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Ideas for a very small bathroom


best tiny bathroom designs |

(Image credit: Kitesgrove / Jonathan Bond / Edward Bulmer)

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.

Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens. Having worked in the interiors industry for a number of years, spanning many publications, she now hones her digital prowess on the 'best interiors website' in the world. Multi-skilled, Jennifer has worked in PR and marketing, and the occasional dabble in the social media, commercial and e-commerce space. Over the years, she has written about every area of the home, from compiling design houses from some of the best interior designers in the world to sourcing celebrity homes, reviewing appliances and even the odd news story or two.

55 Small Bathroom Ideas 2023

1

Hide Stored Goods With a Skirted Vanity

James Merrell

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

2

Choose Graphic Accents

Thijs de Leeuw/Space Content/Living Inside

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

3

Personalize With Monograms

Alexander Reid

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

4

Work Around Rooflines

Lauren Miller

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

5

Leave Windows Bare

Erin Little

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

6

Keep Millwork Minimal

Stephen Kent Johnson

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

7

Replace Swinging Doors

Shade Degges

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

8

Use Fewer Materials

Gieves Anderson

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

9

Add a Skylight to Your Small Bathroom

Kevin Scott

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

10

Hang a Mirror Gallery Wall

Jared Kuzia Photography

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

11

Opt for a Smaller Tub

Karen Richter

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

12

Build In the Vanity

Haris Kenjar

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

13

Go With a Compact Tub

NICK GLIMENAKIS

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

14

Hide the Bathroom With a Jib Door

Haris Kenjar

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

15

Stick to a Tight Palette

Read McKendree

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

16

Mix Materials to Keep it Interesting

Trevor Tondro

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

17

Make an Entrance

ROBERT PETERSON / RUSTIC WHITE INTERIORS

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

18

Only Keep Products You Love

AP Deign House

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

19

Hang Art Vertically

Hector M. Sanchez

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

20

Tuck Cabinets Into the Wall

Ngoc Minh Ngo

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

21

Use Your Toilet as a Surface

Eric Piasecki

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

22

Add Space-Savers to Your Small Bathroom

AMY NEUNSINGER

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

23

Customize a Shower Bench

Romanek Design Studio

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

24

Use Unique Materials in Monochrome

Tamsin Johnson

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

Related: Small Bathroom Paint Colors

25

Keep Toilet Paper In Bins

Mylene Fernandes

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

26

Use a Big Mirror

Elizabeth Cooper Design

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

27

Install Good Lighting

Eric Piasecki

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

28

Hang Curtains Strategically

Heidi Caillier Design

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

29

Add Tons of Cabinets

Gail Davis Design

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

30

Use Tile to Your Advantage

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

31

Go Ham With a Gallery Wall

Peter Murdock

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

32

Use Window Ledges in a Small Bathroom

Shade Degges

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

33

Curve Corners on the Vanity

Chango & Co.

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

34

Find Deep Storage

Robert McKinley Studio

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

35

Choose a Bright Color for a Simple Design

Laure Joilet

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

36

Install a Floating Shelf

Gail Davis Design

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

37

Create Outside-the-Box Surfaces

Corinne Mathern Studio

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

38

Go Dark and Moody to Make it Feel Bigger

Robson Rak

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

39

Extend Sink Surfaces

Heidi Caillier

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

40

Opt for Glass Shower Doors

Emil Dervish

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

41

Keep Things Bright in a Small Bathroom

Shapeless Studio

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

42

Stay Proportional

KARYN R MILLET

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

43

Build Shower Niches

Robert McKinley Studio

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

44

Work Your Angles

Courtesy of House Beautiful

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

45

Get Creative With Storage

Courtesy of House Beautiful

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

46

Innovate With Colorful Bulbs

RYAN GARVIN & TYLER HOGAN

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

47

Opt for Ledges over Furniture

Leanne Ford Interiors

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

48

Choose a Fun Wallpaper for a Small Bathroom

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

49

Use Bins and Baskets

Katie Hodges Design

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

50

Work Around Your Windows

Abney Morton Interiors

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

51

Add a Skylight Over a Window

Björn Wallander

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

52

Stash Bottles in Niches

David Tsay

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

53

Try a Floating Basin Sink

Paul Raeside

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

54

Use a Ladder

Courtesy of Jenna Sue Design Co.

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

55

Go With a Sliding Door

Courtesy of Shades of Blue Interiors

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

56

Small Bathroom Design FAQs

Paul Raeside

How do you design a small bathroom?

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