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Looking to renovate your super small bathroom, but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry: even if you’re lacking on space, your bathroom can still have a ton of style and function. From pedestal sinks to sliding barn doors, here are 15 genius design ideas for your tiny bathroom.
Bathrooms
15 Genius Small Bathroom Design Ideas
January 15, 2019
Looking to renovate your super small bathroom, but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry: even if you’re lacking on space, your bathroom can still have a ton of style and function. From pedestal sinks to sliding barn doors, here are 15 genius design ideas for your tiny bathroom.
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Free Up the Floor
1/15Free Up the Floor
1/15Photo Credit: Tracey Ayton
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 <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bathrooms/photos/add-value-to-small-bathroom-1922291/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Bryan Baeumler’s tips for adding value to a small bathroom</a>.Bathrooms15 Genius Small Bathroom Design IdeasFree Up the Floor
PHOTO 1 of 15READ LESS -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 <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/bathrooms/photos/add-value-to-small-bathroom-1922291/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Bryan Baeumler’s tips for adding value to a small bathroom</a>.Photo Credit: Tracey Ayton
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Select Small
2/15Select Small
2/15Photo Credit: Lauren MillerSource: lauren-miller.com
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 <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/colourful-toronto-character-home-1920908/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">designer Kelly Lynn Armstrong did in her Toronto home</a>. You can also opt for a small tub!Bathrooms15 Genius Small Bathroom Design IdeasSelect Small
PHOTO 2 of 15READ LESS -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 <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/colourful-toronto-character-home-1920908/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">designer Kelly Lynn Armstrong did in her Toronto home</a>. You can also opt for a small tub!Photo Credit: Lauren MillerSource: lauren-miller.com
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Make it Curved
3/15Make it Curved
3/15Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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.Bathrooms15 Genius Small Bathroom Design IdeasMake it Curved
PHOTO 3 of 15READ LESS -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.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Look to the Walls
4/15Look to the Walls
4/15Photo Credit: Lauren KolynSource: www.laurenkolyn.com
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 <a href="https://www.greatcanadianhomes.ca/photos/old-toronto-house-fixer-upper-1913621/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">design-savvy couple Josh LaCombe and Sean Collins did with their tiny bathroom</a>. You can also add storage behind bathroom mirrors.Bathrooms15 Genius Small Bathroom Design IdeasLook to the Walls
PHOTO 4 of 15READ LESS -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 <a href="https://www.greatcanadianhomes.ca/photos/old-toronto-house-fixer-upper-1913621/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">design-savvy couple Josh LaCombe and Sean Collins did with their tiny bathroom</a>. You can also add storage behind bathroom mirrors.Photo Credit: Lauren KolynSource: www.laurenkolyn.com
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Venture Outside
5/15Venture Outside
5/15Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
If you’re still in need of some space, why not venture just outside the bathroom? The sink in <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/love-it-or-list-it-vacation-homes/photos/a-one-bedroom-cottage-is-transformed-into-a-spacious-new-vacation-property-1903597/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Joanne and Dave’s bathroom</a> 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.Bathrooms15 Genius Small Bathroom Design IdeasVenture Outside
PHOTO 5 of 15READ LESS -If you’re still in need of some space, why not venture just outside the bathroom? The sink in <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/love-it-or-list-it-vacation-homes/photos/a-one-bedroom-cottage-is-transformed-into-a-spacious-new-vacation-property-1903597/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Joanne and Dave’s bathroom</a> 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.Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
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Light it Up
6/15Light it Up
6/15Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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 <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/buyers-bootcamp-with-scott-mcgillivray/photos/abandoned-bungalow-renovation-1916897/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><em>Buyers Bootcamp</em> house in Toronto</a>.Bathrooms15 Genius Small Bathroom Design IdeasLight it Up
PHOTO 6 of 15READ LESS -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 <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/buyers-bootcamp-with-scott-mcgillivray/photos/abandoned-bungalow-renovation-1916897/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><em>Buyers Bootcamp</em> house in Toronto</a>.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Go for Glass
7/15Go for Glass
7/15Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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.Bathrooms15 Genius Small Bathroom Design IdeasGo for Glass
PHOTO 7 of 15READ LESS -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.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Mount it on the Wall
8/15Mount it on the Wall
8/15Photo Credit: Getty Images
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.Bathrooms15 Genius Small Bathroom Design IdeasMount it on the Wall
PHOTO 8 of 15READ LESS -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.Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Add Some Mirrors
9/15Add Some Mirrors
9/15Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
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 <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/property-brothers-buying-and-selling/photos/high-end-finishes-lure-the-right-buyers-in-this-modern-reno-1907534/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Dan and Chandra’s bathroom, designed by Jonathan Scott on <em>Property Brothers: Buying and Selling</em></a>.Bathrooms15 Genius Small Bathroom Design IdeasAdd Some Mirrors
PHOTO 9 of 15READ LESS -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 <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/property-brothers-buying-and-selling/photos/high-end-finishes-lure-the-right-buyers-in-this-modern-reno-1907534/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Dan and Chandra’s bathroom, designed by Jonathan Scott on <em>Property Brothers: Buying and Selling</em></a>.Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
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Paint it Dark
10/15Paint it Dark
10/15Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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 <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/fixer-upper/photos/joanna-gainess-f…afe-colour-combo-1052904" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Joanna Gaines did in this stylish bathroom</a>.Bathrooms15 Genius Small Bathroom Design IdeasPaint it Dark
PHOTO 10 of 15READ LESS -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 <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/shows/fixer-upper/photos/joanna-gainess-f…afe-colour-combo-1052904" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Joanna Gaines did in this stylish bathroom</a>.Photo Credit: HGTV Canada
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Pick a Pocket Door
11/15Pick a Pocket Door
11/15Photo Credit: Janis NicolaySource: janisnicolay.com
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 <a href="https://www.greatcanadianhomes.ca/photos/what-happened-when-a-calgary-designers-husband-convinced-her-to-go-bold-1901583/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">interior designer Katie and her husband Andre chose for the bathroom in their Calgary home</a>.Bathrooms15 Genius Small Bathroom Design IdeasPick a Pocket Door
PHOTO 11 of 15READ LESS -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 <a href="https://www.greatcanadianhomes.ca/photos/what-happened-when-a-calgary-designers-husband-convinced-her-to-go-bold-1901583/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">interior designer Katie and her husband Andre chose for the bathroom in their Calgary home</a>.Photo Credit: Janis NicolaySource: janisnicolay.com
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Trick the Eye
12/15Trick the Eye
12/15Photo Credit: magnoliamarket.comSource: shop.magnolia.com
Picking a tile or pattern for the floor or wall that is rectangular will trick the eye into thinking the bathroom appears longer (if you install them vertically) or taller (if you install them horizontally). Plus, rectangular tiles are classic and timeless, so they’ll never go out of style.Bathrooms15 Genius Small Bathroom Design IdeasTrick the Eye
PHOTO 12 of 15READ LESS -Picking a tile or pattern for the floor or wall that is rectangular will trick the eye into thinking the bathroom appears longer (if you install them vertically) or taller (if you install them horizontally). Plus, rectangular tiles are classic and timeless, so they’ll never go out of style.Photo Credit: magnoliamarket.comSource: shop.magnolia.com
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Build it In
13/15Build it In
13/15Photo Credit: Lauren MillerSource: lauren-miller.com
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).Bathrooms15 Genius Small Bathroom Design IdeasBuild it In
PHOTO 13 of 15READ LESS -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).Photo Credit: Lauren MillerSource: lauren-miller.com
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Keep it Clutter-Free
14/15Keep it Clutter-Free
14/15Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
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 <em>small</em> 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.Bathrooms15 Genius Small Bathroom Design IdeasKeep it Clutter-Free
PHOTO 14 of 15READ LESS -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 <em>small</em> 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.Photo Credit: Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo
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Do Something Fun
15/15Do Something Fun
15/15Photo Credit: Lauren MillerSource: lauren-miller.com
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 <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/modern-meets-playful-home-tour-1913741/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">designer Sabrina Albanese did in her bathroom in Keswick, ON</a>. 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.Bathrooms15 Genius Small Bathroom Design IdeasDo Something Fun
PHOTO 15 of 15READ LESS -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 <a href="https://www.hgtv.ca/home-tours/photos/modern-meets-playful-home-tour-1913741/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">designer Sabrina Albanese did in her bathroom in Keswick, ON</a>. 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.Photo Credit: Lauren MillerSource: lauren-miller.com
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