Introduction
Are you remodeling your small bathroom and looking for Small Bathroom Ideas? You’re at the right place! Bathroom trends are accelerating at a faster pace than ever. Designing your bathroom is one of the innovative ways to add self-expression, personality, and wellness.
We know it’s quite challenging to design your small bathrooms functionally. There’s much to consider, from trending colors and bathroom fittings to cabinet styles and flooring choices. Let us walk you through 30 small bathroom ideas for the most admired remodeling. We’ve researched and gathered top choices from major design experts and publications.
So, let’s dive right in!
30 Small Bathroom Ideas
Discover a huge list of trending small bathroom ideas and get a major refresh for a futuristic, modern, and blissful bathroom space.
Keep Your Colors Light and Bright
Colours like soft blue, light green, pale yellow, lavender, creamy white, aqua, and blush pink create a serene and warm feeling. The light colour hues also reflect natural light from the windows.
Mix and match such accents to create a cohesive and energetic bathroom design. They also make the area feel more spacious and allow maximum light entrance.
Hang the Mirror on a Wall
Hanging a mirror on a wall is one of the aesthetic accent pieces you can add to your bathroom decor. Plus, the potential of the mirror to reflect light also makes your space look brighter and inviting.
You can add unique elements to make this a great statement piece. You can go for antique framed mirrors like rustic wood or sleek metal. Or, you can opt for trending, unusually shaped mirrors like a hexagon or a starburst.
Space-Saving Wall-Mounted Sinks
A wall-hung basin is a practical and flexible choice in small bathroom ideas. You will often find this chic styling in ultra-modern luxury hotels. So, you can display your contemporary bathroom with a luxurious touch with this unique idea (and this is how to make a small bathroom look luxurious!).
As the name says, small bathroom vanity ideas are also a space-saving option, unlike the bathroom vanity, which takes up a huge amount of space. It also offers you the flexibility to choose among tons of designs available.
Space-Saving Compact Toilets
Space-saving toilets come with maximum functionality with zero compromises on enhancing comfort and modern living. It is an ideal design to implement in guest bathrooms, urban apartments, or powder rooms with premium space.
They are designed in back-to-wall and wall-hung models with functional, intricate details. They also have innovative and hygienic water systems to spread water evenly across the bowl.
Creative Shower-Tub Combos
It is a great styling in tight bathrooms that need both a bathtub and a shower. These small bathroom ideas are space-efficient and cost-effective designs with tons of variants you can go for.
You can decorate this bathroom styling with different elements, including matching your shower curtain to the floor, adding a heated towel rack, accent wall, or bath mat, or using unique tiles.
Backlit the Mirror
Backlit mirrors make your bathroom appear larger and more open. The light surrounding the mirror eliminates harsh shadows and reflects light around the room, creating an illusion of more space.
Plus, it can instantly transform a simple space into a luxurious retreat. You can try around with unusual-shaped mirrors, unlike the conventional rectangular or circular mirrors. Another creative idea is to use small bathroom lighting ideas, such as purple glow, dark red, etc.
Try Open Shelving
The resistance to making your bathroom space look boxed lets us consider the idea of open shelving. They also help preserve your airy and spacious ambience that is left after decorating the space with custom mirrors.
You can display an attractive stack of plush towels, a collection of pretty soaps, bath salts, or a vase of fresh flowers. The open concept of shelves further helps you curate only the essential items and eliminate unnecessary in your already small bathroom ideas.
Choose a Patterned Floor
Patterns can create an illusion of depth and dimension in the bathroom. Whether you prefer bold geometric patterns, classic herringbone, or intricate mosaics, a pattern suits every taste and design preference.
They are also a practical choice for high-traffic bathrooms as they can be more forgiving when showing dirt, stains, and wear. For those who love a touch of luxury, a patterned floor can evoke the feel of a high-end spa.
Choose a large-format tile
A large format tile can have an edge of 15+ inches, unlike the traditional 12-inch tiles, considered large tiles a decade ago. These tiles have many benefits, such as lower maintenance, minimal grout lines and a modern, seamless look.
They also create the illusion of more space in your bathroom. Thanks to modern technology, they are available in various designs and materials.
Choose a herringbone pattern
The herringbone pattern, characterized by its V-shaped weave, instantly adds a sophisticated look to any small bathroom. It can make a bathroom appear more dynamic and inviting, even in small spaces.
These tiles have been used since the Roman era when they were used to build roads. Some popular design ideas include laying a strip of 45-degree herringbone tiles, 90-degree herringbone shower tiles with visible grout lines, black mosaic tiles with a herringbone pattern, etc.
Install a Large Mirror on the wall
Installation of the right mirrors on bathroom walls can elevate walls, enhance natural light, and contribute a sense of spaciousness. Large bathroom mirrors also seem to be oblivious to passing trends.
You can also consider installing smart mirrors with Bluetooth connectivity and touchscreens to add an innovative touch. You can also incorporate mirrors with storage behind them to save a ton of space.
Add a Skylight
Skylights are among great small bathroom ideas if you want abundant natural light in your bathroom. They are also energy-efficient by reducing the need for artificial lighting.
You can install skylights with open and closing functions to ensure privacy. Also, they are often installed high in the ceiling to secure your bathroom intimacy.
Hang Art Vertically
Source: Pinterest
Whether it’s painted, framed, or sculptured wall art, you can instantly create an inspiring zone in your bathroom. You can install posters as they come at a fraction of the cost.
And, ensure to have proper ventilation in your bathroom if you want to hang wooden framed wall art. Check if your sculpture with wall decor art can handle your bathroom’s humidity if you want to hang it!
Curve the Vanity
One of the ways you can embrace curves in your bathroom is by curving the edges of your vanity. It allows a softer space with added femininity. You can also install a rounded sink with fixtures to enhance visual impact.
The absence of harshed angles makes the bathroom look more inviting and harmonious. Curved designs fit better into tight or awkward spaces, making the bathroom feel less cramped.
Choose a Bright Color
Bright colours can be great mood boosters in your small bathrooms. These small bathroom ideas also enhance the effect of natural light and bring more vibrancy and liveliness to the space.
Some stylish and modern bright colour combinations for your bathroom include crisp white & sunny yellow; coral & neutral beige; grey tiles & aqua walls; bright teal & soft white; and peach & light grey, etc.
Choose a Neutral Tone colour
Choose neutral tones far from boring, such as saturated grey shades, brown & wood tones, black subway tiles with white marble sinks, weathered wood tones, and white walls with dark flooring.
These neutral, small bathroom colour schemes offer timeless and classic combinations. Use styling elements like string lights or lanterns to boost your bathroom’s calming feel further.
Choose Bold Accent Walls
Source: Pinterest
Bold accent walls are energetic and add a contrasting focal point to your bathroom. Patterned graphic tiles in black and white colour are great to start with. Adding bold colours to your bathroom wall is the simplest and fastest way to create accent walls.
Or, you can go for black and white stone accent walls, ceiling wallpaper accents in bold colours, patterned tile niches, etc. Interior Impressions’ interior designer Amy Leferink also suggested the addition of wood tile accent walls for warmth and texture in your bathroom.
Use Light Color Palettes
It’s an ideal option for minimalism lovers. You can use light colour palettes like white and light brown for your small bathroom ideas. The light colour combinations keep the bathroom space grounded while also creating a sense of maximum space.
The blushing powder pink, white, and green combination also creates a pleasant bathroom space. Or, you can try colour palettes combining one lighter colour with a bold colour, like olive green with white.
Recessed Cabinets
Source: Pinterest
Recessed cabinets are space-saving options that blend well with contemporary and traditional bathroom schemes. They are built into walls and are economical, especially in small bathrooms where every inch counts.
These cabinets also contribute to a minimalist design, which is quite popular in contemporary bathroom styles. Their clean lines and hidden nature blend seamlessly with modern decor.
Create Pocket Doors
Source: Pinterest
A pocket door disappears into a compartment when opened. Thus, it could be your ideal design for saving floor space, especially in small bathrooms. It’s also cost-effective to save your bathroom space and add modernity.
Some of the small bathroom ideas according to this style include:
- En Suite Enigma (contains mirrored or glass door that slides out of sight).
- Cloakroom cavity door (includes cavity sliding door for downstairs toilet).
- Bigger bathroom style (for bathrooms that open onto a narrow landing).
Choose a Fun Wallpaper
Source: Pinterest
Whether it’s a playful pattern, quirky illustrations, or amusing quotes, it can make anyone smile and lighten the mood. It also stands out and creates a memorable experience for guests.
Yet, you must ensure the wallpaper quality must handle your bathroom’s moist environment. And use extra strong wallpaper adhesive. You can use decorators varnish over your wallpaper to add protection further.
Go With a Sliding Door
Sliding doors aren’t just modern but also provide you with a ton of benefits. They are space-saving, easy to clean, resist water spillage, and are customizable. One of the innovative designs you can start with is the glass partition sliding door.
Choose Compact Pieces
Adding small vintage statement pieces can display a sense of personality and elegance in your bathroom. So, you can add glided framed mirrors or scones as a focal point.
Then, adding the translucent shades in windows further complements your aesthetic and functional needs. For instance, you can use rattan shades for texture and warmth in your bathroom.
Take on Tile
Use large tiles for the bathroom as a modern take! These tiles have recently emerged as a sought-after and fashionable interior design element. Or, you can pair large slabs of symmetrical marble with contrasting, simple tiles (such as terracotta floor tiles).
Choose monochrome tiles for an artistic touch. Another trending colour combination for the bathroom is brown ochre. It features warm brown tiles with golden undertones, and thus, here to stay in power.
Opt for a Glass Shower Door
Want your bathroom renovation to be too designer? Opt for glass shower enclosures with pretty glass shower curtains! You can install archway glass shower doors to separate your toilet area, as designed by Heidi Caillier for this bathroom.
These small bathroom shower designs also ensure that water remains in them. Ensure the glass thickness ranges between ⅜-inches to ½-inches. This thickness gives your small bathroom ideas a luxe and expensive feel and is super effective.
Use Brass Hardware
Brushed brass hardware was a staple of 80’s interior design, famed for its opulent and luxurious appearance. We’re experiencing its resurgence in 2024 as interior designers admire the significance of this metal.
The metal is also known for its resistance and resilience to tarnish. According to Michelle Boudreau Design, using it sparingly in your modern bathroom design is a wise decision. You can then incorporate accents (like soap dispensers or toothbrush holders) once you have installed a few key brass hardware.
Don’t Forget Plants
Adding plants to your bathroom also offers health benefits such as air purification and reduction in humidity. You can incorporate many varieties, including tropical stunners, hanging plants, etc.
Yet, it’s crucial to consider their adaptability to certain environmental conditions before choosing the right plant. Some great choices include dracaena, snake plants, ferns, moth orchids, spider plants, and peaceful lilies.
Build a Dark Shower
Use matte black tiles for the walls and floors to build dark showers. Or, you can opt for charcoal grey tiles for a lighter shade that maintains a dark and moody atmosphere.
Another great small bathroom idea is using metallic accents to build dark showers. Use gold, brass, or copper fixtures (showerheads, faucets, towel racks) to add elegance and warmth.
Add Bluetooth Speakers
You can opt for waterproof Bluetooth speakers to listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks and enjoy the soothing ambience while getting ready. Bluetooth speakers provide entertainment for those who enjoy long baths or showers, making the experience more pleasant.
Mount the speakers in areas where they are least likely to get wet but still provide good sound coverage. Corners or high up on the walls are ideal locations.
Add Smart Showers
Add smart showers to innovate your showering experience with digital! They also let you control water volume, outlet selection, and temperature.
It’s all about convenience and personalization when implementing smart showers. You can set timers, stop or start showers remotely, access voice commands, save presets, and schedule showers.
Conclusion
This blog proves that whatever square footage your bathroom contains, you can make every design feature feel more aesthetic with carefully curated touches. With these 30 expert-approved small bathroom ideas, finding your ideal bathroom remodelling inspiration has become easier.
In this guide, we have unpacked each style, from sustainable options and minimalist techniques, to integrated technology and natural materials. Embrace the latest trends, get inspired, and make your bathroom reflect your style.
FAQs
What are the best colours for small bathrooms?
It’s best to go with colours that reflect natural light in small bathrooms and create an illusion of more space. The ideal options include soft white, light grey, beige, light blue, pale green, etc.
How can I make my small bathroom look bigger?
Go for all-white interiors, choose large format tiles, use more internal LEDs and mirrors, or maximize the flooring space with pockets or sliding doors to make any bathroom appear bigger.
What are some affordable small bathroom ideas?
Simply renovating your bathroom by replacing tiles can be an economical option. Or, you can just add some metallic elements like brass toothbrush holders or soap dispensers if you’re too tight on budget to renovate the entire bathroom.
How do I incorporate storage into a small bathroom?
Using bathroom vanities or mirrors with storage behind are two common bathroom storage options.
What are the most popular small bathroom trends for 2024?
Minimalistic designs, using bold colours, patterned tiles, compact fixtures, brass hardware, statement lighting, glass shower enclosures, and incorporating hi-tech features such as smart mirrors, smart showers, and Bluetooth speakers all contribute towards trending bathroom designs for 2024.
How to make a small bathroom look elegant?
Choosing an attractive colour palette, incorporating mirrors, soft lighting, and metallic accents, and adding elegant bathroom fixtures (such as brass hardware and some metal elements) are innovative ways to make your bathroom look more elegant.
How to choose the best tiles for a small bathroom?
You can opt for light-coloured, patterned, herringbone, or larger tiles and use tiles that match your floor and wall. You can also try subway tiles that give a sense of space and are great for small bathrooms.
What are some best shower designs for small bathrooms?
Some trending designs include walk-in showers, rainfall showerheads, glass enclosures, sliding doors, curbless showers, and compact shower trays.
