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30 Creative Small Bathroom Design Ideas to Maximize Your Space

Make a big impact without sacrificing style.

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small bathroom design ideas
John Keeble//Getty Images

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Let's face it, small bathrooms can be a bit tricky when it comes to maximizing space while still being aesthetically pleasing. But that's also where the fun begins! Small bathrooms may present a design challenge, but they also offer a unique opportunity for creativity and ingenuity. With the right small bathroom design ideas, you'll find that size doesn't matter when it comes to style and functionality, and even the tiniest of bathrooms can become a mini oasis in your home.

To help you get started on your transformation, check out these 30 small bathroom ideas and solutions to inspire you. From clever bathroom storage ideas to space-saving fixtures and visually expanding design techniques, you'll learn how to make the most of every square inch. You'll find inspiration for every taste and decor style too, whether you prefer the the farmhouse-inspired look or more modern stylings.

For the creative types, there are even some fun and easy DIY projects, like a cute farmhouse shelf, a rolling makeup cart, and a clever Ikea hack that transforms a sink cabinet into a shallow vanity. Whether you're dealing with a cramped apartment bathroom or a snug powder room, this carefully curated list will inspire you to rethink your small bathroom's potential. And when you're done with your remodel, you'll realize that sometimes the best things do come in small packages.

Now you can move onto other rooms:

1

Add Over-the-Toilet Storage

small bathroom ideas over the toilet
Amazon

If you don't have a ton of cabinet storage, grab yourself an affordable shelving unit that is designed to go above and around your toilet. You can store towels, toiletries, and so much more. Most options need very little assembly.

SHOP OVER-THE-TOILET STORAGE

2

Pick Your Favorite Color

small bathroom ideas drummond guest bath
Buff Strickland

If you don't have a lot of space, enjoy every inch of it and choose your favorite color. Take a cue from Ree: She's a huge fan of turquoise and so the guest bath in her new house reflects that style.

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3

Add Light Sconces

small bathroom ideas sister house
Buff Strickland

Even small spaces need light! Scones like these gorgeous finds from Ree and her sister Betsy's Sister House add both function and decoration at the same time.

4

Build a Mini Toilet Cabinet

small bathroom ideas cabinet
John Keeble//Getty Images

Don't think you have enough space for a cabinet? Think again! Small mini cabinets are easy to build and can make storage for toilet paper and other product you might not want to show, but definitely need.

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5

Store Under the Sink

small bathroom ideas under sink storage
Amazon

While you might already have storage under your sink, you can maximize it by getting an over-the-door rack to help you stay organized. Place hair tools or even cleaning supplies within easy reach.

SHOP UNDER-SINK STORAGE

6

Brighten Up with Light Colors

small bathroom ideas light
John Keeble//Getty Images

If you risk feeling cramped in your small space, brighten it up with light colors like white and other neutrals. They make the room feel bigger and airier, even if there isn't a window.

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7

Tile a Wall

small bathroom ideas tile
Carmel Brantley


Don't have a ton of space to tile an enclosed bath? Tile the whole wall instead! If you select carefully, you can find tiles that are much easier to clean and maintain in a humid environment than paint.

8

Hide a Medicine Cabinet

small bathroom ideas hidden medicine cabinet
A Beautiful Mess

If you like the idea of a medicine cabinet behind a mirror, you can also hide one behind some artwork! It looks decorative but then gives you even more storage space.

See more at A Beautiful Mess.

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9

Go with Glass

small bathroom ideas glass shower
Jacek Kadaj//Getty Images

Tiny shower making you feel claustrophobic? Go with glass! It will make the space feel larger when you're both in the shower and out. Plus, it makes even an old shower look new and modern.

10

Pop Your Curtain

small bathroom ideas colorful curtain
Walmart

If you don't have a ton of space for design elements, let your shower curtain do the decorating! You can find affordable options that easily swap out and add a pop of color in an instant.

SHOP SHOWER CURTAINS

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11

Organize Your Bathroom Closet

small bathroom ideas organize bathroom closet
Somewhat Simple

Maximize space and minimize clutter in your space by organizing your bathroom closet. Use a mix of clear bins and labeled baskets so you know exactly where all of your essentials are.

See more at Somewhat Simple.

12

Add a Small Chandelier

small bathroom ideas chandelier
Lovely Indeed

Just because you're working with a small space, doesn't mean you can't make a big statement! Hang a striking mini chandelier that will serve as a focal point for your bathroom.

See more at Lovely Indeed.

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13

Use a Vintage End Table for a Vanity

small bathroom ideas vintage vanity
Inspired by Charm

A vintage end table is just the right size for a small bathroom or powder room. Top it off with a vessel sink and vintage-inspired hardware.

See more at Inspired by Charm.

14

Hang Plants on the Walls

small bathroom ideas hang plants
Lovely Indeed

Plants bring so much life to any room, including your bathroom! If you're short on floor space, hang mini planters on the wall and fill them with your favorite succulents, real or faux.

See more at Lovely Indeed.

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15

Add Wallpaper

small bathroom ideas wallpaper
Home Made by Carmona

Wallpaper in a small bathroom adds personality and visual interest and can even create the illusion of space. Since you're working with a small space, it will also be cost-effective and easy to install—you can even do it yourself with peel-and-stick wallpaper!

See more at Home Made by Carmona.

SHOP WALLPAPER

16

Choose Brightly Colored Tile

small bathroom ideas pops of color
Lovely Indeed

When you don't have a lot of room for decor, make the floor your decor! Choosing vibrantly colored tile for your bathroom floor draws the eye downward, creating the illusion of a larger floor area.

See more at Lovely Indeed.

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17

Use a Rolling Vanity

small bathroom ideas rolling vanity
Polkadot Chair

This cute DIY rolling vanity will help you store your essentials without cramping your style. You can even tuck it away in your bedroom when you need a little extra bathroom space.

See more at Polkadot Chair.

18

Create a Cozy English Cottage Vibe

small bathroom ideas english cottage
The Craft Patch

Cozy has a much better ring to it than small, doesn't it? Lean into that feel by embracing an English cottage vibe with a charming floral print shower curtain, a repurposed teapot vase, and some vintage botanical art on the walls.

See more at The Craft Patch.

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19

DIY Farmhouse Shelving

small bathroom ideas farmhouse shelving
The Craft Patch

This farmhouse shelf is so cute, easy to make, and you can customize it with whatever color buttons you choose. It's a great way to store essentials that don't fit in your medicine cabinet, too.

See more at The Craft Patch.

20

Stay Organized with Cute Storage Baskets

small bathroom ideas
Studio DIY!

Open shelving can get chaotic quickly. Keep things organized and stylish with cute matching storage baskets. We love the colorful tassels on these!

See more at Studio DIY!.

SHOP STORAGE BASKETS

Headshot of Tierney McAfee

Tierney McAfee is a freelance writer and Country Living and The Pioneer Woman contributor who covers entertainment, holiday & entertaining, food & drinks, design ideas, DIY, and more.

Headshot of AnnMarie Mattila
AnnMarie Mattila
Senior Editor

AnnMarie Mattila is the Senior Editor for The Pioneer Woman, covering a wide range of topics from food and cooking to home, beauty, style, and more.

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