When it comes to small bathrooms, it's easy to feel like you're stuck between a rock and a tight space. But don’t throw in the towel (unless it’s a plush Turkish one). Designers have long mastered the art of transforming tiny bathrooms into spa-like retreats, and today, we’re spilling their juiciest secrets. These aren’t your average “paint it white and pray” tips—these are real-deal design tricks that can turn your cramped washroom into a wow-room.
Let’s get into it.
1. Float Like a Vanity, Sting Like a Statement
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| Minimalist Wall-hung Vanity Sink |
Wall-mounted (floating) vanities are a small bathroom's best friend. By exposing more floor area, they give the illusion of space without sacrificing storage. Bonus: they also make cleaning the floor less of a yoga session.
But don’t stop at function. Go bold with your vanity’s finish—a deep walnut, matte black, or even a sleek terrazzo sink. When space is limited, every element counts, so let that vanity pop.
💡 Pro Tip: Pair your floating vanity with under-cabinet LED lighting for a luxe hotel vibe.
2. Say Goodbye to the Bathtub (Yes, Really)
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| Shower with Frameless Sliding Glass Door |
Unless you're soaking daily (and bless you if you are), that tub might be taking up valuable real estate. Designers often recommend ditching the tub for a walk-in shower in small bathrooms. Not only does it open up space, but it also lets you showcase gorgeous tilework.
Opt for frameless glass shower doors or go full European with a wet room design. The transparency makes the room feel airier, and the seamless look is peak modern elegance.
3. Mirror, Mirror, on the Wall (and Then Some)
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| Vanity Mirror |
Mirrors are the original space hack. A large mirror—not just over the sink, but possibly spanning a whole wall—bounces light around and makes the bathroom feel twice its actual size.
Designers often go custom here: a full-width mirror or a round, backlit model adds drama and function.
🪞 Designer Trick: Installing a medicine cabinet inside the wall adds storage without bulk. Hidden storage? We love to see it.
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4. Go Vertical or Go Home
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| Vertical Storage along a Bathroom Vanity Mirror |
When you can’t build out, build up. Tall, narrow cabinets, wall-mounted shelves, ladder racks—you name it. Vertical storage makes the most of your square footage without crowding the room.
Try installing open shelving above the toilet (yes, you can do this tastefully). Style it with woven baskets, chic apothecary jars, and your best “I totally didn’t steal this from a spa” towels.
5. Tile Smart, Not Hard
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| Large Format Tiles |
In a small bathroom, tile is more than just a surface—it’s an optical illusion. Designers love using larger format tiles because fewer grout lines mean a cleaner, more expansive look. Yes, even in a tiny bathroom.
Another go-to trick? Vertical tile layout. Subway tiles stacked vertically (rather than staggered horizontally) draw the eye upward, adding height to low ceilings.
🎨 Hot Take: Don’t be afraid of bold tile patterns on the floor. A geometric or encaustic tile can ground the space and add personality without overwhelming it.
6. Light It Up Like It’s Opening Night
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| A bathroom with a good combination of natural and artificial light |
Small bathrooms often suffer from poor lighting—especially if they’re windowless. Layering your light sources is key:
- Overhead lighting for general brightness
- Task lighting at the mirror for flawless face-checks
- Accent lighting (think sconces or LEDs) to add depth
And for the love of design, ditch that builder-grade “Hollywood” strip light—you deserve better.
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7. Play With Color Like a Pro
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| A basic bathroom setup with a retro dual color accent |
White isn’t your only option. In fact, designers often go dark and moody in small bathrooms for a cocoon-like effect. Think matte navy, forest green, or even charcoal—paired with brass or brushed gold fixtures, it screams modern sophistication.
Alternatively, go light and layered: creamy neutrals with warm woods and soft metallics for a Scandinavian-inspired escape.
🎨 Pro Move: Paint the ceiling the same color as the walls for a cohesive, enveloping vibe.
8. The Power of Niches and Recessed Storage
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| Basic Shower Niche |
Want to make your shower more functional and better looking? A recessed shower niche keeps clutter at bay and adds that custom-built feel. Same goes for niches beside the sink or above the toilet—tuck your essentials into the wall and watch the space open up.
9. Hardware Is the Jewelry of the Bathroom
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| A Unique Pale Yellow Faucet |
Don’t underestimate the impact of great hardware. Sleek matte black, warm brushed brass, or even leather-wrapped pulls can add serious style without taking up an inch of space.
Designers treat hardware as a finishing touch that brings the whole look together—so choose wisely and don’t be afraid to mix metals.
10. Add a Touch of Nature (Yes, Even in a Bathroom)
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| An indoor plant on a bathroom |
A plant in the bathroom does two things: it softens the space and makes it feel alive. Look for humidity-loving greens like ferns, pothos, or air plants that thrive on steam.
Even a small shelf with a potted plant and a scented candle can elevate your space from "meh" to "magazine-worthy."
Final Thoughts
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Renovating a small bathroom doesn’t have to feel like trying to do yoga in a phone booth. With the right design tricks—tricks that designers swear by—you can create a space that’s functional, stylish, and straight-up envy-inducing.
So whether you're about to demo the whole thing or just want to make your current space look bigger, try a few of these ideas. Your small bathroom deserves big energy.
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