15 interior decorating ideas for small bathrooms

A small bathroom doesn’t have to feel cramped or limited. For many of us living in small spaces, whether that’s flats with cramped square footage or older homes with limited and awkward bathrooms, coming up with creative decorating ideas is essential for making sure you still love your small but mighty space. 

In this article, we’ll show you that by focusing on light colours, smart storage, and space-saving fixtures, you can maximise every inch of your bathroom while not compromising on aesthetic joy. 

1. Use light colours to open up the space

You’ve probably heard this tip before when decorating some spaces in your home. Colour can play a crucial role in how spacious a room feels. Light shades such as white, soft greys, and pale pastels reflect natural and artificial light. This can make rooms appear larger and more open. To achieve this, you could paint the walls and ceiling or even create the same feeling with tiles to create an airy look. 

2. Install large mirrors for depth

Bathroom mirrors came in many forms, but large ones can be a great tool to visually expand a small bathroom. How does this work? Well, a large mirror above the sink or on the wall can reflect light and create the illusion of depth. Don’t forget you can incorporate storage into the equation with a mirrored cabinet; this gives you extra storage too. 

3. Choose wall-mounted fixtures

When you have a bathroom with small square footage, sometimes you have to utilise the walls to solve your spacing problems. Wall-mounted fixtures such as toilets, sinks, and vanities are excellent space-saving solutions. By lifting these elements off the floor, you not only limit floor usage but create a more open environment - this can be easier to clean too!

4. Maximise vertical storage

When floor space is limited, think vertically. Installing things like tall cabinets, shelving units, or ladder shelves can draw the eye upward. This not only provides extra storage but also makes the room appear taller. Over-the-toilet storage units are especially useful in small bathrooms.

5. Opt for a sink with a shelf

Sometimes you need to be creative with bathroom essentials like sinks. Choosing a basin with a wide-set base can give you additional function in the room. This space can be incredibly handy for small ornaments like jewellery, handwash, beauty items and more. And it doesn’t feel too intrusive as it’s already part of another function. 

6. Choose panelling for a seamless look

It might seem counterintuitive, but panel drenching a small bathroom can actually make it appear larger. The uniformity of the bathroom panels, especially with a style like slat panels, can make a space feel airier, with no grout lines. Here’s a trick: install the panels vertically, that way you elongate the room’s height and use a light-coloured paint. 

7. Use glass shower doors instead of curtains

Pattern-heavy or thick curtain showers can visually cut off a space, making the bathroom feel smaller. Some good alternatives are clear glass shower doors or even half-walls made from tiles that allow light to stream and keep the space looking open. 

8. Use bold accents carefully

When it comes to interior decorating, there shouldn’t be many hard and fast rules, especially when it comes to personal taste. You can still decorate a small bathroom with loud and patterned wallpaper and accents if you want to incorporate a bold style into your room. The key is to use bold elements sparingly so they enhance rather than overwhelm the space.

9. Incorporate smart storage solutions

It’s not news that the more clutter or ornaments you have in a space, the busier it feels. For small rooms, even the smallest amount of mess can make the space feel cramped. Because of this, getting organised is key to room management!  Use drawer dividers, baskets, and organisers to keep everything in its place or consider multi-functional furniture, such as vanities with built-in storage or mirrors with hidden compartments (as mentioned above).

10. Add built-in niches

Another clever way to incorporate storage is by building niches in the shower or walls. These areas don’t take up extra room but are super convenient for items like shampoos, conditioners, and body wash. Because they don’t intrude outward, they keep a clean and streamlined look with the rest of the wall. 

11. Improve lighting for a brighter feel

Good lighting can dramatically change the look and feel of a small bathroom. In a bathroom, lighting comes in many forms. Think about how your functional lighting (such as ceiling lights) combines with task lighting (such as LED mirrors) and ambient lighting (such as wall scones). Utilise all of these to create an atmosphere that suits your style. 

12. Embrace a minimalist design

Sometimes less is more when it comes to small bathrooms. Again, this comes down to personal style, but avoiding overcrowding the space with too many decorations or unnecessary items can make the space feel more spacious. A clean, uncluttered design will make the room feel larger and, for some people, more relaxing.

13. Install sliding or pocket doors

If you think beyond decorating, you might consider what type of door you’re using in your small bathroom. Traditional swinging doors can take up valuable space. Replacing them with sliding or pocket doors can free up room and complement the overall layout. Of course, this is a larger project that could require some expertise. 

14. Add greenery for a fresh touch

Plants can bring life and freshness to any bathroom, regardless of its size. For this space, choose compact, low-maintenance plants such as ferns, aloe vera, or pothos that thrive in humid environments. With space limited, you can add a small plant on a shelf or windowsill. 

15. Use reflective and glossy surfaces

Why not think about incorporating reflective materials such as glossy tiles, metallic fixtures, and glass accessories? This can help bounce light around the room. You can attempt this with lots of different elements, whether you want high-gloss cabinetry, polished nickel decor and other shiny and reflective materials.

Like some of these ideas? Check out some more of our decorating ideas on the blog.