Small Bathroom Designs: 14 Best Small Bathroom Ideas (2024)

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Create the illusion of a bigger bathroom. - by Olivia Hart

Renovating a small bathroom can be tricky. You don't want to compromise on style, but you also don’tto wind up with a space that feels cramped.

WATCH: Juliet Love renovates an 80s-style bathroom

Luckily, some simple renovation tips help create the illusion of space. Planning is essential for small bathrooms, from layout to floor plans to storage ideas.

Here are some top tips for maximising space with a small bathroom design.

1. Storage ideas

Mirrored cabinetsare a space saver when it comes to small bathrooms. Not only do they look great but the extra storage allows for clear benchtops and surfaces.

Small Bathroom Designs: 14 Best Small Bathroom Ideas (1)

Instagram / @tim_scbrg

2. Wall mounted taps

If possible, wall mounting your taps can save you a lot of space. "If you have a small vanity, opting for wall mounted taps will allow for a narrower sink, giving you a wider walkway so you can stand comfortably while brushing your teeth," says Wesley Sinclair fromHighgrove Bathrooms.Additionally,wall-hung basins are a great option as they can fit into small space and free up wall space.

Small Bathroom Designs: 14 Best Small Bathroom Ideas (2)

Instagram / @designstuff

3. Use mirrors to your advantage

Installing a mirror, whether it’s floor to ceiling or wall to wall can make the room look bigger. As Wesley explains: "The right mirror can almost magically broaden the size of a room, regardless if no other alterations have been made - so don’t be afraid to expand the size of your mirror."

Small Bathroom Designs: 14 Best Small Bathroom Ideas (3)

Instagram / @mylightingsource

4. Install a shower screen

Skip the shower door and install a frameless panel shower screen. Your bathroom will feel much more spacious with a new age look as well.

If you're worried about the floor getting wet, installing a dual-sided shower drain allows water to be efficiently drained from a larger area, preventing water buildup and reducing the risk of clogs.

Stormtech delivers the perfect bathroom drainage solution, featuring a dual-sided shower drain with glass screen support. Not only are they stylish and functional, but the award winning designs in a range of luxurious colours and finishes.

5. Use larger tiles

Larger tiles are key when it comes to creating the illusion of a bigger bathroom."By incorporating large tiles and patterns into a small bathroom, it tricks the eye into seeing extensive latitude," Wesley said. "With less grouting and lines to break up the visual, your bathroom will appear broader with a higher ceiling."

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6. Decorate with light colours

White or neutral colours are best for a small bathroom. "Light coloured floor and walls always make a room seem larger than it actually is."If you don’t want to add colour, you can do so with your towels and other accessories.

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7. Install ceiling lights

Probably the most underrated "trick" when trying to create the illusion of space. Wesley says, "Try flush mounted ceiling lights for the perception of greater space oraddlighting around the vanity to brighten up that area - a lighted mirror or tape lighting on cabinets and vanity tops will do the trick."

Instagram / @hadiyahlove

8. Natural light

Increasing natural light in bathrooms with windows is a great way to open up a room. If you are looking for privacy opt for shutters over frosted glass.

Small Bathroom Designs: 14 Best Small Bathroom Ideas (5)

Instagram / @originbathrooms

9. Shower and bath combo

Just because you have a small space it doesn't mean you should miss out on one of life's greatest luxuries: the bathtub. Look for a shower and bath combination to maximise space and add a touch of luxe.

Small Bathroom Designs: 14 Best Small Bathroom Ideas (6)

Instagram / @small.apartments

10. Round sinks

Ovals sinks are perfect for small bathrooms as they are softer than round sinks and gives you more counter space than a square sink.

Small Bathroom Designs: 14 Best Small Bathroom Ideas (7)

Instagram / @designstuff

11. Sliding doors

Sliding doors are a must when it comes to any small space, when open they take up less space allowing extra space.

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12. Ledges

Ledges are a great way to add in some extra storage without compromising on looks. Add a ledge below the sinkor above toilet with your daily essentials - soap, hand cream etc.) as it won't take up as much floor space.

Small Bathroom Designs: 14 Best Small Bathroom Ideas (8)

Instagram / @thuisbijsuus

13. Function is key

In any small space, put function first. Stackable baskets not only look great but are also a greatway to store your spare linen and extra toilet paper.

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14. Indoor plants

Add a splash of colour and life to your bathroom with an indoor plant or two, they help to purify the air and open up the space.Make sure you pick a plant that will be able to withstand the bathroom conditions.

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Olivia Hart
Small Bathroom Designs: 14 Best Small Bathroom Ideas (2024)

FAQs

What color makes a small bathroom look bigger? ›

Go all-white. All-white bathroom designs never go out of style. They also have the added advantage of making the room look bigger as white reflects light better than any other colour. As most bathroom fixtures tend to be white, this also creates a more seamless, unbroken look throughout the space.

How do you make a small bathroom look classy? ›

11 ways to make your small bathroom look elegant
  1. Add warmth to your bathroom. ...
  2. How to paint bathroom tiles. ...
  3. Float your vanity. ...
  4. Opt for open vanity shelving. ...
  5. Go for glass. ...
  6. Install dimmer lights. ...
  7. Don't forget the little touches. ...
  8. Update your bathroom fixtures.
Mar 30, 2023

What is the smallest practical bathroom size? ›

In general, the smallest size is 15 square feet, which can fit a sink and a toilet. For a shower, to be installed, at least 30-36 square feet is required. For a full bath consisting of both a shower and a bathtub, you will need at least 40 square feet.

Should I use big tiles or small tiles in a small bathroom? ›

Large-format tiles also need less grout, less time to install, and require less maintenance. Using smaller tiles, such as mosaics, will give you lots of grout lines, which can give the bathroom walls a grid-like appearance that can promote the feeling of being boxed in – making your bathroom feel smaller still.

What color walls look best in a small bathroom? ›

Stay away from using dark colors for paint and instead use cool, light grays and blues or warm neutrals, like Elusive Blue or Stargazer. These colors are best because they are light and make the room look bigger. They also reflect light, making the room look brighter.

What color is most flattering in a bathroom? ›

What works best in bathrooms are neutral colors like light grays, warmer off-whites, and calming, soft blue-greens. Your current bathroom decor, furniture, and fixtures should inspire paint color ideas.

What flooring makes a small bathroom look bigger? ›

Using larger floor tiles is a great way to trick the eye and make a room look bigger than it actually is. Larger tiles used throughout the bathroom look a lot less 'busy' than with smaller tiles, which therefore make the room appear larger; the lack of grout lines also makes the whole space appear more expansive.

What is the rule of thumb for bathroom remodel? ›

According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), your bathroom remodel budget should be portioned out like this: Labor: 20% Cabinetry and hardware: 16% Fixtures: 15 %

Where to put a toilet in a small bathroom? ›

In a tiny bathroom such as a half-bathroom or powder room, space is at a premium. So, it may only be possible to provide for the bare minimum clearances. In this case, make sure that the center line of the toilet is at least 15 inches from the nearest wall or sink. Eighteen inches is preferred.

What is the smallest bathroom allowed by code? ›

The minimum width of a bathroom should be 5 feet, allowing ample space for comfortable movement.

Is a 5 by 7 bathroom too small? ›

A 5×7 bathroom provides you with 35 square feet, which is considered small because you can't fit all amenities of a full bathroom.

What size is a small bathroom with a shower? ›

Typical Small Bathroom Sizes

For a powder or half bathroom, 18-20 sq ft (about 1.7 - 1.9 m2) is a good, average size. For a ¾ bath, 40 square feet is a good size (about 3.7 m2). A small full bathroom, with a sink, toilet, and combined shower/bathtub is often 40-45 square feet (about 4 - 4.5 m2).

Should I paint a small bathroom light or dark? ›

Can I use dark paint colors for small bathrooms? While lighter wall colors can help a room seem larger, you don't necessarily need to avoid darker shades altogether. A darker color for an accent wall or half wall can provide visual interest and contribute to a standout design.

What is a timeless color for a bathroom? ›

Pale Blue

Pale blue is another timeless paint color that works well in bathrooms. It evokes a sense of tranquility and serenity, reminiscent of clear skies and calm waters. This color is particularly suitable for coastal or nautical-themed bathrooms, but it can also create a peaceful oasis in any space.

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