9 Small Bathroom Ideas

A new bathroom vanity is one of the best purchases you can make for your small bathroom. With storage at a premium, it’s important to get a vanity that can fit your toiletries, cleaning supplies and more. Small bathrooms can typically accommodate small single-sink vanities that are 24, 30 or 36 inches wide. 

There are also a couple of design tricks to keep your bathroom from looking cramped. Try installing a floating vanity. These vanities don’t have legs, so they give the illusion of a more open space. If you have a powder room where storage isn’t a concern, purchase a console vanity. These vanities typically have a quartz or marble top and open legs, making your small space feel larger. 

If you want to select your vanity base and countertop separately, use our Vanity Customizer for the best colors, sizes and options that are available. For more information about selecting the best vanity for your bathroom, read our Bathroom Vanity Buying Guide.

When it comes to small bathrooms, investing in storage solutions is a must. Here are a few ways to maximize space. 

Medicine Cabinets
Recessed or wall-mounted medicine cabinets do double duty as a mirror and storage for items you use frequently. It not only saves space, but it also provides the perfect lighting to get ready in the morning. Lighted medicine cabinets have dimming and defogging functions and can include outlets for electric toothbrushes, hair dryers, shavers and more. 

Shelving 
Shelving provides an easy place to access your daily necessities. Use open shelving over the toilet or on a side wall for decorative or practical purposes. Corner shelving units can transform unused square footage into a spot for towels, toilet paper and more. Consider an organizer that can hang on the back of the bathroom door to hold items like lotions, serums and makeup. 

Linen or Wall Cabinets 
If you have additional floor space, a linen cabinet is an ideal way to store sheets, towels, extra supplies and more. Bathroom wall cabinets are ideal for hanging over the toilet and useful for concealing clutter. 

More Info
6 Ideas for Organizing a Small Linen Closet
Stylish Organization Ideas for a Child's Bathroom

Paint and wallpaper are two of the most dramatic and cost-effective ways to make a statement in a small bathroom. If it’s a bathroom where you’ll be getting ready in the morning, light and bright paint colors will make a space feel larger.  

If you want to take risks, a powder room is an ideal location to use a bold wallpaper or a deep, vibrant paint color. Here are some other tips and tricks to keep in mind:  

• Use vertically striped wallpaper to make the ceiling appear higher. 
• Surprise your guests with a beautiful color on the ceiling. 
• Paint the ceiling, walls and moulding all one color for a cohesive and cozy space. 

More Info
12 Bathroom Updates That Won’t Crush Your Budget
Paint Color Forecast: 9 Trending Shades
How to Hang Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper

Are you undergoing a larger bathroom remodel? This is a great time to add a shower or a wall niche. A shower niche is embedded in the wall and neatly stores shampoo, bath gel, bath sponges and more. You can purchase an unfinished niche that can be tiled or there are finished niches in PVC or stainless steel.

If you have a spare wall in your bathroom, consider installing built-in shelving between the studs. As shown in the image, the shelving can accommodate toiletries, towels, plants and decorative items. Smaller items can be stored in wicker baskets and on trays.

Shower, wall and floor tile is a great way to bring color and pattern into a small bathroom. Some of the most popular types include subway, peel-and-stick, encaustic, marble and wood-look tile. 

Subway
This is the most cost-effective and timeless tile. You can pattern them a myriad of ways, including brick, herringbone, vertically stacked and more. For ideas on how to use subway tile in your bathroom, check out 5 Uncommon Subway Tile Patterns. 

Peel and Stick 
Peel-and-stick tiles are an easy and affordable way to update your small bathroom. You can install them over any smooth subfloor, including wood, concrete and vinyl. Peel-and-stick vinyl tiles are also resistant to scratches and scuffs and are easy to clean. 

Encaustic
Encaustic tiles have bold, colorful patterns that are reminiscent of tiled walls and floors in southern Europe. As shown in the image, this blue, black and white bathroom flooring makes a statement in a small bathroom. Genuine encaustic tile must be sealed, while ceramic versions offer a more affordable, maintenance-free option.

Marble
Marble floors and walls are a luxurious addition to your small space. This natural stone is an elegant upgrade and comes in many variations, including: subway tile, mosaics, herringbone, square and Arabesque patterns. 

Wood Look 
Wood-look tile made of porcelain has become a popular option. It has the natural appearance and classic look of wood, but it’s waterproof and stain-, scratch- and slip- resistant for long-lasting use. 

More Info
How to Prep and Install Bathroom Shower Tile
Tile Buying Guide

Good lighting is not only important for applying makeup or getting ready in the morning, but it can also create a stylish backdrop for your small bathroom. Here are some recommendations. 

Recessed Lighting 
Recessed lighting is ideal in showers or across the bathroom ceiling. Put them on dimmers so you can control the brightness. 

Wall Sconces  
Flank your bathroom mirror with matching wall sconces. Versions in brass, marble or matte black are a sophisticated update. 

Vanity Lighting 
If you don’t have enough room on either side of your mirror for wall sconces, you can use vanity lighting above your mirror or medicine cabinet. 

Pendant Light 
If you’re hoping to create a wow factor over a freestanding tub, consider a pendant light. Keep in mind that it should be wet-rated and that you’ll need to hang it high enough that it doesn’t create a hazard. 

More Info
5 Great Looking Bathroom Light Fixtures
Vanity Lighting Buying Guide
Best Bathroom Lighting Ideas

An easy way to refresh a small bathroom is by replacing hardware, including cabinet pulls, knobs, decorative hardware sets, bathroom faucets and bathtub/shower faucet combinations. 

Cabinet & Decorative Hardware 
Freshen up your bathroom by changing out cabinet pulls and knobs on your vanity. Then add towel bars, towel rings, toilet roll holders and hooks in a matching finish. Popular finishes include matte black, brushed nickel and brushed gold. Learn more in our Bathroom Hardware Buying Guide. 

Bathroom Faucets 
While you’re changing out the cabinet hardware, switch out your bathroom faucet in the same finish. To determine the best faucet for your home, read our Bathroom Sink Faucets Buying Guide. 

Bathtub & Shower Combinations 
Make sure your new bathroom faucet and the hardware in your bathtub and/or shower match. Learn how to replace a bathtub or shower faucet with our guide. 

When every square foot counts in a small space, showers and bathtubs are a big consideration. Here are a few ideas. 

Wet Room 
A wet room has a freestanding bathtub and shower in one location behind a glass door. The whole area is designed to be wet. The floor is usually slightly sloped so the water drains to one location. Wet rooms are not only space savers — they’re also great for homes with kids and pets because they keep the water contained. 

Small Bathtubs 
If you love taking a bath but you’re short on space, we advise getting a freestanding bathtub that’s under 54 inches long. To select the best bathtub for your bathroom, read our Bathtub, Whirlpool and Air Bath Buying Guide. 

Shower Enclosures
If you have an outdated shower, a shower enclosure is relatively easy to install, saving you money and time. Select the size you need and determine if you only want a shower or a shower and bathtub combination. To learn more, read How to Choose the Best Shower Stall or Enclosure.

Now that you’ve planned out the fundamentals, it’s time to add some small luxuries to the mix.  

• Swap out your old shower curtain for a stylish new one.  
• Purchase plush towels and bath mats.  
• Add a hardwired or plug-in towel warmer for those cold winter mornings.  
• If you’re remodeling and putting down a new floor, consider a heated floor. It’s easy to install, affordable and energy efficient.  

For more ideas, read Wrap Yourself in Luxury with the Perfect Bath Towels and Bath Mats.