How to Maximize Small Bathroom Spaces: Tips & Tricks

A small bathroom can feel limiting and cluttered, especially if you don’t employ the right design features. Whether you’re dealing with a small bathing space in an apartment or a tiny bathroom in your older home, you might be wondering how to make the most of these cramped areas.

At Lifespan Bath Remodel, we’ve helped many Utah homeowners brainstorm space-saving small bathroom ideas – and we’ve learned a thing or two. In our experience, here are ten of the best ways to maximize small bathroom designs. 

1. Opt for Space-Saving Fixtures

When it comes to maximizing space in a small bathroom, every inch counts. That’s why our first tip is to choose fixtures that are specifically designed for compact spaces. 

Look for options like pedestal sinks, corner toilets, and wall-mounted vanities to free up more space and create an open feel. Additionally, you may want to think about installing a shower-tub combo instead of a separate shower enclosure and freestanding tub. This can maximize functionality without sacrificing square footage in your small bathroom.

2. Make the Most of Vertical Space 

In small bathrooms, vertical storage is your best friend. Take advantage of wall space by installing shelves, cabinets, or floating shelves above the toilet or beside the sink. This allows you to keep essentials within reach while keeping the floor clutter-free.

As you make plans for your small bathroom remodel, get creative with storage solutions. We love looking at custom options like recessed shelving or tall medicine cabinets that utilize the full upward space of the room.

3. Lighten Things Up 

A well-lit bathroom can make a small space feel much larger and more inviting. Try to maximize natural light by using sheer curtains or frosted glass on windows to maintain privacy while still allowing sunlight to filter in. 

In addition to natural light, strategically placed mirrors can reflect light and create the illusion of a bigger space. Consider adding a large mirror above the sink or incorporating mirrored tiles into the backsplash for a stylish touch.

4. Choose the Right Colors

Paint color can have a significant impact on the perceived size of the entire room. 

Specifically, light, neutral colors like white, beige, or light gray can make a small bathroom feel brighter and more spacious. Consider painting the walls, ceiling, and trim in the same light hue to create a seamless, expansive look. 

If you’re craving a pop of color, opt for fun accents like towels, rugs, or floating shelves in bold shades to add personality without overwhelming the small space.

5. Keep It Clutter-Free

Clutter is your enemy when trying to maximize a small bathroom. Keep your counter space clear by storing toiletries, makeup, and other essentials in baskets, bins, or drawers. 

In our bathroom remodeling services, we also recommend investing in multi-functional accessories like towel racks with built-in shelves or over-the-door organizers to maximize storage without consuming valuable floor space. Additionally, try to regularly declutter and streamline your bathroom routine to maintain a clean and tidy environment.

6. Go Big with the Tiles

When it comes to flooring and wall tiles, bigger is often better – especially in a very small bathroom. Large-format tiles create fewer grout lines, which can visually expand the space and make it feel less cramped. 

It’s also smart to use the same tile on the floor and walls to create a cohesive look that visually enlarges the small bathroom. Additionally, you can opt for light-colored tiles with a glossy finish to reflect light and add a touch of sophistication to any tiny bathroom. 

7. Utilize Pocket Doors

Traditional swinging doors can eat up valuable floor space in a tiny bathroom. To streamline the space, consider installing pocket doors that slide into the wall when opened. This creates more room to maneuver and eliminates the need for clearance space around the door. 

8. Invest in Multi-Functional Furniture

This is a big small bathroom remodel idea: make every piece of furniture serve multiple purposes. 

Look for vanity cabinets with built-in storage, towel racks with shelving, or mirrored medicine cabinets with adjustable shelves. Furniture pieces that can perform double duty help maximize space efficiency and keep clutter at bay. 

Additionally, consider incorporating seating with hidden storage beneath, such as a stool or bench with a lift-up seat. Even adding just one extra storage element can make your small space feel more organized. 

9. Install a Skylight or Sun Tunnel

If your small bathroom lacks natural light from windows, consider installing a skylight or sun tunnel to bring in daylight from above. These roof-mounted solutions can flood the room with light, making it feel brighter, airier, and more spacious. 

Additionally, skylights offer the benefit of maintaining privacy while still allowing ample light to enter the space, making them ideal for small bathrooms in shared living spaces.

10. Get Creative with Niches and Alcoves

Lastly, take advantage of unused wall space in your small bathroom by incorporating niches or alcoves into your bathroom design. These built-in features provide additional storage or display space without protruding into the room, helping to maintain a streamlined look. 

You can use these elements to store toiletries, display decorative items, or even house built-in shower caddies for a seamless and functional solution. The more you can put in these built-in spaces, the more counter space you can free up.

Ready to Add More Space to Your Small Bathroom? 

As a bathroom remodeling contractor in Salt Lake City, UT, we’re here to add luxury and functionality to every size of bathroom in Utah. 

Whether you’re looking to update a compact guest powder room or transform your main ensuite, incorporating space-saving fixtures, maximizing storage, and embracing light and color can help you achieve the compact bathroom of your dreams. 

Ready to add a floating vanity or new light fixtures? Thinking about conducting a full remodel? Either way, reach out to our team. We’d love to discuss our small bathroom remodeling ideas with you.