Small half bath tile ideas


18 Best Tile Ideas for Small Bathrooms

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

Choosing the best tile for a small bathroom renovation or remodel can have an outsized impact on the functionality and style of your space, from the backsplash to the shower to the flooring.

The right tile choice will depend on many factors, including the layout of the room and the style of the space. Your choice of tile size, grout color, finish, and whether you lay tile in a horizontal, vertical, or herringbone pattern all play a role. You can use neutral tile to tone down highly decorative elements like wallpaper, or colorful, textural, or patterned tile to add interest to a minimalist space.

Here are some examples that will help you narrow your options to make the best tile choice for your small bathroom, no matter your style.

40 Half Bathroom Decor Ideas

There are so many great things about a half bath — or sometimes referred to as a powder room. At first, it may seem an annoyance that these bathrooms are often smaller and tighter spaces, but when you think about it, with less square footage, you can quickly renovate these spaces without spending a ton of money.

This humble space gives homeowners the opportunity to take risks with their decor and get creative. The half bathroom — a room without the “bath” typically contains a sink and toilet and a few feet of room to dress up and decorate.

Photo Credit: Change & Co.

We have compiled 40 half bath spaces that we hope will inspire you to take the plunge and do something bold and beautiful with your half bath.

Photo Credit: Olly and Em Photo Credit: Sarah Hayes Design Photo Credit: A List Interiors Photo Credit: A-List Interiors Photo Credit: Terracotta Design Build Photo Credit: Kara Adam Interiors Photo Credit: Dina Bandman Photo Credit: 22 Interiors Photo Credit: Anne Chessin Designs Photo Credit: Pure Salt Interiors Photo Credit: Ashley Gilbreath Photo Credit: Kate Marker Interiors Photo Credit: Sarah Bartholomew Design Photo Credit: The Lifestyled Co. Photo Credit: Bria Hammel Interiors Photo Credit: DAG Design Photo Credit: Lindsey Black Interiors Photo Credit: Black Lacquer Design Photo Credit: Laura U Design Photo Credit: Lauren Leonard Interiors Photo Credit: Bella Mancini Design Photo Credit: Amanda Reynal Interiors Photo Credit: Edyta and Co. Photo Credit: Purity Designs Photo Credit: Kristen Nix Interiors Photo Credit: Studio Thomas James Photo Credit: JK Interior Living Photo Credit: Amy Lind Interiors Photo Credit: Kara Miller Interiors Photo Credit: Erica Bryen Design Photo Credit: Sarah St Amand Design Photo Credit: Mark D Sikes Photo Credit: Graystone Custom Builders Photo Credit: Tracy Lynn Studio Photo Credit: Hazel and Brown Design Photo Credit: Heidi Caillier Design Photo Credit: Isabella Patrick Design Photo Credit: Anne Chessin Designs Photo Credit: Chairma

Statement-Making Wallpapers

The half bath is a place where you can take risks and experiment with bold decor ideas. Statement-making wallpaper is a great start. You don’t have to do the whole bathroom, though. Try adding wallpaper on the wall just behind the mirror or just a small part of the wall.

Photo Credit: Olly and Em

Daring and dark-colored wallpapers look great in the half bath or powder room.

Photo Credit: Sarah Hayes Design

A popular look is to complete the bottom half of the wall with board and batten or shiplap and then carry the rest of the wall with a patterned wallpaper.

Photo Credit: Terracotta Design Build

Pedestal Sinks

A half bath is an excellent spot for a pedestal sink. In most half baths, you are already short on room, so don’t take up a lot of space with clunky vanities; instead, opt for a decorative pedestal sink.

Photo Credit: A List Interiors

Given that half baths are used mostly for guests and main level use of the washroom, you don’t need a lot of storage in a vanity. Use this is an opportunity to showcase a vintage style with a custom pedestal sink.

Photo Credit: A-List Interiors

As an added bonus, pedestal sinks are easy to keep clean, too!

Photo Credit: Pure Salt Interiors

Bold Tile Work

Play around with bright and bold tile in the half bath. Since it’s a smaller space, it won’t cost you as much for tiles as a regular size bathroom. You can go for those more expensive, decorative pretty tiles without worrying about your wallet.

Photo Credit: Kara Adam InteriorsPhoto Credit: Sarah Bartholomew Design

Tiling the bottom half of your wall is an excellent look in a powder room, but you could also go the opposite and do the top half behind your mirror.

Photo Credit: The Lifestyled Co.

If it’s in the budget, you can choose two different types of tile and do the whole wall. You will notice that blue is a popular color for the bathroom. It’s serene and calming, so you can’t go wrong with a blue tile.

Photo Credit: Mark D Sikes

Related Article: 36 Stunning Tiled Shower Ideas To Transform Your Bathroom

All Of The Above

You get this stunning bathroom when you combine the elements listed above: statement-making wallpaper, pedestal sinks, and bold tile work.

Photo Credit: Dina Bandman

Wall Sconces

An important design element to put thoughtful care and consideration into is choosing lighting fixtures. A half bath is an excellent place for wall sconces. Since the half bath is not your primary bathroom and most people do not use it to get ready and do things like makeup and hair, you can worry more about the style of the lighting fixture and less about whether it provides sufficient light.

Photo Credit: 22 Interiors

A set of matching wall sconces on either side of a mirror is a popular look for most half baths.

Photo Credit: Anne Chessin Designs

You can also hang a wall sconce above the mirror. You can’t go wrong with a classic farmhouse light.

Photo Credit: Purity Designs

While not typically used in a bathroom setting, hanging pendants look fantastic and totally steal the spotlight in this particular half bath.

Photo Credit: Tracy Lynn Studio

Color Framed Windows

Sometimes adding a fresh coat of paint can make all the difference in the world. If you want to add a little punch and pizazz to your half bath, consider painting your window frames to match your decor and design.

Photo Credit: Ashley Gilbreath

White and Neutral

White and neutral half baths are always a classic choice. Everything looks so fresh and clean. A bright and airy half bath is a look that will always be in style.

Photo Credit: Kate Marker InteriorsPhoto Credit: Anne Chessin Designs

Bold and Black

One may think that black is not a wise choice for a small bathroom, but it can certainly be done. These half baths prove that you don’t have to limit your half bathroom to just neutrals. They are bold and daring without going overboard.

Photo Credit: Black Lacquer DesignPhoto Credit: Sarah St Amand Design

Open Bottom Vanities

Shake things up from the traditional two-door style bathroom vanity and go with an open-bottom vanity. This will give you more room for decor, and since you don’t store a lot in a half bath, you won’t miss the space anyway.

Photo Credit: Bria Hammel Interiors

Bright and Daring Colors

Go big and bright in the half bath. Below are some bold color choices, and while these are not for everyone, you can’t deny that these bright and cheery bathrooms would impress any guest.

Photo Credit: DAG Design

Pops of yellow, green, and pink are not typical colors for bathrooms, but when it comes to the half bath or powder room, it’s fun to experiment and get creative.

Photo Credit: Lindsey Black Interiors

Balance out bright and bold colors with touches of white and pastels. They will blend nicely and allow you to have the color without overstimulating the space.

Photo Credit: Laura U Design

If you’re afraid of how to achieve a nice look with bright colors, try just adding in some pieces of decor without adding in elements that are permanent fixtures. This will give you a small taste of color, and you can see how you feel about it without fully committing.

Stunning Mirror Choices

Go bold and different with your mirror choice in your half bathroom. Since a half bathroom is not usually where you spend time getting ready, it’s an excellent opportunity to have a little fun with your mirror choice. Since practicality is not at the forefront, you can choose a mirror that is more about style and decor than about function.

Photo Credit: Lauren Leonard Interiors

Ratan is a stunning choice for a mirror and blends flawlessly for those that are after a bohemian feel to their half bathroom.

Photo Credit: Bella Mancini Design

A stunning and exquisite mirror deserves equally attractive bright colors!

Photo Credit: Amanda Reynal Interiors

This mirror is a perfect match for this geometric wallpaper and blends, but also has a bit of pop thanks to its unique texture.

Photo Credit: Edyta and Co.

Use your mirror in your half bath to play with different textures and looks. A mirror is not a costly commitment and is something that can be changed at a later date if you get bored or overstimulated with the look.

Photo Credit: Kristen Nix Interiors

This scalloped frame mirror makes a bold statement thanks to its eye-catching design and daring blue shade.

Photo Credit: JK Interior LivingPhoto Credit: Kara Miller Interiors

Related Article: How To Decorate With Mirrors

Wall Mounted Faucets

Modern and trendy designers are now gravitating toward wall-mounted faucets in the bathroom, particularly in half baths where counter space is often in short supply.

Photo Credit: Studio Thomas James

By mounting the faucets on the wall, homeowners can salvage their little counter space for decor or other items.

Photo Credit: Erica Bryen Design

Wall-mounted faucets are also much easier to keep clean, so that’s a nice bonus!

Photo Credit: Hazel and Brown Design

Wall-mounted faucets are available in so many different styles, colors, and fixtures. You are sure to find one that suits your taste and style.

Photo Credit: Isabella Patrick Design

Wall Mount Sink

Like the wall-mounted faucet, you can also opt for a wall-mounted sink in the half bath. This is especially perfect for powder rooms and half baths that are really tiny. Save floor space by installing a wall-mounted sink.

Photo Credit: Heidi Caillier Design

Often, wall-mounted sinks are smaller than traditional sinks in overall size and can be ordered in lots of different colors, or you can even paint them yourself.

Photo Credit: Chairma

Concrete Sink

Say goodbye to traditional porcelain and do something really different — a concrete sink!

Since a half bath is not used for doing everyday tasks like brushing teeth and washing faces, a concrete sink is best reserved for spaces like these.

Photo Credit: Graystone Custom Builders

Startling Floor Tile

When we say startling, we mean that in a good way. This eye-catching patterned tile design for the floor is a bold but gorgeous statement. Perfect for a small half bath!

Photo Credit: Amy Lind Interiors

We love the gold in this bathroom! It takes the style and elevates it to a rich, luxurious powder room full of class and elegance.

Tips for Decorating a Very Small Half Bath

If your half bath is on the extra small side, here are some quick tips to keep in mind to make the most of decorating this space:

Tips for Refreshing and Decorating a Half Bathroom

Frequently Asked QuestionsFAQ

What is the purpose of a half bathroom?

A half bathroom is a small bathroom that contains only a toilet and a sink. They are sometimes called guest bathrooms or powder rooms. There is no shower or tub in a half bathroom; in most homes, it is located on the first floor.

Having the half bath on the first floor permits guests to use the facilities without feeling as though they have invaded your home. The half bath or powder room is usually very small, conveniently discovered, and seldom contains a window.

What should be in a half bathroom?

A half bathroom sometimes referred to as a powder room, typically consists of a toilet, sink, and mirror. Having an under-sink cabinet or another storage area for extra toilet paper, hand towels, and soap is optimal, but these things can be stored elsewhere if the space is tight.

What items should you keep in a guest half bath?

If you're having guests who will be using the half bath, you want to ensure that it is well stocked with toilet paper, hand soap, and hand towels. Make sure that extra toilet paper is accessible and easily seen. A lack of toilet paper is embarrassing when someone is visiting your home.

How do you make a half bath feel cozy?

To cozy up a half bath, add a bath mat or rug. Make sure that there are plenty of hand towels and cute decorative soap bottles, and you can even add personalized bathroom signs. To make the space extra cozy, make sure it smells nice. You can use plug-in diffusers or essential oils.

How do you make a half bath look fancy?

Consider using gold fixtures if you're after a fancy vibe for your half bath or powder room. Working in gold faucets, mirrors, and wall sconces will immediately level up to a more luxurious look and style.

Where did the term \"powder room\" come from?

The term powder room originated around the 18th Century. The powder room was considered a closet-sized room where people applied extra powder to their wigs. The Victorian times kept the term \"powder room\" to discreetly excuse oneself.

You may be familiar with the euphemism \"powdering your nose,\" — as some women still refer to the half bath as the powder room when they use this phrase.

If you need more bathroom inspiration, check out these related articles:

Tile design for a small bathroom - how to beautifully tile a small bathroom

Country house in Maslovo

BW buro

Stylish design: small master bathroom in a modern style with flat facades, white facades, shower in a niche, installation, green tile, ceramic tile, green walls, porcelain stoneware floor, sink sink, faux stone countertop, gray floor, sliding door shower, gray countertop, single vanity unit, floor vanity unit and wooden ceiling for outdoor and garden areas - the latest trend

Emerald and Brass Project

CODIA

Pictured: small bathroom in white with wood finishes in contemporary style with ceramic tile flooring, flat cabinets, white cabinets, corner shower, installation, colorful tiles, tiles mosaic, white flooring, alcove and hanging vanity for outdoor and garden s

Townhouse by the bay

Maxim Maximov

Design idea: small rustic master bathroom with flat fronts, beige fronts, installation in an alcove, installation

Stalin style loft

Tatiana Nikitina Photography

Design project: Semyon Chechulin Style: Natalia Oreshkova
Inspiration for home comfort: small loft-style bathroom with flat cabinets, medium wood cabinets, alcove shower, beige tiles, porcelain tiles, beige walls, porcelain stoneware floors, walk-in shower, overhead sink, wood top, beige floor, swing door shower, brown countertop, single vanity unit and outdoor and garden vanity unit

Airy and light apartment

inter-decore. com

Black metal profiles in tiles and walls give originality and graphics. We thought for a long time how to divide the two bathrooms according to their purpose. And they decided instead of the traditional division into the master bathroom and the guest bathroom as follows: the boys' bathroom - for dad and son, and the girls' bathroom - for mom and daughter. To your attention - the Girls' bathroom. White chevrons were made behind the sink. The color of the rest of the walls was matched to the color of the porcelain stoneware chosen for wall cladding behind the bathroom, and above 240 cm they were painted in a pleasant gray color. The bright ceiling light can be turned off, leaving only intimate lighting in the ceiling above the bath.

Air

Elena Kuleshova

Stylish design: a small bathroom in a modern style with facades with blinds panel, medium tone wood color facades, installation, gray tiles, porcelain tiles, sink sink, gray floor, white countertop, cabinet

Interior MUA

INT2architecture

Pictured: small scandinavian style bathroom with recessed shower, gray tile, ceramic tile, gray walls, wood floors porcelain tile, walk-in shower, vanity top, wood countertop, gray floor, bathtub screen, brown countertop, single vanity unit, floor vanity cabinet, flat fronts and dark wood fronts for patio and garden with

Apartment in 1st Vrazhsky Lane

Architectural workshop of Martynov and Gatilova

Honeycomb-shaped tiles were chosen in the bathroom, the seams were contrasted. The only color detail was the wooden countertop under the sink, for durability it was covered with 5 layers of varnish. In the shower cabin, given the absence of a bathtub, we tried to create maximum comfort: built-in acoustics, hydromassage jets and a seat for relaxing. The moldings on the walls seem to be the same as in the rooms - but here they are made of acrylic stone.

PHOTOS/Cosy bright apartment 76 m² for a young family with a child

Kazantseva Tatiana

Photo: small master bathroom in white tones with wood trim in a modern style with flat facades, yellow facades, an alcove bathtub, an installation, white tile, ceramic tile, gray walls, porcelain stoneware flooring, multi-faucet sink, faux stone countertop, black floor, white countertop, alcove, double vanity unit and built-in outdoor and garden vanity unit

Holiday Home in Crimea

Kamila Kovalevskaya

Fresh design idea: small modern style bathroom with washing machine, recessed shower, green tiles, porcelain stoneware tiles, green walls, porcelain stoneware flooring, walk-in shower, wood countertops, beige flooring, swing door shower, brown countertop, single vanity unit, hanging vanity unit, ceiling beams, wall paper, exposed fronts, dark wood fronts and countertop sink for outdoors and gardens - great interior photo

Cozy studio 30m2 LCD Main House for a student

AGinterior. ru

A small bathroom with an area of ​​6.5 m2 contains everything you need for a comfortable life, including the household unit.
Inspiration for home comfort: small contemporary style bathroom with white cabinets, mirror tiles, green walls, walk-in shower, swing door shower and hanging vanity unit for outdoors and gardens

Apartment with work space and dressing room

Alexander Tischler

Photo of a small, narrow and long master bathroom in gray and white contemporary style with flat cabinets, black cabinets, full bathtub, installation, beige tiles, ceramic tiles, beige walls, porcelain stoneware flooring, countertop sink, faux quartz countertop, beige floor, gray countertop, single sink cabinet and hanging cabinet for outdoors and gardens

Apartment in the old fund of Moscow "Vershina"

Nata Volkova

Stylish design: small gray and white bathroom in a classic style with protruding panel facades, white facades, shower room, gray tiles, boar tiles, gray walls, porcelain stoneware flooring, shower cubicle, countertop sink, shower with sliding doors, window, single vanity unit and floor standing unit for outdoors and gardens - the latest trend

Apartment 37 sqm. m Dubninskaya st., Moscow

Anna Malyutina

Design ideas for a small contemporary style bathroom with a corner shower, installation, gray tile, porcelain stoneware, gray walls, porcelain stoneware flooring, walk-in shower, faux stone countertops, brown flooring, shower with sliding doors, hygienic shower and wall mounted curbstone for the plot and in the garden

"Raspberry sorbet"

Anastasia Ufimtseva

Bathroom.
Stylish design: small contemporary style master bathroom with white cabinets, multi-coloured tile, ceramic tile, multi-coloured walls, white countertops, single vanity unit, recessed infill cabinets, alcove bathtub, walk-in shower, solid washbasin and shower screen outdoor and garden bathroom - latest trend

Residential complex Dom u Nevsky

Olga Chernina - interior design

Shower room
A source of inspiration for home comfort: a small bathroom in a modern style with flat facades, white facades, ceramic tiles, a shower cabin, a countertop sink, a vanity unit , wall-mounted vanity unit, white tiles, white walls and white countertops for outdoors and gardens

EZhK Astra

CHEF design

Inspiration for homeliness: small scandinavian-style master bathroom with flat cabinets, gray cabinets , wall-mounted bathtub, installation, multicolored tile, ceramic tile, gray walls, porcelain stoneware flooring, countertop sink, faux stone countertop, gray floor, swing door shower, gray countertop, single vanity unit, wall-hung vanity unit and backsplash for onsite and in the garden

Dynamo apartment

Yuliya Telnova

Fresh design idea: small modern style master bathroom with flat cabinets, gray cabinets, full built-in bathtub, installation, gray tiles, porcelain stoneware tiles, gray walls, porcelain stoneware floors , countertop sink, wood countertop, gray floor, brown countertop, single vanity unit and hanging vanity unit for outdoor and garden - great interior photo

Apartment in the historical center of petersburg

oneione interiors

Children's bathroom - a bold positive interior that stands out from other rooms with bright colors. We covered one of the bathroom walls with an author's eight-bit print from the German art studio E-boy. In the composition with the washbasin, we made a storage cabinet with a front made of bright yellow glass. On one of the walls, we have preserved a fragment of the original brickwork, the relief of which is illuminated by warm illumination.

Tiles for a small bathroom

Table of contents:

Small spaces dedicated to bathrooms can be seen very often in modern design apartments.

To visually increase the area of ​​the bathroom, you need to choose the right colors and materials for interior decoration.

Selecting color shades for the room is a very important undertaking, as the colors and patterns of finishing materials must be combined to create an excellent interior.

It makes the bathroom comfortable, creating a pleasant environment in which to relax while taking a bath. In order to expand the bathroom, you need to make a complete remodeling of the room.

This is a rather costly undertaking, associated with some difficulties, at the time of the internal work. The best way to expand the area is to expand it visually with tiles.

Choice of finishing material

For a bathroom with a small area, it is necessary to choose tiles for interior decoration in the following categories:

When decorating a small bathroom, it is best to use medium-sized tiles, which cause a visual increase in space and area. For this purpose, it is best to purchase ceramic tiles measuring 200x300 mm.

It is possible to visually expand the space in height, length and width of the room. It is necessary to know at the same time that the visual effect depends on the shape of the pattern with which the tiles are laid out.

If the bathroom needs to be extended upwards, it is best to lay the rectangular tiles vertically. To increase the visual area in different directions, the tiles are laid out horizontally. In this case, you need to focus on the original dimensions of the bathroom.

Shape of the room and selection of tiles

The size of the tiles for a small bathroom depends on the shape of the room.

For this, it is necessary not to use dark shades, but also to lay tiles of a rather large size on the walls: 150x300 mm, 300x600 mm, 450x450 mm, 300x300 mm, 600x600 mm.

The color shades of the finishing material must be light tones. This will create the visual effect of a spacious room. For a square area, tiles are best used in a square shape.

Suitable material size 300x300mm, 450x450mm, 500x500mm. The main thing to know: due to the correct arrangement of colors, the bathroom becomes more extended.

Shades of color

It is commonly believed that for finishing a small bathroom, it is better to choose a shade of white, but this theory is not entirely true.

With a lot of white shades in the room, the bathroom looks too simple, with a boring atmosphere, while many people associate it with a hospital ward.

I would also like to note that the effect of the visual expansion of the room will not be visible, only the illumination of the room will increase. You need to know that white color goes well with other light colors and tones.

Design experts do not recommend using dark colors in small bathrooms, as they can be too depressing, this leads to a visual reduction of space in the room.

If suddenly the owner wishes to finish the interior of the bathroom in dark shades, for this it is best to choose not very gloomy shades. This will make it possible to give depth to the bathroom.


Learn more