Looking for small bathroom ideas? You’ve come to the right place! As most houses in America have limited space to work with for the bathroom, we’ve provided 10 small bathroom layout options below to inspire your remodel.


Bathrooms can range from half baths containing only a sink and toilet to double master bathrooms, which often house two sinks, a toilet, a shower, and even a tub or jacuzzi. This guide will tell you how to maximize the space of the smaller bathroom in your house. 

Our top 10 small bathroom ideas

1. Go bold and bright

Restricting your small bathroom to a palette of whites or greys can have the opposite effect of creating an open environment. Introducing an exotic color palette with bold, bright, and beautiful colors like turquoise, sea green, and orange can make for a much more fun and interesting space.


These colors will lighten your room while distracting from the fact that you don't have a larger space to work with. Colorful wallpapers can also spruce up your commode with serious flair. Check out these modern wallpaper options to spice things up!

colorful small bathroom ideas

2. Add small and cute fixtures

Unfortunately, you likely won't have room for large bathroom fixtures. But that's okay — it gives you the opportunity to be creative with your small bathroom layout!


Instead of impeding on the space with an overgrown sink, opt for a petite vintage-style sink that will add so much more to your look. A sink that looks like it came from the jazz age will be sure to make guests smile. You can take this principle and apply it to the rest of your bathroom to free up space and add flair and character that will make you not want to give up your tiny bath for anything. 

Small bathroom layout ideas with sink and toilet

3. Create a mini oasis

Your bathroom should afford you an area to relax and unwind no matter what size it is! Use bright colors, plants, and natural light to make your space as airy as possible. Gold accents and other fanciful features will transform your mini bathroom into your happy place. Think about incorporating succulents on your countertops or sill, eucalyptus to hang from your showerhead, ferns, and other plants for a tropical paradise feel!

small bathroom with plants in the shower

4. Choose your tiles wisely

Our favorite small bathroom ideas? Eye-catching tiles! They can add so much character to a space. Patterns are perfect for smaller bathrooms as they work to expand the space in your mind. Intricate tile can be the antidote to a boring bathroom and give you something to look at when brushing your teeth!


Try a modern spin on the classic checkerboard tile pattern or go for a more exotic flowery pattern. Conversely, you can go for a simpler plain tile pattern or a completely solid polished concrete flooring option that can look sophisticated as well. 

Small bathroom with black and white tiles

5. Go all out

The best part of having a small bathroom layout is that you have less space to spend money on, enabling you to spend more on less. You can now afford to buy the perfect sink with copper handles and basin or install a skylight — the sky is the limit!


Consider a fancy mirror accented with copper or gold coloring to add some serious swag to the wall. You can choose the best soap dispensers, towel hangers, lighting fixtures, and anything else you want now that you have a lower maintenance space to work with. 

Luxurious small bathroom with gold fixtures and details

6. Opt for a minimalist, clutter-free look

Since you have a small bathroom, you don't want to make it any smaller by cluttering the space with a too-busy countertop or towels all over the place. It is important to keep a neat and organized space. Consider storing your essentials in a bag or basket in any available cabinets. Find other places to store cleaning supplies and maximize your bathroom storage for the essentials.

Minimalist bathroom shelf, perfect for a small bathroom

7. Embrace glamorous glass

Glass provides a level of airiness that can make your small bathroom feel twice as big! If you have the option to go for a glass walk-in shower door, do it! Glass keeps things open by letting you see your entire bathroom and allowing light to penetrate every area. This is especially helpful if your window is on the other side of your shower door, which is a common design. 

airy and bright bathroom with glass shower door

8. Make the most of shelving

You can free up a huge amount of counter space by installing a set of floating shelves in your bathroom. Shelves help to keep everything organized while displaying your toiletries nicely. Accent pieces like solid wood shelves can make a bombshell impression, especially when they have metallic hardware! Make sure your shelving choice doesn't jut out or constrict any space. It is a great small bathroom idea to keep your most-used toiletries in a bag on the shelf or under the vanity to keep them out of the way, making for an even more zen-like space. 

Small bathroom shelving ideas

9. Install a sliding door

If you are designing a small bathroom from scratch, you can have other door options that don't take up space by swinging inward. Doors that slide into the wall are a smart option to maximize space and turn your bathroom into a true water closet. 

Bathroom that would benefit from a sliding door

10. Choose curves over corners

Imagine having a curved sink and vanity that makes the most of a bathroom corner. This is a unique way to unlock space in an otherwise cramped space. Adding a curved corner cabinet is also the perfect way to load up on storage space in a tiny area. 

Curved bathtub for small bathroom

Small bathroom layout plans

Now that you have these amazing small bathroom ideas to inspire your upgrade, you can get to work designing your perfect layout. If you are in the process of creating an addition or entire home from scratch, My Site Plan can draw the ideal plans for your dream to come true!

Small bathroom FAQs

How much does it cost to remodel a small bathroom?

According to Angi, a small bathroom remodel costs between $4,500 and $6,000, on average. The price will obviously vary based on the fixtures you choose (a bathtub-shower combo is cheaper and more space-efficient than a tub and separate walk-in shower) and the design you opt for (some tiles might be more time-consuming to install, for example). Hiring professionals vs a DIY job will also affect the end costs. 

What is the best paint color for a small bathroom?

It really depends on your taste! As we explain above, a tropical color palette of turquoise, sea green, and orange can make the space feel more fun and spacious. However, greys and off-whites can create a really sophisticated look too. Check out the images throughout this post for some color inspiration.

How should I decorate a small bathroom?

Check out the small bathroom ideas above, of course! Large mirrors, floating shelves, and small or dangling plants are great ways of adding dimensions to a small bathroom, while also being practical. 

How do you make a small bathroom look bigger?

There are a few tricks you can use to make a bathroom seem bigger. Choosing smaller fixtures (like a small toilet, small sink, or shower-bathtub combo) can help make the space feel bigger. Using optical illusions, like glass shower panels and checkered tiles can also make your bathroom feel more spacious. A minimalist, clutter-free layout that cleverly uses shelving and built-in cupboards is another great way to gain space.


To make a small bathroom appear larger, you can also use a combination of lighting types. Overhead lighting provides general illumination, while task lighting at the vanity enhances functionality. Adding LED strip lights under cabinets or along edges can create a floating effect, making the space feel more open and airy. Using natural light, if available, through skylights or frosted windows also expands the visual space.

What are the best storage solutions for very small bathroom?

For very small bathrooms, maximizing vertical space is key. Install floating shelves, recessed cabinets, and over-the-toilet storage units. Magnetic strips for small metallic items and door-mounted organizers can also help keep clutter off counters and floors. Consider a pedestal sink with a skirt to hide baskets or bins underneath for additional hidden storage.

Where to put toilet paper holder in a small bathroom?

While having wicker baskets full of toilet paper on the floor might look pretty, it’s not an ideal option for small bathrooms. Instead, we recommend storing your toilet paper on a floating shelf or installing a holder on the wall. To make it easy to reach, it should be mounted at a comfortable height in relation to the toilet seat and about 27 inches from the floor.

How to store towels in small bathroom?

The easiest way to store towels in a small bathroom is to install hooks either on the back of the door or on the wall. Getting a tall but thin towel rail is also a good option. 

Are there particular colors or patterns that make a small bathroom feel bigger?

Light colors generally make a room feel larger and more open. Soft tones like off-white, light gray, or pastel hues reflect more light, enhancing the sense of space. For patterns, choose vertical stripes or simple, large patterns that don't crowd the visual field. Avoid busy, intricate patterns that can make the space feel smaller.

How can I ensure my small bathroom is both functional and stylish?

Balance function and style by choosing fixtures and features that serve dual purposes. For example, a mirror with integrated lighting or storage, stylish hooks that double as décor, or a sink with built-in shelving. Keep the design cohesive and opt for modern, streamlined styles to maintain a clean, uncluttered look.

What are the best materials to use in a small bathroom for durability and ease of cleaning?

In small bathrooms, where humidity and frequent cleaning are concerns, choose materials that resist moisture and are easy to clean. Porcelain tiles for walls and floors are durable and water-resistant. Quartz and laminate are good choices for countertops because they are non-porous and easy to maintain. For fixtures, chrome or stainless steel are practical options due to their durability and ease of cleaning.

This post was originally published on 2021-02-08 by Twiz. It was updated on 2024-06-19 by Ryan Crownholm to reflect the most recent data.

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