20 Small Bathroom Remodel Ideas to Inspire You
Having a small bathroom is a common reality, and for many, this is a space that needs to be incredibly hard working. Whether your small bathroom is the main family washroom or a tiny guest powder room, taking the time to design it can make a big difference.
Today, I am sharing some of my favorite small bathroom solutions to help you create a space that feels both practical and beautiful.
Pops of Bright Color
Once you have your plan and budget sorted out, it’s time for the fun part, dreaming up how you want your new bathroom to look! I think picking out colors is the easiest place to start.
You can absolutely use bright colors in a smaller bathroom, as long as you use them thoughtfully. I love the idea of using colorful patterned tiles for a shower wall or on the floors.
A bright backsplash is another fantastic way to bring in that pop of color. If you want the effect without the room feeling too intense, a feature wall in a washed-out bright color is a perfect solution.
And remember, color doesn’t just have to come from paint or tile. You can use beautiful stones like onyx to create a showstopping feature wall in any color from a cheerful yellow to a fiery red.
Warm Wooden Touches
You know I am a huge fan of wood accents, and they truly work in any space, so why not a small bathroom? I think a touch of nature is always a great idea, especially in a room that can sometimes feel a bit cold and functional.
When you mix it with contrasting textures like metal or glass, the result is just beautiful.
Including a Bathtub
A bathtub definitely takes up a lot of real estate in a bathroom. It’s a big reason why so many people choose a shower stall when working with a small space.
But you guys, having a small bathtub is totally possible, so you can have the option for a quick shower or a long, relaxing soak. There are also combined options out there, but sometimes the look isn’t for everyone.
The good news is, no matter your room’s size, you can design your bath around what you love most.
A small, compact tub is usually deeper than a standard one, so you can still get a really great soak.
They also come in a bunch of different shapes, which is perfect for fitting into those awkwardly planned rooms.
Light and Bright White
White bathrooms just have a light and airy feeling, which is perfect for making a small space feel bigger. The only thing to consider is the upkeep, since cleaning and stains can be a bit of an issue.
But if you don’t mind keeping things looking pristine, I think going with white, or even a soft off-white, is a fantastic choice. It creates the illusion of more room, which is always a win in my book!
You don’t have to stick to just white, though! It pairs so well with so many other colors, and you can use bright hues to make your decor accents really pop.
Bright floor tiles or a patterned backsplash can also be a beautiful design element in a mostly white bath. And if you’re craving a more natural feel, a wood vanity is the perfect way to bring that in.
Dramatic Black & White
Speaking of dark colors, you can definitely use them in a big way in small bathrooms. When they’re balanced correctly, even pure black can look so stylish instead of dreary.
I think it’s even better to use muted, dark grays, though. These shades tend to feel more expensive and they go well with just about every other color.
Then you can use touches of true black sparingly as accents to really punctuate the design.
The sharp contrast between dark and light tones can look amazing, even in a small room, so don’t be afraid to use this color palette to create a chic, contemporary design.
Subway tiles work beautifully with both dark and light colors. Patterned tiles are especially lovely on floors, but you could also go for slate stone if you want a clean, smart look.
Stylish Shower Stalls
One of the best things about a shower stall is that you can plan it to fit the exact size you have available in your bathroom.
It can be just as small as you need it to be, which is why it’s such a popular choice for small baths where space is at a premium.
The best way to make a small bath feel larger is to install a glass stall with neutral or white tiles. Even classic subway tiles will look great. But if your heart is set on some color, I’d suggest keeping it on the floor.
The clear glass will make the room feel bigger than it is because there are no visual obstructions. A colorful shower wall can also work beautifully, if your bath is just big enough to handle it.
Smart Storage Solutions
Storage is one of the most crucial elements in any bathroom design, and it’s not always easy in a small space. But there are definitely ways to plan your layout to meet your storage needs.
For instance, if you have a lot of things to store, you can go with vertical storage. Or, if you can fit everything into a roomy vanity, all you need to do is find a spot where it won’t be in the way.
Vanity cabinets are definitely the most popular choice for bathroom storage. But you can always get creative and arrange stacks of fresh towels in a separate bin or even a planter, like in Megan Pflug’s remodel.
Just be careful with open shelves, as they can sometimes make a space feel visually cluttered. I think it’s best to try and keep most things out of the bathroom if you can.
Cozy Neutral Tones
Neutral tones are the next best thing for designing small bathrooms. They might not reflect quite as much light as pure white, but they are so much easier to clean and maintain.
Neutrals also pair beautifully together, so you don’t have to stick with just one color or shade. Monochromatic neutral designs can look incredibly stylish too.
A neutral color scheme is a perfect choice for creating a spa-like feel, as it makes for such a calming atmosphere for unwinding in the evening.
You can also mix in some bright and dark tones to punctuate the design, while natural materials will give your bathroom more of a rustic vibe.
Unique Design Elements
A small bathroom does not have to be plain or boring at all. In fact, you can make it a fun challenge to create a one-of-a-kind design that will have your guests asking who designed it.
Things like creative tiles, wallpaper, and unique furnishings can help your bath, no matter how small it is, truly stand out.
If you’re lucky enough to have interesting architectural details already, you can just play those up. This is where eye-catching and attractive hardware can be a huge help.
Also, if your bathroom has a window, you might even be brave enough to hang some artwork inside to add more character and flair.
