10 Remodeling Tips for Small Bathrooms

In most bathrooms, space is at a premium. Learn how to maximize style and efficiency.

Holly Traffas

Industrial style bathroom, floating white vanity, frameless shower door.

1. Get creative with storage

Wood teak corner shelf, robe hanging, bathtub. Black teak shelf.

When floor and counter space is limited, go vertical. Pretty bathroom shelving can hold extra towels, toiletries, paper products and decor.

2. Focus on lighting

Black metal and wood finish pendant. Vanity globe light, matte black finish

The right bathroom lighting is a perfect blend of form and function. Consider a ceiling fixture for overall illumination and a vanity bar and wall sconces to light up your face when you’re in front of the mirror.

3. Hang fixtures on the wall

2 wall hung vanities, in wood and black finishes. Wall hung toilet and sink

Floating vanities, wall-mounted sinks, and wall-hung toilets not only make it easier to keep the floor clean, but these fixtures can also visually expand a small space.

4. Consider a pedestal sink

2 pedestal sinks in white, tooth brush container, vanity mirror.

Pedestal sinks have long been a design go-to in traditional powder rooms, but they’re now available in shapes and colors to complement every decor style. Even the most modern bathroom can benefit from this space-saving design.

5. Remember the accessories

Gold robe hook, modern toilet paper holder, wall mounted soap dispenser.

Towel bars, towel rings, robe hooks, soap dispensers, TP holders, and other accessories can help keep things tidy. They can also be used as design elements. Try shopping by collection for a pulled-together look.

6. Choose high-end tile

Black, white and gray tile, green geometric mosaic tile, linear mosaic tile

Small spaces have at least one big advantage — you can afford to splurge on products like flooring and wall tile. With less square footage to cover, there’s probably room in the budget for an upgrade.

7. Include little luxuries

Heated towel rack, bidet toilet seat with wall control, bath fan.

Special features — like towel warmers, bidet seats, even bath fans with speakers and showerheads that play music — don’t take up any extra space but have big impact in tiny rooms.

8. Install frameless shower doors

2 frameless shower doors with clear glass. Marble shower with tub.

Reduce visual clutter by swapping out your shower doors with a sleek, frameless version.

9. Upgrade your shower head

2 square rain shower heads in stainless steel and matte black finishes.

Whether you prefer the gentle droplets of a rain shower, or an invigorating water massage, there are lots of great shower head choices available. Bonus: swapping out the shower head is a very simple DIY project.

10. Know your bathtub options

Two circular Japanese style soaking tubs.

If your small bathroom can fit a shower, it might also have room for a bathtub. Even if a standard size tub is out of the question, there are walk-in bathtubs and Japanese soaking tubs with very small footprints.