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Design ideas for tiny bathrooms


43 Small Bathroom Ideas to Make Your Bathroom Feel Bigger

Looking for small bathroom ideas that will make the space seem larger than life? So is most of New York City. The lack of square footage, limited natural light, and number of fixtures to squeeze in make a small bathroom one of the more challenging spaces to decorate. But when done right, the whole room can seem brighter and more spacious. And no, you won’t have to spend a zillion dollars to carve a window into the wall (or call on something retro like glass bricks).

These small bathroom ideas go beyond making the most of the available space and prove that bold design elements can be right at home in even the tiniest rooms. Here are the best ways to turn powder rooms, half-baths, and just little tiny (sometimes windowless) bathrooms into less cramped, more enjoyable situations. Your small bath may just be your next favorite room.

1. Keep Your Colors Light and Bright

© Emily Gilbert Photography

A wood floor and vanity give this city bathroom a warm and serene feeling. A soft mint green hue reflects natural light from the window. The space surrounding the freestanding tub makes the room feel more open, as does the lightweight curtain fabric, which allows maximum light to enter.

2. Or Double Down With a Dark Color Scheme

In Gilles Mendel’s Manhattan apartment, the bath’s vanity is granite and the black towels are by Calvin Klein Home.

Photo: Joshua McHugh

Wait, what? “Oftentimes I like to paint small bathrooms [typically windowless rooms] a dark color, like black. It gives depth and creates an illusion of a larger space,” says Jenny Wolf of Jenny Wolf Interiors. “Go with a high-gloss in a super dark color,” advises Fleming James of Oliver Street Designs. The hue will simultaneously impart a big-night-sky effect and also bounce the little light you have around the space. (Doing so will also draw attention to the light fixtures, she points out, so you’ll need to choose them thoughtfully—bulbs that bring in plenty of light, shapes you don’t mind being pretty pronounced. )

3. Mirror a Wall

Even with a bold marble, this bath by Joanne de Guardiola and Jon Bannenberg feels very open thanks to the mirrored upper half.

Photo: William Waldron

Rather than just hanging one above the vanity, consider mirroring a whole wall of your tiny bathroom. The reflection of light and pattern (and, sometimes, that open door) will do the same good work a window does.

4. Opt for a Glass Shower Door

Inspiration for the glass shower door of your dreams, courtesy of a Jenny Wolf–designed space.

Photo: Emily Gilbert

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If you’re starting your small bathroom design from scratch, consider scrapping the curtain entirely. “I also recommend glass shower doors in a small bath, as it will help to open up the space,” Wolf says.

5. Or Remove Your Shower Door Completely

Totally renovated bathroom with shower cabin and bathtub,light cream coloured tiles on floor and wall. Point of focus mainly on tiles in forground.Photo: KristianSeptimiusKrogh

The slightly more adventurous might even consider no shower door at all (a good drain is wise in that case).

6. Backlight the Mirror

Photo: Anton Minin

“This can be a chic and modern way to amplify light,” James says, “if you do not have room for sconces or simply want a more minimalistic look.”

7. Take On Tile

McGrath II used floor tile to cover the walls of this small bathroom.

Photo: Matt Harrington/Courtesy of McGrath II

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Tile is a durable way to add impact and can be used from floor to ceiling. “For smaller bathroom walls, we like to specify ceramic tiles that are small,” says Suzanne McGrath of the design firm McGrath II. The designer is a fan of using one-by-four and two-by-six floor tiles—which are also less expensive—on bathroom walls.

8. Give the Curtain a Lift

Photo: Steve Freihon

If you have the luxury of choosing where your shower curtain goes, James recommends that you “take the fabric all the way up” past the usual height of the tub. “Extending the curtain nearly to the ceiling will certainly elongate the walls,” she says, adding that the taller your ceiling, the more this will help. The ceiling curtain track in designer Ryan Brooke Thomas’s own apartment does just that.  

9. Keep the Floor Clear

A pedestal sink keeps a slim profile in the bathroom of Elizabeth Locke’s Virginia home.

Photo: Joshua McHugh

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Covering the floor with a bathroom vanity or storage containers can create a cramped space, not to mention tripping hazards. A pedestal or floating vanity keeps the floor clear, and installing floating storage will help keep everything you need at arm’s length.

10. Try a Large-Scale Wall Covering

The powder room of a house in Monte Carlo features Dornbracht fittings and Phillip Jeffries wallpaper.

Photo: Simon Watson

You might think you need to go for a petite motif, but it’s actually better to go big. “Medium- and large-scale wallpapers and tile patterns can actually make a space feel larger,” James explains. Whether you choose big tiles or an even bigger pattern is up to you; she says they’ll both “give an illusionary scale in tight quarters.”

11. Use High-Gloss Paint to Reflect Light and Amplify the Space

A light-filled, narrow bathroom is accented with a sheepskin rug and bamboo roller blinds in the Brooklyn home of designers Casey Kenyon and Jonathon Beck.Photo: Roland Bello

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Designers Casey Kenyon and Jonathan Beck’s Brooklyn bathroom feels decidedly airy thanks to light-reflecting high-gloss paint.

12. Opt for a Patterned Floor

Photo: Francesco Lagnese

Believe it or not, this bathroom is windowless. Tall mirrored medicine cabinets and a glass shower amplify light from the interior fixtures, brightening up the space. Wolf used built-in cabinets to save floor space. A herringbone wood floor gives the illusion of a larger and warmer bath.

13. Add a Shower Niche

Shower niche trumps plastic caddy every. single. time.Photo: Aubrie Pick

Another major space saver? A shower niche. If you’re designing a small bathroom, make sure to include a shower niche in your plans.

14. Use a Ledge to Create Space

Colored tiles in the bathroom of a renovated row house in Brooklyn, New York.Photo: Evan Jorgensen

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A narrow ledge in front of the mirror in this GRT Architects–designed bathroom is the perfect perch for a plant, toothbrush, and other essentials.

15. Move Your Towel Bar

Photo: Carmen Chan

In a West Village powder room by designer Ashley Darryl, a towel bar is fastened to the side of the floating sink.

16. Rethink Your Sink

If you’re designing your tiny bathroom from scratch (or remodeling), a tiny corner sink may be among the most handy simple small bathroom ideas. There’s no rule that says you have to have a full-size standard sink. A corner sink gets the job done just as well—plus it gives you plenty of space and less to clean.

17. Choose Compact Pieces

Photo: Kyle Knodell; Styling: Jamie Perez Herrera

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Hulking vanities and blocky tubs may look at home in a larger bathroom, but they can make a small bathroom feel claustrophobic. Install compact toilets and sinks or consider floating versions to open up the space, like in this 650-square-foot apartment designed by Brett Masterson. If a tub is a must, consider a Japanese soaking tub to add serenity without taking up square footage.

18. Consider Closed Storage to Stay Organized

Photo: Barbara Corsico 

Bottles and tubes scattered on the countertops are guaranteed to distract from even the most gorgeous room. Samuel suggests closed bathroom storage, such as a linen closet or vanity with drawers and doors, to keep things tucked away. “Display only your favorite and most frequently used, well-designed products. ” In this 323 square foot Italian pad by the founders of SCEG Architetti, the exterior of the vanity can really sing thanks to the lack of clutter.  

19. Curve Some Surfaces

Small bathroom with toilet and shower in gray tonesPhoto: yuryRumovsky

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Reclaim some of your space with a curved sink or shower. It might not seem like much, but it can make a difference, especially in a tiny space where real estate matters.

20. Add Stylish Shelving

Photo: Will Ellis

Forget anything basic. Opt for a sleek shelf that fits your decor and gives you extra space (a precious commodity in a small bathroom), like in this bathroom by Fanny Abbes, the creative director of the New Design Project, which employs acrylic shelves that perfectly match the rest of the bathroom feel.

21. Choose a Wall-Mounted Faucet

Photo: Carola Ripamonti; design: Andrea Marcante, Adelaide Testa; from Take a Bath (copyright Gestalten 2017)

Not only is a wall-mounted faucet a real space saver, it’s also stylish, modern, and easy to clean.

22. Get Creative With Storage

Photo: Muk van Lil

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In cramped rooms, any open space is an opportunity. If there’s a niche, add open shelves to make use of that dead space, just as designer Madelon Oudshoorn Spaargaren did in her Amsterdam home. 

23. Add a Ladder for Towels

A vintage vanity with an undermount basin. Photo courtesy of Making Home Base

We love this country-chic small bathroom that gets creative with a ladder. It can hang more towels than a bar, and it gives the bathroom a unique feel. If you don’t have enough space for a ladder that stands alone, choose one that is made to sit above a toilet.

24. Pare Down Your Bottles

Photo: Douglas Friedman

Let’s be honest: We usually don’t need all those toiletry bottles. Streamlining your grooming products will give you more space, so do a Marie Kondo and pare down your shampoo collection. Or, at the very least, store the products you don’t use daily somewhere other than your counters or bathtub ledges. Getting rid of any clutter will make your small bathroom seem much bigger.

25. Install a Skylight

Bathroom renovated with mosaic of grey tiles; a washbasin, shower, and skylight. 

Photo: piovesempre

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This is one of the more ambitious small bathroom designs, but it will make a major impact. Installing a skylight will open up your entire bathroom and significantly brighten the space.

26. Get a High Tank Toilet

Photo: Simon Brown

When stuck with a bathroom that’s cramped but features inordinately tall ceilings, a high tank toilet can be just the thing to distract the eye. In this Beata Heuman–designed apartment, a bold paint color is used to double down on those tall walls. 

27. Try an Interesting Tile Pattern

Photo: Yohann Fontaine

No matter what color bathroom tile you go for, arranging them in an interesting pattern can up the visual interest.  The options are practically endless: This Paris apartment features a zigzag herringbone design with a bright white grout against the dark tile.

28. Pick Natural Accent Colors For a White Bathroom 

Photo: Charlie Schuck

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If you want your bathroom to be calming no matter how cramped it is, use a natural color palette and don’t worry about painting the walls. Despite the bright flooring in her own apartment, architect Corey Kingston paired a terracotta curtain and bathmat with wicker baskets for storage. If you’re set on subway tile, natural colors pair well with them too. 

29. Go for a Theme

Photo: Jenna Ohnemus Peffley

“Especially for a bathroom with an unusual shape, going after a theme can help make the space feel more cohesive. I had a friend growing up who had a bathroom with a theme of lips. Her mother loved lips. I loved that bathroom and found it incredibly fanciful,” homeowner Fanny Singer said during our tour of her space, explaining how she arrived at the bum-centric art in her bathroom. “I’m not going to go to that degree, but it just became a thing.” 

30. Go for Unusual Shapes

Photo: Rory Gardiner

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Architect Vincent Appel paired a round floating sink with a Gio Ponti mirror in a 300-square-foot apartment’s minimalist bathroom. Without creating chaos in the small space, these two pieces added plenty of personality. 

31. Use Brass Hardware

Photo: Kirsten Francis

Brass hardware and fixtures can add an unexpected, refined look to any bathroom—no full renovation needed. Though the difference is slight, this Margaret Costello–designed bathroom still looks luxurious thanks to its impactful fixtures. 

32. Go Monochromatic

Photo: Melanie Landsman

Nearly everything in this bathroom is pink—floor tile and tub included—and we love the look of a monochrome escape. Though this bathroom is vintage, it’s easily replicable for any design sensibility. 

33. Get A Mirror with Built-In Storage

Photo: Joe Kramm; Styling: Mieke ten Have

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The best small space pieces are multifunctional, and a mirror that also offers storage can be a life saver. The medicine cabinet is the gold standard, but if that feels a little too retro, try a mirror with shelves, like this one in a New York City apartment designed by Project AZ. 

34. Use the Space Above the Toilet

In the bathroom, guests leave messages tucked into in the wooden hands that Philip purchased in South Kensington Farmers' Market when he lived in London. Strings of beads hang above. “The common thread amongst them all is they offer protection, and I think I’ve got just about every major religion represented last I looked."Photo: Joshua McHugh

Whether you use it for storage or for eye-catching decoration, as designer Philip Gorrivan chose to, do not leave the space above the toilet empty. 

35. Skip the Full Towel Rack

Photo: Christopher Stark

If your extra-small bathroom doesn’t have storage space, don’t force it! Skip a full towel rack and add either a hook for shower time or a small rack for a hand towel, as in this Noz Nozawa–designed space.  

36. Simplify It

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When dealing with a powder room, keep things as simple as possible. There’s no need to add storage space if you don’t have much to store, and your space will be all the more pleasing for it! We should all take the note from this Chicago home designed by Wendy Labrum.

37. Stick to Evocative Neutrals 

Photo: Jacob Snavely

Neutral doesn’t have to mean boring! This Aamir Khandwala–designed space employs a deep beige to create a room that is both calming and dynamic. 

38. Add a Fun Pendant Light

Photo: Michael Clifford

In bathroom design the focus often lands on sconce lighting, but a fun pendant light can serve as an impactful focal point, no matter the square footage of your bathroom. For proof, just take a glimpse at this Jake Arnold–designed bathroom’s rattan pendant. 

39. Mirror Multiple Walls

Photo: Sean Litchfield

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Adding multiple mirrors to a space not only makes it feel bigger, it also has the potential to create a memorable fun house-like vibe in the bathroom. Wouldn’t you want to take a selfie in this space designed by homeowner Chris Aswad? 

40. Match Your Hardware Finishes

Photo: Kyle Knodell

Tying everything together in your bathroom can be satisfying even if it may not make the space feel larger, exactly. In bathrooms that feature a glass shower door or wall, like this Dumbo loft’s, tie the shower in with the rest of the space by matching the finishes of the sink, light fixtures, and towel rod.

41. Add Shallow Shelves for Trinkets

By choosing a basic tile in an not-so-basic color and size, Conti, Cert was able to save some money in the bathroom. The vanity is baltic birch plywood with unfinished edges.Photo: Coke Bartrina

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If you don’t want to dedicate counter space to items that are purely for decorative purposes, shallow floating shelves will take up a small footprint in your space but still allow for much more personality than a cramped vanity ever could.  Photographer Coke Bartrina’s filled his simple shelves with small plants.

42. Go for Terrazzo

Photo: Max Burkhalter

As far as we’re concerned, terrazzo is timeless—just look at Matthew Stewart’s gorgeous terrazzo-lined bathroom! With the mesmerizing pattern enveloping the room, it’ll be hard to stress about lack of space.

43. Add a Gallery Wall

Photo: Kyle Knodell

Though it might not be the first place to spring to mind for your art collection, a gallery wall is sure to add a stately air to even the tiniest of bathrooms. Going for all black and white prints ups the classiness factor, as the bathroom at designer Peter Sandel’s own studio apartment proves. 

best tiny bathroom designs |

The best small bathroom ideas combine charm and practicality. These small bathrooms are designed to make a compact space feel not just bigger and well-functioning, but super-stylish too.

When it comes to small bathroom design, clever planning – which includes everything from layout, to fitting choices, to smart storage options – is key to ensuring that even a tiny bathroom can still feel spacious.  Stylish finishes that are also practical are the icing on the cake.

Up to recently, small bathrooms always required a compromise – often with the bathtub becoming the first victim in the battle for space – not to mention issues arising from lack of storage. 

But the latest modern furniture and fittings can still create a luxurious bathroom from the minimal square footage. Shower baths remain a popular option in compact rooms, mini bathtubs are growing in popularity and the choices in scaled-down fixtures are greater than ever – there is a plethora of bathroom ideas for tiny bathrooms to choose from.

Best small bathroom ideas

Whether you opt for a sleek streamlined look, or traditional detailing, there are plenty of ways to pack a decorative punch with your small bathroom ideas. 

1. Add clever storage to a small bathroom

Photography: Simon Bevan

(Image credit: Future)

‘When it comes to adding small bathroom storage ideas think high-level rather than bulky floor-standing vanity units,' says Irene Gunter, founder, and creative director, Gunter & Co .  

'I always go the extra mile to keep the floor as clean and empty as possible, with wall-mounted loos, vanities, and low-level accessories such as toilet brushes or bins. This means thinking cleverly about storage and making the most of any niches, mirror storage units, and shelves.' 

2. Make the most of architectural details

(Image credit: Heidi Caillier Design)

Arched partition walls are making a comeback and proving a popular way to incorporate on-trend curves, without sacrificing too much space. Here, the arch has been clad in simple white bathroom tiles to accentuate the contour. 

‘We added an arched niche to bring charm and a sense of history to this new bathroom,’ explains interior designer Heidi Caillier . ‘Inside, we placed a traditional clawfoot tub with a dark painted exterior, which feels unexpected in a new home, and the arch brings in more character and depth. The once plain space now feels as if it tells a story.

3. Use paint to enliven a tiny space

(Image credit: Edward Bulmer Paint)

Painting fitted furniture in a bathroom is a good opportunity to introduce stronger colors complemented with neutral walls or vice versa.  

'Painted bathroom paneling is still very popular and we love combining our beautiful stronger colors Malahide or Invisible Green with exquisite wallpapers,' says Edward Bulmer, interior designer and founder, Edward Bulmer Natural Paint . 'Painting an old bath is another good way to inject some color and our paints are perfect for traditional cast-iron baths: colors such as our earthy browns Brick or Etruscan Brown are favorites.’ 

4. Introduce playful pattern

(Image credit: Studio Indigo)

Small bathrooms are rife for decorative opportunity, so do consider introducing playful additions that will add an element of surprise and unexpected intrigue. 

‘Of course, bathrooms are practical and functional spaces but they don’t need to be utilitarian,' says Mike Fisher, creative director and founder, Studio Indigo . 'Be adventurous and give the space personality. A bold scheme will provide a conversation piece with guests and friends, particularly in a powder room. Pattern can be introduced through wallpaper, fabric, or tiles. Complement your patterns with good light – in a powder room it can be atmospheric but in bathrooms, you need light and plenty of it.’ 

Here the border tiles in this Studio Indigo space bring attention to the bathroom's height, and it is a great way to make a small bathroom look bigger.

5. Invest in sufficient lighting

(Image credit: Jon Day)

‘Within a shower design for a small bathroom it is crucial not to underestimate the importance of good bathroom lighting ideas,' says Mary Graham and Nicole Salvesen, founders, Salvesen Graham . 'This should always include decorative wall lights either side of a mirror to provide a softer, more flattering light for the face as well as a decorative feature.’ 

Lighting is more than just functional; in bathroom Feng Shui, lighting ideas for small bathrooms are an integral design element that should be planned at the start of a project, if possible. The best bathroom lighting is an instant energy booster and can make you feel refreshed in the morning and relaxed in the evening.  

6. Delineate an alcove 

(Image credit: Thurstan)

‘We often find using mosaics within an alcove helps to optimize smaller shower spaces and a gloss finish adds to this illusion of grander proportions, reflecting natural light throughout the room,' says James Thurstan Waterworth, founder, Thurstan. 'I recommend pairing two distinct mosaic designs within the space, thus creating a point of interest where these verticals meet and then setting them against a cool neutral paint color that works to open up the small bathroom.’ 

7. Keep a small bathroom free from clutter

(Image credit: Future)

Organizing a small bathroom demands a thoughtful approach, and it is one you should consider abiding by if you want your small bathroom to look neat, tidy and beautiful every day. See our bathroom shelf ideas for more inspiration.

'My bathroom is my sanctuary,' says Eva Sonaike, creative director, Eva Sonaike. 'I like the space clean and uncluttered, so storage solutions are an essential part of a good design here. If possible, opt for integrated storage so that the energy can flow freely. When designing a bathroom from scratch, consider all possible options. In my bathroom, a full-height mirrored cabinet spans an entire wall, providing ample hidden storage for all my beauty essentials.'

8. Use a colored bath as a focal point

(Image credit: C.P. Hart / Anna Stathaki)

When space is tight, the key is to distract the eye, and this can be done by choosing a stunning bath in a color other than white. The vertical ribbed design seen here also helps visually. 

Barrie Cutchie, Design Director at BC Designs , says: ‘Bathroom design is all about color and a great way to slowly introduce it is through subtle pastel shades. A bath in a traditional-style design will add personality to your bathroom and a pastel shade will liven it up.

‘Color also draws your eyes in and helps to create a striking focal point. The key to making a freestanding bath a success, no matter the size, is to allow 10cm between the edge and the walls. It creates a feeling of space and also makes cleaning it much easier.’

9. Make space for a niche

(Image credit: Interior Fox)

Tired of chasing slippery shampoo and body wash bottles around the shower floor? When designing a bathroom, consider including a shower niche into your design – ideal for both showers and baths. It’s one of the best small bathroom storage ideas for saving space and it looks stylish.

‘Avoid a floor of toiletries or an overcrowded caddy by installing a recessed shower shelf,’ advises Jenna Choate, founder of London-based design studio, Interior Fox . 

‘It’s a practical and streamlined way to add storage space, without taking away elbow room. Make a feature out of the area by using a colored trim that contrasts against the wall tiles.’

10. Match wall and floor tiles

(Image credit: Stone & Ceramic Warehouse)

An all-encompassing look makes for an uber-stylish bathroom, and one that most definitely creates the feel of a luxury spa design. It also creates the illusion of space as seen in the ensuite bathroom above. 

‘Using the same tiles on the walls and the floor will enhance the feeling of space by creating a continuous look,’ explains Jo Oliver, Director at The Stone & Ceramic Warehouse . 

‘Pale colored tiles can make a small bathroom look bigger as they reflect more light than darker colors, giving an airy and spacious feel.

'We’ve seen a huge increase in the popularity of slab or ‘large format’ porcelain tiles in recent years. These large-format designs mean fewer grout lines, and therefore less maintenance and cleaning. Slab tiles are ideal for creating a striking, high-end look, and can often make smaller rooms appear larger thanks to their seamless appearance.’

11. Paint walls and woodwork in the same shade

(Image credit: Farrow & Ball)

Paint is such a wonderful design tool, and you can use it in this instance to make a small bathroom feel larger. 

When you paint the woodwork white, for example, it visually splits up the wall – from the skirting, window frames and any edging above like picture rails. By painting the whole area in one color you create a seamless feel that the eye can flow around without interruption. 

Painting a bath in a color also distracts and if you're looking for small bathroom flooring ideas, wide planked floorboards will make a floor space appear larger. It’s all about creating visual illusions. 

12. Find space in the eaves

(Image credit: Future/Veronica Rodriguez)

Embrace small and suddenly there's so much more scope for adding a compact bathroom. This neat little attic space has been planned into a loft conversion but it feels far from wedged in. 

A stunning Crittall-style shower screen adds drama, while a skylight and pale scheme ensure this is a light, bright room. Finishes are crucial in a small space, so it pays here more than anywhere to go for bespoke fittings and high-spec tiles and brassware. 

13. Create room for manoeuvre with pocket doors

(Image credit: Future/Veronica Rodriguez)

Where space is at a premium, pocket doors really are your friend. Here they have been used to divide an already small space to combine a bathroom with clever and compact laundry room ideas. 

Being able to close the door on piles of washing is a must if you're planning a relaxing soak in the bath. However, because the doors slide into the wall cavity, there's much more room for manoeuvre should you need it. 

14. Embrace deep colors in a small bathroom

(Image credit: Future/Colin Poole)

You rarely hear a small bathroom being described as cozy. Yet use the right bathroom color ideas and materials, and a warm, cocooning look can be achieved – creating a space you'll long to return to at the beginning or end of the day. 

Here, every designer's favorite shower tile idea – the Lily Pad tile – has been used to maximalist effect. The jewel blue shade and brass and copper detailing give the space the opulence you might not previously have thought achievable in a small bathroom. 

15. Make the most of a small bathroom layout

(Image credit: Future/Davide Lovatti)

When it comes to designing a small bathroom, every inch counts. It is important to measure precisely and take into account doors, windows or sloped ceilings that may dictate your bathroom layout ideas. 

Don’t be afraid to play with pattern, even in awkward spaces. In this dark bathroom from Pippa Paton , the hexagonal tiled flooring and splashback give a cohesive look, creating a backdrop for this rustic vanity that not only fits perfectly into the alcove but also gives a subtle nod to the house’s barn heritage.

Make sure to check your local building codes, however, to make sure your layout doesn't violate local laws. Small things such as how much space to leave between a toilet and a shower can land you in hot water if done incorrectly. 

16. Make a small bathroom a wet room

(Image credit: Future/Davide Lovatti)

While it may be a more expensive option than a conventional shower, considering wet room ideas for your space could be worthwhile.

The main cost is tanking to make the area waterproof, but the result is a roomier space as you don’t need a closed-off shower enclosure.

Instead, take note from this design by Katie McCrum which shows that you can have the same flooring throughout and a frameless shower screen 
to contain splashes without feeling too restrictive. 

17. Decorate a small bathroom with wallpaper

(Image credit: F&P Interiors)

One easy way of injecting character into a country-style bathroom is with patterned wallpaper, like this design from F&P Interiors . 

While it may not be the first choice, standard wallpaper can be applied as long as the room is well-ventilated with an extractor fan, so steam doesn’t damage it. 

Apply a strong adhesive underneath, and add a coat of decorator’s varnish on top to help protect against moisture. Or, use vinyl wallpaper designed especially for bathrooms, though it’s best to stick to tiles or panelling in wet zones such as around the bath or above a sink. 

18. Use the right paint shade

(Image credit: Little Greene)

Many people use lighter, whiter shades in small bathrooms, hoping to open up the space. Although this approach works, it is also important to get the tone of paint right. 

As a rule, cool undertones suit south-facing aspects while warmer shades work well in north-facing rooms – in both instances the shades help balance natural light entering the space. Results vary, so always test the bathroom paint ideas you are considering first to see how they look when applied to certain walls.

Here, the paint color - Salix 99 from Little Greene - flows seamlessly from walls to the eaves for an elegant finish.

19. Add a little luxury

(Image credit: West One Bathrooms)

‘If there is one room that needs a little luxury, it’s your bathroom,’ says Louise Ashdown, head of design at West One Bathrooms .

She recommends using wall-mounted furniture to keep floor space clear in a small bathroom and sticking to a neutral palette if you want an elegant spa-like finish. 

‘This helps avoid breaking up the room with different colors, which will make it feel boxy,’ she explains. And don’t be shy of adding a little glamor to your spa bathroom ideas – it’s these brushed gold fittings that really make this bathroom shine.

For instance, a bath caddy can help create a polished look if you have a bathtub. To house candles, bubble bath, and more. Otherwise, when it comes to your fluffy towels, a freestanding towel rack or rail will add sophistication to this room.

20. Choose quality finishes

(Image credit: Wolf Lewitt Interiors)

A plus side of designing a small bathroom is that you may be able to splash out on higher-quality materials and finishes than if you were having to decorate a larger room. 

In this project from Wolf Lewitt ,  a bespoke map wallpaper was commissioned to fit the room and add interest. The unusual design has been paired with smart grey panelling, which helps to box in any unsightly pipework while also creating a handy shelf around the walls. Authentic encaustic tiles on the floor complete the look. 

21.

Create zones, even in a small bathroom

(Image credit: BC Designs)

It might be worth reconfiguring a family bathroom into zones – such as the shower and bath on one side, with the basin and toilet on the other – so that someone could pop in and brush their teeth while you’re doing bath time with the kids, for example. 

‘Choosing to have a wet room can actually be hugely beneficial when wanting a bath to sit in the same space,’ says Sally Cutchie, marketing manager at BC Designs . ‘If you opt for a painted bath, use exterior eggshell paint as this is extra durable around water,’ she adds.  

Different flooring can also be used to create zones – our bathroom floor tile ideas include tips for picking complementary designs.

(Image credit: Future/Davide Lovatti)

A powder room is usually one of the smallest rooms in your house but it’s the one most of your guests will end up seeing. This can be an ideal opportunity to experiment with color and pattern and impress visitors with your flair for design.  

Keep fixtures and fittings to a minimum, opting for a corner or reduced-depth basin, a monobloc mixer faucet and a simple towel holder. Then focus your efforts into adding impact through your powder room wall decor with a beautiful, bold wallpaper pattern or a few pieces of statement artwork. 

23. Use optical illusions

(Image credit: Future/Chris Snook)

When choosing small bathroom tile ideas, use optical illusion to create a sense of space in your washroom. For example, horizontal lines can help widen the appearance of your room and these metro tiles are a timeless option. 

To prevent tiles looking too bare or clinical, incorporate natural materials to add layers of texture and warmth to the space, such as real wood or plants. The gray bathroom tiles on the floor help pull together the scheme by bringing out the dark grouting on the walls.  

24. Build in storage to use space wisely

(Image credit: Future/James Merrell)

Good bathroom storage ideas can go a long way to making a small bathroom feel less cluttered and crammed in.  

It may seem counterintuitive to put more things in to a small room. But shutting lotions, potions, loo rolls and even towels inside slim built-in cabinetry will streamline the space. To help your furniture blend in, panel the walls to the same height all around the room.

25. Wall mount to make a small bathroom feel larger

(Image credit: Future/Colin Poole)

Conversely, if you don't have a lot of bathroom clutter to hide, try to keep furniture and sanitaryware to a minimum. Wall-mounted basins and WCs clear the floor area and have minimal impact on your walls, so they will make a small bathroom seem bigger. They're also much easier to keep clean.

Be inventive about where you place your sanitaryware, too. This basin fits perfectly in the gap between wall and window and because it's in a corner, it's less intrusive. 

26. Use mirrors to make a small bathroom feel larger

(Image credit: Kate Martin)

Antique mirrored walls can be an effective way to create the illusion of a much wider space.

Also, if the passage between a master bedroom and its adjacent small bathroom is wide enough, consider adding a shower enclosure. 

‘Ensure it sits seamlessly in the background by using clear glass – possibly with a modesty panel – and a flush-to-floor tray,’ says Kirsten Wain of West One Bathrooms.

27. Make the most of an odd-shaped small bathroom

(Image credit: Matthew Williams)

Awkward ceiling shapes in loft conversions can be cleverly turned into stylish walk-in shower ideas with fixtures such as shower heads built into sloping walls. 

In this scheme, sandblasted glass panelling neatly partitions the bathroom from the sleeping area.

28. Simple solutions are more streamlined

(Image credit: Future/Jonathan Gooch)

‘Architecturally and visually, it is best to keep a small bathroom feeling open by not crowding too many things into it,' explains Barbara Sallick, Co-founder, Waterworks . 'Edit your amenities often, hang your towels on bars or hooks, keep pattern to a minimum, and generally, make it simple.

'The room will feel bigger if you use a pedestal sink rather than a bulky vanity, a clear glass door rather than shower curtain and reflective surfaces such as glossy ceramic tiles in a large scale,’ adds Barbara.

This wet room idea is the perfect example of keeping things streamlined. 

29. Pick a bathtub that is made to fit

By The Albion Bath Company

(Image credit: The Albion Bath Company)

A small bathroom can cater to a tub – and a good-looking bathtub that is center stage-worthy - provided you pick a design that has been created specifically for the space. 

There are plenty of reduced-width models to choose from. Thanks to its clean lines and simple design, this tiny slipper tub from The Albion Bath Company is equally beautiful in a period home as it is in a contemporary-style space. 

Its Tubby design, meanwhile, comes in a 59inch/1500mm size while still boasting a double-ended roll-top look. 

Also look out for built-in models that are attached to the wall but have the appearance of a freestanding bath from the front.  

30. Choose minimal fixtures to boost a small bathroom

(Image credit: Future/Mark Bolton)

In a small space, it's important to avoid closing it off too much with excessive furniture. Opt for frameless glass when choosing a shower screen in a wet room to ensure the space remains light, bright and uncluttered. 

31. Hang a mirror to make your bathroom feel larger

(Image credit: Darren Chung © Future)

Decorating with mirrors is essential in any cloakroom, both practically and aesthetically. They bounce natural light around a room, making the room seem instantly larger and brighter. 

Ornate options look fantastic in guest cloakrooms and are great statement pieces. If you prefer to keep things simple, then a mirror with a bevelled edge is an effective but subtle detail.

32. Light a small bathroom to make it feel bigger and brighter

(Image credit: Future/Davide Lovatti)

Bathroom lighting zones are a key consideration, as getting the lighting right can make all the difference to the ambience created in your bathroom. Try installing a dimmer switch so that you can control the intensity of light, depending on your mood. 

For bathroom ceiling lighting ideas, spotlights, either recessed, fitted to a track, or as part of a multi-light fitting, will instantly brighten a room.

33. Be adventurous with small bathroom decor

(Image credit: Future/Polly Wreford)

A small bathroom or cloakroom need not be dull or boring. Small spaces can be elevated with bold decorating choices, like this compelling pictorial terrarium wallpaper idea, used with moody moss-green tongue-and-groove panelling.

34. Pick a cohesive style that suits your home's period

Paul Raeside

(Image credit: Future/Paul Raeside)

Many people shy away from classic styles as they assume that they can crowd a room and can be too oppressive, but this isn’t the case. 

By using light colors and tones and embracing traditional fittings such as an Art Deco style, you can achieve a period look in your bathroom despite its small size.

35. Keep floors clear

Carolyn Barber

(Image credit: Future/Carolyn Barber)

Wall-mounted modular furniture remains a favorite for storage, due to its fuss-free, streamlined look. Available in a range of heights, widths and depths, semi-bespoke small bathroom storage ideas allow you to create storage that best suits your space. 

You’ll find a wide range of colors, from soft hues to strong brave tones, available too, as well as plenty of different textures. 

36. Keep the decor simple but add elegant fixtures

Jonathan Gooch

(Image credit: Future/Jonathan Gooch)

In lieu of being able to enlarge room dimensions, the clever use of surface finishes can maximize the feeling of space. In a small dark space, you could keep the space light and bright with minimal pattern or color.

‘Use reflective finishes on joinery and recessed handles,’ says Nick Stuttard, co-founder of London Projects . ‘They reflect light back into the room and streamline surfaces, minimizing any awkwardness in moving around a narrow space. ’

37. Be brave with bold pattern

(Image credit: Future/Simon Bevan)

While wallpaper is an excellent option for adding pattern to a cloakroom, depending on the level of extraction you have in your bathroom, it may not be the best choice if you use to it to bathe or shower often. 

An excellent alternative to wallpaper is patterned tile, whether in a simple repeat or a mural-style design like this one by Surface View .

38. Invest in a vintage washbasin

(Image credit: Future/Paul Raeside)

Worried your bathroom design may look to contemporary and cold? Mix the old with the new for a relaxed, organic look. A vintage wash basin or compact vanity unit will offset the modern fixtures that are often necessary for a scaled-down scheme, giving the room a more lived-in look.

39. Choose luxe surfaces and accessories

(Image credit: Future/Paul Raeside)

'Cleverly chosen surfaces can completely transform the look and help you make the most of even the smallest space,' says Leila Roberts from Fired Earth .  

Luxurious, tactile finishes such as polished marble, make a space space feel a lot less utilitarian. The addition of accessories like decorative lighting and a beautiful mirror, also ramp up the feeling of luxury.

'Using large-format tiles means there are fewer grout joints, making walls and floors easier to clean, too,' Leila adds.

40. Pick a washbasin that's a decorative focus

The London Basin Company Scalloped Lorelei

(Image credit: Murals wallpaper)

Like a more traditional look? Demonstrating the perfect balance between classic design and contemporary color palettes, the vibrant blue hues of the Georgiana and Lorelei countertop washbasins will sit beautifully against any backdrop.

Whether you pick watercolour teals or contrasting, marble-effect dusty pinks, these bathroom vanity ideas will steal the limelight in a small bathroom – distracting from the rooms diminutive proportions.

41. Create a focus – with pattern

(Image credit: Artisan of Devizes)

A small bathroom always runs the risk of being characterless but you can easily rectify this with a single wall of patterned tiles, placed strategically to draw attention to an end wall or a feature wall.  

'Whether it’s stars or stripes, monochrome patterns or colors that pop... pattern and print play a big part in bringing personality into any home – it injects life into small spaces,' says Hamish Smith, Ca’ Pietra Creative Director. 'Think that pattern tiles are just for contemporary spaces? Think again and opt for a Victorian-inspired patterned tile, or a trellis pattern for a shower space to make it timeless.'

42. Draw the eye up

(Image credit: BC Designs)

A saving grace of some small bathrooms is that, while they're not big on floor space, they can make up for it with ceiling height. If that's the case, add features that encourage you to look up and take in the roominess above.

The trick employed here is to simply hang a bathroom chandelier – being sure to check IP ratings.

43. Squeeze in shelving to boost storage in a small bathroom

(Image credit: Future/Rachael Smith)

It doesn't matter how small your bathroom is. If you look carefully there are opportunities for space-saving storage everywhere. Take this little alcove of shelving in an attic bathroom. 

Don't overload your shelves, however. Instead curate little vignettes and use house plants or ceramics to add pops of color.

44. Hang artwork wisely to distract from small bathroom proportions

Cole and Son wallpaper

(Image credit: Future/Rachael Smith)

Wallpaper is one way to bring a small bathroom to life, and carefully positioned artwork is another. Here, the owner has used clever bathroom art ideas by hanging each canvas high, emphasising the clear wall space rather than the room's size.

45. Clash patterns

(Image credit: London Basin Company)

One way to detract from a room's scale is to give it energy and vibrancy through clashing patterns. A cloakroom like this is the perfect place to experiment. 

Featuring Grecian inspired ogee wallpaper, warm brass accents and and a richly decorated basin by London Basin Company , it makes a big statement.

46. Shock with pink

(Image credit: Emily Murray of @pinkhouseliving / Photography Susie Lowe)

There's something both moreish and Moorish about this delicious pink shower room, which demonstrates how going bold in a small space can pay off.

The brass shower and taps from Perrin & Rowe will develop their own unique patina over time, enhancing the vintage bathroom vibe that's already been created with polished plaster walls.

47. Clad a wall or two with texture

(Image credit: Roper Rhodes)

For those who fear color may overwhelm their small bathroom, introducing texture may be a more palatable way to introduce feature walls. Cladding is a good way to achieve this – you could pick roughly hewn timber cladding or, for something more modern, a fluted finish.

According to George Holland at Victorian Plumbing, 'Fluted cladding is a great choice for smaller bathrooms prone to lots of condensation. The fluted design helps eliminate wall moisture, especially when using water-resistant ribbed tiles.' 

48. Reveal the floor to stretch space

'When planning a small bathroom, it is important to create a sense of openness even if your actual space is limited,' advises Yousef Mansuri, Head of Design at C. P. Hart. 'Revealing as much floor as possible gives the impression of a larger room, so consider wall-mounting your basins, WCs and radiators. This will also make cleaning hard-to-reach areas much easier.

'Corner cisterns for wall-hung toilets are a great option for tight bathrooms, as they take up much less space than regular ones. Paired with a compact, wall-hung toilet (50 to 45cm depth) they can really maximize the space.'

49. Boost light levels

'Lighting zones are a key consideration in a cloakroom bathroom, as getting the lighting right can make all the difference to the ambience created,' continues Yousef Mansuri. 

'I always recommend installing a dimmer switch, so that you can control the intensity of light depending on your mood. Mirrors are an essential part of any small space, both practically and aesthetically. They bounce natural light around a room, making the space seem instantly larger and brighter, while also providing a great statement piece. '

50. Clad a wall with mirrors to cheat a bigger bathroom

(Image credit: Future/Davide Lovatti)

An easy and effective fix – mirrors really help exaggerate space, so simply hanging a large mirror in a small bathroom will make it feel far larger. 

Combining a mirror with a dark or dramatic color scheme will help too. Shape the space you want with different kinds of frames – frameless mirrors will feel luxurious while round ones will make a room feel softer.

Expert tip – if you can’t fit one big mirror in, put up smaller ones for a similar effect.

51. Use vertical space in a small bathroom

(Image credit: Emma Lewis / Future)

Instead of the usual bulky towel racks and rails, look for longer, thinner versions, designed to go up the walls. Invest in ladder shelves, or open shelves. This will add a relaxed feel to the space and the bathroom won’t feel so boxy. Take advantage of dead space you wouldn’t usually fill and stretch out your furnishings to save space.

Expert tip – tall and sleek corner fitting cabinets are an ideal small bathroom idea.

52. Stretch space in a small bathroom with wall lighting

(Image credit: Studio Bizley)

Lighting is often forgotten when it comes to bathroom design, and many people rely on the single ceiling bulb to do the job, but adding pools of light around the room – particularly with wall lights – is one of the easiest ways to make a small bathroom feel bigger.

Expert tip – a light around a mirror will make a room feel brighter and bigger still.

53. Go big with tiles

(Image credit: Mandarin Stone)

Think a small bathroom would need smaller tiles? When it comes to tiny bathrooms, the bigger the tiles the better. Smaller tiles mean more grout lines, which will make the space feel tight and grid-like. Wider tiles will make a bathroom feel bigger, especially if you choose light colors. Go big with tiles to create a real illusion of space.

Expert tip – if you do want to include smaller, mosaic-style tiles limit them to an area that’s already small such as the shower or an alcove.

54. Hang a bold and daring wallpaper

(Image credit: Penny Morrison at The Fabric Collective )

'Bathrooms are somewhere you can indulge in strong pattern and color without upsetting the flow of your overall interior design,' says Ruth Mottershead, creative director, Little Greene. 'For a luxurious haven to unwind in, consider adding a textural element with the use of wallpaper. Our wallpapers can be used in well-ventilated bathrooms on walls that don’t come into direct contact with water.’ 

If you're pondering how to design a small bathroom, the truth is that every aspect needs to be carefully considered. But that doesn't mean you need to compromise on style. 

Clever storage solutions can make all the difference, and thankfully there are now many compact options for bathrooms – from reduced-depth bathtubs and basins to slimline shower trays and frameless screens to enhance the illusion of space.

Also, bear in mind that wall-hung designs will optimise floorspace, and reflective surfaces can help bounce light around the room.

What is the best color for a small bathroom?

So, what's the best color for a small bathroom? The truth is that it depends on your own space.

First, take account of the natural daylight in your small bathroom: if it is poor or if the bathroom is north- or east-facing, you would be better choose a bathroom color that reflects light and has a touch of warmth to it.

If your bathroom is flooded with daylight thanks to a large window, there's no reason not to choose a dark color.

Consider how the bathroom color will look on all four walls – in a small space, it may be over-powering if it is dark or bold; or it may make the room feel entirely characterless if it is pale – and this is where you need to be clever with adding pattern and texture to complement that color. 

What to avoid? A strong color and poor lighting, whether daylight or artificial light – the effect will be that the entire space with have a tinge of that shade, and when you look in your small bathroom mirror you might find your face reflects that shade – which is unflattering and not conducive to wellbeing.

Is it better to use small or large tiles in a small bathroom?

We asked the Ca' Pietra design team what their view was on using tiles in small bathrooms, and they offered some differing options. 

'Some say that small mosaic tiles are the best way to go in a bijou bathroom whereas others advise to go for larger tiles to open the space up,' they explain.

'What it comes down to is whether or not you want to run with the coziness of the room, emphasizing its small proportions and celebrating its size. In which case, you can go for little tiles like our Yoga Penny or Brasserie mosaic tiles.'

'But, if you want to help a small bathroom appear larger, go for 30-60 cm plain-colored tiles on both your walls and floors and they’ll blur the boundaries so your floor space isn’t so defined.'

What are the trends for small bathrooms in 2022?

Bathroom trends have undergone a huge leap in design of late, and thanks to the effect the pandemic has had on everyone's homes – with bathrooms becoming our stay-at-home spas – this trend is set to continue right through 2023 and beyond.  

Super practical, utilitarian, minimal designs have been replaced by softer lines, organic shapes and warmer colors being applied in small bathrooms, as well as large. 

Modern technology too is being utilized to the max with ink-jet printing technology allowing manufacturers to produce all kinds of tiles, from wood and stone-effect tiles that look so similar to the real thing that it's hard to tell the difference, as well colorful and intricate patterns.

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?

Preparing for the renovation of 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:

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:

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 requires 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:

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:

Space Extension

Here are some space-saving ideas for a small bathroom:

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

  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.
  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.
  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.
  9. 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.

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.

Outdoor storage areas look beautiful only in photos in design projects.

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