Just because a bathroom is small doesn’t mean you can’t make a big design statement.
Working around limited square footage, an awkward layout, and little storage can be a challenge, but we’re sharing practical tips and tricks to maximize function and style in a small bathroom.
From stunning accent walls and statement vanities to beautiful color palettes and lighting, we’ve gathered our favorite small bathroom ideas to provide you with ample inspiration to upgrade your space.
A bathroom makeover doesn’t need to be hugely expensive or involve a full renovation.
Small but thoughtful details such as new hardware, an unexpected wall tile arrangement, or a unique wall mirror instantly elevate a small bathroom or powder room.
Whatever your style, budget, and DIY skill level, gain inspiration from these beautiful small bathroom ideas.
Color-Drenched Small Bathroom
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Make a small bathroom extra cozy by color drenching it in a soothing paint color such as this beautiful sea salt shade.
Wood paneling on the walls and ceiling adds instant charm and an additional layer of visual interest to this space, while a pair of brass sconces, a wood medicine cabinet, and hardwood floors bring in a touch of warmth.
Small Bathroom with Floral Wallpaper
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An oversized floral wallpaper makes a dramatic statement in this small bathroom.
The large-scale pattern and dark colors create a moody backdrop for an elegant console sink, oval mirror, and brass wall sconces.
Small Bathroom Shelving
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Mount open shelves above the toilet in a small bathroom to maximize storage space.
These wood and metal shelves infuse the small space with rustic warmth, provide a display surface for decorative accents, and keep everyday essentials such as towels within easy reach.
Small Bathroom with Wainscoting
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Add interest to plain walls and create a two-tone effect with a dark paint color on the top portion of the walls and crisp white wainscoting on the lower portion.
This is a great design trick for breaking up a solid wall color in a small bathroom and introducing a moody shade in a small dose.
Small Black and White Bathroom
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Go for a monochrome look with a black and white color scheme in a small bathroom.
Take inspiration from this stylish space and pair white walls with black wainscoting, install a wall-mounted cast iron sink, and hang a black metal pendant light.
Complete the design by adding warmth with wood floating shelves and a little shine with polished chrome hardware.
Small Bathroom with Statement Bathtub
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Nothing adds luxury and character to a small bathroom like a freestanding claw foot bathtub!
This small attic bathroom is the epitome of charm, with wide wood planked floors, greige beadboard, and a statement copper tub for a cozy retreat.
Maximalist Small Bathroom Idea
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Every element in this small bathroom embraces maximalism and an over-the-top design approach.
A vibrant turquoise wallpaper with a bold floral print creates an energetic backdrop for an extra-long wall sconce with a hot pink lampshade that matches the vanity color.
When using multiple statement features in one space, use one common thread—such as the hot pink hue here—to create visual harmony.
Small Bathroom Storage Solutions
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This small bathroom utilizes every nook and cranny to maximize storage space.
If you’re running out of wall space and don’t have enough square footage for a bulky cabinet, get a narrow rolling cart to slide in between the toilet and the vanity.
Most have multiple shelves, include a toilet paper holder, and can be organized with narrow storage baskets.
Modern Small Bathroom Decor
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Put a modern spin on a bathroom classic—subway tile—by switching up the tile arrangement.
Instead of a traditional running bond pattern, go with a horizontal stacked bond which gives the subway tile a more minimalist look.
Continue the contemporary aesthetic with a square sink, natural wood vanity, and matte black hardware.
Small Bathroom with Shiplap Walls
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Bring character into a small bathroom with white shiplap walls that brighten the room and add a subtle linear pattern.
Pair the modern farmhouse staple with a dresser-style vanity to play up the vintage look, then juxtapose these old world features with more contemporary elements such as this square wall mirror and sink.
Small Attic Bathroom
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This charming small attic bathroom effortlessly blends the old with the new.
A bold blue and white ikat wallpaper covers the walls and ceiling for a cozy, enclosed feel and creates a modern backdrop for vintage-inspired accents such as a candle-style wall sconce, blue cafe curtains, and a metal wall mirror.
Small Bathroom with a Corner Sink
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Swap out a bulky vanity with a corner sink to prevent a small bathroom from feeling cluttered.
Take cues from this playful space and juxtapose the utilitarian corner-mounted sink with a decorative feature such as this whimsical wallpaper that brightens the room and adds a touch of color.
Small Bathroom with Navy Blue Walls
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Navy blue shiplap walls set a moody tone in this small modern rustic bathroom.
Antique brass hardware pops against the dark paint color, a wood vanity adds warmth, and a marble hexagon floor tile lightens up the small space.
Small Bathroom with Floating Sink
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A floating sink surrounded by a wood shelf is a space-saving solution in the small cottage-inspired bathroom.
To make up for the lack of cabinet storage, place a large basket under the sink and use it to store extra towels or toilet paper.
Organize the top of the sink with a decorative tray that adds a pretty touch and provides a designated spot for everyday essentials.
Small Bathroom with Walk-In Shower
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Update your small bathroom with a stunning walk-in shower.
Here, a gridded glass panel door separates the shower and the vanity, while a white wall tile and black floor tile help maintain visual continuity throughout the space.
Small Green Bathroom
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A green penny tile covers the walls, floor, and vanity in this small bathroom, making an unexpected design statement.
Green is the perfect color choice for a bathroom because it’s as rejuvenating as it is calming, and it pairs well with a variety of metals, stones, and materials when it comes to picking out hardware, fixtures, and vanities.
Small Bathroom Accent Wall Ideas
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Create a striking focal point in a small bathroom with a wallpaper accent wall.
To balance out a colorful wallpaper that packs a punch, pull a neutral color from the paper and use it on the vanity.
Small Bathroom Picture Display
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Instead of the classic gallery wall, use picture ledges to display framed artwork in a small bathroom.
Layer different sized frames on the ledges to create depth and dimension, use a variety of frame colors and materials, and mix everything from photographs to drawings for a visually interesting display.
Small Bathroom with a Wood Ceiling
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Customize a small bathroom with a wood ceiling that introduces a natural material and fills the space with rustic charm.
Pair the raw material with a stylish high-gloss black tile and a unique pendant light for a statement-making space.
Small Traditional Bathroom
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Channel 18th century charm and recreate this traditional small bathroom with white beadboard, a classic red and white toile wallpaper, and a bamboo mirror.
Keep the rest of the space simple with a white vanity, marble top, and a brass sconce with milk glass shades.
Neutral Small Bathroom
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A neutral color palette gives this small bathroom a clean and classic look.
A light greige paint color on the vanity and beadboard sets a calming tone, while polished nickel medicine cabinets add a luxurious touch of shine.
A pair of black picture lights provides color contrast and two little vintage paintings add character to the neutral space.
Small Bathroom with Statement Vanity
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Turn the vanity in a small bathroom into a big design statement.
Here, a wood dresser with beautiful carved details and a galvanized metal sink replaces a builder-grade vanity, filling this small space with lots of charm and personality.
Gray and Gold Bathroom Decor
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A sleek gray and gold color scheme dresses up this small bathroom.
A modern gray vanity stands in front of a stunning scalloped wallpaper, and gold details on the wall mirror, vanity hardware, and lighting pop against the cool color.
Vintage-Inspired Small Bathroom
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This small vintage-inspired bathroom is as charming as it is functional.
A wood dresser converted into a vanity provides lots of hidden storage in the form of drawers and cabinet shelves, and even has a built-in towel bar and mirror.
An enamel caddy serves as a decorative way to keep clean washcloths on hand and a piece of art featuring pressed flowers makes for a lovely finishing touch.
Oversized Floating Shelf
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Add function to a small bathroom with an oversized floating shelf.
Here, the wood shelf extends over the sink and the toilet, holding a leaning mirror, artwork, and decorative accents.
It breaks up the all-white bathroom and along with the stylish wall sconce, it creates contrast and warms up the stark paint color and fixtures.
Small Contemporary Bathroom
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Clean lines, high-quality finishes, and a neutral color palette lend this small bathroom a cool and contemporary aesthetic.
Recreate this stylish space with a warm white paint color, brown subway tile, a floating marble-topped wood vanity, and mixed metal accents.
Small Bathroom Storage
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A small bathroom forces you to get creative and utilize every nook and cranny.
Here, a small alcove is transformed into practical and beautiful storage with two floating shelves and decorative wall tile.
Not only does it make use of the space, it adds personality and a custom look.
Maximalist Small Bathroom Decor
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The wall decor in this small bathroom embraces the “more is more” design mantra.
To implement a maximalist aesthetic into your space, start with a statement-making graphic wallpaper, then hang a mix of large-scale photographs, drawings, and typography for a layered effect.
Finish the space with three-dimensional accents such as the flowers and playful bust.
Small Purple Bathroom
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A purple grasscloth wallpaper with a pretty floral print is an elegant complement to an antique-style brass wall sconce and towel ring.
Even though the wallpaper print is highly detailed, the soft colors prevent it from looking too busy and the grasscloth’s natural finish brings in a subtle textural detail.
Pink and Blue Bathroom Design
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A dark blue double-vanity stands out against pink wallpaper adorned with a whimsical swan pattern.
Frameless mirrors and simple wall sconces allow the playful wallpaper to take center stage and double as artwork.
Small Bathroom Wall Paneling
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Pack a big punch in a small bathroom with decorative wall paneling painted in a dark and moody paint color.
Here, the deep blue color and straight lines of the paneling contrast the off-white wallpaper and its organic leaf print.
A wood vanity and mixed metals in the form of sconces, a mirror, and hardware continue the layered theme for a thoughtfully assembled space.
Small Bathroom with Painted Trim
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Heighten the drama in a small bathroom and pull a dark color from the wallpaper to use on the baseboards, crown molding, and ceiling.
In this eclectic bathroom, the moody paint color helps enclose the space for a jewel box effect and a high-end design look.
Small Bathroom Statement Mirror
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An oversized gold frame with a scalloped pattern on this wall mirror transforms a standard bathroom fixture into a spectacular focal point, showing that small details can make a world of difference.
A modern wallpaper juxtaposes the round mirror with a contrasting color and pattern, and a clean-lined wood vanity tones down the loud wall decor.
Small Transitional Bathroom
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The old meets the new in this small transitional style bathroom.
Vintage elements such as a wood table vanity and antique brass wall sconces and hardware are juxtaposed with more contemporary features such as a white vessel sink, light gray wood paneling, and a sleek frameless mirror.
Small Bathroom with Hidden Storage
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A beautiful frosted glass door adds a stylish touch to this small white bathroom while also creating valuable hidden storage to keep the space clean and clutter-free.
Behind the glass door, five wood shelves hold fresh towels and toiletries, keeping them within easy reach from the freestanding bathtub.
Small Bathroom with Tile Accent Wall
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Square tiles featuring a variety of medallion-style patterns make up a striking accent wall in this small bathroom.
The tiles’ neutral colors tone down the intensity of the highly detailed patterns, while providing contrast to the solid wood vanity, white vessel sink, and black wall sconce back plates.
Small Bathroom with Wood Accents
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Incorporate wood accents into a small bathroom to introduce a natural material and fill the space with a cozy warmth.
In this stylish powder room, a chunky floating shelf, an arched mirror frame, a salvaged crate turned storage vessel, and hardwood floors bring in natural wood accents to complement a white shiplap ceiling and leaf print wallpaper.
Midcentury Modern Small Bathroom
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Midcentury modern-inspired elements such as a walnut vanity, vertically stacked subway tile, and exposed bulb wall sconces infuse this small bathroom with a stylish touch of nostalgia.
A pink bathtub and brass accents soften the color palette and a geometric floor tile adds a decorative detail.
Small Bathroom with Statement Ceiling
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When designing your bathroom, don’t forget about the fifth wall—the ceiling.
Instead of defaulting to the standard ceiling white paint, create an unexpected design moment with a beautiful wood ceiling that instantly draws the eyes up.
Small Gray and Black Bathroom
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If you’re on the hunt for an elegant color scheme for a small bathroom, gray and black fits the bill.
In this attic bathroom, a gray wall paper extends from floor to ceiling, contrasting black baseboards and penny tile.
A gray vanity with marble and gold details brings a sophisticated feel and black-framed mirror and sconces echo the dark flooring.
Jewel Tone Statement Vanity
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Pick a jewel tone such as this rich emerald shade to give your bathroom vanity a chic upgrade.
It’s a great way to incorporate a bold paint color without committing to it on the walls and it creates an instant focal point in a small bathroom.
Small Bathroom Lighting Ideas
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Replace a harsh overhead light in a small bathroom with one that illuminates the space while adding a stylish touch.
This lantern-style pendant light pairs beautifully with the clawfoot tub, vintage rug, and landscape oil painting in this old world-inspired bathroom.
Small Bathroom Wallpaper Ideas
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An iconic William Morris wallpaper lends a classic elegance to this small bathroom.
The timeless print stands out against crisp white wainscoting and its organic lines and soft shapes are echoed by the curved wood vanity.
Console Sink in a Small Bathroom
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A console sink is the epitome of timeless sophistication.
It’s a gorgeous option for a small bathroom or powder room where you don’t need large amounts of storage.
You can drape hand towels over the metal frame and if needed place a decorative basket under the sink to hold clean towels.
Beadboard in a Small Bathroom
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Trade wall tile for beadboard to channel a cottage-inspired look in a small bathroom.
Paint the vanity and the beadboard the same color for seamless continuity, and if there are outlets on the beadboard wall, paint them as well to give them a more discreet appearance.
Small Bathroom with Tropical Wallpaper
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A whimsical wallpaper print has the power to completely transform an otherwise plain bathroom.
Here, a vibrant pineapple print livens up the small black and white bathroom, infusing it with a little humor and color.
The wallpaper contrasts the bright white paint color on the walls, paneling, and trim, and it makes such a statement, that there’s no need for any additional wall decor.
Graphic Floor Tile
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Bathroom flooring often gets picked last and doesn’t get nearly the amount of attention it deserves!
This small bathroom remedies that with a graphic floor tile that steals the show and whose details balance out the simple wood vanity, light gray walls, and white accents.
Small Bathroom with Brass Accents
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Brass accents in the form of vanity hardware, lighting, shelves, and shower fixtures add warmth and a little bit of shine to this black and white bathroom. brass is a timeless metal choice that pairs well with any materials and color scheme and looks beautiful in both a polished and antique finish.
Mixed Metals in a Small Bathroom
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Don’t be afraid to mix metals in a small bathroom.
Instead of a matchy-matchy look, mix two to three different metals for a layered design.
Here, polished chrome and matte black accents come together for a modern-meets-traditional black and white bathroom.
Vintage Rug in a Small Bathroom
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Replace a regular bath mat with a vintage rug to fill a small bathroom with instant character.
The unexpected textile brings in color and pattern, and in this modern bathroom it works beautifully with a dark wood vanity and brass wall sconces.