Designing your home is crucial for maximizing its functionality, regardless of the space available. Whether you have a large or small home, optimizing it for your family and lifestyle is key to achieving an effective and beautiful space.
Small bathrooms can be just as organized and stylish as larger ones, with the right design approach. Here are 20 brilliant small bathroom storage ideas that will inspire you to make the most of your limited space.
1. Add a Skirt to Your Sink: If a storage vanity isn’t an option in your small bathroom, consider adding a sink skirt. This not only adds texture and pattern to your space but also provides hidden storage for extra toilet paper or hand towels. For a DIY tutorial, visit Marian Parsons on Miss Mustard Seed.
2. Try a Wall-Mounted Cabinet: Instead of large-scale storage solutions, opt for a wall-mounted cabinet. Designer Meta Coleman used an empty corner for a custom cabinet that fits perfectly into the space.
3. Install a Floating Sink: When space is limited, consider a floating sink design. This modern touch frees up floor space for storage baskets, garbage bins, or towel warmers.
4. Hang a Custom Shower Curtain: Bring design and whimsy to your small bathroom with a custom shower curtain and cornice, like the one created by Jennifer Griffin of Dimples and Tangles.
5. Choose a Bold Stone: Make a statement with your sink by choosing a custom marble countertop with unique colors or veining, as seen in this powder room by designer Heidi Woodman.
06 of 21. Opt for a Glass Shower Enclosure by Manhattan Steel Door Co. When it comes to small bathroom ideas that make your space feel larger and more functional, look for ways to maximize the light. Many small bathrooms have a single source of natural light, so it’s important not to impede it. This shower in a project by Garrison Foundry uses an all-glass door from Manhattan Steel Door Co. to let light from the interior window flood the rest of the space.
07 of 21. Reuse an Antique Piece by Danielle Herrett for Candlewood Cottage. Pro tip: Antique furniture often has smaller footprints and is a great idea for small bathrooms. Instead of a traditional vanity, look for an antique cabinet or washstand that can be retrofitted with plumbing. Danielle Herrett of Candlewood Cottage found a piece like this that gives a unique look and better fits a snug space. 08 of 21. Lean Into Maximalism by Read McKendree / JBSA for Katie Rosenfeld & Co. When designing a small space, you might think quiet choices are better. But for a powder room, maximalism can be fun. This charming bathroom by Katie Rosenfeld features designer wallpaper, a custom sink skirt, bespoke artwork, and antique details. 09 of 21. Caddy Corner Your Sink by Mallory Lunke for Plural Design Studio. No free wall space? No problem! In a small bathroom, creativity is key. This powder room by Mallory Lunke of Plural Design Studio puts the sink in the corner, allowing room for a toilet, mirror, and other items. 10 of 21. Hang a Playful Wallpaper by Julia Dags for McNell Interiors. Consider your small bathroom an excuse for fun. One way is with a playful wallpaper. Here, Whitney McNell of McNell Interiors hung a feline-covered wallpaper for a cheeky touch. 11 of 21. Continue Your Tile Up the Wall by Kasia Fiszer for K. Space Interiors. For a synergetic, modern bathroom, carry the same tile from the floor to the backsplash. Designer Krystyna Martin-Dominguez did this for a serene, waterproof space. 12 of 21. When In Doubt, Go Custom by Kerry Kirk for Baxter Design. Sometimes, a custom solution can make a big difference in a room’s functionality.If you’re dealing with a small bathroom that has an unusual shape or unique use, custom finishes might be your best bet. Designer Missy Baxter of Baxter Design leveled up a snug powder room with a custom fluted vanity designed to fill a small corner and maximize counter space. Incorporate playful accessories. Who says a toilet paper holder can’t be beautiful? In a small space, every detail matters. Designer Whitney McNell had fun with color in a Connecticut space, where towel rack, toilet paper holder, and towel hook coordinated with the room’s contrast trim. Take advantage of the space above the toilet. When storage is at a premium, no surface can go untouched. Jamin and Ashley Mills of The Handmade Home installed floating shelves above their toilet for extra storage. Don’t forget about decor. While focusing on small bathroom ideas, don’t push personality aside. Christina Gerstner of White Pepper Vintage decorated the cabinet above her toilet with collectibles and practical items. Stick to a unifying color scheme. The right color palette can tie a space together. Natasha Burton of NB Interiors used a moody navy blue color scheme to make a small bathroom feel larger. Add a funky mirror. If you’re looking for a place to add fun, consider the mirror. In this bathroom by Amber Guyton, the curvy mirror contrasts with the geometric wallpaper. Go crazy with color. A small bathroom is a great place to be bold with eye-catching wall designs and matching towels, like in another of Guyton’s bathrooms.
The gorgeous wallpaper sets the drama which continues to the hand towels and accent bowl with playful, colorful maximalism.
19of 21 Install Shutters DESIGN: The Brownstone Boys, PHOTO: @christiantorresphotography This bathroom, designed by @brownstoneboys, has so many unique elements, from the painting, to the plants, to the iron curtain rod, but what jumps out first are the beautiful wooden shutters. They’re super customizable and give the bathroom a light, airy element. 20of 21 Install Mural Wallpaper Jewel Marlowe Mural wallpapers are fairly uncommon, so using one will draw immediate attention to the space. Designed by Jewel Marlowe, this wallpaper in this bathroom brings a ton of drama. 21of 21 Add Art Deco Wallpaper Nothing says Hollywood glam like a powder room, so there’s no better place to go Art Deco. The easiest, and biggest, way to do this is with wallpaper. This bathroom by Amber Guyton speaks to the classy, vintage grace of the aesthetic. Frequently Asked Questions What color should I paint a small bathroom to make it look larger? It’s generally assumed that white paint makes a space look larger—and while that is true, it’s not your only option when looking to make a small bathroom seem more expansive. Instead, consider a variety of hues—including darker shades—that play up the most impressive features of your space, whether that’s its long and narrow footprint or a specialty ceiling treatment. What type of tile makes a room look larger? If you’re looking to make a small bathroom appear larger and are turning to tile as one of your finishes, look to incorporate the largest tile format size possible, especially when it comes to your floors. The fewer grout lines you see, the better! If going big isn’t an option, aim to choose a grout color that blends in with your tile pick, rather than contrasts. This will lead to less visual clutter for the eye, resulting in a brighter and airier space. What flooring color and style will make my small bathroom look bigger? Subtle picks like limestone, marble, and subway tile are usually a sure bet when it comes to choosing a floor that will make your small bathroom appear larger. Stay away from any floor tiles that boast an oversized pattern, which can compete in the space for attention and add to visual clutter. If you do want to go with a bold flooring pick, opt for simpler finishes throughout the rest of the room to maximize perceived space. 55 Kitchen Backsplash Tile Ideas You Should Bookmark for Your Next Renovation Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit
