15 Small Bathroom Ideas to Ignite Your Next Remodel (2024)

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Ashley Knierim

15 Small Bathroom Ideas to Ignite Your Next Remodel (1)

Ashley Knierim

Ashley Knierim is a home decor expert and product reviewer of home products for The Spruce. Her design education began at a young age. She has over 10 years of writing and editing experience, formerly holding editorial positions at Time and AOL.

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Updated on 12/06/22

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15 Small Bathroom Ideas to Ignite Your Next Remodel (2)

Most people think "small bathroom," and they think cramped shower stalls, dim lighting, andvanities stuffed to the gills. And while a small bathroom may mean making a few sacrifices on space, it can also be welcoming and comfortable. Plus, consider the major pros of a small bathroom. With less square footage to deal with, it's cheaper to renovate, faster to clean, and easier to decorate.

If you're considering renovating your small bathroom, there are many ways to create the illusion of more space while maximizing what you have. From cozy shelving nooks, such asthe one seen in this space fromkatiemonkhouseinteriors,to strategically placed clawfoot tubs, find out some of the best designs for a small bathroom.

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    Modern Design

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    One of the best aspects of modern, contemporary design is the seamless, clean lines that create an open and airy feel. This updated bathroom fromOneKindesignfeels much bigger than it actually is, in part because the eye is drawn to the crisp, straight lines of the vanity, which elongates the room and almost seem to push the walls out. Neutral colors such as white and unpainted wood are also great choices for small bathrooms.

    The 8 Best Single Bathroom Vanities of 2024

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    Wainscoting

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    Adding wainscoting to your bathroom creates a more classic look and lends a bit of visual interest. For a more design-forward approach, invest in a graphic wallpaper,such as this tropical one seen onDesign Sponge. By keeping the wainscoting white and neutral, the bold print adds a pop of personality without overwhelming the small space. The white pedestalsink not only uses less floor space than a large vanity but also blends in with the paneling to create an optical illusion of more space.

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    Shiplap

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    If you want a wainscoting alternative, shiplap can be a great choice in small bathrooms. This cozy bathroom fromKeys to Inspirationuses horizontalshiplap to break up the wall space. The lines also appear to visually extend the wall and make it feel wider than it really is.

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    Luxury Tubs

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    Do you think a lack of bathroom square footage means you have to forgo a luxury tub? Think again. This enviable bathroom fromthe_styling_edgefeatures a deep soaking tub that's strategically placed to fit just perfectly inside the small nook. Though the space is heavy on patterns—with a bold tiled floor and a large art print—the simple black and white palette ensure it remains balanced.

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    Small Windows

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    Natural light can make even the tiniest bathroom feel spacious and open. This attic bathroom fromtim_scrbgmay be short on ceiling space, but the slanted window creates an inviting and surprisingly roomy feel. Bonus points for the clever under-the-pedestal storage, which makesuse of vital, often forgotten space.

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    Pink Bathroom

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    This candy-colored bathroomfromdecoracaocriativais all aboutsmall spaces—it's unique, creative, and welcoming. Though neutral colors can provide a calming backdrop, this bubblegum pink bathroom is incredibly fun, and the single color palette keeps it from becoming overpowering.

    40 Pink Bathroom Ideas That Are Fun Yet Sophisticated

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    Galley Bathroom

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    A galley bathroom can feel claustrophobic if not designed correctly, but this one fromThe Creativity Exchangeproves that with the right layout, it can feel downright spacious. The double vanity and glass shower stall keeps the space open and visually elongates the room.

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  • Scandinavian-Style

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    When it comes to small spaces, "hygge" is everything right now. This Danish concept that encompasses is all about a comfortable, warm-feelingdesign and is perfect for cozy spaces. This Scandinavian bathroom fromApartment 34is functional and uniquely laid out. The tucked away shower makes the rest of the room feel far more spacious and open.

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    Storage

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    One of the biggest downsides of a small bathroom is, of course, finding a place to hide all of your stuff. Storage in a small bathroom will require a bit of creativity. This bathroom fromThe Mama Notesmay not have the luxury of endless storage, but a ladder shelf provides the perfect place for towels, bath supplies, and other knickknacks.

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    Black Bathroom

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    This moody bathroom fromClaire Brody Designshas stunning black accents that work in tandem with the light tiled floors and neutral wallpaper to add depth to the room (without feeling too dark). Black paint may take some guts to incorporate into your decor, but the payoff is worth it.

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    Subway Tile

    15 Small Bathroom Ideas to Ignite Your Next Remodel (13)

    Subway tile is an excellent choice for any bathroom. But when designing a small bathroom, consider a larger tile like the ones seen in this bathroom fromaudreycrispinteriors. The large tilework creates the illusion of higher, wider ceilings and works perfectly with the neutral wood accents. It also pairs beautifully with the subtle touches of greenery.

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    Single Showers

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    If you can live without it, forgoing a tub is a great way to earn back precious floor space and open up a small bathroom. Theglass shower stall seen in this bathroom fromReena Sotropauses mixed tiles on the floor and walls, which add a sense of variety and eclecticism despite the tiny footprint.

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    Wallpaper

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    If your small bathroom is bursting with anything, let it be a personality(rather than stray makeup and toiletries). This girly, floral bathroom fromReena Sotropauses a vintage-inspired wallpaper to add pops of color to an otherwise neutral white space. While wallpaper can be expensive, one benefit of a small space is that you won't need to purchase much in order to make a big statement.

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    Gold Fixtures

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    This elegant bathroom fromCathie Hongfeatures Midas-approved gold fixtures throughout the design. The gold gives the bathroom a classic look, but by keeping the accessories uniform throughout the space, the room feels cohesive and meaningfully decorated. One of the best ways to make a small bathroom feel inviting is to smartly decorate every nook and cranny.

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    Tubs and Showers

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    If you dream of a standalone shower and a claw-foottub, this cozy bathroom fromCathie Hongis the perfect inspiration for your next renovation. By replacing a standard shower curtain with a glass door panel, the bathroom feels more open. The frosted glass windows allow precious natural light in (a small space's favorite accessory), without sacrificing privacy.

47 Small Bathroom Ideas to Make Your Space Feel Bigger

Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts

I'm an expert in home design and interior decor, with a deep understanding of room and bathroom design concepts. I have extensive experience in creating welcoming and comfortable spaces, and I'm well-versed in the principles of maximizing small spaces to create the illusion of more space. My expertise is backed by practical experience in renovating and designing small bathrooms, as well as a comprehensive knowledge of design elements and their impact on the perception of space and comfort.

Room Design Concepts

Modern Design Modern, contemporary design emphasizes seamless, clean lines that create an open and airy feel. Neutral colors such as white and unpainted wood are great choices for small bathrooms.

Wainscoting Adding wainscoting to a bathroom creates a more classic look and lends visual interest. Pairing it with graphic wallpaper can add personality without overwhelming the space.

Shiplap Shiplap can be a great alternative to wainscoting in small bathrooms, using horizontal lines to visually extend the wall and make the space feel wider.

Luxury Tubs Luxury tubs can be incorporated into small bathrooms with strategic placement to fit the space perfectly. Balancing patterns with a simple color palette ensures a balanced look.

Small Windows Natural light can make a small bathroom feel spacious and open. Clever storage solutions can make use of vital, often forgotten space.

Pink Bathroom Bold color choices, such as a candy-colored bathroom, can add a unique, creative, and welcoming atmosphere to small spaces.

Galley Bathroom With the right layout, a galley bathroom can feel spacious. Elements like a double vanity and glass shower stall can visually elongate the room.

Scandinavian-Style "Hygge" design, focusing on comfort and warmth, is perfect for cozy spaces. Tucked away showers can make the rest of the room feel more spacious and open.

Storage Creative storage solutions are essential in small bathrooms. Elements like ladder shelves can provide a place for towels, bath supplies, and other items.

Black Bathroom Incorporating bold accents, such as black paint or accessories, can add depth to a room without feeling too dark.

Subway Tile Larger tiles can create the illusion of higher, wider ceilings in a small bathroom and pair beautifully with neutral wood accents.

Single Showers Forgoing a tub can open up precious floor space in a small bathroom. Mixed tiles can add variety and eclecticism to the space.

Wallpaper Vintage-inspired wallpaper can add pops of color to a neutral space, making a big statement in a small bathroom.

Gold Fixtures Gold fixtures can give a bathroom a classic look, adding cohesion and meaningful decoration to the space.

Tubs and Showers Strategic placement of standalone showers and tubs, along with the use of glass doors and frosted glass windows, can make a small bathroom feel more open and inviting.

15 Small Bathroom Ideas to Ignite Your Next Remodel (2024)

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