A bathroom doesn’t have to be big to have great style and function. To us, a small space means a fun challenge when it comes to storage and design, which is why we’ve rounded up some of our favorite small bathrooms from our most recent house tours to give you inspiration to beautify your bathroom.
This Cape Town bathroom is a study in getting creative in a small footprint. A freestanding tub may be tight up against the vanity, but it seems to work. Also of note is the art, interesting lighting fixture and color palette (keeping the dark paint color to only part of the wall doesn’t overwhelm) that make the compact space feel design-forward.
2. Towel Rod Behind the Toilet
Hand towels are great here, given their small size, but if you’ve got the vertical space, don’t be afraid to hang bath towels above the toilet. Don’t be grossed out by the proximity…in a small bathroom everything is close to the toilet.
Shelving that is deeper at the bottom and shallower at the top is an efficient use of space that feels less bulky than a standard shelving unit.
4. Change Out the Hardware
In this petite bathroom, the black-and-brass found in the shower curtain are echoed throughout the space with matching knobs, hooks, and even outlet plates, tying everything together.
A small bathroom can sometimes feel claustrophobic, and what better way to breath life into a space than with plant life!? Greenery that requires low light and humidity tend to thrive here.
Open wall space in a bathroom is prime real estate. Here, a series of small open shelves provide storage, while a long mirror provides functionality.
If your bathroom doesn’t get enough sunlight, but you love the look of plants, display clippings from your healthier house plants that survive long periods of time in water—like these monstera leaves.
Many of us tend to consider the bathroom a 100% functional space, forgetting that we have to spend a lot of time in it. Give your peepers a pretty painting or print to look at while you…brush your teeth.
9. Decant Functional Items
Cotton balls and Q-Tips tend to work best here, as they make for a pretty display that clears up cabinet and drawer space for your more discrete cotton products (although we’re all for displaying those, too).
If your counter space is limited, try adding a teak bathtub caddy to store your display-worthy toiletries.
Go as high as you want with a wall shelf. Utilize all available space when necessary, like this cleverly positioned shelf which doubles as a towel rod. Bonus: the toilet can be used as a step ladder for easy access.
Many bathroom vanities are not custom built for the space they’re in, resulting in unused space on either side. If you happen to be redoing your vanity area, consider a wall-to-wall unit. This beauty houses aesthetically pleasing bathroom accessories and requires no doors.
13. Utilize Unexpected Places
Take note of every empty space in your bathroom. Chances are, there’s a piece of empty wall space waiting for you to customize shelving storage that fits perfectly within it.
Color blocking doesn’t have to mean bold and bright. This little loo got a face lift with some trés Parisian color blocking in a pastel and black that makes for a calm and classic bathroom experience.
Some spaces are so small, there’s no hiding it. Instead of using airy, bright colors to reflect light and make a space feel open, embrace your teensy toilet room with a moody color palette.
Again, we often neglect our bathrooms and forget just how often we have to look at them. Just a sprig or two of fresh herbs or blossoms will brighten your day and make a world of difference.
17. Use that Space Next to the Toilet
Most bathrooms have a sliver of space next to the toilet. Why not squeeze in a skinny magazine rack, ladder shelf, or a thin rolling shelf?
Like #15, this bathroom refuses to be defined by its size. Big, bold patterns create a huge impact in a small space, so just go for it.
Towels, jewelry, brushes, hair dryers, and curling irons all lend themselves well to being hung. Whether you’re looking to display your goods or maximize space efficiency, take advantage of these items’ flexible extremities and hang them up on a variety of hooks.
Some mirrors are too big and bulky for a small space. The softness of a round mirror is a great alternative.
Curtain rods that curve outward take advantage of unused open space to give you a couple of extra inches of elbow room in your shower.
22. Find the Perfect Temporary Storage
Between websites like Wayfair and Overstock, not to mention your trusty IKEA and Target, there are SO many options for small temporary storage units. Measure your open spaces and search for the perfect unit to slide into them.
23. Corral Items on Top of Your Toilet
Gather toiletries and random attractive bathroom items on top of your toilet. It’s basically extra counter space, and if you use a tray or decorative bowl/basket it creates a barrier between your things and the toilet.
Bright, neutral colors are great at reflecting light and making a space feel bigger than it is. Sticking with natural materials like stone and porcelain with pops of metal will also help to elevate your wee WC.
Renters may not have this option, but if a remodel is in your foreseeable future, opt for a faucet that mounts to the wall to create extra counter space.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to sprucing up your small space. Remember, you spend a lot of time in your bathroom, so make it make you happy!
*Re-edited from a post originally published 03.05.18 – BM