig NYC did in this bathroom. She makes a strong case for rich marbled veining and unpolished brass here.

9

Add a Skylight to Your Small Bathroom

Kevin Scott

So your small bathroom doesn't have any wall space for windows... but what about installing a skylight? Studio Diaa opted for a Crystalite one, which floods the space with natural light but also maintains privacy.

10

Hang a Mirror Gallery Wall

Jared Kuzia Photography

Besides looking incredibly charming, this collection of vintage mirrors in a Boston home by Cecilia Casagrande is also a great small space solution: The mirrors move sunlight into every nook and cranny of the room. By painting the frames all Farrow & Ball Pitch Black, the homeowner unified the quirky collection to feel cohesive in a small space. Wallcovering: Ms. Ward, Grow House Grow.

11

Opt for a Smaller Tub

Karen Richter

A smaller free-standing slipper tub is a great alternative to a traditional bathtub if you're a habitual soaker without a massive footprint to work with. Keren Richter of White Arrow Design put this one in a Brooklyn townhouse right by the window, creating a strong visual focal point. Though you can't stretch out as much, a tinier tub is still a wonderful alternative.

12

Build In the Vanity

Haris Kenjar

A deep red paint color, fun graphic floor tiles, and modern pendant each add some personality to this small bathroom (in a cool Seattle treehouse) designed by Andy Beers of Ore Studios. The spacious drawers under the floating vanity also help keep things tidy, and maximize every spare inch of the space.

13

Go With a Compact Tub

NICK GLIMENAKIS

"The bathroom is really long and narrow, so it forced me to really find the right bathtub to fit in it," says designer Delia Kenza of a small bathroom she renovated for clients in Brooklyn. She demo'd the former bathtub surround, which wasted valuable inches, and replaced it with a freestanding Signature Hardware tub on an elevated platform.

14

Hide the Bathroom With a Jib Door

Haris Kenjar

"I watched a lot of period piece murder mysteries, and I knew I wanted a secret door," says Michelle L. Morby, the occupant of this fun powder room by Landed Interiors & Home. Hiding any room behind a Murphy Door (no matter how small it is), is guaranteed to make it the most exciting place in the house.

15

Stick to a Tight Palette

Read McKendree

Interior designer Elizabeth Cooper brought out the rich blue veining in the marble surfaces with an icy pale blue paint color on the cabinet doors. Keeping some of the wall unfinished creates a calming effect that helps keep pattern-pushing small spaces from feeling overwhelming.

16

Mix Materials to Keep it Interesting

Trevor Tondro

Designed by Cameron Schwabenton, this eclectic bathroom in a 1770s Charleston residence honors the integrity of the home's history with rustic wood foundations. But by incorporating more modern materials, like the marble used in the shower, it also feels contemporary and polished. The country-style elements are perfect for a quaint, modestly-sized bathroom while the white marble brightens it up.

17

Make an Entrance

ROBERT PETERSON / RUSTIC WHITE INTERIORS

For a bathroom just off the main bedroom in Alison Victoria's Atlanta loft, the HGTV star designer chose not to add doors at all. Instead, she installed a solid bronze doorframe from an old elevator, and played off the gilt theme with an ombré Phillip Jeffries grasscloth wallcovering hand-painted with 24-karat gold.

18

Only Keep Products You Love

AP Deign House

AP Design House optimized this bathroom by installing a narrow shelf over the sink for storing small essentials like skincare products, cotton swabs, and more. But be sure to choose items with pretty packaging so there's no need to hide them out of sight.

19

Hang Art Vertically

Hector M. Sanchez

“I wanted it to feel like a jewel box," says Andrew Brown, the designer behind this small but aspirational bathroom. With bold gold features, rich textures, and plenty of patterns, Brown proves that an elevated look isn't reliant on having a massive canvas to work with.

20

Tuck Cabinets Into the Wall

Ngoc Minh Ngo

Customize built-in storage with a solid enclosure that's hidden in the wall to take up less visual real estate. This crisp all-white bathroom designed by Adam Leskinen features a perfect example.

21

Use Your Toilet as a Surface

Eric Piasecki

This bold and playful bathroom designed by Robin Henry proves there's nothing wrong with using your toilet as an extra surface for propping up bathroom accessories. How to keep it looking clutter-free? Forget the open shelving and allow vibrantly hued walls to stay clear and in the spotlight.

22

Add Space-Savers to Your Small Bathroom

AMY NEUNSINGER

Everything in this small bathroom by design duo Nicky Kehoe serves a purpose while also adding some decorative style. For example, even the wall hook is perfect for tiny spaces. If you look closely, you'll see that it has several swiveling prongs for extra hand towels—we love this simple one from Wayfair.

23

Customize a Shower Bench

Romanek Design Studio

Even if your bathroom only has space for a small shower, you can still make it feel and look luxe. Take, for example, this one designed by Romanek Design Studio. The baby blue zellige tiles and sleek matte black and glass enclosure makes a modern statement. A floating bench adds both formal and functional value, too.

24

Use Unique Materials in Monochrome

Tamsin Johnson

In this bathroom by Tamsin Johnson Interiors, the stone surfaces, classic striped towels, sculptural sconce, and round mirror prove that minimalism can have edge. And the easy-going, grayscale elegance is proof that taking a minimalist approach can result in a unique and quirky space without overpowering the eye.

Related: Small Bathroom Paint Colors

25

Keep Toilet Paper In Bins

Mylene Fernandes

Corral toilet paper and other personal hygiene items you'd rather keep discreet in baskets and bins, then tuck them neatly under the sink, as designer Shari Francis does here.

26

Use a Big Mirror

Elizabeth Cooper Design

A wall-to-wall mirror is a guaranteed way to create the illusion of spaciousness. Designed by Elizabeth Cooper, the bathroom boasts an open and airy vibe despite not getting ample natural light. That's thanks to the light color scheme and sweet wallpaper.

27

Install Good Lighting

Eric Piasecki

The obvious highlight of this bathroom is the fun use of tile and color, but good looks aside, designer Kureck Jones also knows how to maximize function. The oversized pendant adds just enough contrast but also floods the room with light, which is an essential in a bathroom (don't forget extra lights by the sink and mirror areas, too).

28

Hang Curtains Strategically

Heidi Caillier Design

Try a curtain that looks more like a drape than your average plastic shower curtain, and hang two from either side so you can tuck them away when you want to. Heidi Caillier opted for a soft oat-meets-blush linen shower curtain to add warmth to the cool space.

29

Add Tons of Cabinets

Gail Davis Design

This hidden vanity in this Gail Davis-designed bathroom is such a fun surprise. The orange mirror picks up on the warmth of the curtains and wallpaper accents while the striped penny tile floor complements the navy paint. Apply this trick to your own bathroom to double its function without cramping it visually.

30

Use Tile to Your Advantage

It doesn't get much tinier than this bathroom, yet it still looks elevated and functional. The key is to use waterproof materials throughout so everything can get wet (a central drain is also a must) and then swap your shower head and secure towel racks to the walls.

31

Go Ham With a Gallery Wall

Peter Murdock

No room is too small for artwork. In fact, sometimes small spaces are the perfect places to display things on the walls since vertical space is all you have to show off your style. We love the eclectic artwork against the baby pink walls of Ailana Michelle Ralph's powder room. Framebridge is a great resource if you're looking for ways to elevate your art collection and family photos.

32

Use Window Ledges in a Small Bathroom

Shade Degges

In another bathroom designed by Jae Joo, the careful balance between clean contemporary style and the 200-year-old bones of the house live in harmony. Instead of cluttering the walls and floor with shelving units and storage furniture, Joo simply leaned a framed print on the windowsill and then added a tiny vase.

33

Curve Corners on the Vanity

Chango & Co.

By making the edge of your vanity soft and rounded, you'll gain back space and you're less likely to bang into the edge when you're in a rush (win-win!). Full of fun patterns and whimsical motifs, this powder room designed by Chango & Co. proves that small spaces can still shine.

34

Find Deep Storage

Robert McKinley Studio

Make up for a nonexistent linen closet with a strategic configuration. Whether it's a mirrored medicine cabinet or a vanity with deep enough shelving to fit towels, as Robert McKinley Studio did here. We're loving the offbeat (yet still neutral!) clay color scheme, too.

35

Choose a Bright Color for a Simple Design

Laure Joilet

Make sure every piece has a purpose. Choose mirrors with drawers or shelves if you don't want to go for a traditional medicine cabinet, or use your wall space to build cabinets. The vibrant tangerine-painted cabinets in this bathroom designed by ETC.etera bring out the orange undertones in the pink stone vanity topper, which also ties in the pink floor tiles and area rug.

36

Install a Floating Shelf

Gail Davis Design

In a small powder room, a floating shelf will be a life-saver for essentials like washcloths, hand soap, candles, and tissues. Interior designer Gail Davis installed a simple glass shelf right under the mirror for a nice, symmetrical display. And if there isn't much room for fun decor, choose a texture-rich wallpaper.

37

Create Outside-the-Box Surfaces

Corinne Mathern Studio

In this modestly sized powder room designed by Corinne Mathern Studios, the tiny shelf transforms an awkward corner into something chic. It's just large enough to fit a select few cosmetics or a vase with flowers. Either keep it at the same heigh as the sink, or put it right between the sink and mirror.

38

Go Dark and Moody to Make it Feel Bigger

Robson Rak

Interior design firm Robson Rak embraced the small size and lack of light in this powder room by making it feel snug and intimate with black tiles, mood lighting, and dark cabinets under the smoky natural stone sink. And while the mirror might be slim, its height draws the eye up and accentuates the high ceilings.

39

Extend Sink Surfaces

Heidi Caillier

Instead of a double sink vanity, a long design could save you serious space. The sink and countertop are all one piece and it's long enough that two people can get ready at the same time. There's also plenty of room to hang towels on this one designed by Heidi Caillier.

40

Opt for Glass Shower Doors

Emil Dervish

Skip the foggy glass or dark curtain, and opt for glass doors. It'll make the shower feel like livable square footage. Emil Dervish kept this industrial space clean with white graphic square tiles but added some funk with color on the upper half of the walls and ceiling.

41

Keep Things Bright in a Small Bathroom

Shapeless Studio

Some may say its boring, but an all white bathroom makes any tucked away space feel bigger and brighter (just look at this one by Shapeless Studio for proof). With interesting materials—like a natural stone countertop and corresponding trim, light wood cabinets, and graphic floor tiles—ensure plenty of style. And if you can, work with your designer and contractor to come up with a strategic layout that works with the odd shape of your space.

42

Stay Proportional

KARYN R MILLET

Designer Celerie Kemble's daughter's bathroom is long and narrow, so she made sure to keep proportion in mind when shopping for extra storage pieces and decorative items (tall and slim plant stands and a skirted shelving unit to be exact). To keep the shelving inline with the dainty floral theme, she found a tablecloth from eBay and turned it into a shelf cover.

43

Build Shower Niches

Robert McKinley Studio

If you need a big tub or yours just happens to take up all the space between the two walls, then make sure you're saving space elsewhere. Incorporate built-in shelves and niches into the wall behind the bathtub for towels and products. Robert McKinley used the same Heath tiles throughout so it blends right in.

44

Work Your Angles

Courtesy of House Beautiful

For a powder room this small, a mirror hung at an angle above a corner sink maximizes every inch (and clutter can be stashed behind the fabric skirt). The Wedgwood plates and round accent table help counteract the boxiness and add charm. And add a small table for your extras, just like Thom Filicia did. Choose a small table with an open base so it doesn't close off space. It'll give you a spot to set up magazines, flowers, or candles.

45

Get Creative With Storage

Courtesy of House Beautiful

There's a clever small-space solution everywhere you look in interior designer Shaun Smith's New Orleans bathroom. From the extra storage created by placing a tray over the hamper to the towel bars and soap dish, this bathroom proves you can go big in a small bathroom.

46

Innovate With Colorful Bulbs

RYAN GARVIN & TYLER HOGAN

So you want your bathroom to be bright and unique without the hassle and commitment of paint. Well, here's a fun hack that won't overwhelm a small space: Take note of this powder room by Breegan Jane, where circadian-rhythm color lights turn the cream walls temporarily pink.

47

Opt for Ledges over Furniture

Leanne Ford Interiors

If your bathroom doesn't have a built-in vanity, opt for a ledge right above the sink. This will hold all your daily essentials (toothpaste, soap) but won't take up as much floor space as a big piece of furniture. Install a floating shelf above the sink for your décor, essentials, and other small knick-knacks, as Leanne Ford Interiors did here. This is especially convenient for anyone who doesn't have a hidden cabinet behind the bathroom sink. You could also arrange a few floating shelves above the toilet, if space is an issue.

48

Choose a Fun Wallpaper for a Small Bathroom

In a small powder room without much access to natural light—for example, a windowless space under the stairs—embrace the moodier, edgier atmosphere with darker tones and dim lighting. In this powder room designed by Tamsin Johnson, the concrete floors, inky marble sink and modern wallpaper by Kelly Wearstler set the right mood.

49

Use Bins and Baskets

Katie Hodges Design

If you have open shelves, keep organized with wicker baskets and bowls. Shelves are sleek, but the lack of cabinetry cut down on storage space, but bins will do the trick. Having pretty linen towels like these in a bathroom designed by Katie Hodges doesn't hurt either.

50

Work Around Your Windows

Abney Morton Interiors

No walls to hang a mirror? No problem. Just hang it in front of the window, which creates privacy with a purpose. Or, if there's a slim strip to secure an accordion mirror to between windows.

51

Add a Skylight Over a Window

Björn Wallander

Natural light is the key to making a small space feel bigger. Skylights are a great option for when windows aren't enough, like in Maxwell Ryan's Hamptons home. Paired with a window just below, it allows daylight to stream in from all angles.

52

Stash Bottles in Niches

David Tsay

You could add a bulky shower caddy, but little cubbies look so much cuter. Alcoves keep soaps and sponges within arm's reach. Take note from this one by Justina Blakeney.

53

Try a Floating Basin Sink

Paul Raeside

Skip bulky cabinets and install a floating basin sink to save space. Plus, it looks incredibly chic.

54

Use a Ladder

Courtesy of Jenna Sue Design Co.

Lean a ladder right up against the wall behind your toilet to provide extra room for hanging linens or a shower caddy. See more at Jenna Sue Design Co.

55

Go With a Sliding Door

Courtesy of Shades of Blue Interiors

Instead of a door on a hinge that, when open, takes up space in your small room, opt for a door on a rail that stays parallel with the wall at all times. See more at Shades of Blue Interiors.

56

Small Bathroom Design FAQs

Paul Raeside

How do you design a small bathroom?

Consistency is key. Extend a tile wall all the way across the room, as in this bathroom by Lucy Harris in a New York State home. All-glass shower doors—or even no shower doors, if the rest of the room is rendered in waterproof surfaces—keep it feeling open and breezy. Don't forget to add a spot for a medicine cabinet. So much room for stashing toiletries out of sight!