14 Genius Small Bathroom Design Ideas

One way to make a small bathroom seem larger is to free up the floor space by ditching the standard vanity with storage and instead install a pedestal or vessel sink. Installing a vessel sink is one of HGTV Canada contractor Bryan Baeumler’s tips for adding value to a small bathroom.

If a pedestal or vessel sink isn’t your thing, pick one that fits the size of your bathroom. If you have a teeny tiny space, you can buy sinks and vanities that are smaller than average. That’s what designer Kelly Lynn Armstrong did in her Toronto home. You can also opt for a small tub!

Not all bathroom sinks should be square. Another way to save space is to pick a sink without the typical square edges and instead something with curved corners. This is particularly a good design choice in extra-small powder rooms, where the appliances are sitting side-by-side.

If you’re opting for a vanity that lacks storage, embrace the space on the walls. Go vertical and add some shelving above the toilet or sink. That’s what design-savvy couple Josh LaCombe and Sean Collins did with their tiny bathroom. You can also add storage behind bathroom mirrors.

If you’re still in need of some space, why not venture just outside the bathroom? The sink in Joanne and Dave’s bathroom was put into the hall/nook just outside the door. If you want all the appliances in one room, you could also opt to have storage for towels and toiletries in the hall.

Good lighting will always make a small space seem bigger. Whether that’s natural light through large windows, artificial light via some stylish fixtures or both – it’ll make the bathroom seem less dark and cramped. Scott McGillivray chose both in this Buyers Bootcamp house in Toronto.

Another way to trick the eye into believing the bathroom is bigger than it really is: go for glass. A glass shower or shelving will open up the space and show off every inch of your bathroom. If everything is going to be out in the open, be sure to keep the space as clutter-free as possible.

Wall-mounted faucets and toilets will definitely free up some room in your tiny space. Plus: it’ll give your bathroom a sleek and luxurious feel. Keep in mind that they’re harder to install than the regular variety, so if you decide to go this route, make sure you hire a professional.

Adding some large mirrors – or even a mirrored wall – will add some depth to the space and make your bathroom appear larger. We’re lovin’ the mirrors – on the walls and vanities – in Dan and Chandra’s bathroom, designed by Jonathan Scott on Property Brothers: Buying and Selling.

Although painting any space a dark colour will make it seem smaller, adding some dark paint to your tiny bathroom’s ceiling will help draw the eye up and make it seem taller and larger. Make sure the rest of room is a light colour. That’s what Joanna Gaines did in this stylish bathroom.

Buying a pocket or barn door not only will save space (as the door will slide along the wall instead of opening into the bathroom or hallway), it’ll also add an element of style. That’s what interior designer Katie and her husband Andre chose for the bathroom in their Calgary home.

Building shelving into the walls – whether in the shower, above the sink or elsewhere – will save on space in your bathroom. This is particularly helpful if you’ve opted for a pedestal sink (and you have limited storage) or a glass shower (as any clutter can be moved up off the ground).

Speaking of clutter, the key to making your tiny bathroom seem as spacious as possible is to keep it free of clutter. Nothing says “this is a small bathroom” more than a pile of stuff. A simple soap dispenser or plant on the vanity is okay, but everything else should be organized away.

Small bathrooms are a great place to do something fun! A bold tile, wall colour or wallpaper will do well in a small bathroom, as it’d likely seem too overwhelming in a larger space. That’s what designer Sabrina Albanese did in her bathroom in Keswick, ON. However, make sure to pick just one funky pattern or colour (either for the wall or floor) as too much will be, well, too much.