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33 Expert Design Ideas to Maximize Space in Small Bathrooms

33 Expert Design Ideas to Maximize Space in Small Bathrooms

Struggling with a compact bathroom layout? Limited space and budget don't have to mean compromise. As experienced interior designers know, smart choices in furniture, tiles, and trends can create a cozy, modern retreat—even in a tiny space. Homeowners and renters alike can ditch outdated designs for fresh, practical inspiration. We've curated 33 proven ideas from top designers to elevate your small bathroom. Explore below:

33 Expert Design Ideas to Maximize Space in Small Bathrooms Contents
  • 1. Choose only furniture and elements with very clean lines
  • 2. Use a storage cabinet on wheels
  • 3. Add a few touches of gold
  • 4. Install skylights for an industrial style
  • 5. Consider installing a pocket door
  • 6. Use subway tiles
  • 7. Opt for a suspended washbasin cabinet
  • 8. Install a bathtub AND a shower in a small bathroom
  • 9. Use the same tile on all the walls
  • 10. Get inspired by boho style
  • 11. Choose a fully open walk-in shower
  • 12. Install the shower behind the sink
  • 13. Use the attic to build a small shower
  • 14. Choose a patterned tile for the shower
  • 15. Add a recessed shelf in the shower
  • 16. Install a freestanding bathtub
  • 17. Install storage in the extension of the bathtub
  • 18. Use corner storage
  • 19. Install the bathtub in the shower
  • 20. Get inspired by the tubs of our grandmothers
  • 21. Install overhead storage to store beauty products
  • 22. Install a toilet in the extension of the washbasin cabinet
  • 23. Install corner toilets to save space
  • 24. Opt for toilets with an integrated washbasin
  • 25. Dare a bright and cheerful color
  • 26. Get inspired by boutique hotels
  • 27. Choose a color that contrasts
  • 28. How about a brightly colored shower curtain?
  • 29. Bring in bright pops of color
  • 30. Keep vintage tiles
  • 31. Add green plants
  • 32. Book a space for the washing machine
  • 33. Make a mini laundry room in the bathroom

1. Choose only furniture and elements with very clean lines

33 Expert Design Ideas to Maximize Space in Small Bathrooms

Minimalist design delivers a sleek, modern bathroom every time. Skip ornate rococo details or bulky pieces—instead, draw from Japanese and Scandinavian aesthetics. Prioritize straight lines, simple materials, and white tiles for a clean, spacious feel that professional designers swear by.

2. Use a storage cabinet on wheels

33 Expert Design Ideas to Maximize Space in Small Bathrooms

No room for fixed shelves? A mobile trolley like Ikea's Raskog cart is a game-changer. Easy to maneuver and budget-friendly, it's ideal for stowing essentials without overwhelming tight spaces.

3. Put some touches of gold

33 Expert Design Ideas to Maximize Space in Small Bathrooms

Elevate a standard bathroom with subtle gold accents in metal or brass fixtures. This art deco-inspired trick adds luxury affordably—update shower bars, flush valves, or accessories like toothbrush holders and towel racks for instant chic.

4. Install skylights for an industrial style

33 Expert Design Ideas to Maximize Space in Small Bathrooms

Industrial fans love glass skylights or canopies. They divide spaces like showers without sacrificing light, making them perfect for en-suite bathrooms in master suites.

5. Consider installing a pocket door

33 Expert Design Ideas to Maximize Space in Small Bathrooms

Standard doors steal precious floor space. Interior pros recommend pocket doors that slide into the wall, freeing up room while maintaining a polished look.

6. Use subway tiles

33 Expert Design Ideas to Maximize Space in Small Bathrooms

Elongated subway tiles are a contemporary staple, visually expanding small bathrooms. Pair classic white versions with treated wood floors for a fresh, airy vibe.

7. Opt for a suspended washbasin cabinet

33 Expert Design Ideas to Maximize Space in Small Bathrooms

Wall-mounted vanities create an open feel below. Add baskets underneath for linens or products to optimize every inch without clutter.

8. Install a bathtub AND a shower in a small bathroom

33 Expert Design Ideas to Maximize Space in Small Bathrooms

Why choose? Clever layouts fit both. Maximize every square centimeter with niches, mirrors, and storage for a fully functional setup.

9. Use the same tile on all the walls

33 Expert Design Ideas to Maximize Space in Small Bathrooms

Uniform white tiles reflect light, add depth, and spotlight fixtures— a timeless pro move for perceived spaciousness.

10. Get inspired by boho style

33 Expert Design Ideas to Maximize Space in Small Bathrooms

Boho brings warmth naturally. Layer textiles, storage, and lighting sparingly for a relaxed vibe in compact spaces.

11. Choose a completely open walk-in shower

33 Expert Design Ideas to Maximize Space in Small Bathrooms

Ideal for 4m² rooms, open showers save space. Use a fixed overhead head to minimize splatter and keep floors dry.

12. Install the shower behind the sink

33 Expert Design Ideas to Maximize Space in Small Bathrooms

Align showers to support dual sinks and toilets, creating zoned areas with niches. Light paints enhance openness.

13. Use the attic to build a small shower

33 Expert Design Ideas to Maximize Space in Small Bathrooms33 Expert Design Ideas to Maximize Space in Small Bathrooms

Attics offer untapped potential under slopes. Opt for open designs to preserve light, or custom fits from stores like Leroy Merlin.

14. Choose a patterned tile for the shower

33 Expert Design Ideas to Maximize Space in Small Bathrooms

Add personality to minimalist whites with patterned cement tiles in walk-ins—trendy yet vintage charm.

15. Add a recessed shelf in the shower

33 Expert Design Ideas to Maximize Space in Small Bathrooms

Built-in niches keep toiletries handy and stylish. Contrast colors like red tiles on gray concrete for visual pop.

16. Install a freestanding bathtub

33 Expert Design Ideas to Maximize Space in Small Bathrooms

Elevated freestanding tubs appear less bulky. Light floors amplify the luxe, space-smart effect.

17. Install storage in the extension of the bathtub

33 Expert Design Ideas to Maximize Space in Small Bathrooms33 Expert Design Ideas to Maximize Space in Small Bathrooms

Exploit tub-end gaps with niches for products or plants. Vertical wall storage boosts efficiency further.

18. Use corner storage

33 Expert Design Ideas to Maximize Space in Small Bathrooms

Rounded corner racks hug walls perfectly, freeing floors—even for bathtubs in 4m² spaces.

19. Install the bathtub in the shower

33 Expert Design Ideas to Maximize Space in Small Bathrooms

In long bathrooms, nestle tubs in showers or opt for bath-shower combos to have it all.

20. Get inspired by the tubs of our grandmothers

33 Expert Design Ideas to Maximize Space in Small Bathrooms

Compact vintage round tubs suit old apartments. Position against walls with overhead shelves for max utility.

21. Install overhead storage to store beauty products

33 Expert Design Ideas to Maximize Space in Small Bathrooms

Go vertical above toilets with shelves or cabinets—ideal when floor space is scarce.

22. Install a toilet in the extension of the washbasin cabinet

33 Expert Design Ideas to Maximize Space in Small Bathrooms

For narrow rooms, align wall-hung toilets with vanities in slim 2-in-1 units.

23. Install corner toilets to save space

33 Expert Design Ideas to Maximize Space in Small Bathrooms

Corner suspended toilets claim wasted angles in 2m² bathrooms flawlessly.

24. Opt for toilets with integrated washbasin

33 Expert Design Ideas to Maximize Space in Small Bathrooms

2-3m² spaces thrive with WC-sink combos—space-saving and water-efficient.

25. Dare a bright and cheerful color

33 Expert Design Ideas to Maximize Space in Small Bathrooms

White bases let bold wall colors shine. Balance complementary hues for harmony in small areas.

26. Get inspired by boutique hotels

33 Expert Design Ideas to Maximize Space in Small Bathrooms

Boutique hotels master micro-bathrooms under 6m² with pops of color, open plans, and modern flair.

27. Choose a color that contrasts

33 Expert Design Ideas to Maximize Space in Small Bathrooms

Contrasting paints on cabinets and partitions define zones and elevate classics like white tiles.

28. How about a brightly colored shower curtain?

33 Expert Design Ideas to Maximize Space in Small Bathrooms

Vibrant curtains inject personality affordably—swap seasonally for endless style updates.

29. Bring in bright pops of color

33 Expert Design Ideas to Maximize Space in Small Bathrooms

Limit to 2-3 bold accents (red, yellow) or accessories for boho cheer without overload.

30. Keep vintage tiles

33 Expert Design Ideas to Maximize Space in Small Bathrooms

Pastel vintage tiles add subtle color safely, blending timeless appeal with low-commitment style.

31. Add green plants

33 Expert Design Ideas to Maximize Space in Small Bathrooms

Humidity-loving plants on shelves or floors bring nature inexpensively—perfect for low-light spots.

32. Book a space for the washing machine

33 Expert Design Ideas to Maximize Space in Small Bathrooms

Top-load washers with worktops double as storage. Match finishes (white, black, gray) to your scheme.

33. Make a mini laundry room in the bathroom

33 Expert Design Ideas to Maximize Space in Small Bathrooms

Overhead shelves and boxes above washers create organized laundry zones tailored to any style.