Decorating ideas for very small bathrooms
60 Small Bathroom Ideas for Decorating Tiny Spaces
Style
Bathroom
Ideas & Inspiration
Small Spaces
by Caroline Biggs
updated Nov 10, 2022
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When it comes to small-space living, it often seems like the first room that suffers is the bathroom. If your bathroom is totally micro, you’re probably looking to spruce things up a bit. But don’t sweat – a tiny bathroom can still be totally chic. But if you’ve ever tried to carve out more storage space in a small bathroom, you know that it can seem like an impossible task. That’s why it pays to know a few tips and tricks that can help make the most of a diminutive bathroom and keep it organized.
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Here, we’re bringing you some of Apartment Therapy’s favorite small bathroom ideas; both from our archives and some fresh additions from Instagram, to lend you some inspiration for a water closet work-over. The following homes have incorporated everything from floating shelves and tiny sinks to mosaic tile and chic towel racks, but they all have one thing in common: a beautifully designed small bathroom.
Continue scrolling for 60 ingenious ways to maximize even the smallest of bathroom spaces—all without sacrificing an inch of style.
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1. Add seating to your shower.
Even the smallest bathroom has at least one place to sit… and we all know what that one place is! But if you need extra seating and simply don’t have room for it, cop the look we found in this Austin, Texas home and add some seating to your shower.
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2. Utilize walls and ceilings.
When you’re short on space, you’ve got to use every inch. And that often means hanging things from the ceilings and walls, like this Ontario bathroom displays.
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3.
Incorporate a bold shower curtain. Short on space? No one will even know when you opt for a super bold shower curtain like the one in this Washington, DC bathroom.
Watch
12 Brilliant Ideas for Your Small Bathroom
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4. Reduce clutter with teeny tiny cabinetry.
This small bathroom idea from @Homestyle_byCarly incorporates the philosophy that when it comes to bathroom cabinets, smaller is better. After all, this helps reduce clutter and encourages you to keep only what you use regularly. Do you really need space for 26 colors of nail polish? A small vessel sink fits perfectly atop this tiny bath vanity.
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5. Install built-in storage.
We love the clever built-in storage shown here from @alima_studio_architetto. Two shelves right next to the bathtub allow you to stow frequently used items, while the top functions as a great place for pretty bathroom decor or accessories.
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6. Save space with a small sink.
There’s little need for a huge sink, especially when you’re short on space. We love the small bathroom idea of paring back on things that aren’t crucial. This bold, artful bathroom by @origins_living beautifully incorporates a barely-there sink with an oversized hexagonal mirror.
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7. Use a basket to corral clutter.
Using a basket to keep small items together in one handy spot is a great small bathroom idea if you want to keep your space looking clean and uncluttered. We love this modern black basket that @dany.living uses as a tiny towel basket.
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8. Impossibly small, yet incredibly chic.
Even the smallest space can still benefit from a chic upgrade, as shown in this tiny bathroom that’s part of an Airstream trailer.
A coordinating rug and shower curtain give the space a much-needed update, while the white cabinetry doesn’t crowd the space.
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9. Utilize under sink storage.
Just because you’ve opted for a floating vanity doesn’t mean you can’t store things below. These oversized jute baskets are the perfect touch in this rustic Texas bathroom, and allow for plenty of storage space as well.
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10. Make it a shower room.
Even if your shower takes up your entire bathroom, you can still make the most of the space, as evidenced by this gorgeous Swedish studio. A water-resistant bench for holding your belongings and towels is a great small bathroom idea.
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11. Hide pipes with a plant.
Name something a plant can’t fix—we’ll wait. While you may be disappointed with certain things in your tiny bathroom that you don’t have the means to fix, like unsightly pipes or a boring cupboard, you can use a plant to take the attention off the area like these California renters did in their bath.
What a great small bathroom idea!
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12. Rely on tile.
Smaller square footage means less room for decor, but when you install striking tile, like what’s seen in this cozy Vermont getaway, who needs anything more? The colors and patterns in the ceramic squares instantly brighten up the room and take up zero precious space, since they’re used as a countertop material and to trim out the shower.
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13. Turn to hanging storage.
Installing hanging baskets for shower storage makes your bathroom look so much more fun—just take a look at this chic Pennsylvania home as an example. Your walls also won’t feel as cluttered, and you’ll avoid the pain of drilling or putting together a flat packed shelf.
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14. Go all out with color.
With little space for art or hanging decorations, you can fix a boring bathroom with a maximalist wallpaper, as is the case in this vivid New Jersey home.
This small bathroom idea infuses fun, lively color into your space but still leaves room for wall-mounted storage if needed.
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15. Pick a bold paint color.
Bright turquoise blue walls provide a stylish contrast to traditional white tile floors in a tiny bathroom, as we saw in this colorful New Orleans home.
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16. Mount a few floating shelves.
A pair of wall-mounted shelves turn a cramped bathroom corner into a storage-savvy scene. Let a chic Washington, D.C. apartment show you how it’s done.
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17. Give your space the tiled treatment.
Add mosaic tile to the walls surrounding your bathtub or shower to create an artful display in your small bathroom, just like we saw in Shana Cohen’s cozy cottage in Florida.
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18.
Play with texture.Take a cue from this Santa Barbara home by bringing some boho flair to a small bathroom. Here, you’ll see a mix of textures and textiles, like the woven rug, linen shower curtain, and rattan baskets.
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19. Swap out your mirror.
Looking for easy small bathroom ideas for a chic upgrade? Replace your current mirror with a more sophisticated one—like the round floral bone mirror we found in this San Francisco apartment—to elevate the entire ambiance of your bathroom. No renovations necessary!
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20. Work wonders with wallpaper.
As proven in this maximalist Philadelphia home, sprightly floral wallpaper brightens up a tiny powder room with style.
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21. Fake it ‘til you make it.
An oversized mirror, like the round one we spotted in a Michigan home, reflects light and creates the illusion of more space in a tiny bathroom.
Using mirrors to create the illusion of extra space is one of our favorite small bathroom ideas.
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22. Picture ledge power.
Working with little to no surface space for storage on your pedestal sink? Mount a floating picture ledge above your sink to store cosmetics, perfume bottles, and other small bathroom necessities, as we saw in this Paris apartment.
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23. Just keep it simple.
A bathroom in a tiny home is about as small as you can get, but this Washington DC abode’s bathroom doesn’t feel cramped. If you keep products to a minimum and select only your favorite plant or candle to display, things will feel more spacious, even if they’re actually far from it.
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24. Make a splash with a shower curtain.
A cheery shower curtain can amp up just about any space, and the one in this boho-style Bronx apartment creates an artful display.
When it comes to small bathroom ideas, adding decor in your favorite style will make up for a lack of space.
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25. Gallery walls galore.
A pair of gallery walls filled with eclectic artwork brings color and personality to a small bathroom—no floor space required, as we found in Apartment Therapy editor Adrienne Breaux’s New Orleans home.
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26. Wow with a wreath.
No room for a house plant in your small bathroom? Take a cue from this farmhouse and hang a wreath for an organic touch.
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27. Spice it up with sconces.
Searching for a stylish way to free up space around your sink? Swingarm sconces—like the ones in this Michigan home—are a great small bathroom idea. They’ll provide plenty of accent lighting without taking up an inch of surface space.
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28. Mirror match-up.
In this bold bathroom, owners Brian Huddleston and Emily Cosper chose an oriental vibe. They used a family heirloom mirror and matched it with several other coordinating pieces of Oriental artwork for a beautiful, pulled-together lookin this art-filled New Orleans home.
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29. Create a chalkboard wall.
Cover a single wall in a fresh coat of chalkboard paint to make an artful statement in a small bathroom, which is not only a great small bathroom idea, but a handy source of entertainment while you’re in there. Let this Rhode Island home serve as the perfect bathroom inspo.
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30. The trim treatment.
Bring a pop of color and contrast to your small bathroom by painting your baseboards and door trim in a bright hue. The owner of this Kansas City home nailed this design trick.
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31. Embrace the awkward.
Maximize a small, awkwardly shaped bathroom by covering the walls with some playful wallpaper, as we saw in this charming house in Edinburgh, Scotland.
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32. Go green.
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33. Lean in.
Not working with a ton of wall space to hang art in your tiny bathroom? Learn from Cupcakes and Cashmere founder Emily Schuman and prop a piece of art above your toilet tank. Let it lean against the wall for a sleek, nails-free display like she did inside her Los Angeles home.
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34. Think pink.
A bold shade of bright fuchsia wall paint turns even the smallest of powder rooms into a glamorous scene, as we saw in a very colorful Minneapolis, Minnesota loft.
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35.
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36. Dive into the decor deep end.
Dark walls allow flashy gold-finished fixtures to shine in a small bathroom, as we found in an Art Deco-inspired Indiana home, which hits a high note in our book.
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37. Collect toiletries in a cute tray.
A well-placed tray instantly creates an additional storage opportunity on top of your toilet tank, as we saw in this modern Chicago home.
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38. Create a glamorous glow.
Switch out your humdrum flush mount for a more striking overhead style, like the pendant light we spotted in this San Francisco remodel, to upgrade a small bathroom in seconds. Playing around with lighting is a great small bathroom idea, as the right lighting can create the perfect ambience for a room of any size.
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39.
Edit your palette.If you feel a busy color scheme cramps your style, select two colors—or even just one—and stick with it. This small but stylish New York apartment shows how black and white can make a bathroom appear larger than it is.
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40. Be bold.
Too much of a good thing can be wonderful, and gallery walls in a small bathroom are no exception. Take a cue from this eclectic Nashville home and install floor-to-ceiling gallery displays on every wall of your bathroom for an impactful maximalist scene.
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41. Hang out.
An extra-long hanging plant—like the wall-length heartleaf philodendron we spotted in this Los Angeles bathroom—naturally draws the eye up so a cramped space seems larger than it actually is. Many of the best small bathroom ideas incorporate ways to trick the eye.
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42.
Dare to be woodsy.You can always count on wood-paneled walls to create an outdoorsy atmosphere in your tiny bathroom, just like we saw in this inspiring Austin, Texas abode. Who needs to trek to a log cabin when you have this?
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43. Try an atypical towel rack.
Score some extra sink-side storage space by replacing your wall-mounted towel rack with a multifunctional leaning ladder, like the one in this Austin, Texas home.
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44. Fashion flower power.
In the bathroom of a Highland Park, California home, a commanding shower curtain creates a colorful centerpiece in a tiny white-tiled space
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45. Forge some floating storage.
Invest in a sleek and slender hanging rail system, like the FINTORP series at IKEA, so you won’t waste an inch of precious sink space on toiletries.
Jordan and Brittany Griggs take their storage strategy to the next level with this hack.
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46. Be bold and botanical.
When you don’t have enough room to place houseplants in your powder room, but you’re looking for small bathroom ideas to add a touch of nature to your space, consider vibrant leaf-patterned wallpaper. This trick definitely pops in a lush Beverly Hills home.
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47. Keep plants in the shower.
Plant parents don’t need to sweat it, if shelf space is taken, and there’s no room on the floor. Many plants do perfectly fine chilling with you in the shower. Just take note of how the owners of this stunning Montreal home did it and research to see if your green-fronded friends can find a home in your bathroom. You can even hang a few off of your shower rod!
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48.
Embrace the extra.A floor-to-ceiling gallery wall gives a compact bathroom a maximalist upgrade when displayed against a bright green-painted wall. Look to this colorful Los Angeles home for some inspiration.
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49. Try textured walls.
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50. Play with complementary colors.
The orange shower curtain and blue walls in the bathroom of a stylish New Orleans house pull the eye up and around the space. They also help visually elongate the room, emphasizing the tall ceilings and taking attention off of the narrowness of the space.
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51. Color your cabinets.
Bring a burst of color into a small, minimalist bathroom by painting your sink cabinets in a vibrant hue, as we saw in this soothing space in a Michigan kit home.
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52.
Take a seat.A petite side chair provides a place to perch and surface space for tub-side storage in a small bathroom, as seen in this English farmhouse.
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53. Go geometric.
A shapely wall-mounted storage unit, like the floating brass circle shelf we spotted inside an Oakland apartment, adds some geometric flair (and a storage opportunity) to a tiny bathroom.
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54. Create contrast.
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55. Float on.
If you’re working with little to no storage space around your shower or bathtub, mount a floating shelf or picture ledge on the wall above the tub to store your shampoo, conditioner, and soap. This Buenos Aires home strikes a balance between form and function.
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56. Keep a low profile.
When you don’t have any surface space around your pedestal sink, a great small bathroom idea is to consider employing a petite, tiered side table to create some instant storage opportunity. This Austin abode shows how to get the job done in style.
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57. Go big or go home.
Don’t let a lack of square footage hold you back from designing your dream bathroom. Take a cue from Lauren Naimola and Chad Pratt and install everything from a gallery wall to a statement light in your powder room to prove that good style will always trump size.
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58. Tub/shower combo.
If you’ve never thought of putting your tub right in your shower, you’re missing out on a key small bathroom idea. We love this design from @imperiumimmobilier, which allows a homeowner to choose between a luxurious shower or an equally relaxing bath, all in the same small space.
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59. Cut-out shelving.
If your bathroom is so small that you’re struggling even for room to get around, consider tucking shelving into a cut-out like @enchantedberkeley did. If it’s possible, it allows you to keep your crucial bathroom storage without having to worry about bumping into shelves that are sticking out from the wall.
53 Small Bathroom Ideas 2022
1
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.
2
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.
3
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.
4
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.
5
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.
6
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.
7
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.
8
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.
9
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.
10
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.
11
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.
12
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.
13
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.
14
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.
15
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.
16
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.
17
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
18
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.
19
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.
20
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).
21
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.
22
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.
23
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.
24
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.
25
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.
26
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.
27
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.
28
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.
29
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.
30
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.
31
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.
32
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.
33
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.
34
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.
35
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.
36
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.
37
Hide Your Storage With a Curtain
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 magazines, flowers, or candles.
38
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.
39
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.
40
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.
41
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.
42
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.
43
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.
44
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.
45
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.
46
Continue Floor Tile into the Shower
TREVOR TONDRO
Run tile from the bathroom floor straight into the shower stall, like Alla Akimova did here. It makes the room feel so much larger.
47
Try a Floating Basin Sink
Paul Raeside
Skip bulky cabinets and install a floating basin sink to save space. Plus, it looks incredibly chic.
48
Get a Claw-Foot Tub
DITTE ISAGER
Don't be afraid of large pieces in a small bathroom. A big claw-foot tub is actually a very efficient use of space—the curtain hangs right above it, plumbing fits within it, and essentials can be stored in a caddy that sits right on top.
The giant mirror over this tub creates the illusion of a larger space, and earns style points, too.
49
Get Towel Bars
JONNY VALIANT
Towel bars = the best way to save surface space. If you can get a washstand with towel bars, it'll look even sleeker. Just slip them over the metal to dry and tug them off when you're ready to use again.
50
Never Block Windows
Sarah Sherman Samuel
Natural light is too important for cramped spaces to block with a dingy shower curtain. Instead, opt for clear glass doors instead. See more at Sarah Sherman Samuel .
51
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.
52
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.
53
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!
What's the best color for a small bathroom?
“Think about the night sky,” says designer Shavonda Gardner.
“It’s expansive; there’s no end in sight. Your eye doesn’t stop at the line between dark walls and a white ceiling; it just keeps going.” This is precisely the reason designers love going with dark colors in a small room—it genuinely opens things up!
Is it better to use large tiles or small tiles in a small bathroom?
Size isn't as important as pattern and color when it comes to tiling a bathroom. Whether you go for subway tile, huge marble square, or tiny penny tiles, the key in a small bathroom is to keep the surface as streamlined as possible. Match your grout to the tile, or create a simple pattern that doesn't overwhelm the space or create visual clutter.
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.
Amanda Sims Clifford Executive Editor Amanda Sims Clifford is the executive editor at House Beautiful.
80 small room renovation ideas with photo
The most common The problem faced by owners of small-family apartments is very modest bathroom. During the repair, you have to solve a difficult problem: how to correctly plan a room so that it is at the same time functional and not cluttered? In fact, everything is much simpler - it only costs Connect your imagination and work a little. Our article will help facilitate your task and suggest interesting ideas for small bathroom.
Planning Features
If you are starting from scratch and your bathroom is too small, you might want to think about expanding it by redevelopment of walls and partitions. Just decide first with the walls - where are the "bearing", and where not. Invite the appropriate specialist for this. As a result, it will be possible to combine a bathroom with a toilet, a bathroom with a corridor. However, this is a very difficult job, it is better to save this option as a last resort.
More affordable option can be thoughtful layout and design small bathroom.
Due to visual effects and placement plumbing can greatly expand the visible boundaries of the room and not change it real size.
First you need to turn attention to the location of plumbing - perhaps the toilet is too far away from walls or it can be moved closer to the drain. The sink can be removed altogether if you have a bathroom - put a convenient faucet and the need for a sink will disappear. Doors can also take up space, especially if they open. inside. Rearrange the door so that it opens outside or even put a retractable option - it's much more convenient.
Preparing for a bathroom renovation
Before starting a bathroom renovation, you need to decide on the design. If redevelopment is necessary, if it is necessary to expand a small room, the transfer or extension of partitions is approved. After that, you can start preparatory work. What are they?
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Walls and floors are cleaned to the ground. It is necessary to remove all the old coating: tiles, paint, old glue, plaster, lime.
If the floor tiles are very difficult to remove, you can then lay a new one on top of it or pour a leveling layer of mortar. When choosing this option, you need to ensure that the standard height of the doorway (206-210 mm) is maintained. -
Cleaned surfaces (together with the ceiling, if it is not planned to install a stretch ceiling), cover with a primer.
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Start plastering. The walls are leveled. If there are large differences on the floor, it also needs to be leveled with a building mixture. If the difference in height is small, it can be corrected with adhesive while laying the floor tiles.
Preparing to renovate the bathroom also includes plumbing and electrical work. This is the replacement of pipes and risers, counters, heated towel rails, hoods, replacement of wiring, relocation of sockets, etc. After that, a box of plasterboard is mounted to hide the plumbing pipes.
When these works are completed, you can start repairing and installing plumbing.
Materials used for finishing
The most common and ideal option for covering walls and floors in the bathroom is ceramic tiles. Its variety is so great that it can satisfy any, even the most sophisticated requests. Just remember the main thing - the tiles for a small bathroom should be small. The ideal option in this case would be a mosaic.
Tile selection - one of priority tasks. After all, she sets the main tone for the bathroom, after laying tiles, plumbing is installed, the ceiling is being made and all the rest work. However, you should not rely only on tiles, there are many other finishes:
- Can be painted walls with moisture resistant paints;
- Glue on moisture resistant, vinyl wallpaper or even liquid wallpaper;
- Decorate plaster walls;
- Sheath walls plastic panels or plastic tiles.
- Put glass tiles, which are becoming more and more fashionable.
It is better to lay tiles on the floor.
Not ordinary, with a smooth glossy surface, but rough. This kind of tile made from porcelain stoneware. It is much stronger and will protect you from falling and injuries on wet floors.
Ceiling also do not ignore - it must be protected from moisture and fit into the interior. Here are the ways to finish the ceiling:
- Moisture resistant drywall;
- Plastic panels;
- Stretch ceiling.
First less practical option, although also used. Plastic sheathing is good because that moisture will definitely not damage the ceiling, and it can be easily washed. well and stretch ceilings are more popular due to their modern sight and a large palette of colors. Definitely fits into any interior.
Color palette
The design of a small bathroom involves the choice of color as the main decision. After all, the main task is to visually enlarge an already small space. In any case, tiles should be chosen in light colors - like the floor and ceiling.
But do not get carried away with white color and chrome interior details. It will give the impression that you are in the operating room, and not in the bathroom.
However, if you combine white with bright colors: yellow, green, red, then the interior will acquire "juiciness" and you can focus on some specific details. Designers do not recommend using more than three colors at the same time - take on a note. What's more, you can use tone-on-tone accessories with an inner color finish. The effect of "merging" will turn out - the objects seem to be there, but they do not stand out against the general background and do not come to the fore.
Better not to use at all large drawings on the walls, floor or ceiling - your bathroom can visually only get smaller because of it.
Let there be light!
Of course, you can't do without light. The layout of a small bathroom also provides for a pre-prepared place for lighting. A dim light bulb is absolutely not an option in this case.
It needs bright artificial light. How to do it? Firstly, you can install a lot of light bulbs on the ceiling - then the light will be evenly distributed throughout the room. Above the sink is also desirable to have a light bulb.
To save money, you can install energy-saving light bulbs, and enhance lighting with mirrors. But we will talk about this further. If possible, make a window in the bathroom - much better when there is sunlight in the bathroom during the day! If this option is not suits - then you can make an imitation of a window with appropriate lighting - very original idea.
What furniture to choose
Small bathrooms look very organic when combined with the right furniture and fixtures. We will talk about plumbing later, we will pay attention to furniture. As you may have guessed, the furniture in no case should be large, dark and clutter up all the free space. If it is possible to choose, then install shelves in place of cabinets with doors.
Furniture should create the illusion of transparency, "weightlessness" of the room, and not oppress with its quantity and dimensions.
The color of the furniture must be light, ideally merge with the walls or have similar tones. Instead of cabinets, you can use hooks and hangers, above the toilet hang a rack.
Choosing plumbing
This is also an important aspect that must be taken into account when you just started to make repairs in a bathroom of a small area.
Which is better: shower or bath?
The first thing to consider is who will use the bathroom in the future. If there are elderly people or children in the house, then it is best to put a bathroom. Again, it is more convenient for overweight people to use the bathroom. You can pick up a bathroom and a seated one - everything is individual here. In other cases, it is better to put a shower.
Where to put the washing machine?
If the washing machine does not fit into the design of a very small bathroom at all or takes up a lot of space, you can move it to the kitchen or even to the balcony (if it is adjacent to the kitchen).
Another option is to install the washing machine under the sink. You can make room for her by replacing the bathtub with a shower. Then a place will be freed up not only for the typewriter, but also for household chemicals.
Mirrors
The design of a small bathroom must include mirrors. Combined with the right lighting, they can work wonders and make a room look bigger. Just don't make the following mistakes:
- Don't make full-length mirror walls - mirrors tend to increase the area only at eye level;
- The mirror floor is a very unfortunate solution. Otherwise, you will feel like you are at the bottom of a well.
Corner mirrors look much more original and are able to create a beautiful play of colors and highlights. If you want to install a mirror above the sink, then don't forget to add lighting to it.
Decor for a small bathroom
For a small bathroom, it's better to stick to the principles of minimalism and not to use an abundance of decor.
If the design involves tiles of bright colors or unusual shapes, a small space does not need additional decor. In other cases, it is better to use items that decorate the interior and are functional at the same time:
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Mirror . If you hang a full-width mirror above the sink, it will reflect the light, visually increasing the area of the room. And if you equip it with colored lights, it will become a full-fledged decor item.
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Rugs, towels . Bright textiles will add the desired accent, provided that the tiles in the bathroom are not “full”.
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Shower screen. The original bath or shower screen will decorate the whole room. Neutral or similar in design, textiles will go well with it.
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Laundry basket. This item can be selected according to the style of the bathroom (wooden basket for eco or scandi style, metal basket for loft, modern, etc.)
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Set of holders for towels, toilet paper - is better if the set is from the same series.
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Set of dispensers for soap, shampoo, shower gel. Colorful bottles and jars will not decorate the bathroom. Therefore, it is worth choosing kits consisting of dispensers and containers of the same design. It is better if they fit in the design of the bathroom interior.
Space Extension
Here are some space-saving ideas for a small bathroom:
- Use tiles with a vertical pattern to make the room appear taller and larger;
- It is better to install a bathtub or shower enclosure with transparent glass walls;
- Instead of a shower enclosure with walls, it is better to hang a curtain, and instead of a shower tray, make a niche in the floor. Or, on the contrary, instead of a pallet, make a ledge of brick lined with tiles or mosaics;
- Cabinets can be built into walls (only not into load-bearing ones), it is not necessary to install doors for them.
And the back walls can be closed with drywall or plastic;
- The mirror ceiling will perfectly expand the space;
- Try to avoid sharp corners - furniture and plumbing with streamlined shapes will win you some space.
Interior styles
Classic
Always up to date. The main focus is the bath. In the original, it should be made of marble, cast iron or brass. And of course on curved legs. Such a bath itself is very light; faucets, faucets and mirror frames are made of copper, gilding or bronze. The interior welcomes marble, stucco. The look of such a bathroom is expensive and sophisticated.
Modern
The design of a small bathroom in this style is characterized by a bright combination of colors and original solutions. The zones are clearly separated, the plumbing is small and functional. Accessories for decor are better to take non-standard shapes and colors.
Japanese Style
Becoming more and more popular and quite original in itself.
But be prepared to invest in natural materials in decor: bamboo, rice paper, silk, wood. On the walls it is better to use tiles with oriental motifs. Mandatory attribute are candles in colored glass candlesticks, an aroma lamp. There may be hieroglyphs on the shower curtain, on the towels.
In general, there are many styles - all depends on preference and budget. In any case, the design of a small bathroom, made in a certain style, will add zest to the interior of your home.
Photo gallery
Photo examples of the original design of a small room.
Video
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 prepared 9adequate applicable advice and 103 photographs from ordinary real apartments after renovation and relocation , not in a perfectly clean room.
- 9 Ideas for small bathrooms
- Fashionable tiles for a small bathroom
- Repair on a small area
- Analysis of real photos
- errors
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- countertop bowl takes up less space. There is a useful plane around the bowl.
- Tiles for a small area do not have to be small.
There will be a separate item. - WC with installation. It takes up less space, does not waste the floor, is easy to clean, looks modern.
- 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.
- I will encroach on 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.
In the bathroom on a small area there are : a sink, a cabinet, a mirror, a bathtub, a wardrobe, a toilet bowl, a heated towel rail, a door, towels, a rug, toothbrushes, pastes, tubes, etc. Everything has its own colors, everything blocks the walls. If choose colorful bright tiles, get porridge at 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:
If you really want dark tones, then additional lighting is required - without it, dark walls do not look good.
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.
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.
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 repairs
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.
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 design - neatness .
The bathtub for a small bathroom is rectangular as standard, but there are corner versions 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.
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.
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.
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 a small bathroom . Too high concentration of objects with their own colors.
2 examples where modern bathroom design ideas are realized in a very small area. Light colors, neat chiselled 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.
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.
