24 Very Small Bathroom Ideas
When you’re dealing with a tiny bathroom, it can feel like trying to play Tetris with towels, toiletries, and tiles all competing for space.
I’ve been there myself—I once lived in an apartment where you could sit on the toilet, wash your hands, and reach for the shampoo in the shower all without moving.
And yet, small doesn’t have to mean uncomfortable or unappealing. With the right ideas, a small bathroom can actually feel bigger, smarter, and surprisingly luxurious.
1. Use Light Colors to Create Illusion of Space
Light colors act like magic in small bathrooms. Whites, soft grays, and pastels reflect more light, making the room feel airier and less cramped. Dark shades, on the other hand, shrink the space visually.
In my first rental apartment, I painted my bathroom walls a pale blue, and suddenly it felt like stepping into a mini spa rather than a closet-sized room.
According to real estate staging experts, homes with light-toned bathrooms often sell 7–10% faster because they instantly appear more open and inviting. So if you’re repainting, go light and keep accessories simple to complement it.
2. Install a Floating Vanity
A floating vanity doesn’t just look sleek—it frees up valuable floor space. When you can see more floor, the room automatically feels bigger. Plus, it gives you a spot to tuck a basket underneath for towels or cleaning supplies.
I once swapped a bulky sink cabinet for a floating vanity, and the difference was night and day. Suddenly, cleaning the floor was easier too—no more dust bunnies hiding in corners.
3. Swap Swing Doors for Sliding Ones
Traditional swing doors eat up too much space in small bathrooms. A sliding barn door or pocket door solves this instantly. These doors glide open without blocking space or creating awkward movement around them.
Data shows that pocket doors can free up to 10 square feet in small bathrooms—precious real estate when you barely have any to spare.
4. Go Vertical with Storage
When you can’t spread out, go upward. Install shelves above the toilet, wall-mounted cabinets, or even a narrow ladder shelf. By stacking storage vertically, you free up counter space and keep things looking organized instead of cluttered.
My favorite trick? A tall, slim shelving unit where I stack rolled towels hotel-style. It looks chic and saves drawer space.
5. Use Large Mirrors to Expand the Space
A large mirror is the oldest trick in the book, but it works. Mirrors double the perception of space by reflecting light and visuals. The bigger, the better—think wall-to-wall mirrors or even mirrored cabinets.
A study by Houzz found that 78% of homeowners renovating small bathrooms install oversized mirrors for this exact reason. It’s a small change with a big payoff.
6. Opt for Wall-Mounted Toilets
Wall-mounted toilets save serious space. They free up floor area, making the bathroom look less crowded. Plus, the tank is hidden behind the wall, giving a sleek and modern vibe.
While they cost more to install initially, they’re a game-changer if you want to maximize every inch.
7. Replace the Bathtub with a Walk-In Shower
A bathtub takes up too much room in a small bathroom. A walk-in shower with clear glass doors instantly creates an open, breezy feel. Frameless glass especially removes barriers and makes the bathroom feel double its size.
Stats show that 73% of small bathroom remodels replace tubs with showers because they’re more practical and free up tons of space.
8. Install Recessed Shelving
Instead of bulky cabinets that jut out, consider recessed shelving built directly into the walls. They’re perfect for shampoos, soaps, or even decorative items without intruding into your precious floor space.
In my own bathroom makeover, recessed niches in the shower wall gave me room for all my products without cluttering up the tub edges.
9. Add Glass Instead of Shower Curtains
Shower curtains chop up a small bathroom and make it feel boxed in. Clear glass partitions or doors open up the room, letting light flow through.
If privacy is a concern, you can use frosted or textured glass—it keeps things light and airy while still giving you coverage.
10. Choose Compact Fixtures
Today’s market is full of space-saving sinks, toilets, and vanities designed specifically for small bathrooms. Corner sinks, pedestal sinks, or slimline toilets take up much less room without sacrificing function.
When I swapped to a compact vanity in a guest bathroom, guests immediately noticed how much more open it felt, even though the change was just a few inches in size.
11. Maximize Natural Light
If you have a window, keep it uncovered or use frosted glass to maintain privacy without blocking daylight. Natural light not only makes the bathroom feel bigger but also improves mood.
A survey by HomeLight found that homes with brighter bathrooms sell 6% faster—proof that light plays a huge role in how we perceive space.
12. Add Built-In Storage Behind Mirrors
Mirrored medicine cabinets are a small bathroom’s best friend. They give you hidden storage without eating up wall space. It’s like having a secret closet right where you need it most.
I keep my skincare products tucked inside mine, and it keeps counters free from clutter while still being easily accessible.
13. Use Pocket or Corner Sinks
Corner sinks are one of the smartest solutions for small bathrooms. They fit neatly into unused areas, leaving the center of the room clear. Pocket sinks—slim, rectangular sinks—work wonders too.
This tiny tweak can free up enough space to move comfortably without bumping into the sink every time you turn.
14. Hang Hooks Instead of Towel Bars
Towel bars require wall space, but hooks can be hung anywhere—even on the back of doors. They hold more towels, robes, and accessories while saving space.
I swapped my towel bar for hooks in my small bathroom, and now I can hang three towels in the same area where one used to fit.
15. Add a Niche for Toiletries in the Shower
Instead of caddies or shelves that stick out, a built-in shower niche is seamless and space-efficient. It’s both practical and stylish.
In fact, in a survey by Houzz, 67% of bathroom remodels included recessed niches because of their functionality.
16. Go for Frameless Doors
Frameless glass shower doors keep sightlines open and reduce bulk. They give a minimalist, spa-like look without the clutter of frames.
This was one of the most impactful changes I made in my bathroom renovation—the room suddenly felt twice its size.
17. Use Multipurpose Furniture
Think vanities with drawers, mirrors with storage, or benches with hidden compartments. Dual-purpose furniture is essential in very small bathrooms.
It’s like having a Swiss Army knife in bathroom form—everything works harder without taking up more room.
18. Stick to a Minimalist Approach
When space is limited, clutter becomes the enemy. Stick to the essentials and keep decor minimal. A single plant, one piece of art, or a clean countertop can go a long way.
Less stuff = more space. It’s that simple.
19. Add Vertical Tiling
Tiles laid vertically draw the eye upward, making ceilings feel taller. This simple design trick creates the illusion of more height, perfect for cramped spaces.
I once re-tiled a bathroom with subway tiles running vertically, and the ceiling suddenly felt a full foot taller.
20. Use Foldable or Pull-Out Features
Fold-down shower benches, retractable mirrors, or pull-out hampers maximize space when needed but tuck away neatly when not.
Think of it like a Murphy bed—but for your bathroom.
21. Opt for Clear Storage Jars
Instead of bulky boxes, use clear containers or jars to organize cotton balls, q-tips, and other small items. They keep things neat and visible without adding visual clutter.
This small hack makes your counters look organized and intentional rather than messy.
22. Play with Reflective Surfaces
Glossy tiles, chrome fixtures, and reflective finishes bounce light around, making the bathroom feel bigger. It’s like turning your space into a mini house of mirrors—in a good way.
23. Try Wall Niches Instead of Cabinets
Wall niches for toiletries or even toilet paper free up floor space. They’re modern, functional, and less bulky than cabinets sticking out.
If you’re renovating, definitely consider adding one or two.
24. Keep the Floor Clear
The golden rule of small bathrooms: the more floor you can see, the bigger it feels. Keep hampers, bins, and baskets off the ground and opt for wall-mounted solutions wherever possible.
In my own bathroom, ditching the floor hamper in favor of a wall-mounted laundry bag made the whole space instantly more breathable.
Conclusion on 24 Very Small Bathroom Ideas
A very small bathroom doesn’t have to feel like a cramped afterthought. With the right ideas—like light colors, floating vanities, recessed storage, and clear glass—you can make even the tiniest space feel open and functional. The key is to maximize vertical space, minimize clutter, and let in as much light as possible.
I’ve learned from my own tiny bathroom struggles that small doesn’t mean limiting—it just means you have to be smarter with your choices. Think of your bathroom as a puzzle: each piece has to fit just right. With these 24 ideas, you’ll not only solve the puzzle but also create a space that feels intentional, stylish, and surprisingly roomy.
