I’ve tackled countless bathroom remodels, and small spaces have always been my favorite. Why? They’re challenging but rewarding. With the right design tricks, a tiny bathroom can feel open, airy, and even luxurious. Today, I’ll share 22 ideas that have worked wonders for me and my clients.

1. Go Vertical with Storage

Source @horderly

When dealing with limited floor space, one of the easiest ways to optimize storage is by going vertical. Think about the unused space above your toilet, sink, or even doors. For instance, in one client’s powder room, there wasn’t a single cabinet. To solve this, we installed slim floating shelves that ran the length of the wall above the toilet. These shelves held rolled towels, decorative jars, and even a small potted plant for a touch of greenery. Not only did this add functional storage, but it also gave the bathroom a polished, organized look without feeling cramped.

2. Stick to Light Colors

Source @rockymountaindecals

Light colors can completely transform a small bathroom. They reflect light better and create the illusion of space. I’ve seen dark or bold hues make compact bathrooms feel like caves. Instead, opt for soft whites, creamy neutrals, or pastels. For my own bathroom, a pale gray on the walls paired with white trim instantly gave the room a clean, airy feel. You can extend the light palette to tiles and accessories, creating a cohesive and seamless look that makes the room appear larger than it is.

3. Use Large Mirrors

Source @_laureneloise

Mirrors do more than just let you check your reflection—they’re an essential design tool for small spaces. A large mirror can double the sense of space by reflecting light and views. In one recent project, a wall-to-wall mirror above the vanity transformed a tiny, windowless bathroom. It made the room feel twice its size and added a layer of sophistication. Pair the mirror with stylish lighting fixtures to enhance its effect even more.

4. Install Pocket Doors

Source @gogingham

Traditional swinging doors take up more room than you might realize. A pocket door—which slides into the wall—is a game changer. In one of my projects, replacing a standard door with a pocket door allowed us to add a full-sized vanity where there had previously been only a pedestal sink. The additional counter space and storage made a noticeable difference without sacrificing functionality or style.

5. Embrace Glass Shower Enclosures

Source @glassbycrowne

Nothing shrinks a small bathroom more than an opaque shower curtain or frosted glass. A clear glass shower enclosure opens up sightlines, making the room feel larger. I recently worked on a bathroom where we installed frameless glass panels for the shower. It instantly created an open, seamless look that made the entire space feel modern and inviting. To maintain this effect, keep the shower clutter-free with built-in niches for toiletries.

6. Wall-Mounted Fixtures

Source @faucetsnfixtures

Wall-mounted sinks, vanities, and toilets are not just trendy—they’re practical for small spaces. Elevating these fixtures exposes more floor area, creating the illusion of space. In one bathroom, we mounted a floating vanity with drawers for storage. The exposed floor underneath made the room feel less crowded while still providing functionality.

7. Large Floor Tiles

Source @bathrooms_of_insta

Many people assume small tiles are better for small bathrooms, but that’s not true. Small tiles create more grout lines, which can make a floor look busy and fragmented. Instead, opt for large tiles with minimal grout lines. In a client’s bathroom, we used 24×24-inch porcelain tiles in a light gray tone. The continuous surface made the room feel sleek and expansive.

8. Add Niche Storage in the Shower

Source @reno_gals

Bulky shower caddies and shelves can eat into precious space. Recessed niches are a simple yet effective solution. These niches, built directly into the shower wall, keep toiletries organized and out of the way. In one renovation, we added a horizontal niche with a decorative tile accent. It served as a practical storage solution and a design feature.

9. Opt for a Pedestal Sink

Source @thefreshhome

Vanities with cabinets can feel bulky in a small bathroom. A pedestal sink offers a sleek, minimalist alternative. In one project, we replaced a dated vanity with a modern pedestal sink and added wall-mounted shelves nearby for storage. The result was a cleaner, more spacious look that still met the homeowner’s needs.

10. Keep Patterns Subtle

Source @sfaykos

Bold patterns can overwhelm a small bathroom, making it feel even smaller. Instead, opt for subtle textures or small-scale patterns. For example, in one bathroom remodel, we used textured subway tiles for the shower walls and paired them with a neutral hexagonal floor tile. The combination added depth without creating visual clutter.

11. Install a Skylight or Solar Tube

Source @solatube_international

Natural light can work wonders in a small space, but not all bathrooms have windows. That’s where skylights or solar tubes come in. In one client’s windowless bathroom, we installed a solar tube that brought daylight into the space. The transformation was remarkable—the room went from feeling dim and cramped to bright and inviting.

12. Use Multifunctional Furniture

Source @ssww_sanitary_ware

Every piece of furniture in a small bathroom should earn its keep. Think vanities with built-in hampers or benches that double as storage. In a recent project, we used a storage ottoman as seating near the vanity. It provided hidden storage for towels and toiletries while adding a touch of luxury.

13. Go Frameless with the Shower

Source @myshowerdoor

Frameless glass showers are perfect for small bathrooms. They eliminate the visual barrier of a framed door, creating a cleaner and more open look. In one master bath remodel, switching to a frameless shower made a cramped room feel expansive and modern. Pair this with light-colored tiles for maximum impact.

14. Incorporate Vertical Stripes

Source @cozyspaceinterior

Vertical stripes can make ceilings appear higher and walls seem taller. In one bathroom, we used vertically aligned subway tiles with contrasting grout. This simple detail drew the eye upward, giving the room a more balanced and spacious feel.

15. Choose Compact Fixtures

Source @nicolerangelinteriors

Space-saving fixtures are a must for small bathrooms. Look for slim-profile sinks, toilets, and faucets. In one remodel, we installed a wall-mounted faucet that freed up countertop space, making a tiny vanity more functional.

16. Install Open Shelving

Source @chelseainteriors_

Closed cabinets can make a small bathroom feel boxed in. Open shelving, on the other hand, adds storage without overwhelming the space. In my own bathroom, I installed floating shelves above the toilet and styled them with neatly folded towels and decorative jars. The result was both functional and visually appealing.

17. Reflect Natural Light

Source @harperdesignprojects

If your bathroom has a window, maximize the natural light by placing a mirror opposite it. In one project, this simple trick doubled the amount of light in the room and made it feel significantly larger. Pair this with light-colored walls to enhance the effect.

18. Limit Clutter

Source @thebudgetinghaven

Clutter can quickly make a small bathroom feel chaotic. I always recommend paring down to the essentials and using hidden storage solutions to keep surfaces clear. In one bathroom, we used pull-out organizers in the vanity to keep everything tidy and out of sight.

19. Add Accent Lighting

Source @chosenphotography

Layered lighting adds depth to small spaces. In a recent project, we installed recessed ceiling lights, sconces on either side of the mirror, and LED strips under the vanity. The combination created a warm, inviting ambiance and made the room feel more spacious.

20. Use Floating Shelves

Source @shelfology

Floating shelves are a great way to add storage without overwhelming the room. In one bathroom, we installed narrow shelves above the sink, providing space for decor and small essentials. The open design kept the area looking light and uncluttered.

21. Maximize Corner Space

Source @acm_constructiongroup

Corners are often underutilized in small bathrooms. I’ve installed corner sinks, triangular shelving, and even corner towel racks to make the most of these areas. These solutions can add functionality without sacrificing style.

22. Decorate Strategically

Source @danidazey and concretecollaborativ

In small bathrooms, less is more when it comes to decor. Choose one bold statement piece, like a colorful rug or a piece of oversized artwork, to serve as a focal point. In one project, we used a vibrant Moroccan rug that brought warmth and personality to an otherwise neutral space.