The average bathroom is only about 160 square feet. From color schemes to layout, here are clever small bathroom design ideas that will make you a big fan of that small space.
Design Idea #1: Color Theory For Interior Design
Soft, neutral tones —warm whites, pale yellows, light blues and greens—can make a small bathroom feel more spacious. White is best, as it lightens and opens a space. Incorporating different shades of a single base color adds visual interest. Or consider ombre, a big trend in interior design right now: choose the darkest shade for the bottom of your walls and lighten as you move up.
While it may sound illogical, adding a dark or vibrant color below waist level can actually make the rest of the bathroom feel bigger and brighter. Try a dark shade for the baseboards or vanity and then keep everything else in the space light and bright. Explore more tips on how to solve bathroom interior design dilemmas with color.
Design Idea #2: Extend The Bathroom Counter Top
Short on bathroom counter space? If you’re looking for more surface area, try extending the countertop over the back of the toilet. This “banjo” style countertop will create just enough space for a few essential items while keeping the look of the bathroom clean.
Design Idea #3: From Hinged to Sliding Shower Door
If your bathroom door swings inward, switching it to swing outward instantly makes the space feel larger. A pocket door “disappears” into a special crevice in the wall. Additionally, if your shower door swings open, think about replacing it with a sliding door or curtain. If you’re up for a bigger change, walk-in showers are hugely popular. With no shower curtains or glass doors to clean, and a more open, airy feel, these showers create an instant refresh. Best of all, the design options are virtually endless. Choose marble for a modern, minimalist look or teak wood accents for a rustic spa vibe.
If you have a shower curtain, consider replacing it with a glass shower door instead to let light in. If you already have a shower door, but it’s the older, frosted glass variety, consider upgrading to clear glass. Newer, frameless glass enclosures look modern and fresh and help your bathroom appear larger and lighter.
Design Idea #4: From Curtain to Glass Shower Door
Consider replacing the shower curtain with a glass shower door to let more light in and make the room appear larger. If you already have a shower door, but it’s the older, frosted glass variety, consider upgrading to clear glass. Newer, frameless glass enclosures look modern and fresh and help your bathroom appear larger and lighter.
Design Idea #5: Bathroom Lighting
Not every bathroom reaps the benefits of natural lighting, so if yours has a window, make the most of it! Remove heavy window coverings that block light or replace them with light, airy fabrics that provide privacy while still allowing natural light to filter through. The right bathroom light fixtures can help, too. For task lighting, add wall sconces on either side of the mirror. Overhead, install an ambient light with a dimmer switch: during the day, turn it up for task lighting, and at night, turn it down to use as a night light.
Design Idea #6 Round Bathroom Vanity Mirror
The majority of vanity counters are square or rectangular, but sharp corners and tight spaces can be a painful combo. A rounded vanity not only takes up less physical space, it gives the whole bathroom a more open feel while protecting hips from bumps and bruises.
Design Idea #7: Hidden Bathroom Storage
Shelves, cabinets, and other items protruding from walls can make a small space seem more crowded. Consider recessed storage to save space and create more breathing room. Accessories such as toilet paper holders, towel racks, and medicine cabinets are all available in recessed versions. You could even add recessed cubbies in your new shower to hold soap and shampoo bottles. Explore more helpful bathroom organization hacks at our blog.
Design Idea #8: Declutter Your Bathroom
Half-filled bottles of lotions and shampoos, makeup you haven’t used in years, cleaning supplies… somehow our bathrooms collect the most clutter. Toss old containers and products, consolidate what’s left, and create a dedicated space that’s organized and easy to reach. If it’s time for a tub or shower upgrade, consider adding a wall surround with built in nooks, shelves, and benches – great for keeping essentials nearby but contained. Check out our bathroom cleaning hacks.
Design Idea #9: Tile with Style
Small, busy tiles make a bathroom feel cramped and crowded. They also require a lot more grout, which means more scrubbing for you (no thanks!). Large, neutral tile patterns, on the other hand, can make the room feel more spacious. A natural, stone wall surround provides a seamless look without grout lines (and say goodbye to scrubbing!).
Design Idea #10: Update Bathroom Flooring
Don’t like the look of large-format tiles? Vinyl planks work just as well when you want to create the illusion of space. The latest styles come in standard lengths of 36 and 48 inches, and six- and nine-inch width. These vinyl planks are made to look like wood, stone, or tile, so you can get the look you want in a waterproof, budget-friendly, and durable floor.
Design Idea #11: The Illusion of Space with Interior Design
Mirrors are a tried-and-true design trick in small areas. Just remember, bigger isn’t always better. Rather than a traditional mirror that spans the length of a double vanity, hang a mirror above each sink. Frameless, oval mirrors hung vertically can help draw the eye up. In addition to reflecting light, a sizable mirror can make a room appear larger. If you have double sinks, place one huge mirror over the entire counter surface, or expand it across the entire wall. Use molding to build a frame around the mirror for a more finished look.
Design Idea #12: Bathroom Accessibility & Safety Matters
You might find your bathroom cluttered with mismatched objects like bath mats outside the shower and grab bars near the toilet and tub. If you want to take your safety seriously but don’t love the crowded look, consider some sleek bathroom accessibility features. Think low threshold shower bases, slip resistant flooring, seamless grab bars in a stylish finish (that can even double as towel racks), and shower benches in gorgeous natural stone. Explore more bathroom safety and accessibility tips at our blog.
Design Idea #13: Tall Bathroom Fixtures
Create the illusion of a taller ceiling by raising the shower curtain bar as high as possible. You can also install crown molding up top and paint it the same color as your ceiling to create the visual effect of a larger bathroom. Vertical elements like a tall, thin bathroom vanity or high shelving can also draw the eye upward to create a sense of space.
Some bathroom renovations need more than simple DIY tricks. From tub and shower updates to complete bathroom remodels, Re-Bath does it all – and typically within just five days. Find a Re-Bath near you and schedule a free design consultation now!