Bathroom Designs for Small Spaces 2025

Before you design any bathroom, you need to have a library of bathroom designs in your mind. If your bathroom is smaller than normal, it may seem even more challenging. However, small does not always mean bad. There are many clever solutions for small bathroom designs that look quite great.

How can I maximize space in a small bathroom?

Bathrooms are notoriously daunting due to their small size, lack of natural light, and the abundance of appliances that must be squeezed into the available space. But if you do it right, the entire space will feel lighter and more open. It doesn’t cost a dime a dozen to cut a hole in the wall and install a window.

Getting rid of unnecessary items and making full use of any open space is as important as using visual tricks to give the impression of more space where there isn’t much. And fear not; it won’t cost as much as you think.

10 Tips for Creating Stunning Bathroom Designs in Small Spaces

Based on your needs and tastes, we will help you choose the best layouts, add some spa-like features and choose the optimal color palette that can help you relax after a long day. Here are ten practical tips to help you create beautiful bathroom designs:

1. Remove all visual obstacles from the road

Avoid anything that looks like a visual barrier in the bathroom. A rule of thumb for small bathroom designs is to eliminate as much clutter as possible.

Consider removing obstructions like washing machines, bins, scales, and laundry baskets to maximize floor space. Try to find alternative solutions for these items or relocate them to another room, such as a storage room or laundry room; otherwise, they will clutter and clutter your space.

If the ceiling is low, it can also appear as a visual obstacle. Consider a high vaulted ceiling that gives the illusion of height in the bathroom.

2. Consider a non-traditional bathtub shape

Let’s face it, the largest unit in any bathroom is the bathtub, which always takes up the most space in the bathroom. However, a small bathroom doesn’t always have to be a flaw. Many non-traditional bathtub solutions take up less space in the bathroom.

If you don’t like the idea of ​​a small shower tray and are someone who cares about a bathtub, then here’s the solution you’ve been looking for. A walk-in tub combines the benefits of both, as it has a square footprint but still functions as a bathtub. Just remember that you’ll need enough space for the tub door to open.

Consider using a corner half hexagon shaped bathtub or a Japanese bathtub. Apart from the built-in bathtub, you can also use freestanding, built-in or built-in bathtubs depending on the size of your bathroom. This will reduce the area occupied by the bathtub and add a unique atmosphere to your bathroom.

Also read: 6 Reasons to Integrate White into Your Bathroom

3. Mirrors are your best friend

Use a tall mirror that accentuates the height of the bathroom. Mirrors reflect the depth of any room and add extra brightness, doubling the effect of lighting fixtures.

The use of reflective surfaces and reflective ceramic tiles also provides a similar brightening effect. Shiny surfaces are common in bathrooms as they are much easier to clean.

4. Choose a soothing color palette

It’s no coincidence that many spa designs use calming aqua or pale blue tones. Choose a soothing color palette that includes: light colors and cold bluish tones.

When it comes to metallic elements in the bathroom, choose shiny fixtures and crisp white surfaces.

5. Avoid dark colors at all costs

If you are not a big fan of blue, at least choose light colors and try to do all the walls with the same ceramic paint.

It is best to use light colors, especially for floor coverings, so as not to make the space smaller. This will make the bathroom look larger instead of emphasizing the corners. Remember that focusing on the corners will make the bathroom look even smaller.

Also read: Latest Trends in Bathroom Furniture

6. A little bit of sink never hurt anyone

Agree that a small bathroom will not have a large sink or vanity in most cases. In addition, a small sink works perfectly and does not cause any inconvenience to its users.

7. Be smart about storage

A small bathroom doesn't mean you have to sacrifice storage space. There are many ways to include hidden storage spaces.

For example, in some bathrooms, it may be possible to create a hidden storage area by drilling a hole behind one of the ceramic tiles on the wall. Try to make use of vertical space as much as possible.

If you insist on using metal clothes hangers, be extra careful about the material selection. Using corrosion-resistant coatings is essential in the bathroom.

Here are some sneaky bathroom storage ideas:

• Built-in compartment next to the sink
• Interactive 3D tiles
• Mirrored cabinets

8. Consider a wall-mounted vanity

As mentioned in the previous article on storage, you need to use the vertical space of the bathroom as much as possible. You can create more storage space with a wall-mounted vanity or sink, using the bottom section to store all your bathroom essentials.

9. Eliminate shadows as much as possible

Excessive shadows can make a bathroom look smaller and can even create a feeling of claustrophobia. To remedy this, you need to make sure the bathroom is well lit and that there are no bulky walls next to the shower.

It would be better to reduce the solids in the bathrooms as well. For starters, use glass doors or light partitions instead of doors or go doorless.

For maximum transparency, make the entire enclosure around the shower tray frosted or patterned glass. They come in all shapes and sizes and can be one of the most flattering elements in any bathroom design.

Regarding the shades, remember that you should never place the ceiling light above your head, otherwise it will ruin your chances of applying makeup in the bathroom.

10. Prioritize proper lighting

Bathroom lighting is one of the most critical elements that can make or break your bathroom design. Make sure that all areas in the bathroom are illuminated.

When it comes to bathrooms, it is more preferable to use high windows that allow for proper natural ventilation and lighting.

Lighting your bathroom with natural sunlight makes people perceive it as more spacious and balanced. This goes for any bathroom design, so try adding window slits that allow sunlight to enter your shower.

Of course, artificial lighting is a must in any bathroom, and if the bathroom is small, you should be extra careful. If you don’t have enough wall space, use wall-mounted lights next to the mirror.

What is the Best Color for a Small Bathroom?

According to the basic principles of interior design, using lighter colors such as white, cream, pastel blue, gray or yellow to decorate a small bathroom will make the space look larger, while using darker colors such as rich red, green or brown will make the room feel more confined.

Also Read: Tips for Having a Modern Bathroom

Is It Better to Use Small or Large Tiles in a Small Bathroom?

While a mix of large and small tiles looks great in some small bathroom designs, the best option is a medium-sized tile no larger than 1′ x 1′.

However, some experts agree that a large tile can help make the most of limited space in a small bathroom by reducing the visual clutter caused by grout lines on the walls and floor. However, you should compare two sizes in person before deciding on a size.

What Are the Small Bathroom Trends in 2025?

You may think your tiny bathroom isn’t big enough to make an impression, but you’d be wrong. Small bathroom design trends can have a major impact, and they can do it for much less money than it would take to redesign a larger bathroom. Let’s explore three of the hottest small bathroom trends for 2025.

1) Modern and Stylish Wallpapers

It's easy to worry that wallpapering a small bathroom will make the space look even smaller, but the right wallpaper can make a big difference.

Wallpapers are a great way to add character to any bathroom, especially smaller ones like the powder room. Your small bathroom is a great place to try out patterned wallpaper that you might not want to use elsewhere in the house.

2) Take Advantage of Portable Storage in the Bathroom

Storage space is often cited as a major issue for those with smaller bathrooms. Instead of relying on makeshift solutions like shoe racks, try repurposing existing furniture to create portable storage.

Make your storage items, such as drawer dividers, floating shelves next to the sink and baskets for placing towels, linens and other household necessities, adjustable so you can rearrange them as your needs change.

3) Innovative Tile Installations

If you want to express yourself effortlessly in a compact bathroom, tile is a great alternative to wallpaper. Using tiles also allows for some creative expression.

Make a statement with a brightly colored penny tile or add cheer with a striped pattern made from subway tiles. Plus, tiling the walls to the top can add a vintage touch to your bathroom and make it easier to wash when your weekly cleaning routine comes around.