31 Small bathroom ideas & design tricks for a streamlined aesthetic

One of the toughest rooms to decorate is a small bathroom because of the little amount of space available, the low supply of natural light, and the number of fixtures it must fit. But when done properly, the space can appear brighter and larger. Moreover, for some ideas, you won’t need to spend a fortune or go past your budget to get your desired small bathroom. Compact bathrooms are created to ensure that a small area feels not just bigger and more functional but also elegant. Therefore, when it comes to designing a small bathroom, you should be mindful of the available space, size, natural light, colour, and budget. There are countless budget-friendly small bathroom design ideas and elements like mirrors, showers, etc., surfacing on the internet these days. If you want to keep it minimal yet modern, go for a simple small bathroom idea, like choosing a monochromatic scheme.

Even if you’ve got a compact bathroom, there’s no need to compromise on style. So, in this article, we have provided striking ideas to design your small bathroom. These ideas show that daring design elements may fit well in even the smallest spaces, going beyond simply maximising the usable floor space. You can also select the design of your choice from our exclusive image gallery. Keep reading to know more.

 

 

Small bathroom idea #1

  

Install a built-in vanity

 

Image Source: Max Vakhtbovych on Pexels

 

If you want your small bathroom to look sleek and tidy every day, you should consider organising it. To make every available inch of space count, install a built-in vanity in your restrooms so that it remains clutter-free. In addition, try going for floating vanity rather than covering the floor space. This modern small bathroom idea prevents your space from becoming too crowded.

 

Also see: 39+ Game-changing vanities for bathroom & selection guide (Buy here!)

 

Small bathroom idea #2

 

Embrace a monochromatic palette

 

Image Source: Becki Owens

 

The smaller the room, the more you should go for a monochromatic palette. Using monochromatic shades can visibly eliminate spatial issues if you have a small bathroom. If you pick a light palette, be sure the lighting is warm enough to avoid a gloomy vibe. You can never go wrong with a black-and-white bathroom if you see your bathing ritual as a chance to clear your mind and unwind from the stress of the day.

 

Small bathroom idea #3

 

Include a skylight in your small bathroom

 

Image Source: Sittonkirsty 

 

Does your small bathroom lack space for windows? How about adding a skylight instead? Skylights can provide light and ventilation, reducing the need for a bathroom fan and assisting in the prevention of dampness. These work well in bathrooms without windows. Furthermore, skylights come in tubular, fixed, and ventilating varieties.

  

Small bathroom idea #4

 

Style it with a wall sconce

 

Image Source: Max Vakhtbovych on Pexels

 

Lighting is similar to jewellery for the bathroom. Modern lighting ideas add glamour to your small bathroom design on an affordable budget. Installing good lighting in your small bathroom serves as a functional as well as a decorative element. We recommend installing wall lights beside the mirror for proper illumination.

 

Also read: How to accentuate your rooms with designer wall lights? (Buy here!)

 

Small bathroom idea #5

 

Opt for country-style elements

 

Image Source: Becky Owens

 

The country-style components are ideal for a small, modestly-sized bathroom. You can add more creativity to this chic small bathroom by adding a ladder to hang towels. Compared to a bar, it can hold more towels and give the bathroom a distinctive look. This small bathroom design idea adds a rustic vintage look to your modern bathroom, keeping your budget in control.

 

Small bathroom idea #6

 

Go for multiple mirrors

 

Image Source: 2LG Studio

 

The mirrors reflect sunlight into every corner of the room and impart a quirky yet cohesive edge to an otherwise boring bathroom. A wall-to-wall mirror is a surefire way to make a room appear larger. You can also go for a mirror gallery on the wall. Despite having little natural light, these mirror ideas are budget-friendly and add a spacious feel to a small shower bathroom.

 

Also see: 65+ Trendy mirror designs for easy home decor (Shop online!)

  

Small bathroom idea #7

 

Keep it simple with bright colours

 

Image Source: Medium on Pinterest

 

Adding bright colours is a great way to liven up a small bathroom. Moreover, soft and bright hues reflect natural light. If you want to keep your small bathroom simple, you can opt for the idea of using a bright colour palette. It will give a minimalistic look. Consider using a vibrant shade, such as turquoise or coral, as an accent colour on a single wall to pair with your light colour palette.

 

Also read: The emergence of colours in bathroom design

  

Small bathroom idea #8

 

Use glossy tiles for shower cubicles

 

Image Source: Max Vakhtbovych on Pexels

 

Showers are convenient and use less water than a bath. Another advantage of bathroom showers is that they take up little space. A quadrant or curved enclosure is the best option if you want to save space. Adding gloss finish tiles enhances the appearance of the space by reflecting natural light throughout the room. These small bathroom ideas with shower cubicles fit neatly into the corner, giving your space a modern look.

 

Also see: 70 Bathroom tile designs we are so obsessed with! (Shop online)

  

Small bathroom idea #9

 

Replace swinging doors with sliders

 

Image Source: Behance

 

When space is limited, sliding doors are a person’s best friend. Opt for a door on a rail that is always parallel to the wall rather than a door on a hinge that, when opened, takes up space in your small room.  Using this idea while remodelling will ensure you have more space than you originally did.

 

Also read: Sliding door hardware: Decoding the best hardware & brands

  

Small bathroom idea #10

 

Plan your curtain placement strategically

 

Image Source: Spiffy spools

 

Looking for something new than the average plastic shower curtains? Try using curtains that will look more like drapery. Using a lightweight fabric for the curtains is recommended as it lets in most light. Furthermore, extending the curtain closer to the ceiling will definitely lengthen the walls. Avoid horizontal patterns with a lot of colour and floral prints because they tend to dominate the space and make it seem smaller. Rather choose them in the same colour as the walls or a slightly lighter shade. Use white shower curtains for small bathrooms. The idea behind this is that white curtains open up a room and typically match any bathroom design.

 

Also read: Curtains: A comprehensive selection & design digest (Shop online)

 

Small bathroom idea #11

 

Install a backlight for your mirror

 

Image Source: Overstock.com

 

Lighting is an important element for your bathroom. It literally can make or break the interiors if not used properly. However, when you use it correctly, it can do wonders. Installing a mirror backlight elevates bathroom aesthetics. If you do not have room for sconces or hanging lights, a mirror backlight is a great option. This design idea can give you the modern and chic look you desire for your bathroom.

 

Also see:  49+ Lighting fixtures for bathroom you can’t go wrong with (Shop here!)

 

Small bathroom idea #12

 

Cover the floor with patterns

 

Image Source: Unsplash

 

Whether renovating a kitchen or bathroom, we often overlook the flooring. However, we forget that it is one of the important elements in your home. Patterned floors are the key to making your bathroom appear larger than it is. You can opt for Herringbone tiles as they are in trend; believe it or not, they look amazing with matte tiles.

 

Also see: Flooring tiles to grab your gaze (80+ floor designs)

 

Small bathroom idea #13

 

Aim to add a shower niche

 

Image Source: Domino.com on Pinterest

 

Another space-saving idea for your small bathroom design is adding a shower niche. It’s one of the budget and space-saving small bathroom ideas. A shower niche provides enough space to store your shower accessories. 

 

Small bathroom idea #14

 

 Mix or match hardware finishes

 

Image Source: transitionalhomedecor.pf on Pinterest

 

Consider your hardware and its finishes while designing your bathroom. Bring the aesthetics together by matching the finishes of your basin, light fixtures, and towel rod. Matching the hardware finishes with other elements can be satisfying to the eye.

On the other hand, you can even try mix-matching the hardware finishes. No matter whether you want a chic, classy, or timeless design, this trend will last longer. However, it’s recommended to select not more than three finishes for a single room.

 

Small bathroom idea #15

 

Choose nooks and crannies over the rod

 

Image Source: Etsy.com

 

Creative planning and efficiency are the keys to organising your small bathroom. You need to be creative and efficient at the same time. Every corner must be considered to maximise the available space. So, make sure that no dead wall space is wasted. Add recessed shelving, nooks, or crannies to utilise this dead wall space. This idea will increase the storage capacity of your modern small bathroom. 

 

Exclusive ideas to design your small bathrooms beautifully (Image gallery)

 

 

Watch this video: 8 Designer tips to make your small bathroom look larger (17 mins 53 seconds)

 

 

FAQs

 

How do I maximise space in a small bathroom?

• Clearing out the clutter makes the smallest spaces feel larger. So, try to manage and organise things in your bathroom.
• Fitted furniture tends to increase the storage capacity even in an oddly shaped room. To save floor space, go for a wall-mounted toilet or washbasin with cabinets that complement them.
•  Semi-pedestal basins are a great choice. They don’t consume the floor space and conceal the pipework making your bathroom feel spacious.

 

What colour should I use in a small bathroom?

When designing your bathroom, choosing a colour scheme is an important decision to make, as it reflects the mood you want to create. Adding vibrant colours and pairing them with finishes like soft & gloss matte will add a wow factor to your space. Apart from vibrant hues, you can opt for pastels. Patels are great for a small bathroom as they maximise light, making it appear bigger.

 

How should I layout a small bathroom?

• Cabinets are great for keeping your stuff neat and organised. However, adding a section for open shelves will enhance the aesthetics making the room feel airier. This will allow you to move freely, and the layout will become clearer if storage is kept in one location.
• Try going for wall-mounted fittings and fixtures. It provides extra floor space, making the bathroom look bigger.
• If you have a small space, skip the general doors for shower enclosures. Instead, opt for sliding doors. They will save space as they don’t require additional room to operate.

Also read: Bathroom Design Guide – You can’t go wrong with this (33+ Images)

 

Is it better to use small or large tiles in a small bathroom?

Choosing large tiles can be beneficial for small bathrooms. This makes the walls and floors appear less cluttered. Moreover, large tiles make the room appear larger with fewer grout lines. Use 30-60 cm neutral-coloured tiles on the walls as well as the floors. These tiles will blur the lines, making your floor space less distinct. If you want to embrace the intimacy of your space and highlight its modest dimensions, pick tiny tiles like mosaics.

 

Conclusion

Small bathrooms are beautiful and should be designed in a way that makes them appear larger. There are many factors that contribute to adding an illusion of space to your compact restrooms. Whether you want to go for a simple or a modern look, all you need is eye-catching ideas (such as a built-in vanity or bathtub with shower) to design the small bathroom. These ideas will instantly elevate your space. However, you must have a clear understanding of your tastes and style before starting any project. So, draw inspiration from some of the best ideas mentioned above and make your small bathroom feel more spacious and enjoyable on an affordable budget.

 

*The featured image used in this article is from Lot 1 Design