Small Bathroom Remodel Guide: Smart Ideas to Maximize Space and Storage

Small Bathroom — Big Potential

Smart design is the key to unlocking your bathroom's full potential, even if it's tiny. Let's explore how to get the absolute most out of a modern small bathroom remodel.

Why Size Doesn't Have to Limit Style

Small bathrooms offer a unique opportunity to focus on substantive details and create a visually cohesive space. In fact, most designers believe that cramped spaces suit bold ideas and drastic transformations. 

"Small bathrooms are the perfect canvas for creative risk," says Jonathan Adler, designer and founder of his eponymous lifestyle brand. "You can go bold with wallpaper, try out daring tile, or even use luxe materials without breaking the budget."

For a compact bathroom, less is more. Wall-mounted fixtures, a floating vanity, and vertically oriented storage can release floor space and provide more mobility within the room. Mirrored surfaces and bright colors also reflect light and make a space feel larger. Decorating a small bathroom is not about size so much as about function. Be functional foremost, but don't forget to infuse personality.

Setting a Clear Vision for Your Remodel

Before demolition starts or tile samples take over your kitchen table, you'll want to lay out some goals. Set goals from the start, ensure a more streamlined remodel, and provide better final outcomes.

As homeowners plan a small bathroom interior design, three questions to ask themselves are: What's not working? What's lacking? What's worth the money?

Here's a helpful checklist to guide your vision:

• Identify what matters to you the most: More storage, better lighting, or a new configuration.
• Determine your style: Contemporary, farmhouse, minimalist, vintage, or a combination.
• Measure carefully: An inch makes a difference. Plan out your space.
• Create a realistic budget: Factor in labor, materials, fixtures, and unexpected costs.
• Gather inspiration: Bookmark photos, samples, and colors that you're inspired by.
• Consult professionals if needed: Even a quick design consult can prevent costly mistakes.

Looking for professional help without upfront commitments or payments? Just fill out our quick request form at MyHomeQuote. Answer a few simple questions about your bathroom remodel, and you'll get a call back with an initial consultation to discuss your next steps.

Storage That Works as Hard as You Do

Creative storage is what makes a messy cave a peaceful retreat. With a bit of imagination, even the smallest floor plans are more efficient. With these ideas for a small bathroom, you'll capitalize on every square inch. 

Built-Ins and Recessed Wonders

Built-in shelves, recessed medicine cabinets, and storage niches within walls are game changers within any small bathroom design. They offer floor space savings and a streamlined, built-in aesthetic that is intentional rather than cluttered. 

For example, a recessed shower shelf stores toiletries out of sight without using cumbersome caddies. In a similar vein, storage within the wall above the toilet cistern or within a stud cavity offers secret storage locations for more supplies. 

"Every inch matters in small bathrooms," notes interior designer Emily Henderson. "Recessed elements let you keep function without sacrificing flow."

When brainstorming small shower room ideas, consider a recessed bench or built-in shelf to offer additional comfort and convenience. You wish to conceal storage where you require it most, but not make the room look smaller.

Vertical Thinking: Using Wall Space Wisely

In a limited space, when a small bathroom is designed with a shower, using vertical space is key. Smart storage solutions not only help keep things tidy but also make the room feel more open and less cluttered. Here are some easy and effective ideas:

Clever Storage Spots

• Above the toilet: Add floating shelves to this often-overlooked area. They're great for holding extra toilet paper, small baskets, or even a few decorative touches.
• Behind the door: This is a great spot for a towel bar or a slim organizer. You can hang towels or robes here without using up any floor space.
• Ladder-style racks: These leaning racks are both stylish and useful. Use the rungs to hang towels or small baskets for things like lotion, hair products, or washcloths. They take up little space and look great.

Wall-Mounted Tools

• Wall-mounted organizers: Keep counters clear with caddies for toothbrushes, toothpaste, or even magnetic strips for tweezers and clippers.
• Mirrors with storage: Some mirrors open up to reveal hidden shelves inside. They're perfect for storing makeup, medicine, or other small items out of sight.
• Tall, slim cabinets: A narrow cabinet in an empty corner can hold towels, cleaning supplies, or other bathroom essentials. Because it’s tall and thin, it gives you a lot of storage without crowding the room.

Tiny Vanity? Time for a Custom Fit

If a regular vanity doesn’t fit in your bathroom, just replace it with a custom option. Small vanities or floating sinks are made to fit tight corners or narrow spaces.

Look for a compact vanity with built-in drawers to add storage without taking up too much room. Choosing one with an open bottom helps make the space feel bigger by showing more of the floor. You can also save counter space by using a wall-mounted faucet, which gives the sink area a cleaner and more open look.

"Custom pieces let you solve space issues creatively," says Jean Liu, a Dallas-based interior designer. "It's about maximizing utility without overwhelming the space."

For homeowners exploring small toilet designs, a compact combo unit or a wall-hung toilet is another means to streamline the layout. Along with a space-saving vanity, these styles support a minimalist look while boosting functionality.

The Right Order Makes All the Difference

The sequence of your renovation steps affects both the cost and quality of the final result. Having it done the right way around will save you time, money, and hassle.

Plan First, Demo Second

Jumping straight into demolition might seem exciting, but thoughtful planning ensures a smoother remodel and fewer surprises. A clear plan minimizes delays and costly mid-project changes.

When approaching a small bathroom renovation, these are some crucial matters to attend to before pulling out the sledgehammer:

• Measure everything: It is imperative to have precise dimensions of the area.
• Set a budget: Include a buffer for unexpected costs (typically 10-15%)
• Create a layout: Decide on plumbing locations and traffic flows.
• Select materials ahead of time: This avoids delays due to backorders.
• Obtain permits if required: Especially for plumbing or electrical changes.
• Line up contractors: Book reputable professionals in advance.

"Failing to plan is planning to fail," says HGTV expert Mike Holmes. A modern small bathroom renovation, whether grand or cozy, is even better with a clear plan.

Plumbing and Wiring: The Hidden Workhorses

Once demolition is finished, the next step is to tackle the behind-the-wall essentials like plumbing and electricity. These are foundation systems that create safety, functionality, and future-proofing.

HomeAdvisor says the national average cost to rough-in plumbing for a small bathroom is $1,000 to $2,500, depending on whether pipes need to be relocated. Electrical wiring updates typically cost between $300 and $900 and take 8 to 16 labor hours, based on data from Fixr.

These refinements won’t be the most glaring, but they’re critical. Aging plumbing or obsolete wiring can create down-the-road issues that range from leaks to safety problems. Be sure to:

• Upgrade pipes and valves if they’re old or corroded
• Install GFCI outlets to meet code requirements
• Ensure proper ventilation to prevent moisture damage

Always hire licensed professionals for this stage. Their work forms the backbone of your new bathroom.

Fixtures, Floors, and Finishes—In That Order

When designing a small bathroom interior, doing things in the proper order avoids damage and gives a finished look. "Finishing a bathroom is like layering a cake," says designer Sarah Sherman Samuel. "You need a solid base before adding the final touches."

Start with your fixtures — tub, toilet, vanity, and sink. They often require work with plumbing and walls, so start with them before installing flooring and finishes.

Next comes the flooring. Lay down your tile or other materials after the heavy pieces are in place to avoid chipping or cracking. 

Finally, finish with paint, backsplashes, mirrors, and lighting. This order keeps your work clean and prevents unnecessary do-overs.

Space-Stretching Design Tricks for a Small Bathroom

Small bathrooms often require a little visual magic to feel open and airy. With a few clever techniques and the right materials, you can make even the tiniest space appear bigger, brighter, and more comfortable.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall (and Maybe the Door)

The simplest way to expand a space visually is through mirrors. In a small bathroom design, mirrors bounce light around the room, enhance depth, and make cramped quarters feel larger.

"Mirrors are a small bathroom’s best friend," says Nate Berkus, interior designer and TV personality. "They double the sense of space and bring much-needed light into dark corners."

Consider installing a large mirror above the vanity or extending it wall-to-wall. Adding a mirrored cabinet or even a full-length mirror on the back of the door can amplify these effects. Frameless mirrors or ones with integrated lighting also offer a sleek look while maximizing utility.

Let There Be (Layered) Light

Layered lighting is key to making a small bathroom feel welcoming and functional. Instead of relying on a single overhead fixture, use a mix of ambient, task, and accent lighting.

Start with ceiling-mounted or recessed lighting for general illumination. Consider sconces or vertical lighting on both sides of the mirror to minimize shadows on the face. LED strip lighting under floating vanities or cabinets offers a fashionable element and a warm glow.

Dimmable lighting is adjustable to levels according to the time of day or mood. Avoid bulky lighting fixtures that dominate the area. Go instead for slim, minimalist designs that integrate with the rest of the decor.

Glass Over Curtain: Why Transparency Wins

When it comes to small bathroom ideas, opting for a glass shower enclosure instead of a traditional curtain can make a big impact. Clear glass opens up sightlines, making the room feel uninterrupted and spacious.

Frameless glass doors are especially popular in modern remodels because they create a streamlined, clean-lined appearance with the convenience of holding water. In situations where swing space is minimal, a sliding glass door is a great solution.

According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), demand for glass enclosures has steadily increased, especially in smaller homes and apartments. They’re easier to clean, more durable, and elevate the look of even the simplest bathroom.

Color Outside the (Bathroom) Lines

Color is one of the most powerful tools in interior design, especially when you're working with limited square footage. In compact spaces, the right palette can make a bathroom feel larger, lighter, and more luxurious. When decorating a small bathroom, thoughtful color choices can elevate the space without adding physical clutter.

Light Palettes That Expand

Soft, neutral colors are your best friend in a small bathroom interior design. Light hues like warm whites, pale grays, powder blues, and soft blush tones reflect more light, visually enlarging the room. Pairing similar shades on walls, floors, and ceilings creates a seamless flow that reduces visual boundaries.

To enhance the effect:

• Use high-gloss or satin paint finishes to reflect light and give surfaces a subtle sheen.
• Match the wall color with the tile or cabinetry to unify the space and reduce visual clutter.
• Keep trim and ceiling colors close to wall tones for an airy, uninterrupted look.
• Incorporate glass or acrylic accessories like shelving or soap dishes to maintain transparency and reduce heaviness.
• Choose light-toned flooring such as white-washed wood, pale stone tile, or cream vinyl to visually extend the space from the ground up.

Bold Accents Without the Bulk

Subtlety is not the point of small spaces. Bold pops of color or a statement pattern can bring personality and panache to a small bathroom interior space without closing it down.

Think accent walls, geometric floor tiles, or statement wallpaper behind a mirror. A painted vanity or brightly hued towel rack also provides a focus point. Moderation is the key — combine bold accents with light backgrounds to make the space feel airy.

Metal fixtures (e.g., matte black or brushed brass) also yield statement pieces with a light footprint. One-of-a-kind mirrors with unique frames or brightly hued art prints also inject levels of energy without increasing clutter.

Finishing Touches

Details matter. As Nate Berkus says, "The small stuff is the big stuff when you're decorating a small bathroom."

Smart Hardware Swaps

Even modest changes have their most significant impacts at times. Replacing antiquated hardware with new, modern pieces is a swift and cheap way of re-envigorating a bathroom's look. From kitchen drawer pulls to closet hooks, new hardware is a form and function boost.

These are a couple of influential exchanges:

• Replace heavy-duty cabinet knobs with slender, brushed metal handles.
• Replace showerheads and faucets with high-efficiency, low-flow designs.
• Install floating shelves with minimalist brackets to create additional storage.
• Install a space-saving towel rack or ring next to the sink.
• Replace worn-out light-switch cover plates or outlet plates with a newer, fresher finish.

Decor That Doubles as Function

"In small bathrooms, function and style must go hand in hand," says Bobby Berk, designer and star of Queer Eye. "Even your toothbrush holder can be a design moment."

Think woven baskets that store toiletries, wall-mounted trays that double as art, or ladder shelves that hold towels while adding visual height. Decorative mirrors not only open up the space but also serve as statement pieces.

Wall-hung vanities with exposed shelving create a clean look but give you a place to stash towels or baskets. They also create a light, airy feel on the floor area, making the space more open.

Tiered trays or cake stands come in trendy sizes to keep skincare items or day essentials organized. They increase your countertops—both literally and aesthetically—without the bulk.

Wall-mounted magnetic strips or framed pegboards can hold hair care items like clippers and tweezers in a space-efficient, eye-catching way. They allow easy access to items with minimal crowding of drawers.

Slim-profile storage benches with storage that is integral to their design can create a seating area with a secret storage area that is perfect for linens, cleaning supplies, or other supplies.

FAQ

Who can remodel my small bathroom myself, or should I hire a professional?

If you're comfortable with DIY and the changes are mostly cosmetic, you can tackle the remodel yourself. For major plumbing or electrical work, hiring a professional is safer and often more efficient.

What is the best way to maximize storage in a small bathroom?

Use vertical space with shelves or tall cabinets, and choose multi-functional furniture like vanities with drawers. Smart storage is one of the best small bathroom ideas to reduce clutter.

How can I make my small bathroom look bigger without expanding it?

Light colors, large mirrors, glass shower doors, and good lighting can make the space feel larger. Small bathroom design tricks like these add visual openness without needing more square footage.

Can I remodel my small bathroom myself, or should I hire a professional?

If you're confident with tools and planning, simple, small bathroom ideas like updating fixtures or painting can be done on your own. Complex remodels are best left to the pros.

How long does a typical small bathroom remodel take?

A basic remodel can take 1 to 2 weeks, while a full renovation may last 3 to 4 weeks, depending on the scope, materials, and whether you hire professionals or DIY.