Small Bathrooms – How to Make the Most of Every Meter

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Written By Lauris Krams

Small spaces are often seen as limiting and constraining. However, with a little creativity, even the tiniest of spaces can be transformed into functional and inviting havens. A small bathroom, no matter how small, is no exception to this rule. 

In fact, a compact bathroom presents an exciting design challenge, prompting us to think outside the box and utilize every square meter efficiently. 

So in this article we will see some of our best tips to reinvent your small bathroom into a functional and aesthetically pleasing space.

10 small bathroom hacks

There are many ways you can make even the tiniest bathroom functional and cute. Here are our favorite tips.

1. Use wall-mounted fixtures

To save on floor space, consider installing wall-mounted sinks and toilets. By doing away with bulky pedestals or bases, you immediately free up valuable floor area. 

Further, wall-mounted fixtures are easier to clean beneath, resulting in a more hygienic bathroom. They also offer an uncluttered and streamlined appearance, which is visually soothing.

For example, a floating vanity not only provides room beneath it for potential storage but also creates a visual sense of spaciousness.

2. Frameless shower enclosures

Frameless glass shower doors or screens give an unobstructed view, making the bathroom appear larger. They reduce visual clutter and allow light to pass through. So this is another small bathroom hack that can be very useful.

By removing visual barriers, you create a continuous line of sight, making the bathroom feel expansive. Additionally, frameless enclosures are versatile and can fit various bathroom styles, from contemporary to traditional.

For example, a clear glass enclosure around a corner shower can make it seem as though the bathroom extends further than it actually does.

3. Vertical storage

Think vertically when it comes to storage. Tall, slender cabinets or open shelving can maximize storage potential without eating up much floor space. This vertical perspective not only offers storage but can draw the eye upward, emphasizing the height of the room. And making it feel more spacious.

Installing recessed shelves between wall studs can offer extra space for toiletries and décor without protruding into the room.

small bathroom hacks

4. Use mirrors strategically

A well-placed mirror can not only be functional but also create an illusion of space. Consider using a large mirror that spans the width of a wall. 

Moreover, mirrors play a vital role in reflecting both artificial and natural light, enhancing brightness and depth in the room. For example, above a floating vanity, a mirror stretching up to the ceiling can double the visual space and reflect any incoming light.

5. Pocket doors

Traditional swing doors can consume precious space. By installing pocket doors that slide into the wall, you free up valuable floor and wall space. 

Plus, pocket doors come in a variety of styles, so you can choose one that complements the design aesthetic of your bathroom.

A frosted glass pocket door offers privacy without obstructing light, giving a modern touch to the space.

6. Multifunctional features

When space is at a premium, dual-purpose items come in handy. For instance, a ladder can act as a towel rack, while its steps can serve as shelves for plants or bath products, offering style and purpose.

A sink-top wooden cover can double up as an additional counter space for toiletries or makeup, while a mirrored medicine cabinet can serve as both storage and a vanity mirror.

7. Use light colors

Light colors, especially whites and neutrals, tend to open up space. They reflect light better, making the bathroom feel airy and spacious. 

Additionally, using a monochromatic color scheme, where you choose varying shades of a single color, can create harmony and reduce visual clutter. That will make the space feel more unified and larger.

For example, white subway tiles paired with a pale gray floor can brighten up a bathroom and make it feel bigger than it is.

tips for small bathrooms

8. Clear the floor

Wall-mounted or hanging fixtures can help keep the floor visible, making the bathroom look more expansive. 

Moreover, it makes cleaning the bathroom easier. This approach encourages a minimalist mindset. All the while prompting you to only keep what’s essential and discard or store away unnecessary items.

Using wall hooks for towels or a wall-mounted toilet brush holder can keep essentials at arm’s reach without crowding the floor.

9. Opt for round edges

When choosing fixtures or decor, consider rounded options. Round vanities or sinks can prevent the cramped feeling that sharper edges might induce in tight spaces.  Circular designs also offer a flow to the space, making it feel organic and harmonious, which can be calming in a potentially cramped setting.

For example, a round-edge vanity can ensure you don’t bump into sharp corners, making movement in the bathroom smoother.

10. Go minimalistic

Embrace a minimalist design by limiting the number of items in the bathroom. This doesn’t mean sacrificing essentials but being selective about what you include. 

A minimalist approach allows the room to breathe and emphasizes quality over quantity. It encourages thoughtful purchases and arrangements, ensuring that every item not only serves a function but also adds to the room’s overall aesthetic.

So try opting for a single, statement-making light fixture instead of multiple smaller ones, or choose one standout piece of wall art instead of a cluster of smaller pieces.

While the size of a bathroom might be fixed, the potential it holds is boundless. With intentionality in design, even the smallest bathrooms can be transformed into spacious-looking, efficient, and elegant spaces.

minimalistic design approach

Pros of a small bathroom

While expansive bathrooms have their own allure, there’s a unique charm and set of advantages that come with smaller bathrooms. 

Firstly, small bathrooms inherently encourage simplicity. They’re pushing homeowners to distill their needs and aesthetics down to what truly matters, fostering a minimalist and clutter-free environment. Also they’re often more energy-efficient, requiring less electricity for lighting and less time and water to heat, thus promoting sustainability. 

Maintenance and cleaning are quicker and more straightforward. And from a design perspective, a compact bathroom can be transformed into a space where every element is thoughtfully curated and where quality takes precedence over quantity. 

So, while they may be limited in size, small bathrooms can offer a more focused, efficient, and intimate experience that their larger counterparts might struggle to provide.

If you’d like to read more about how to improve your home space, check out these articles:

Stay tuned for more useful tips and hacks from us soon!