Make the most of your small bathroom with these 26 clever small bathroom remodeling ideas. Learn how to maximize space, light, and style in your bathroom.
Bathrooms are often overlooked when it comes to the design of a home—especially when it comes to small bathrooms. You know the one we’re talking about, the powder room that could be mistaken for a broom closet?
When you’re working with such a small space, it can be challenging to pack a punch. But with these 26 small bathroom remodeling ideas, you’ll turn your too-small bathroom into a design statement that is as functional as it is beautiful.
It’s tricky to create a design for a small bathroom—especially without professional help. The best small bathroom designs will address the big questions about storage, and aesthetics, and solve the main problems you foresee with having limited space.
Here are four things to think through as you start designing your remodel.
Before you jump into painting, tiling, and decorating (you know, the fun part) take a second to think about what you want to prioritize in the space.
Are you looking to add more storage? Do you want the mirror to be the big statement piece? Are you planning on switching any of the existing pieces—sink, toilet, vanity?
If you lay out a roadmap for the bathroom remodel project you’ll have a clear budget, task list, and vision.
It’s limiting when your bathroom has little square footage to work with—especially if the small bathroom is meant to function as the primary bathroom of the house. Think about furniture that has multiple uses.
For example, choose a vanity that has built-in storage. Or better yet, choose a mirror that swings open to reveal a hidden medicine cabinet. Finding ways to sneak in extra space while still allowing a design statement to happen is key in your remodel.
Find one statement piece that packs a huge design punch. Some people love the idea of a vintage clawfoot tub, others love the idea of wall-to-floor jewel-toned tile. Ornate mirrors, anyone?
Once you’ve decided on the main pieces of your bathroom—sink, vanity, shower, tub, toilet, etc—it’s best to keep the additional decor aesthetically focused and on point. Small spaces are easily cramped, so be strategic about what you choose to bring into the space.
Ready for some major small bathroom remodel inspo?
Adding a corner vanity not only saves space, but also gives your bathroom a unique focal point you won’t see everywhere else.
Adding a floating vanity makes more than just a visual statement—it hides your plumbing, too! Often, the pipes in a bathroom can make the space feel cluttered. This is the perfect, most stylish solution!
Time to play with perspective. To make your small bathroom feel bigger, choose smaller details and decor, like a compact corner vanity, a tall, slim mirror, and double wall sconces. You’ll fit everything you need without cramping the space!
High gloss paint allows the light in your bathroom to reflect off of more than just the mirror, creating the illusion of more space. Consider painting the bathroom door in a high gloss paint to add character and an extra reflective surface.
Light colors are a classic way to make a small room feel airy and larger than it actually is. A coat of paint in creams, whites, and other pastel-like colors can shift a small bathroom from cramped to open and spacious.
Who says your bathroom has to have a vanity? Try a vintage stool to keep your towels off the floor without crowding the space with bulky furniture.
Any time you can add more natural light to a space the more spacious the room will feel. The same is true for a bathroom. Add a fogged glass window to the bathroom door, or if possible, cut out a window through the bathroom wall.
Adding wall sconces by the mirror provides focused lighting for tasks like applying makeup or shaving. Sconces take up minimal space compared to bulky fixtures and create depth and dimension.
Drench your small bathroom in a fresh coat of white to create a sense of openness. Use varying white marble tiles or white subway tiles, a bright white ceiling, and an off-white window shade for a soft, airy feel.
To maximize counter space and storage, place a small cabinet next to the sink. A simple wall hook can hold a hand towel, keeping things tidy.
Find a chandelier or ornate mirror or even an old dry sink to add character to your bathroom. This goes back to the idea that you should find one statement piece to spend time and money on for your remodel.
If buying a brand-new vanity isn’t in the budget, consider adding a fabric skirt around the sink or table to hide toiletries, pipes, and any other storage needs.
Choose translucent shades to keep privacy without sacrificing the natural light of a window. A texture like a ratan shade can make the bathroom feel warm, while still adding natural light.
Embrace a quirky bathroom layout as an opportunity for creativity in your small bathroom. Who says your sink can’t be right next to the tub? Find pieces to fit odd angles and get comfortable with different sizes of mirrors, vanities, etc.
Create a candlelit ambiance so that the smallness of your bathroom feels cozy and intentional rather than cramped. Consider adding warm wood finishes to help the light feel soft and warm for a moody bathroom makeover.
If you can’t add a wall window, look up! Maybe you can add a skylight. And if a skylight isn’t in the cards, consider adding a faux skylight (yep, they make those!)
Want to make your space look larger? Use the same tile on the shower, sink vanity, and floors. This will give the room a bold design while conserving the cost of materials.
Choose fixtures that fit your small bathroom’s scale. Streamlined sinks, toilets, and compact vanities keep the space feeling balanced and inviting without overwhelming it.
Can’t fit a full cabinet or counter in your small bathroom? No problem! Use wall hooks with swiveling prongs or floating shelves to hold multiple hand towels. Towel bars mounted to the wall are another creative way to clear up floor space.
Using bold colors in small bathrooms creates a striking visual impact and makes the space feel vibrant and lively. Dark or vibrant hues can add depth and personality.
Hang cabinets above the toilet or under the sink to create useful, stylish storage. By keeping the floor clear, the space will feel tidy and polished.
Now is the time for bold, trendy wallpapers and eye-catching tiles. Creating a visual focal point will turn a small space into a stylish space and distract guests from noticing how tiny your bathroom really is.
Use tile and paint colors to set apart the shower areas from the sink areas and create distinct spaces within the small bathroom. The contrast in color gives the illusion of a larger room.
Take your shower from floor to ceiling to give the appearance of space and luxury. This will draw the eye upward and create the illusion of a larger space in your small bathroom.
Use a combination of overhead lights, sconces, and accent lighting to create a warm, inviting atmosphere. This adds depth and dimension, making the space feel larger and more welcoming.
Tuck cabinets into the wall if possible for extra storage. This clever design choice not only saves precious floor space, but also creates a clean, organized space.
For a 5×7-foot bathroom, a mid-range remodel averages between $14,000 and $19,000. If you’re expanding to 9×9 feet, the cost can jump to $47,000–$59,000. Actual costs may vary based on the specifics of your project.
Yes, you can renovate a small bathroom for $5,000 by focusing on budget-friendly materials, DIY labor, and keeping plumbing and layout changes to a minimum.
You can make a small bathroom look nice and open by adding smart storage, using light colors, incorporating mirrors to open up the space, and adding a statement piece like a chic vanity or stylish tiles.
Opt for simple upgrades like swapping out cabinet hardware, adding fresh paint, using peel-and-stick tiles, and updating the lighting to give your small bathroom a fresh, modern look without breaking the bank.
Ready to turn your small bathroom into a design statement that adds character to your home?
Finished Basements Plus has helped homeowners across Michigan turn their bathroom design dreams into realities. They are ready to make your design and storage dreams a reality. Book a free consultation today to start your bathroom renovation!
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