20 Best Small Bathroom Ideas to Spruce Up Your Space
We've got you covered, from sinks to storage to paint.
Calling all tiny-house lovers! This one is for you. We love cozy bathrooms, but making the right choices when it comes to design is no small feat. Should you paint? Re-tile? Wallpaper? Or, just make it work? Well, we've got 20 of our best small bathroom ideas here for you to feed all your renovation or redecorating dreams. From impactful tile ideas to repurposed antiques, there is something for everyone and every budget. And don't worry: We have storage ideas too, even if your small bathroom includes a bathtub or shower.
Looking for ideas beyond these? Check out our best half-bath ideas or our list of best places to buy vanities on a budget to make your reno dreams come true!
Bring in Antiques
Make an Artful Display
Lean into your maximalist tendencies and cover the walls of your small bathroom with loads of art. We love the layered, been-around-forever feel this brings to bathrooms that don't have a lot of space for architectural flourishes.
Use Unique Materials
Make a splash in a small space by using unconventional materials. While brass and chrome might be favorites in bathroom design, try going for something more rustic, such as galvanized metal, to amp up the country feel in a small space.
Bring in a Side Table
Don't have extra room for built-ins or cabinets around the tub? A sweet side table makes the perfect catch-all spot for all your tub-time necessities. Antique bamboo tripod side tables such as this are highly valued amongst collectors and can fetch up to $500 at local antique stores or through online dealers. For a more budget-friendly alternative, try farmhouse stools or tripod tables!
Expose Your Beams
Take a note from this Maine cottage and show off the beams in your small space to make it feel larger than it is! Touches of green tie together the room's airy whites and grounded wood tones while an oval woven rug steals the show.
Cabinet-less Bathroom
No cabinets? No problem. Individualized storage bins keep everyone's toiletries organized and within arm's reach. Plus, open cabinetry below makes the room feel breezier!
Go Light + Bright
Go all-in on bright, airy colors to make cramped bathrooms feel larger. Two styles of gray tile make a statement without creating too much visual clutter.
Have Fun with Tile
Want to make an impact without breaking the budget? A fun tile pattern adds visual interest while still feeling clean and simple. Take a cue from your favorite vintage textile, as designer Max Humphrey did here, to keep things feeling timeless.
Bright White Finishes
Anchor a small bathroom in bright white finishes to make the space feel bigger. Try layering in touches of neutral, earthy decor to bring a little warmth.Need help finding the right white paint color? Check out our list of favorites!
Mount a Petitie Sink
Keep things simple in your bathroom with a wall-mounted sink. The smaller, the better―just make sure there is room for a vintage soap dish!
Embrace Dark Colors
Love the cozy look and feel dark colors bring to a space? Don't be afraid to take a page from this Virginia cottage's playbook and embrace deeper tones like those found in this woodland wallpaper.
Get Clever with Fixtures
Want a tub *and* a shower but don't have room for both? Embrace old-school sensibilities and add a shower kit to your existing clawfoot tub. These kits are easy to install and cheaper than a full-scale renovation—most can be purchased for less than $200.
Layer in Pops of Color
Pops of bright, happy colors add visual interest without overpowering the small space. Tip: Match your towels to your fixtures to show off your design prowess.
Use the Power of Pattern
Opt for ditsy prints when picking out wallpaper for a powder bath. The small-scale, continuous pattern has a way of melting seamlessly into the overall design and is everything but "busy." Take a cue from this wallpapered bathroom by designer Chenault James (which features a vintage paper from Brunschwig & Fils) and pick finishes and paint colors in corresponding colors to tie the look together.
Opt for Statement Pieces
Make impactful design choices with ease by integrating statement pieces, like the antique wash stand shown here, into smaller bathrooms. They'll happily steal the show, leaving you (and your budget) free to expend design energy elsewhere. Just be sure to pair them with simple decor such as a plain mirror or simple towel hook to downplay any visual competition.
Go for Right-Sized Fixtures
If you don't have the space for shelving or a big storage moment, don't force it. Small storage fixtures like floating shelves or wall-mounted baskets can still be impactful.
Create a Cohesive Color Story
Paint is your best friend when it comes to designing a small bathroom on a budget. Establish a color story early on and model everything around it. No idea where to start? Try an impactful wallpaper or colorful tub like designer Alison Kandler did in this California bathroom.
Use Creative Shelving
When space is at a premium, every piece should be able to stand alone. Corbels and wall-mounted plinths make for artful shelving in a pinch.
Create Cubby Space
If your bathroom lacks counter space (and you're up for a little reno work), cubby holes make great storage spots in tighter quarters. If renovation work is not an option, woven baskets are great for keeping clutter at bay.
Statement Shower Curtain
A statement shower curtain is a low-stakes, big-impact design tool. Work with a seamstress to create your own with direct-to-consumer fabric from industry-favorite sources like Spoonflower, or search out high-impact patterns to bring your design together.
Anna Logan is the Senior Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she covers design and decorating trends, home features, and gift guides. She also produces home features and styles content for the print magazine. When she isn’t working, can often be found digging around antique shops for the perfect find. Follow her adventures on Instagram!
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