10 Small Bathroom Ideas to Consider for Your Next Renovation

Tight space? No problem.

Small bathrooms are often seen as purely functional — a place where space constraints dictate design. But with the right approach, they can become some of the most stylish rooms in the home. When every inch matters, thoughtful details and clever tricks make all the difference, turning compact layouts into spaces that feel open, airy, and surprisingly luxurious.

Bonus: These ideas don’t just make your daily routine easier — they’ll also leave your guests a little envious every time they step inside.

1. Go vertical with storage

Think upwards to win space. Tall cabinets, recessed niches, or overhead shelving make the most of wall height while keeping floors clear. Even the often-overlooked spot above the toilet can become valuable storage when fitted with sleek cabinetry.

Tip: Add an open cubby or recessed niche within cabinetry for quick-access essentials without visual clutter.

2. Choose a floating vanity

Floating vanities are a favourite in small bathrooms because they create the illusion of more space. By exposing the floor beneath, they extend the visible floorline, making the room feel longer and airier than it actually is. This simple design trick helps a compact bathroom look far less cramped.

Tip: Stick to a streamlined design and keep the area underneath uncluttered so you get the maximum visual impact.

3. Play with glass and transparency

In a small bathroom, bulky partitions can instantly make the space feel boxed in. That’s why glass is such a game-changer. Frameless or slim-lined glass panels keep sightlines open, allowing light to flow through while maintaining functional wet-and-dry zones.

Tip: Keep hardware slim and frames minimal so the glass takes centre stage, not the fittings.

4. Extend the bathroom beyond

When space inside is limited, expand outwards if your layout permits. One clever trick is to position the sink or vanity just outside the main bathroom area. This frees up precious room within for the shower and toilet, while still giving you a generous counter for daily routines.

It also helps with the morning rush — two people can use different parts of the setup at the same time, without getting in each other’s way. And with the right finishes, the extended vanity can double as a sleek feature in your bedroom or walk-in wardrobe.

Tip: Keep design consistency between the bathroom and adjoining space so the transition feels seamless.

5. Use mirror cabinets for hidden storage

Mirrors are a classic small-space hack, and for good reason. A large mirror above the vanity reflects both light and space, instantly doubling the sense of openness.

Beyond making the bathroom feel bigger, mirrors can also enhance design details — reflecting patterned tiles or textured walls to make them appear more expansive and immersive.

Tip: Consider backlit or mirrored cabinets — they highlight finishes beautifully while adding hidden storage.

Explore: 16 Clever Bathroom Storage Ideas for a Clean and Organised Space

6. Add long mirrors to create the illusion of height

A tall, vertical mirror draws the eye upward, making ceilings feel higher and the bathroom more spacious. This trick works especially well in compact layouts where floor space is limited — shifting focus to the vertical dimension balances out the proportions.

Paired with slim frames or clean tile lines, long mirrors become both functional and sculptural, doubling as a statement piece in the bathroom.

Tip: Choose a mirror that extends from vanity to ceiling to maximise the elongating effect.

7. Use pocket or sliding doors

Conventional swing doors eat up valuable clearance. Pocket doors that tuck neatly into the wall, or sliding panels that run flush along it, free up more usable space both inside and outside the bathroom. For instance, your laundry basket by the door will not get in the way of the door opening/closing.

Tip: Frosted or glass sliding doors can let light through while maintaining privacy.

8. Skip the partition for a seamless look

Sometimes, less really is more. In compact bathrooms, skipping the shower screen or partition altogether can make the space feel more open and airy. Without visual breaks, the floor and wall surfaces flow uninterrupted, creating a sense of continuity that tricks the eye into reading the room as larger.

This approach works especially well with uniform finishes, like continuous wall tiles or microcement, which keep the design sleek and minimal. Just make sure your drainage and floor gradient are well-planned to prevent splashing outside the shower area.

Tip: Stick to one tone for your walls and floors to maintain that seamless, expansive look.

9. Go with compact fixtures

Choosing the right fixtures can make a big difference. Slim-profile sinks, corner basins, and shorter vanities are great for freeing up movement space in tight bathrooms.

While wall-mounted toilets may not take up less floor area, they do create a more streamlined look with the cistern neatly boxed into the wall. This visual trick makes the bathroom appear less cluttered.

Tip: Choose fixtures with clean lines and minimal bulk to keep the room feeling open.

10. Don’t forget lighting layers

Lighting can completely change how a small bathroom feels. Combine task lighting at the vanity with soft ambient lights and subtle accents, like LED strips under vanities or shelving. This creates depth and warmth instead of a flat, shadowy look.

Tip: Backlit mirrors double up as both functional task lighting and mood-setters.

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