Small bathrooms (under 50 sq ft) can be challenging to renovate, but with the right design choices, they can feel larger, function better, and provide more storage than you might expect. Whether you’re updating a guest bath, powder room, or primary bathroom, these tips can help you make the most of your space.
How Can You Maximize the Layout of a Small Bathroom?
The layout has the biggest impact on how a small bathroom functions. Before selecting finishes, consider whether moving a vanity, replacing a tub with a shower, or reconfiguring fixtures could make better use of space. Even small layout changes can significantly improve comfort and usability. So when you start planning, make sure you think about what you want to move, keep, and remove.
What Type of Vanity Works Best in a Small Bathroom?
A vanity that is too large can make a bathroom feel cramped. Floating vanities and furniture-style vanities can help maximize functionality while maintaining an open feel. Try choosing one of these styles and keeping them under 30″ widths, but don’t go smaller than 18″.
How Can You Add More Storage to a Small Bathroom?
Storage is often limited in smaller bathrooms, so it’s important to plan for it early. Recessed medicine cabinets, shower niches/shelves, and linen cabinets can help reduce clutter. Also consider using any walls that have enough room for shelves or cabinetry.
Do Large Mirrors Make a Small Bathroom Look Bigger?
Yes. Mirrors reflect both natural and artificial light, creating the illusion of more space. A larger mirror above the vanity can make a small bathroom feel noticeably bigger without requiring additional square footage.
Should You Use a Glass Shower in a Small Bathroom?
If your bathroom includes a shower, a glass enclosure can help the room feel more open. Unlike a shower curtain or a framed enclosure, glass lets your eye see the entire space, making the room appear larger and less confined. Just make sure that if you want a shower door (that doesn’t slide), it has enough clearance to swing freely when you’re in or out of the shower!
Is Large Tile Better for a Small Bathroom?
Many homeowners think small bathrooms require small tile, but the opposite is often true. Large-format tile reduces grout lines and creates a cleaner, less cluttered appearance that can make the room feel more spacious.
How Important Is Lighting in a Small Bathroom?
A well-lit bathroom will often feel larger than it actually is. And good lighting can dramatically change the feel of a small bathroom. But don’t stress out too much if you don’t have windows or room for additional hardwired lighting. One light source is usually enough.
What Should Be the Top Priority in a Small Bathroom Remodel?
While finishes and fixtures are important, functionality should drive every design decision. The most successful small bathroom remodels improve usability because that’s why they’re small in the first place. Either the bathroom is small because it’s a spare bathroom, or because that’s all that can fit in the home. But just because functionality should be top of mind, that doesn’t mean it can’t also look good!
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Bathroom Renovations
Light, neutral colors often make a bathroom feel larger and brighter because they reflect more light throughout the space.
If space and functionality are priorities, a walk-in shower can often make a small bathroom feel more open. However, if it’s the only bathtub in your home, you may want to consider future resale needs before removing it.
Floating vanities and custom storage solutions are popular choices because they maximize space without overwhelming the room.
Improving lighting, installing a larger mirror, using a glass shower enclosure, choosing light colors, and incorporating large-format tile can all help make a small bathroom feel larger.
Yes. A well-designed small bathroom can improve daily functionality, increase storage, update the appearance of your home, and provide long-term value for homeowners.
