19 Small Bathroom Plans You Need to Try Today

Designing a small bathroom may seem like a challenge, but with the right approach, it can be one of the most rewarding spaces in your home. The key to maximizing a small bathroom is creating a balance between function and style. With clever storage solutions, smart design choices, and a few impactful design tips, your tiny bathroom can feel spacious, organized, and luxurious. Whether you’re renovating or simply refreshing your space, these 19 small bathroom plans will help you make the most out of your limited square footage.We’ve handpicked a variety of plans, from minimalist styles to functional layouts, and we’ve included essential recommendations for products you can easily find on Amazon to bring your ideas to life. Whether you’re a renter or a homeowner, these ideas are budget-friendly and easy to implement, so let’s dive into the most creative ways to optimize your small bathroom.

1. Maximized Vertical Storage with Floating Shelves

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When you’re working with a small bathroom, every inch of space counts. One of the most efficient ways to save space while adding functionality is by utilizing vertical storage. Floating shelves are an excellent option because they create a sense of openness by leaving the floor visible, giving the illusion of a larger room. These shelves can hold toiletries, rolled-up towels, or decorative items that add personality to your space. Since they’re off the floor, they also prevent your bathroom from feeling overcrowded or too cluttered. By installing a few floating shelves above the toilet or near the mirror, you can create a visually pleasing, organized environment while maintaining an airy, open feel. In addition to storage, floating shelves also add an element of modernity to the bathroom, making it look more polished and contemporary.

2. Tiled Accent Wall for a Statement Look

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Small bathrooms often have one defining feature that can set the tone for the entire design: the wall treatment. A tiled accent wall can immediately transform a bathroom, making it feel both luxurious and unique. If you’re looking to make a bold statement with minimal effort, consider using contrasting tiles on just one wall to create an eye-catching focal point. This could be a dramatic patterned tile behind the sink or tub, a geometric arrangement on the shower wall, or a colorful mosaic that adds personality to an otherwise neutral space. The key with small bathrooms is to focus on a feature wall to avoid overwhelming the room with too many bold patterns. By focusing your energy on one wall, you draw attention to the design without making the entire space feel chaotic. The use of tiles for an accent wall not only adds beauty but also enhances the texture and depth of the room, giving it a more expansive feel.

3. Minimalist Bathroom with Clean Lines

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In a small bathroom, simplicity often leads to elegance. A minimalist design with clean lines can instantly make the space feel larger and more open. By reducing the number of decorative elements and focusing on functional pieces, a minimalist bathroom offers a calm, serene atmosphere. Choose sleek fixtures with no unnecessary embellishments and opt for neutral colors like white, gray, or soft pastels. The goal is to keep everything as streamlined as possible so the room doesn’t feel crowded. A pedestal sink, for instance, saves floor space while offering a modern touch, and a glass shower enclosure can give the illusion of more space by removing heavy curtains or shower doors. This design philosophy is perfect for smaller bathrooms because it maximizes every inch while still providing a soothing, clutter-free environment.

4. Compact Vanity for Storage and Style

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In a small bathroom, it’s crucial to balance storage and style in your vanity selection. While large, bulky vanities may take up too much space, compact vanities can offer the perfect solution. These smaller units often come with ample storage beneath the sink in the form of cabinets or drawers, so you can store toiletries, towels, and cleaning supplies. The key to selecting a compact vanity is to choose one that fits your bathroom’s size while still providing enough space for essentials. Modern designs incorporate sleek finishes, hidden drawers, and even integrated sinks to maximize storage without compromising aesthetics. Consider opting for a floating vanity if you want to create the illusion of more floor space, or look for corner vanities if your bathroom has an unusual shape.

5. Use of Mirrors to Enhance Light

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Mirrors are one of the most effective design elements for creating the illusion of space in a small bathroom. A well-placed mirror can reflect light and make the room feel brighter, while also giving the appearance of more square footage. The best part is that mirrors come in endless shapes, sizes, and styles, making them perfect for any bathroom theme, from classic to modern. Whether you choose a large, statement mirror above your sink or opt for a series of smaller mirrors, the reflective surfaces help bounce light around the room and create a sense of openness. Furthermore, mirrors serve a functional purpose as well—they help with grooming and getting ready, ensuring your bathroom is as practical as it is beautiful. Try placing a mirror opposite a window or light source to maximize natural light, or use mirrored shelves and cabinets to reflect light from different angles.

6. Smart Storage Solutions with Over-the-Toilet Shelving

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One of the most underutilized areas in a small bathroom is the space above the toilet. This area is perfect for adding additional storage without taking up valuable floor space. Over-the-toilet shelving units are available in various designs, including open shelving for easy access or closed cabinets to keep items hidden from sight. This storage solution is ideal for keeping towels, toiletries, and even decorative pieces. The right over-the-toilet storage can also help streamline your bathroom by keeping everyday essentials within arm’s reach but off the floor. If you’re looking to maximize storage while keeping your bathroom organized, this is a design choice you should seriously consider.

7. Sliding Barn Doors to Save Space

source @idealbarndoors

When space is tight, every inch of usable floor area matters. Traditional bathroom doors that swing open can obstruct space and create a feeling of overcrowding, but sliding barn doors are a fantastic solution for small bathrooms. These doors glide along a track, saving space and giving your bathroom a charming rustic or industrial look. A sliding barn door not only enhances the overall style of your bathroom but also offers a functional solution that takes up no additional floor space. Whether you choose a reclaimed wood design for a farmhouse feel or a sleek, modern version with a black frame, sliding barn doors can effortlessly elevate your bathroom’s décor while saving precious space.

8. Space-Saving Bathtub Design

source @smallbathroomideas

If you’re longing for a relaxing bath but have limited bathroom space, consider investing in a space-saving bathtub design. There are various options available that provide the luxurious experience of a full-sized bathtub but with a smaller footprint. Corner bathtubs, for example, fit perfectly into the corners of your bathroom, taking up less space while still providing ample room for a soak. Alternatively, you could choose a freestanding tub with a small profile that doesn’t overpower the room. The key is to find a design that fits the size of your bathroom while still giving you the luxury of a relaxing bath.

9. Use of Light Colors to Open Up the Space

source @fitchhilldesign

Color plays a crucial role in making a small bathroom feel more spacious and open. When designing a tiny bathroom, it’s essential to opt for light, neutral shades such as whites, light grays, or soft pastels. These colors reflect natural light, making the room appear larger and more inviting. Darker colors can make a room feel cramped and closed off, while lighter hues help open up the space and provide a sense of airiness. Whether you choose to paint the walls in a light color or opt for light-colored tiles and fixtures, the goal is to keep things bright and fresh. Adding a touch of color through accessories like towels, bath mats, or shower curtains is another great way to infuse personality into the space while keeping the room from feeling overcrowded.

10. Wall-Mounted Fixtures for More Floor Space

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One of the most effective ways to make a small bathroom feel more spacious is by incorporating wall-mounted fixtures. These fixtures free up floor space, creating the illusion of a more open area. Wall-mounted sinks and toilets are great options for a minimalist design that doesn’t overcrowd the room. These fixtures also make cleaning easier since there are fewer surfaces to mop or sweep around. A wall-mounted sink is particularly helpful in small bathrooms, as it provides more space around the base, making the room feel less cluttered. Similarly, wall-mounted toilets offer a modern and efficient solution for tight spaces while still maintaining the sleek look of your bathroom.

11. Transparent Shower Enclosure to Open Up the Space

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In smaller bathrooms, one of the best ways to make a space feel more open and airy is by replacing traditional shower curtains with a transparent shower enclosure. A glass shower door or a frameless glass panel provides an uninterrupted view of the rest of the bathroom, which helps to visually expand the space. Without the physical barrier of a shower curtain, the room feels less confined, creating a sense of openness. Not only do glass shower enclosures look sleek and modern, but they are also easy to clean, making them a practical option for small bathrooms. You can also opt for a sliding door if you’re trying to conserve space, as this will eliminate the need for a door that swings outward, taking up valuable floor area.

12. Use of Floating Fixtures for a Clean Look

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Floating fixtures are an excellent way to create the illusion of more space in a small bathroom. These fixtures, including vanities, toilets, and shelves, seem to “float” off the ground, allowing the floor to be visible underneath. This design gives the room a modern, clean look while making it feel less cluttered. Additionally, the open space beneath floating fixtures allows for easier cleaning, as there are fewer surfaces to wipe down or vacuum. Floating fixtures also add a sense of lightness and airiness to your bathroom, helping it to feel less cramped and more open.

13. Open Shelving for Easy Access and Style

source @spacesbytay

Open shelving can be an ideal storage solution for small bathrooms, as it helps you stay organized while keeping your essentials within easy reach. Instead of using closed cabinets, opt for open shelves that give your bathroom a more relaxed, lived-in feel. You can use these shelves to display decorative items like plants, candles, or towels, adding personality to the room. The key with open shelving is to maintain order; keep things neat and tidy so the shelves don’t feel overcrowded. This storage solution not only makes things easy to access, but it also contributes to the open and airy atmosphere that is so important in small bathrooms.

14. Wall-Mounted Towel Bars or Hooks for Convenience

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In a small bathroom, every inch of wall space is valuable, and towel bars or hooks are no exception. By installing wall-mounted towel bars or hooks, you can free up space on countertops and keep towels off the floor, helping to reduce clutter. Wall-mounted towel bars or hooks are available in various styles, from sleek and modern to vintage-inspired designs. The best part is that these fixtures take up very little space while still providing a functional solution for hanging towels, robes, or washcloths. You can place them near the sink, shower, or bathtub to make towels easily accessible without sacrificing valuable counter space.

15. Integrated Storage in the Shower Area

source @yana_design_home

The shower area is often an overlooked space when it comes to storage in a small bathroom. However, incorporating integrated storage solutions in the shower can significantly improve both organization and functionality. Wall niches, built-in shelves, or shower caddies can hold toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner, and soap without taking up valuable space in the bathroom. These built-in solutions are particularly useful for creating a minimalist look and maximizing available space without the need for external storage units. If you have limited room in your shower area, a shower corner shelf or corner basket can be a great way to store products without interfering with your shower’s flow.

16. Mirrored Cabinets for Dual Functionality

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For small bathrooms, storage solutions that serve more than one function are a game-changer. A mirrored cabinet is a fantastic option because it combines storage with the practicality of a mirror, saving you space and adding functionality. These cabinets are perfect for holding toiletries, medications, or grooming products, while also serving as a reflective surface that helps brighten the room and give the illusion of more space. Mirrored cabinets come in many styles, from sleek, modern designs to more traditional and ornate ones, making it easy to find one that fits your bathroom décor.

17. Folding Shower Screen for More Floor Space

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Traditional shower curtains can feel bulky in a small bathroom, but a folding shower screen is a great alternative for conserving space while still maintaining privacy. Folding screens can be folded back when not in use, allowing you to open up the floor space and make the bathroom feel less cramped. This type of shower screen also provides a sleek, modern look, which can complement both contemporary and traditional bathroom styles. Many folding shower screens are made from glass, which allows light to flow freely throughout the room, adding to the illusion of a larger space.

18. Wall-Mounted Lighting for Style and Space Efficiency

source @kuzcolighting

Lighting plays a critical role in how a small bathroom feels, and wall-mounted lighting can help you save valuable countertop or floor space while also providing sufficient illumination. Wall-mounted light fixtures can be installed near the mirror, above or on the sides, to create a balanced, flattering light for daily tasks like shaving or makeup application. Additionally, wall-mounted sconces or lights can be stylish enough to serve as a decorative feature. By eliminating the need for bulky overhead lights or lamps, wall-mounted lighting opens up your bathroom and enhances the overall design, making the space feel larger and more polished.

19. Compact Laundry Solutions for a Clutter-Free Space

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If your small bathroom also doubles as a laundry room, you’re probably familiar with the challenges of keeping everything organized. Compact laundry solutions are essential for making the most of a small bathroom without sacrificing functionality. Stackable washer and dryer units are ideal for tight spaces, as they allow you to keep laundry out of sight while still providing the full laundry experience. Alternatively, wall-mounted drying racks or foldable laundry hampers can keep your laundry under control without taking up too much room. You can also look for multi-purpose storage options that integrate laundry bins with other storage needs, helping you maximize space.