40+ Stylish Small Bathroom Remodel Ideas

By: Andrew Saladino | 8 min

Remodeling a tiny bathroom is no small project. It takes careful planning and finesse to pack all the storage, amenities, and fixtures you need into a postage stamp-sized space. But even the most petite bathroom can be transformed into a spa-like getaway with a few designer tips and tricks.

From compact corner sinks to tiled optical illusions, these small bathroom remodel ideas won't have you trading style for utility during your next bathroom renovation.

1. Install a Sleek Pedestal Sink

If you're renovating a bathroom that won't see much normal use, skip the bulky vanity. A sleek pedestal sink can make a tiny guest bathroom feel bigger by freeing up both physical and visual space. You won't have the cabinet storage or countertop space a traditional vanity would offer, but you can add over-the-toilet storage or open wall shelves to house spare hand towels, toilet paper rolls, and a candle or two.

2. Put in a Pocket Door

Pocket doors are a crafty solution to free up valuable space in your small bathroom. A swing door may be difficult to maneuver through in a tight space, and the room they need to swing open and closed is essentially useless. Pocket doors create a completely clear opening while also freeing up walkways and wall space.

3. Brighten up the Space With Light Colors

One designer rule of thumb is to use light, bright colors to make a small space seem bigger. Colors like powder blue, sage, white, light gray, and tan reflect the most light, creating the illusion of a larger space. Plus, these soothing colors can help create a spa-like environment perfect for pampering.

4. Utilize Over-the-Toilet Storage

Lacking space for all your extra towels and toiletries? An over-the-toilet shelving unit is an easy budget-friendly storage solution for a small bathroom. Pair with trendy baskets and glass storage containers to complement a sophisticated bathroom design.

5. Add Depth With Dark Colors

Light colors aren't the only options for sleek, modern bathrooms. Some designers go the complete opposite route and opt for colors like black and charcoal to add depth to a small space. High-gloss, super dark colors work especially well in small bathrooms that lack natural light. If you don't want to commit to an entirely dark bathroom, paint the longest wall in your bathroom black to emphasize the length and make it appear larger.

6. Mirror an Entire Wall

If you're looking for a simple small bathroom remodel idea to make your tiny bathroom seem larger, opt for an extra large mirror -- preferably one that takes up your entire bathroom wall. Mirrors and other highly reflective surfaces are often used in small spaces to reflect light across the room, making the space seem bigger and brighter.

7. Choose a Glass Shower Door

Shower curtains can visually obstruct a large portion of your bathroom and make it seem more cramped. Clear glass shower doors are a sleek solution to make your small bathroom seem more open and airy. For the most streamlined look, choose frameless glass shower doors to limit all visual obstructions between your shower and the rest of the bathroom.

8. Or Forgo the Door

One of the most innovative small bathroom remodel ideas within the past few years has been the doorless shower. This design allows for a walk-in shower free of doors or curtains. It's a great solution for a small main or guest bathroom because the glass partition keeps the layout open and light while the doorless design allows easy maneuvering in a tight space.

9. Construct a Half Wall

If you're willing to trade a bit of floor space for storage, a half wall is a chic way to add intrigue and functionality to your design. Constructing a wall halfway up an existing wall -- specifically the wall your vanity rests against -- provides the perfect ledge to store your toothbrush, lotions, and other small toiletries.

10. Make the Most of Wall Space

Speaking of walls, don't forget to use this extra space to your advantage. Wall shelves, hooks, towel racks, and wall-mounted faucets will help clear your counters and provide much-needed storage.

11. Opt for a Floating Vanity

If you're undergoing a modern small bathroom remodel, the ever-trendy floating vanity is ideal for small bathrooms and powder rooms. These wall-mounted vanities not only free up floor space but can actually make your bathroom look bigger by allowing the flooring to extend all the way to the wall. For an even sleeker design, choose frameless bathroom cabinets for your floating vanity.

12. Use Tiny Floor Tiles

Traditional small bathroom designs often shy away from busy patterns and textures, but tiny mosaic floor tiles in modern shapes like hexagons or circles can actually trick the eye into making the space seem larger. Glass mosaic tiles will also reflect light off the floors, creating the illusion of a deeper and wider room.

13. Or Choose Large Format Floor Tiles

On the contrary, large floor tiles can also make a tiny bathroom seem larger than life. We typically associate large tiles with large spaces, so seeing them in a smaller room leads us to think the space is bigger than it is. Add even more impact by continuing these XL tiles up your walls.

14. Open up the Space With Multiple Mirrors

In addition to your primary vanity mirror, accessorize with smaller mirrors to reflect even more light in your small bathroom. Create a collage of mirrors in different sizes and shapes, or place two mirrors opposite each other to give the illusion of an endless space.

15. Hang Shower Curtains From the Ceiling

You may have heard that the higher you hang your window curtains, the larger the room will appear. The same can be said about your shower curtain -- hanging your curtain rod from the ceiling is a simple budget-friendly small bathroom remodel idea to make your bathroom look and feel loftier. Plus, a ceiling-mounted shower curtain will add a touch of unexpected sophistication to your tiny bathroom.

16. Go Big With Large-scale Wallpaper

You might think you should stick to small prints for a small bathroom, but bigger is better when it comes to wallpaper. Medium- and large-scale prints you'd expect to find in larger rooms will trick the eye into believing your bathroom is roomier than it is. Neutral wallpapers with large designs or trending tropical wallpaper help add big personality to your tiny space.

17. Extend the Backsplash to the Shower

Unbroken lines help give any space the illusion of more depth. Use this design trick by installing the same tile for your backsplash, floor, and shower walls. The streamlined design effect will make your small bathroom feel larger and more modern.

18. Add a Shower Niche

Tiny showers and tubs can quickly become cluttered with shampoo bottles, loofahs, and razors. You could use a bulky shower organizer, but sacrificing the space in a small shower isn't always ideal. Instead, create a designated place for your shower essentials by incorporating a shower niche into your small bathroom remodel. Not only are shower niches functional, but they're an aesthetic choice that can be customized with splashes of color, patterned tiles, or unexpected shapes.

19. Strategically Place Your Towel Bar

Small bathroom remodel ideas are focused on maximizing every inch of space in your bathroom. When installing your hand towel bar or ring, the best spot might be the one least utilized, like the side of your vanity. This makes use of otherwise wasted space while simultaneously freeing up space in front of the sink or on the wall.

20. Consider a Corner Sink

If you're struggling to squeeze a vanity into your tiny bathroom layout, a corner sink may be the space-saving solution you're looking for. Designed to fit in tight corners, these compact sinks are perfect for powder rooms and small bathrooms. If you need more counter space, consider mounting soap dishes, cup holders, and shelves to maximize storage.

21. Keep Your Counters Clear With Closed Storage

Half-empty bottles and tubes scattered across your vanity can make even the most stylish bathroom look cluttered and messy. If space allows, use closed storage like a linen closet or bathroom cabinets to keep your hair ties, lotions, and serums organized and out of sight.

22. Install a Wall-mounted Faucet

Another small bathroom trend coupling style with functionality is wall-mounted faucets. This sink design frees up precious countertop space, is easy to keep clean, and adds a sophisticated, utilitarian touch to your tiny bathroom.

23. Incorporate a Slim Rolling Cart

Looking for an easy budget-friendly bathroom organization solution for your petite powder room? Consider adding a slim rolling cart to the underutilized space beside your vanity to store toiletries and extra towels. A rolling cart allows for easy access to your everyday essentials, and can be moved exactly where you need it.

24. Define Separate Spaces by Zoning

Zoning is another design trick typically reserved for large, open concept rooms, but it can help create the illusion of more space when used in a small bathroom. Create “zones” in your small bathroom by defining areas designated for one purpose using design elements like color, light fixtures, and patterns. For example, you may choose to highlight your bathroom vanity by color blocking the wall around it and leaving the remainder a neutral color.

25. Opt For High-gloss Surfaces

Lustrous marble, glass tile, mirrors, polished concrete, and high-gloss paint can add style and shine to your small bathroom design. We've mentioned that reflective material bounces light across the room, helping the space feel more bright and airy. Don't be afraid to get creative with these types of materials -- shining pops of color or moody, dark accents can make a lasting impression.

26. Create the Illusion of Height With Vertical Paneling

Have you ever heard the theory that wearing clothing with vertical pinstripes can make you appear taller? Well, the same can be said for your bathroom walls. Vertical paneling can help your cramped bathroom seem bigger by drawing your eye upward toward the ceiling. Try paneling the wall opposite the door so you get the full effect as soon as you enter the room.

27. Bring In More Light With a Skylight

If you're taking on a serious small bathroom renovation, consider going the extra mile and incorporating a skylight. Skylights are an innovative way to add more natural light and brighten up a tiny bath, especially if windows aren't an option.

28. Stay Flexible With Freestanding Furniture and Storage

Get creative with storage by tucking baskets underneath your vanity, upcycling an old bookshelf, or setting a large towel basket on top of your shower stool to keep essentials at hand without doing any permanent work to your bathroom. This is a great solution for renters looking to maximize space in their bathroom while keeping within their rental agreement.

29. Trick the Eye With Tile

One of the best optical illusions you can do to make a small bathroom appear larger is continuing the floor tiles up the side of your bathtub. This small bathroom bathtub idea makes for an aesthetic alternative to your basic white bathtub panel while giving the illusion of more floor space.

30. Backlight Your Mirror

Good lighting is crucial for making a small bathroom look big and open, but you likely won't have room for secondary light fixtures like pendants or sconces. A contemporary edge-lighted mirror reduces shadows and can help brighten the room. Plus, they're incredibly practical for grooming needs that may require more light, like shaving or applying makeup.

31. Use a Minimalist Approach

With a small bathroom, less is often more. Decorative accents like wall art and rugs can make your space feel warm and inviting, but it can quickly lead to clutter if not kept in check. To help you embrace a minimalist approach to bathroom decor, limit yourself to one of each item and only keep things that serve a purpose or make you happy.

32. Embrace Bold Colors and Patterns

Don't give the eye a chance to notice how tiny your bathroom is by incorporating multiple bold colors and patterns into your design. This may seem counterintuitive, but there's a few tricks to tiptoeing the line between stylish and busy. Keep your window treatments, vanity, and hardware simple to balance color and patterns used on the walls and floor.

33. Tile Halfway up the Wall

Floor-to-ceiling tile work can sometimes make a small room feel claustrophobic, but tiling halfway up the wall still adds visual intrigue without looking busy. Consider matching the upper half of the wall with fun patterned wallpaper for a modern yet personable motif.

34. Install a Mirrored Wall Cabinet

Get your vanity mirror working overtime by opting for a mirrored wall cabinet instead. To keep the design as streamlined as possible, recess the cabinet into the wall to get enough depth for ample storage without having the cabinet intrude into the room.

35. Use Similar Materials Throughout

Having a wide array of colors, patterns, and textures in a small space can make your bathroom feel busy and cramped. Tone down the visual noise by using materials with similar colors and finishes throughout your design. For example, white ceramic shower tile and a marble countertop pair well in a small space because they share the same white palette and lustrous shine.

36. Add Intrigue to a Monochrome Palette With Colored Details

To avoid your white-on-white bathroom feeling too sterile and cold, add warmth with colored towels, vibrant plants, and bright accessories like candles or soap dishes. For even more impact, dedicate an accent wall to showcase your favorite color, wallpaper, or artwork.

37. Save Space With Recessed Shelves

Niches aren't just for the shower. Adding a recessed shelf near your vanity not only utilizes empty wall cavity space for storage, but can add a lot of visual depth to make the walls seem farther than they really are. Plus, recessed cabinets are a trending bathroom idea for 2022 due to their seamless, minimalist design.

38. Choose Simple Hardware

One of the easiest updates you can make to your tiny bathroom is replacing worn cabinet knobs and pulls, towel bars, and faucets with sleek, modern hardware. Minimalist hardware like these brushed satin nickel cabinet handles look chic without distracting from your statement vanity or tiles. Or you can opt for barely-there cabinet hardware like edge pulls for an even less invasive option.

39. Opt for Curves in Lieu of Angles

When floor space is tight, you can benefit from cutting corners -- literally. Sleek curves on baths, showers, and furniture help your bathroom layout flow visually and, of course, save valuable space.

40. Add Width With Herringbone

Thanks to the illusion of movement, patterned floors are a stylish and effective space enhancer to incorporate into your small bathroom remodel. Herringbone in particular can make a small space feel bigger by drawing the eye to the wide part of the “V,” visually expanding the width of the room while adding warmth and texture.

41. Accentuate Your Ceiling

The solution to your small bathroom woes might be right above your head. Adding panels or wallpaper to your ceiling draws the eye up, making the walls seem taller and the space feel bigger. Accent ceilings have recently caught the attention of designers abound and have been found to complement nearly every aesthetic, from farmhouse to industrial.

Small Bathroom Remodel Ideas FAQs

Still in need of ideas for your next small bathroom renovation? We put together a few of the most frequently asked questions to help turn your bitty bath into a slim slice of heaven.

What colors make a small bathroom look bigger?

Light-reflecting colors like cool white or sage are typically the go-to colors to make a small bathroom appear bigger. However, bathrooms that lack natural light might look larger when painted black or dark gray.

What kind of flooring looks best in a small bathroom?

Large format tiles with minimal grout lines work well in a small bathroom because they create the illusion of a larger space. However, tiny mosaic tiles will also have a similar effect, as they draw the eye across the entire space. Whichever flooring you choose, opt for a similar color scheme throughout the rest of your bathroom for a coherent design.

How can I make my bathroom feel bigger?

A few ways you can make your bathroom feel bigger include adding light-reflecting surfaces like glass tiles or large mirrors, light colors, glass shower doors, and sleek, simple hardware.

How can I make my small bathroom more functional?

When it comes to designing a small bathroom, storage and functionality should take top priority. Utilize wall space by adding open shelving, hooks, towel racks, and recessed shelving if possible. You can also incorporate a slim rolling cart to house additional toiletries and keep your countertops clear.

Whether you're remodeling a mini main bath or puny powder room, you can maximize space, functionality, and style with these expert design tips and tricks.

Looking for more bathroom design inspiration? Check out the latest bathroom design trends to help you envision your ultimate ambient abode.