15+1 Small bathroom ideas: Beautiful and useful designs

ByIsabel July 27, 2023

Having a small bathroom does not mean that it is ugly or not very useful; on the contrary, it brings out the best of us in terms of organization and practicality. If you do not know how to make the most of the small bathrooms in your home, these designs will help you without compromising beautiful and elegant bathrooms.

Many times, we overlook little things that can make a big difference, such as the type of sanitary ware, bathroom furniture, tiles, or the chosen lighting. These details help us to organize and decorate, but above all, to be more comfortable in our home.

Table of contents

Simple small bathroom ideas for decorating, remodel and organization

Before anyone criticizes me, I want to emphasize that not all the photos chosen for this article correspond to images of small bathrooms; many are of medium or large size. However, they are very illustrative in explaining each of the ideas.

Regardless of the size, the most important thing, above all, is the distribution in small bathroom designs to achieve a harmonious and functional space, as well as its plans.

Therefore, whether you are about to renovate your home or want to make the most of the existing bath, I advise you to hire an architect or builder who can create bathroom plans with measurements or 3D models. They will help you visualize and optimize the space, however small it is, even in bathrooms under stairs.

Small bathroom color ideas

The first piece of advice within these ideas for small bathrooms is quite well-known to everyone: make use of uniform colors, preferably neutral colors such as gray, white, beige, black…

Unifying textures and materials creates a sense of spaciousness while also providing brightness, so consider using these paint color for a small bathroom, especially if you have a very small bathroom.

Avoid excessive finishes; it is advisable to use fewer than three. Place darker colors or tones on the lower part of the space, on the floor or low furniture. To prevent the final result from being bland or impersonal, pay special attention to small bathrooms decorating ideas. Decorate them with golden elements, pretty containers and sets, marble trays, wallpaper, rugs, and shelves.

All in one bathroom tile

Similarly, using the same material throughout the entire bath enhances the sense of spaciousness: same flooring and wall tiles, built-in furniture…

Microcement or polished concrete are very popular to use like small bathroom tile ideas, because they also enhance spatial continuity by eliminating joints between pieces.

In bathrooms with tiles, another interesting resource, which also creates a feeling of continuity, is to use the same tile on both the floor, shower and walls. This is also good if you need to be on a budget, use one material is cheaper to buy and cheap to install.

Shiny and embossed tiles

Shiny tiles add a modern touch and personality to spaces, both in bathrooms and kitchens. On the contrary, matte tiles bring serenity and elegance.

Both types of bathroom tiles are good options, but for small bathrooms, especially those with limited lighting, we advise using shiny tiles.

When you use a ceramic tile with glossy, natural or artificial light reflects on them, creating a space with more brightness, spaciousness, and clarity.

Choosing a bathroom sink with a reflective finish, such as polished stone, porcelain tile or embossed tiles, is also a good option when aiming for well-lit bathrooms. Simply using white or light-colored towels can achieve a similar effect.

Walk in shower

Another interior design technique to achieve spaciousness in a tiny bathroom or powder room is to use a shower with a seamless floor that blends with the rest of the bath. This is also known as a floor-level shower or walk in shower, and it is one of the best small shower ideas.

There is no physical separation of materials or steps, enhancing the sense of depth and continuity in the space. Additionally, it will appear more modern, clean, and integrated.

You will also gain functionality and practicality by eliminating the shower tray, as it prevents accidents and avoids the accumulation of dirt that often occurs in joints.

Custom bathroom vanity

Bathroom vanities from furniture shops can fit perfectly into your bathroom layout. However, for very small bathroom designs, it is advisable to seek the assistance of professional carpenters who can create a custom bathroom vanity, and it will be unique.

With the small bathroom storage ideas like this, you can utilize all the available space while tailoring it to your specific needs. It also helps avoid purchasing cabinets that are either too small or too large, which would not only result in inefficient use of space but also make the area appear smaller than it actually is.

Having a custom-made toilet or half bathroom allows you to enjoy special and unique details, such as an integrated bench for sitting while getting dressed.

While wood is the usual material for a modern bathroom vanities, there are actually numerous options: built-in bathroom storage made of cement or concrete, stone, metal…

Wall-mounted faucets

In very small bathrooms, it is common to use narrower sinks to have more free space in the area. However, small sinks may be uncomfortable for some people.

One possible solution is to use wall-mounted bathroom faucets. By using built-in faucets on the wall of the sink, we free up unused space that we can utilize to install a larger vanity.

Floating vanity

You may have noticed in the images of small bathrooms we have been showing throughout the article, in a small bathroom, the smartest thing to do is to use wall-mounted vanity, also floating bathroom shelves, wall-hung toilet, floating sink and cabinets…

By freeing up the floor space, the small bathroom appears larger, and furthermore, the floating vanities give a sense of lightness. It is also advisable to eliminate handles from drawers and doors and opt for push designs, so that the space looks as seamless as possible.

Bathroom shelves

Believe it or not, the bathroom organization can be utilized more than you think. Every nook, corner, recessed area, spaces between pillars, behind the doors… in each of these places, you can add bathroom storage in the form of cabinets, bathroom shelves, drawers, shower corner shelf, racks for towels, space saver or stand.

To address these areas, you have two options: design custom-made furniture or purchase a specialized bathroom organizer for each zone, such as the famous Home Depot and IKEA bathroom storage. Here you have some bathroom shelves ideas.

No matter how small the space you gain, it will serve you to store creams, makeup, towels, or toilet paper.

Alternatively, you can use it to add bathroom decorations; not everything is about increase storage! Placing bathroom shelves for plants, flowers, air freshener diffusers, or candles that enhance comfort in the bath is also very important.

Over the toilet storage

One of the most usable spaces in the bath is the wall area above the toilet. In the previous idea, you saw some bathroom shelf over the toilet, but there’s a much cleaner and elegant way to add storage in this area, a built-in furniture, a cabinet above the toilet.

If you’re considering replacing your WC with a wall-hung toilet with a flush button, you’ll need extra space within the wall, usually constructed with drywall, to embed the water tank or cistern.

However, the top part remains free. This is where we can take advantage and build an over toilet cabinet, decorative bathroom shelves, or racks.

And even though it may seem expensive and like a lot of work at first, installing a wall-hung toilet is very simple, quick, and cost-effective.

At home improvement retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware or Menards, you can purchase packages that include the wall-hung toilet, the concealed cistern, and the flush button for less than 250 dollars.

Shower niches

Now, where to place the wet bottles in the shower? The best option is the shower niches, which, although require some construction work, are the most convenient for storing shampoo, shower gel, and all the bathroom accessories you use.

If you search for bathroom pictures, you will find these shower shelves available in all sizes and shapes, typically square-shaped cavities, although there are also wall-to-wall ones or built-in shelves. Here you have some shower niches ideas.

Uses baskets, boxes and stools

As we have mentioned, the most important thing in small bathrooms is for them to be functional and practical. Many of the ideas we have presented require renovations, changing furniture, or a bathroom remodel, but if you are renting or don’t want to invest money, they might not be a viable option for you.

In that case, we recommend using wicker baskets, wooden or plastic boxes, and even small stools. They can serve in various ways: as drawer and bathroom organizers, or as auxiliary furniture. But also, is one of the best small bathroom decorating ideas.

Use them under the sink cabinet or in corners to store clean towels, toilet paper, or as a laundry hamper. And of course, as decorative bathroom baskets – cheap and beautiful idea for small bathrooms on a budget!

Frameless shower doors or enclosure

Frameless shower enclosures are composed solely of glass anchored to the wall. People usually choose them for minimalists and small modern bathroom design.

However, their features go far beyond aesthetics. Being completely a transparent glass shower door without frames, promote a sense of spaciousness in the bathroom, eliminating visual barriers.

Half-wall shower or pony wall

And while frameless shower enclosures help visually amplify the space, we should consider whether it is more convenient to have walk-in shower with half-wall and glass, especially if we don’t have more walls in the bathroom.

This wall will provide us with a place to install outlets, hooks, and towel racks at its lower part while preserving the glass in the upper area of the pony wall to illuminate the shower tray area.

Properly employed, they can be a clever shower ideas for small bathrooms that you probably hadn’t considered. In the following bathroom photos, you’ll notice that a shower wall is built till the ceiling, even though it may seem to reduce brightness.

In the first case, there wasn’t enough space on the front wall to place the sink. However, it was wide enough to create a dividing wall. Similarly, in the second bathroom design, there wasn’t a spot for the shower, and it also provides privacy to the toilet.

Bathroom mirrors

It is well known that mirrors help visually amplify spaces. We use this resource continuously in entryways, living rooms, and bedrooms.

In bathrooms, mirrors are always present to allow us to check ourselves while combing our hair or applying makeup. However, if you also want to enhance the size of the bathroom, you should consider using bathroom mirrors different from the ones you are thinking of right now.

Opt for those that cover the entire front area of the sink, even entire walls replacing tiles. It’s also a good idea to place standing mirrors, which not only visually expand the space but also serve as decorative elements.

Bathroom lighting ideas

Many of the ideas for small bathrooms that we have given you are aimed at achieving more brightness and, therefore, visual spaciousness. Therefore, one of the tasks you should not overlook is the bathroom lighting, whether natural or artificial.

First and most importantly, enhance natural light. Avoid placing elements in front of the window, such as towel racks or curtains.

Regarding artificial lighting, use neutral-colored LED lights. Avoid bulky wall sconces and pendant lamps, as they take up a lot of space and make a small bathroom appear even smaller. Finally, add complementary lighting with LED strips under the cabinets, on shelves, or around mirrors.

The lighting is not only to illuminate, but also to improve aesthetically the spaces, in fact it is one of the most used resources in small bathroom decor ideas, when you don’t have space to put decoration, light is decor.

Uses a glass door or glass walls

I’m aware that this idea is not for everyone; that’s why it’s the 15+1. Using a glass wall or a sliding glass door works great to gain space and brightness in a small bathroom.

I don’t want to encourage you to have a fully transparent door, but perhaps you can consider installing a translucent or frosted door if the space on the other side of the door is a bedroom, dressing room, closet, or hallway, especially if you live with your partner.

If you’re bold or have a high level of confidence with your family, go for it with glass walls for bathrooms! It is a really cute bathroom idea.

I hope these ideas for beautiful, modern, and elegant small bathroom ideas help you maximize the potential of yours, no matter how small it may be, even in a extra small bathroom. Gain bathroom storage, illuminate, and decorate intelligently, simply and affordably.

If you have any questions or need advice, feel free to write them in the comments or visit the following articles. ¡Don’t forget to save your favorite small bathroom pictures on your Pinterest boards!