You know what they say – good things come in small packages! If you’re working with a tiny bathroom, you may feel limited on options to make it look polished and pulled-together. But don’t stress! You’d be amazed at what a difference just a few clever tweaks can make, even in the tiniest of spaces. In this article, we’ll walk through 10 savvy small bathroom design tricks to help you transform those cramped quarters into a spa-like oasis. From bold wallpaper prints to space-saving storage solutions, these bathroom design hacks pack a visually expansive punch without requiring any major renovations. With a little strategic decorating, lighting, and layout finesse, your petite bath can feel instantly larger and more luxurious. Let’s dive in!
Maximizing Space: 10 Ideas for Creating Gorgeous Bathroom Designs in Compact Areas
Opt for a wall-mounted toilet.
Installing a wall-mounted toilet is one of the best ways to open up floor space in a small bathroom. Since the tank is concealed within the wall, a wall-hung toilet provides a clean, minimalist look that makes the room appear more open.
Choose a corner sink.
A corner sink is a great space-saving option for a little bathroom. Installing a sink in the corner allows for more floor space in the center of the room. Look for a corner sink with a triangular cabinet underneath for extra storage.
Install a folding shower door.
Forget the bulky shower curtain and opt for a folding glass shower door. Folding doors fold compactly against the wall when not in use, opening up the bathroom. They also prevent water from splashing onto the floor, keeping your bathroom tidy and dry.
Use multifunctional furniture.
In a small bathroom, every inch of space counts. Look for furniture that serves multiple purposes, like a cabinet with drawers for storage that also includes a countertop to hold a sink. A narrow cabinet with shelves and a hamper is another great option for stashing linens, toiletries, and laundry.
Place the toilet adjacent to the tub.
Arranging the toilet next to the tub or shower saves space by using the same plumbing for both fixtures. This configuration also allows for a smaller vanity, since only one sink is needed. Just be sure to leave enough elbow room on either side of the toilet for comfortable use.
Keep counters clutter-free.
With limited space, it’s essential to keep countertops as clear as possible. Install wall cabinets for extra storage and only keep necessities out on counters like soap dispensers, toothbrush holders, and decorative items. Stash all toiletries, linens, and cleaning supplies out of sight. Keeping surfaces bare also makes the room appear more open and airy.
Use reflective surfaces.
Adding reflective surfaces like mirrors, glossy tiles, stainless steel or glass accents helps create an airy feel in a small bathroom. Mirrors, in particular, visually expand the space by reflecting natural and artificial light. Place mirrors across from windows to reflect the most light.
Choosing the Right Fixtures and Finishes for a Small Bathroom
Opt for space-saving fixtures
In a small bathroom, every inch counts. Choose fixtures like wall-mounted sinks, toilets, and cabinets to open up floor space. A corner shower or tub also takes up less room. For extra storage without bulk, recessed medicine cabinets are perfect.
Stick to a minimalist style
A cluttered bathroom will make a compact space feel cramped. Keep your design simple and avoid flashy fixtures or busy patterns. A minimalist style with clean lines creates an airy, open feel. Neutral tones like white also make a small bathroom appear more spacious.
Consider multifunctional furniture
Dual purpose furniture, like a cabinet with a sink on top or a storage bench with a hinged seat for extra towel storage, provide necessary functions in a smaller footprint. Floating shelves are another space-efficient option for keeping necessities within easy reach.
Install proper lighting
Good lighting helps a small bathroom feel more open and airy. Install recessed or flush mount ceiling lights, sconces on either side of the vanity mirror, and task lighting under cabinets. Dimmer switches allow you to control the level of brightness for different uses.
Maximize your mirror
An oversized mirror visually expands the dimensions of a small bathroom. Extend a mirror across an entire wall or position mirrors opposite each other to create an even more spacious effect. For a stylish look, frame out a recessed medicine cabinet with coordinating trim.
With some clever design tricks and multifunctional elements, you can create a gorgeous small bathroom. Focusing on minimal fixtures, neutral tones, mirrored surfaces and proper lighting are easy ways to make a compact space feel comfortable and spacious. Your perfect little oasis awaits!
Clever Storage Solutions to Add Functionality to Your Small Bathroom
Small bathrooms can easily become cluttered, but that doesn’t mean you have to forgo storage space. With some clever solutions, you can add tons of hidden storage to your compact bathroom.
Use the walls
Free up floor space by mounting cabinets, shelves, and storage racks on walls. Wall-mounted cabinets with doors keep items hidden but within easy reach. Open shelving is great for towels, toiletries, and decor. Consider over-the-toilet shelving for extra space.
Maximize under the sink
The area under your sink is prime real estate for extra storage. Install pull-out drawers, cabinets or shelves in the empty space. Pull-out drawers are ideal for keeping items organized and easily accessible. For a budget-friendly option, use plastic or wooden crates to corral items.
Add multifunctional furniture
In a small bathroom, every piece of furniture needs to earn its keep. A vanity with drawers provides concealed storage for makeup, hair tools and other grooming essentials. An over-the-toilet cabinet serves as storage and a place to sit. A compact bench or ottoman with a lid opens to reveal hidden storage inside.
Use vertical space
In a small bathroom, think up—not out. Install shower caddies, racks, shelves and recessed niches in your shower to keep products up and off the floor. A freestanding towel rack, ladder or tree takes up little floor space but holds multiple towels. Magazine racks mounted to the wall hold extra rolls of toilet paper and other supplies.
With some clever rearranging and the addition of multifunctional and space-efficient storage furniture, you can transform your small bathroom into an organized oasis. Making the most of vertical space and finding hidden storage spots will give you extra room for a spa-like feel even in the tiniest of bathrooms.
Conclusion
Well, there you have it – 10 clever tricks to help you design a stunning small bathroom that looks and feels luxurious, even if you’re working with limited square footage. With a little creativity and strategic planning, you can transform your petite powder room into a spa-like oasis. The right lighting, mirrors, paint colors, and storage solutions can make all the difference. Don’t be afraid to mix high-end touches like heated floors or a large soaking tub with budget-friendly DIY projects to get the bathroom of your dreams on any budget. At the end of the day, it’s about working with what you have and making the most of every inch. Hopefully these ideas sparked some inspiration to make the most of your compact bathroom. Now it’s time to grab your tool belt and get designing! You got this.