13 Best Small Bathroom Ideas and Inspiration

When looking to remodel your small bathroom, size matters. Your renovation is all about maximising your space to create an innovative and thoughtful design.

So, whether you’re planning to transform your bathroom’s look completely or want tips on freeing up more space, we can help. Read on for our best small bathroom design ideas.

How to maximise space in a small bathroom

There are many ways to maximise the space in your small bathroom, making it feel bigger and less cluttered. Some of our small bathroom ideas include installing wall cabinets, open showers, and utilising nib walls.

Wall cabinets

The standard wall cabinet is a simple yet clever solution for your bathroom storage. Recessed mirrored cabinets are an excellent option if you have the space to create a recess within your walls. They are great at saving space while having the appearance of a simple wall mirror. Do note that you recessed cabinets can only be slotted on a cavity or double brick wall.

Custom-made vanities

Custom-made vanities are an excellent option for small bathrooms. They allow you to add extra compartments and drawers for your needs. Opt for drawers over doors in your vanities to make the most of your storage space.

Wide vanity with a large mirror and lots of bathroom storage, zoomed in

Utilise the space above your toilet

If you’re struggling to find extra storage space, don’t stress. The underutilised space above your toilet could be the best place to add shelving or cupboards. Additional shelving is a simple, small bathroom idea you can implement quickly.

Bathroom vanity and toilet in a renovated WA Assett bathroom

Install a shower niche

A shower niche is a recessed shelf within your shower, giving you room to store your shower necessities. In stud-framed homes, niches can be installed between two studs of your interior wall, meaning no additional space is needed to install it. Installing a shower niche helps you eliminate the need for ugly shower caddies.

Large grey & white shower and shower head in bathroom

Open showers

Open showers look sleek and modern and can save you space.

small bathroom renovation with large shower

Nib walls and ledges

A nib wall is a slim wall that sits at the end of your vanity and extends into the shower area. It blocks any space-wasting gaps between spaces. As the nib wall is completely bricked and tiled, it can add extra wall storage in your shower.

Ledges installed in your shower work similarly, offering a functional platform for storing all your shower essentials.

New renovated shower with stone-like flooring and a shower ledge

Remove the bath

A shower unit is the most compact option for a smaller bathroom. Sure, a bath is nice—but how often do you use it? If a bath is not essential for your home, consider replacing it with a shower unit.

Scrapping the bath makes your bathroom look bigger and could save you money. You won’t need to pay for a separate screen and drain.

WA Assett bathroom renovation with smooth darker textures mixed with white and vintage worn mirrors

Consider your colour palette

Colour is essential when creating the desired vibe for your small bathroom. So, how do you want it to feel? Do you want it to be an energising space to get ready in the morning or a calming environment to enjoy a long soak in your bathtub and rest your eyes? You can set the look and feel of your bathroom with the colour scheme you choose.

Blues and Greens

Blues and greens can feel relaxing and refreshing, subtly helping the mind unwind and calmer.

blue tiles in small bathroom with smooth cabinets and large shower

Neutral Colours

Neutral colours like black, white, and grey will never go out of fashion. When applied in a monochrome scheme, they can make a big impression. They can also be used to highlight features like tapware and patterned tiling.

A monochrome bathroom renovated by WA Assett

Soft pinks and earthy tones

Soft pinks and earthy tones, mixed with wood-look tiles, rattan furniture, and indoor plants, can create a cosy space with a little more character.

small bathroom renovation with pink sink and dark taps

Or if the above colour palettes aren’t your style, try the below:

Consider pairing complementary colours together (which sit opposite each other on the colour wheel).
Or, for a simpler yet just as impactful look, you can try a monochromatic colour scheme that uses just one colour in various tints, shades, and tones.

While it’s ultimately up to you, if you’re considering selling your home in the future, it’s often best to opt for a classic and timeless colour scheme.

Tips for remodelling a small bathroom

Make sure you budget accordingly

Despite their size, small bathroom makeovers are not necessarily cheaper than average-sized or even large bathroom renovations.

After all, you’re still using the same trades to install the exact fittings and fixtures, which will still take roughly the same time.

The only price difference will be the volume of tiles you use, which usually only results in a cost savings of a few hundred dollars.

So, when planning a small bathroom makeover, it’s essential to have a realistic budget expectation.

Focus on functionality

In a small bathroom, how you use your space matters. For example, by including wall-mounted basins, you reduce the space within the room while still getting the same level of use. Replacing your old shower curtain with clear glass doors gives the illusion of more space.

Add more storage

Adding more storage can make a tiny bathroom feel much more spacious. Keeping bathroom accessories out of sight can make the bathroom feel lighter and cleaner. Options like those outlined above provide plenty of room without taking up too much space in your floor plan.

Go sleek and slim

Regular-sized sinks and toilets can make your bathroom look and feel cramped. Opt for more compact versions, like a back-to-wall toilet or a wall-hung vanity. Floating vanities can also give you more room for storage and movement.

Create the illusion of space

A small bathroom will feel more significant with a few simple design tricks. Strategically placing mirrors in small bathrooms can make them appear more prominent. Great lighting helps to make the room feel lighter and airier. Light colours, like whites and creams, reflect light rather than absorb it, giving an added feeling of space.

Remember: less is more

This is one of the most perfect sayings regarding bathroom renovation. Keeping things to a minimum and only installing the essentials can save a lot of space in your bathroom.

Small bathroom design FAQs

We’ve covered most of the common questions we get asked. Here are a few more small-space bathroom design FAQs you may still wonder about.

What size tiles are best for a small bathroom?

The suitable tiles will completely change the look and feel of your bathroom or ensuite. Large tiles and thin grout lines can make the room feel deceptively spacious.

The colour of your tiles is also an important decision. Try to avoid anything bright or heavily patterned. Not only will this shrink your space, but it could also impact your home’s resale value.

How do you make small windowless bathrooms look bigger?

If installing a window or skylight isn’t an option, you can make a windowless bathroom feel bigger in a few ways. You can try to make the room as bright as possible with white paint and tiles from floor to ceiling. Large, slimline mirrors can create the illusion of space. You can even install mirror lights to enhance a windowless room.

Can I DIY a small bathroom?

In theory, yes. But it takes a lot of work, and we only recommend it if you have experience in DIY and construction. After all, a small bathroom renovation requires multiple tradespeople, like a tiler, plumber, and electrician. It’s also a lot of very intricate, detailed work that needs to be carried out in a specific order.

While it might initially seem cheaper, renovating and remodelling a bathroom can be steep if it isn’t done right. So getting it done right the first time by professionals will save you money in the long term—and look much better.

Ready to renovate your small bathroom?

Now that you’ve seen a few of our favourite bathroom ideas for small bathrooms. Now, it’s time to implement them.

If you want to maximise the space of your small bathroom, we can help. Contact our team for a complimentary in-home consultation and estimate.

Our favourite ideas for small bathroom designs