Very small bathroom decor ideas


60 Small Bathroom Ideas for Decorating Tiny Spaces

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Bathroom

Ideas & Inspiration

Small Spaces

by Caroline Biggs

updated Nov 10, 2022

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When it comes to small-space living, it often seems like the first room that suffers is the bathroom. If your bathroom is totally micro, you’re probably looking to spruce things up a bit. But don’t sweat – a tiny bathroom can still be totally chic. But if you’ve ever tried to carve out more storage space in a small bathroom, you know that it can seem like an impossible task. That’s why it pays to know a few tips and tricks that can help make the most of a diminutive bathroom and keep it organized. 

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Here, we’re bringing you some of Apartment Therapy’s favorite small bathroom ideas; both from our archives and some fresh additions from Instagram, to lend you some inspiration for a water closet work-over. The following homes have incorporated everything from floating shelves and tiny sinks to mosaic tile and chic towel racks, but they all have one thing in common: a beautifully designed small bathroom. 

Continue scrolling for 60 ingenious ways to maximize even the smallest of bathroom spaces—all without sacrificing an inch of style.

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1. Add seating to your shower.

Even the smallest bathroom has at least one place to sit… and we all know what that one place is! But if you need extra seating and simply don’t have room for it, cop the look we found in this Austin, Texas home and add some seating to your shower. 

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2. Utilize walls and ceilings.

When you’re short on space, you’ve got to use every inch. And that often means hanging things from the ceilings and walls, like this Ontario bathroom displays. 

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3.

Incorporate a bold shower curtain.

Short on space? No one will even know when you opt for a super bold shower curtain like the one in this Washington, DC bathroom. 

Watch

12 Brilliant Ideas for Your Small Bathroom

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4. Reduce clutter with teeny tiny cabinetry.

This small bathroom idea from @Homestyle_byCarly incorporates the philosophy that when it comes to bathroom cabinets, smaller is better. After all, this helps reduce clutter and encourages you to keep only what you use regularly. Do you really need space for 26 colors of nail polish? A small vessel sink fits perfectly atop this tiny bath vanity.

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5. Install built-in storage.

We love the clever built-in storage shown here from @alima_studio_architetto. Two shelves right next to the bathtub allow you to stow frequently used items, while the top functions as a great place for pretty bathroom decor or accessories.  

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6. Save space with a small sink.

There’s little need for a huge sink, especially when you’re short on space. We love the small bathroom idea of paring back on things that aren’t crucial. This bold, artful bathroom by @origins_living beautifully incorporates a barely-there sink with an oversized hexagonal mirror. 

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7. Use a basket to corral clutter.

Using a basket to keep small items together in one handy spot is a great small bathroom idea if you want to keep your space looking clean and uncluttered. We love this modern black basket that @dany.living uses as a tiny towel basket. 

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8. Impossibly small, yet incredibly chic.

Even the smallest space can still benefit from a chic upgrade, as shown in this tiny bathroom that’s part of an Airstream trailer. A coordinating rug and shower curtain give the space a much-needed update, while the white cabinetry doesn’t crowd the space. 

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9. Utilize under sink storage.

Just because you’ve opted for a floating vanity doesn’t mean you can’t store things below. These oversized jute baskets are the perfect touch in this rustic Texas bathroom, and allow for plenty of storage space as well. 

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10. Make it a shower room.

Even if your shower takes up your entire bathroom, you can still make the most of the space, as evidenced by this gorgeous Swedish studio. A water-resistant bench for holding your belongings and towels is a great small bathroom idea. 

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11. Hide pipes with a plant.

Name something a plant can’t fix—we’ll wait. While you may be disappointed with certain things in your tiny bathroom that you don’t have the means to fix, like unsightly pipes or a boring cupboard, you can use a plant to take the attention off the area like these California renters did in their bath. What a great small bathroom idea! 

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12. Rely on tile.

Smaller square footage means less room for decor, but when you install striking tile, like what’s seen in this cozy Vermont getaway, who needs anything more? The colors and patterns in the ceramic squares instantly brighten up the room and take up zero precious space, since they’re used as a countertop material and to trim out the shower.

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13. Turn to hanging storage.

Installing hanging baskets for shower storage makes your bathroom look so much more fun—just take a look at this chic Pennsylvania home as an example. Your walls also won’t feel as cluttered, and you’ll avoid the pain of drilling or putting together a flat packed shelf.

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14. Go all out with color.

With little space for art or hanging decorations, you can fix a boring bathroom with a maximalist wallpaper, as is the case in this vivid New Jersey home. This small bathroom idea infuses fun, lively color into your space but still leaves room for wall-mounted storage if needed.

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15. Pick a bold paint color.

Bright turquoise blue walls provide a stylish contrast to traditional white tile floors in a tiny bathroom, as we saw in this colorful New Orleans home. 

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16. Mount a few floating shelves.

A pair of wall-mounted shelves turn a cramped bathroom corner into a storage-savvy scene. Let a chic Washington, D.C. apartment show you how it’s done.

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17.  Give your space the tiled treatment.

Add mosaic tile to the walls surrounding your bathtub or shower to create an artful display in your small bathroom, just like we saw in Shana Cohen’s cozy cottage in Florida. 

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18.

Play with texture.

Take a cue from this Santa Barbara home by bringing some boho flair to a small bathroom. Here, you’ll see a mix of textures and textiles, like the woven rug, linen shower curtain, and rattan baskets.

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19. Swap out your mirror.

Looking for easy small bathroom ideas for a chic upgrade? Replace your current mirror with a more sophisticated one—like the round floral bone mirror we found in this San Francisco apartment—to elevate the entire ambiance of your bathroom. No renovations necessary!

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20. Work wonders with wallpaper.

As proven in this maximalist Philadelphia home, sprightly floral wallpaper brightens up a tiny powder room with style.

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21. Fake it ‘til you make it.

An oversized mirror, like the round one we spotted in a Michigan home, reflects light and creates the illusion of more space in a tiny bathroom. Using mirrors to create the illusion of extra space is one of our favorite small bathroom ideas. 

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22. Picture ledge power.

Working with little to no surface space for storage on your pedestal sink? Mount a floating picture ledge above your sink to store cosmetics, perfume bottles, and other small bathroom necessities, as we saw in this Paris apartment.

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23. Just keep it simple.

A bathroom in a tiny home is about as small as you can get, but this Washington DC abode’s bathroom doesn’t feel cramped. If you keep products to a minimum and select only your favorite plant or candle to display, things will feel more spacious, even if they’re actually far from it.

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24. Make a splash with a shower curtain.

A cheery shower curtain can amp up just about any space, and the one in this boho-style Bronx apartment creates an artful display. When it comes to small bathroom ideas, adding decor in your favorite style will make up for a lack of space. 

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25. Gallery walls galore.

A pair of gallery walls filled with eclectic artwork brings color and personality to a small bathroom—no floor space required, as we found in Apartment Therapy editor Adrienne Breaux’s New Orleans home.

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26. Wow with a wreath.

No room for a house plant in your small bathroom? Take a cue from this farmhouse and hang a wreath for an organic touch.

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27. Spice it up with sconces.

Searching for a stylish way to free up space around your sink? Swingarm sconces—like the ones in this Michigan home—are a great small bathroom idea. They’ll  provide plenty of accent lighting without taking up an inch of surface space.

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28. Mirror match-up.

In this bold bathroom, owners Brian Huddleston and Emily Cosper chose an oriental vibe. They used a family heirloom mirror and matched it with several other coordinating pieces of Oriental artwork for a beautiful, pulled-together lookin this art-filled New Orleans home.

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29. Create a chalkboard wall.

Cover a single wall in a fresh coat of chalkboard paint to make an artful statement in a small bathroom, which is not only a great small bathroom idea, but a handy source of entertainment while you’re in there. Let this Rhode Island home serve as the perfect bathroom inspo.

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30. The trim treatment.

Bring a pop of color and contrast to your small bathroom by painting your baseboards and door trim in a bright hue. The owner of this Kansas City home nailed this design trick.

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31. Embrace the awkward.

Maximize a small, awkwardly shaped bathroom by covering the walls with some playful wallpaper, as we saw in this charming house in Edinburgh, Scotland.

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32. Go green.

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33. Lean in.

Not working with a ton of wall space to hang art in your tiny bathroom? Learn from Cupcakes and Cashmere founder Emily Schuman and prop a piece of art above your toilet tank. Let it lean against the wall for a sleek, nails-free display like she did inside her Los Angeles home.

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34. Think pink.

A bold shade of bright fuchsia wall paint turns even the smallest of powder rooms into a glamorous scene, as we saw in a very colorful Minneapolis, Minnesota loft.

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35.

Make mirror magic.

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36. Dive into the decor deep end.

Dark walls allow flashy gold-finished fixtures to shine in a small bathroom, as we found in an Art Deco-inspired Indiana home, which hits a high note in our book.

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37.  Collect toiletries in a cute tray.

A well-placed tray instantly creates an additional storage opportunity on top of your toilet tank, as we saw in this modern Chicago home.

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38. Create a glamorous glow.

Switch out your humdrum flush mount for a more striking overhead style, like the pendant light we spotted in this San Francisco remodel, to upgrade a small bathroom in seconds. Playing around with lighting is a great small bathroom idea, as the right lighting can create the perfect ambience for a room of any size. 

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39.

Edit your palette.

If you feel a busy color scheme cramps your style, select two colors—or even just one—and stick with it. This small but stylish New York apartment shows how black and white can make a bathroom appear larger than it is.

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40. Be bold.

Too much of a good thing can be wonderful, and gallery walls in a small bathroom are no exception. Take a cue from this eclectic Nashville home and install floor-to-ceiling gallery displays on every wall of your bathroom for an impactful maximalist scene.

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41. Hang out.

An extra-long hanging plant—like the wall-length heartleaf philodendron we spotted in this Los Angeles bathroom—naturally draws the eye up so a cramped space seems larger than it actually is. Many of the best small bathroom ideas incorporate ways to trick the eye.

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42.

Dare to be woodsy.

You can always count on wood-paneled walls to create an outdoorsy atmosphere in your tiny bathroom, just like we saw in this inspiring Austin, Texas abode. Who needs to trek to a log cabin when you have this?

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43. Try an atypical towel rack.

Score some extra sink-side storage space by replacing your wall-mounted towel rack with a multifunctional leaning ladder, like the one in this Austin, Texas home. 

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44. Fashion flower power.

In the bathroom of a Highland Park, California home, a commanding shower curtain creates a colorful centerpiece in a tiny white-tiled space

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45. Forge some floating storage.

Invest in a sleek and slender hanging rail system, like the FINTORP series at IKEA, so you won’t waste an inch of precious sink space on toiletries. Jordan and Brittany Griggs take their storage strategy to the next level with this hack.

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46. Be bold and botanical.

When you don’t have enough room to place houseplants in your powder room, but you’re looking for small bathroom ideas to add a touch of nature to your space,  consider vibrant leaf-patterned wallpaper. This trick definitely pops in a lush Beverly Hills home.

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47. Keep plants in the shower.

Plant parents don’t need to sweat it, if shelf space is taken, and there’s no room on the floor. Many plants do perfectly fine chilling with you in the shower. Just take note of how the owners of this stunning Montreal home did it and research to see if your green-fronded friends can find a home in your bathroom. You can even hang a few off of your shower rod!

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48.

Embrace the extra.

A floor-to-ceiling gallery wall gives a compact bathroom a maximalist upgrade when displayed against a bright green-painted wall. Look to this colorful Los Angeles home for some inspiration.

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49. Try textured walls.

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50. Play with complementary colors.

The orange shower curtain and blue walls in the bathroom of a stylish New Orleans house pull the eye up and around the space. They also help visually elongate the room, emphasizing the tall ceilings and taking attention off of the narrowness of the space.

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51. Color your cabinets.

Bring a burst of color into a small, minimalist bathroom by painting your sink cabinets in a vibrant hue, as we saw in this soothing space in a Michigan kit home.

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52.

Take a seat.

A petite side chair provides a place to perch and surface space for tub-side storage in a small bathroom, as seen in this English farmhouse.

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53. Go geometric.

A shapely wall-mounted storage unit, like the floating brass circle shelf we spotted inside an Oakland apartment, adds some geometric flair (and a storage opportunity) to a tiny bathroom.

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54. Create contrast.

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55. Float on.

If you’re working with little to no storage space around your shower or bathtub, mount a floating shelf or picture ledge on the wall above the tub to store your shampoo, conditioner, and soap. This Buenos Aires home strikes a balance between form and function.

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56. Keep a low profile.

When you don’t have any surface space around your pedestal sink, a great small bathroom idea is to consider employing a petite, tiered side table to create some instant storage opportunity. This Austin abode shows how to get the job done in style.

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57. Go big or go home.

Don’t let a lack of square footage hold you back from designing your dream bathroom. Take a cue from Lauren Naimola and Chad Pratt and install everything from a gallery wall to a statement light in your powder room to prove that good style will always trump size.

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58. Tub/shower combo.

If you’ve never thought of putting your tub right in your shower, you’re missing out on a key small bathroom idea. We love this design from @imperiumimmobilier, which allows a homeowner to choose between a luxurious shower or an equally relaxing bath, all in the same small space.  

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59. Cut-out shelving.

If your bathroom is so small that you’re struggling even for room to get around, consider tucking shelving into a cut-out like @enchantedberkeley did. If it’s possible, it allows you to keep your crucial bathroom storage without having to worry about bumping into shelves that are sticking out from the wall. 

55 Small Bathroom Ideas 2022

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Try a Floating Basin Sink

Paul Raeside

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

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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.

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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.

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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!