30 Small Bathroom Ideas That Will Help You Save Space

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Are you struggling with a cramped bathroom? Worry not! Even the tiniest washrooms can be turned into functional, stylish spaces with a bit of creativity.

Here are 30 small bathroom ideas and tips to help you make the most out of your limited space without sacrificing functionality or style.

Before You Begin

So you’re ready to tackle that cute but compact bathroom! But before picking fancy tiles and towel warmers, let’s take a quick step back; think about your priorities, as in what you need and how you actually use your bathroom.

Imagine your perfect morning routine. Do you envision a leisurely soak in a tub, or are you a quick shower-and-go kind of person? Maybe bath time is for the little ones, and a spacious shower is a must.

Start by making a list of your must-haves and nice-to-haves. Once you know how you’ll be using the space, you can prioritise features that make your life easier and skip the ones that don’t matter much.

Next, think about those bathroom essentials. Do you have overflowing shelves of beauty products, or do you keep things minimal? That’ll help you pick the best storage solutions for your needs. No point in installing a giant vanity with ten drawers if all you use is a bar of soap and a bottle of shampoo!

Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Grab a tape measure and a notepad (or your phone’s handy notes app). Measure every nook and cranny of your bathroom, jotting down the dimensions. Knowing the exact size of your space is super helpful when choosing the right fixtures and storage solutions.

With those measurements in hand, sketch a simple layout of your bathroom; it doesn’t need to be a masterpiece, just a basic drawing showing the location of the toilet, sink, shower, and doors or windows. This will help you visualise how those space-saving ideas will fit together in your actual bathroom space.

Trust us, a little planning goes a long way in avoiding any “whoops, this basin won’t fit!” moments later into the renovation/reorganisation process.

Small Space, Big Wow: 30 Space Saving Ideas For Small Bathrooms

So, with a clear understanding of your needs, a few minutes of brainstorming, and a rough blueprint of your space, you’re ready to dive into the fun part – creating a tiny bathroom that feels spacious, stylish, and perfectly suited to you!

1. Large Mirror

A large mirror can visually double the space in your bathroom and reflect more light.

It makes the room appear brighter and larger at the same time.

2. Over-the-Toilet Shelves

Make use of the often-wasted area above the toilet for adding shelves.

It’s perfect for storing towels and toiletries without taking up extra room.

3. Pocket Doors

Slide into more space by replacing your swinging door with a sliding one.

Pocket doors essentially disappear into the wall, eliminating the clearance for a door arc.

Thus, you get more usable bathroom space.

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4. Corner Basin

Installing a corner basin can be a game-changer in a tight space.

It fits snugly into the corner, leaves room for other fixtures, frees up valuable floor space and, most importantly, creates a more open layout.

5. Door-Mounted Towel Rack

Mount towel racks on the back of your bathroom door.

It keeps towels within easy reach without cluttering valuable wall space.

6. Extended Counter

Have an extended counter over the toilet using a wood or stone slab.

It’ll provide additional surface area without needing a larger vanity.

7. Lighting Fixtures 

Good lighting can make a world of difference! Consider sconces or an illuminated mirror for a bright and airy feel.

You may also install overhead or recessed lighting for a cleaner, more modern look, as it doesn’t take up precious headroom like traditional light fixtures.

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8. Shower-Tub Combo

Opt for a shower-tub combo to enjoy the best of both worlds without sacrificing space.

A smaller, deeper bathtub takes up less floor space while still allowing a relaxing soak.

9. Accordion Shower Doors

Save space with accordion-style shower doors that fold up when not in use.

10. Floating Vanity

A floating vanity opens up the floor space.

It gives the illusion of a bigger bathroom while providing essential storage underneath.

11. Tankless Toilet

Modern toilets mount directly to the wall and have a smaller footprint than traditional toilets with a tank.

Perfect if you’re looking for a sleek, streamlined appearance.

12. Diagonal Tiles

Laying tiles of contrasting colours diagonally across the bathroom floor can trick the eye into seeing a larger space!

13. Built-in Niches

Carve out niches in shower walls for soaps, shampoos, bath bombs, and other toiletries, keeping them off the floor or ledges.

14. Magnetic Strip

A wall-mounted magnetic strip will let you store bobby pins, cufflinks, hairclips, necklaces, pendants, rings, tweezers, and other small metal items.

15. Wall-Mounted Faucet

Save precious counter space with wall-mounted faucets.

It allows for a narrower sink or vanity, which can make a big difference in a small bathroom.

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16. Glass Shower Doors

Glass doors let you see the entire space without obstruction, unlike shower curtains that close off areas.

17. Cabinet Mirror

Choose a mirror with built-in storage to maximise function in a small bathroom.

Some mirrors come with cabinets or shelves behind the glass, providing hidden storage for toiletries and medicines.

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18. Neutral Colours

Light, neutral colours do make a small bathroom feel bigger and brighter.

Mixing and matching different hues will liven up the space.

19. Greenery

Choose low-maintenance plants like air plants, ferns, or succulents that grow in humid conditions.

Place them on countertops, floating shelves, or windowsills to bring freshness into your small bathroom!

20. Soap Dispenser and Holder

Mount a soap dispenser and toothbrush holder to the wall to declutter your counter space and keep bathroom essentials within reach.

21. Accent Wall

An accent wall with a splash of bold colours or cool patterns draws the eye upward.

It creates a sense of more space.

22. High Shower Curtains

Opt for a shower curtain that extends all the way to the ceiling.

It makes the ceiling appear taller and the space feels larger without any renovation work!

23. Bathtub Caddy

Invest in a bathtub caddy to keep bath-time essentials organised and within reach.

It sits across the tub, providing a convenient spot for toiletries, candles, drinks, etc.

24. Vessel Sink

Get a vessel sink for a modern, space-saving alternative to traditional under-mount or drop-in sinks.

It’s mounted above the countertop, keeping plenty of free space for your other stuff.

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25. Bold Wallpaper

Take a risk with bold wallpaper prints in your small bathroom.

While it won’t save you any space, a splashy wallpaper with darker flooring makes for the feeling of a vibrant and larger area without overwhelming the room.

26. Small Multifunctional Stool 

A small stool/bench outside of the shower can serve as a side table for towels and other accessories to rest while you bathe.

27. Wall Hooks

Install wall hooks for hanging towels, robes, or accessories.

They save space compared to traditional towel bars and can be placed strategically to maximise storage without cluttering the walls.

28. Recessed Medicine Cabinet

A medicine cabinet flush with the wall saves space and keeps small items at arm’s reach while out of sight.

29. Use Window Ledges

Make the most of window ledges for additional storage or display space.

You can place small plants, decorative items, or toiletries on them.

30. Organise Efficiently

Keep only what you need.

Use storage baskets for the essentials, preferably fabric or wicker ones for cabinets or shelves.

Label them individually for quick access.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Alright, so we’ve brainstormed some awesome ideas for your small bathroom, but let’s come to the things to steer clear of; because nobody wants a bathroom that feels even smaller than it is!

Mistake #1: Ignoring the scale of your fixtures and furniture. While small spaces call for smaller items, avoid cluttering things up with a bunch of tiny shelves or decorations.

At the same time, every inch counts, so oversized vanities, bulky cabinets, and large fixtures can overwhelm the space.

Hence, opt for comfort and functionality – go for a few well-chosen, streamlined pieces that fit the room’s dimensions and make it feel more open.

Mistake #2: Skimping on storage. This might be the biggest small-bathroom sin of all! Don’t neglect vertical space – wall-mounted shelves, hanging cabinets, hooks, and even the space above the toilet are all prime real estate for keeping things organised and off the floor.

Mistake #3: Dim lighting. A dark bathroom feels even smaller, drowning out all your design efforts.

Avoid relying on a single overhead light; maximise natural light if you have it, and add bright, strategically placed sconces, or task lighting around the mirror. It’ll make a world of difference!

Mistake #4: Poor ventilation. Failing to plan for proper ventilation will lead to moisture problems and mildew. Ensure your bathroom has ample ventilation, whether it’s through an exhaust fan or a window.

Avoid these common pitfalls, and you can transform your small bathroom into a space that feels a little bigger than it actually is. Now that’s a magic trick worth knowing!

Frequently Asked Questions

I love long baths, but there’s no way a tub will fit! What are my options?

Totally feel you! If a bathtub is a must-have, a space-saving option like a shower/tub combo is worth considering. Or, if you’re open to ditching the tub altogether, a luxurious walk-in shower with a rainfall showerhead can be seriously spa-worthy.

I’m worried about storage space. Any tips?

We said it already and we’ll say it again: think vertical! Utilise wall space with shelves that reach towards the ceiling.

Install corner shelves or caddies to maximise every unused space. Under-sink storage is often underutilised – invest in organisers to keep things tidy down there.

Can my small bathroom still look stylish?

Small spaces can be just as incredibly beautiful as large ones, assuming you go with the right design choices.

Opt for light, airy colours and bright lights to make the room feel bigger. Fun wallpaper, patterned tiles, or a few statement pieces can add a pop of personality without busying up the space.

I’m worried about making permanent changes. What if I hate it?

We hear you! If you’re feeling nervous, start small. Try adding decorative items like plants or artwork to see how they feel. There are also tons of temporary storage solutions like over-the-door organisers you can experiment with before committing to a bigger change.

How do I keep a small bathroom organised?

Keeping a small bathroom organised requires smart storage solutions and regular decluttering.

Use baskets/bins to group similar items together, and ensure everything has a designated spot. Also, regularly go through your toiletries and other bathroom items to get rid of anything you don’t need.

Flush with Inspiration!

No matter the size of your bathroom, with these 30 small bathroom ideas, get started with making the most out of every inch while still creating a space that feels larger, functions better, and reflects your preferences.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your small bathroom makeover today! We’ll be here open to suggestions and feedback and are keen to learn about your favourite ideas on this list.