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15 Beautiful Small Bathroom Designs

Well-decorated small bathroom

The Spruce / Marty Baldwin

Most people think "small bathroom," and they think cramped shower stalls, dim lighting, and vanities stuffed to the gills. And while a small bathroom may mean making a few sacrifices on space, it can also be welcoming and comfortable. Plus, consider the major pros of a small bathroom. With less square footage to deal with, it's cheaper to renovate, faster to clean, and easier to decorate.

If you're considering renovating your small bathroom, there are many ways to create the illusion of more space while maximizing what you have. From cozy shelving nooks, such as the one seen in this space from katiemonkhouseinteriors, to strategically placed clawfoot tubs, find out some of the best designs for a small bathroom.

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    Modern Design

    Modern style bathroom with wooden cabinets and slate floor.
    OneKindesign

    One of the best aspects of modern, contemporary design is the seamless, clean lines that create an open and airy feel. This updated bathroom from OneKindesign feels much bigger than it actually is, in part because the eye is drawn to the crisp, straight lines of the vanity, which elongates the room and almost seem to push the walls out. Neutral colors such as white and unpainted wood are also great choices for small bathrooms.

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    Wainscoting

    Bathroom with tropical wallpaper, with white sink and mirror
    Design Sponge

    Adding wainscoting to your bathroom creates a more classic look and lends a bit of visual interest. For a more design-forward approach, invest in a graphic wallpaper, such as this tropical one seen on Design Sponge. By keeping the wainscoting white and neutral, the bold print adds a pop of personality without overwhelming the small space. The white pedestal sink not only uses less floor space than a large vanity but also blends in with the paneling to create an optical illusion of more space.

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    Shiplap

    Bathroom with white shiplap
    Keys to Inspiration

    If you want a wainscoting alternative, shiplap can be a great choice in small bathrooms. This cozy bathroom from Keys to Inspiration uses horizontal shiplap to break up the wall space. The lines also appear to visually extend the wall and make it feel wider than it really is.

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    Luxury Tubs

    Bathroom with black tub and white tile on the wall.

    the_styling_edge / Instagram

    Do you think a lack of bathroom square footage means you have to forgo a luxury tub? Think again. This enviable bathroom from the_styling_edge features a deep soaking tub that's strategically placed to fit just perfectly inside the small nook. Though the space is heavy on patterns—with a bold tiled floor and a large art print—the simple black and white palette ensure it remains balanced.

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    Small Windows

    Bathroom with a small window above the tub.

    tim_scrbg/Instagram

    Natural light can make even the tiniest bathroom feel spacious and open. This attic bathroom from tim_scrbg may be short on ceiling space, but the slanted window creates an inviting and surprisingly roomy feel. Bonus points for the clever under-the-pedestal storage, which makes use of vital, often forgotten space.

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    Pink Bathroom

    Pink bathroom shower with tile.

    decoracaocriativa/Instagram

    This candy-colored bathroom from decoracaocriativa is all about small spaces—it's unique, creative, and welcoming. Though neutral colors can provide a calming backdrop, this bubblegum pink bathroom is incredibly fun, and the single color palette keeps it from becoming overpowering.

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    Galley Bathroom

    Galley bathroom with dark walls and white floor and cabinets.
    The Creativity Exchange

    A galley bathroom can feel claustrophobic if not designed correctly, but this one from The Creativity Exchange proves that with the right layout, it can feel downright spacious. The double vanity and glass shower stall keeps the space open and visually elongates the room.

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    Scandinavian-Style

    Brown-and white-bathroom with sink and mirror.
    Apartment 34

    When it comes to small spaces, "hygge" is everything right now. This Danish concept that encompasses is all about a comfortable, warm-feeling design and is perfect for cozy spaces. This Scandinavian bathroom from Apartment 34 is functional and uniquely laid out. The tucked away shower makes the rest of the room feel far more spacious and open.

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    Storage

    Bathroom with a leaning ladder near a tub and toilet.
    The Mama Notes

    One of the biggest downsides of a small bathroom is, of course, finding a place to hide all of your stuff. Storage in a small bathroom will require a bit of creativity. This bathroom from The Mama Notes may not have the luxury of endless storage, but a ladder shelf provides the perfect place for towels, bath supplies, and other knickknacks.

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    Black Bathroom

    Black and neutral bathroom with double vanity.
    Claire Brody Designs

    This moody bathroom from Claire Brody Designs has stunning black accents that work in tandem with the light tiled floors and neutral wallpaper to add depth to the room (without feeling too dark). Black paint may take some guts to incorporate into your decor, but the payoff is worth it.

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    Subway Tile

    Bathroom with large white subway tiles

    audreycrispinteriors/Instagram

    Subway tile is an excellent choice for any bathroom. But when designing a small bathroom, consider a larger tile like the ones seen in this bathroom from audreycrispinteriors. The large tilework creates the illusion of higher, wider ceilings and works perfectly with the neutral wood accents. It also pairs beautifully with the subtle touches of greenery.

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    Single Showers

    Bathroom shower

    Reena Sotropa

    If you can live without it, forgoing a tub is a great way to earn back precious floor space and open up a small bathroom. The glass shower stall seen in this bathroom from Reena Sotropa uses mixed tiles on the floor and walls, which add a sense of variety and eclecticism despite the tiny footprint.

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    Wallpaper

    Bathroom floral wallpaper

    Reena Sotropa

    If your small bathroom is bursting with anything, let it be a personality (rather than stray makeup and toiletries). This girly, floral bathroom from Reena Sotropa uses a vintage-inspired wallpaper to add pops of color to an otherwise neutral white space. While wallpaper can be expensive, one benefit of a small space is that you won't need to purchase much in order to make a big statement.

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    Gold Fixtures

    Gold bathroom fixtures

    Cathie Hong

    This elegant bathroom from Cathie Hong features Midas-approved gold fixtures throughout the design. The gold gives the bathroom a classic look, but by keeping the accessories uniform throughout the space, the room feels cohesive and meaningfully decorated. One of the best ways to make a small bathroom feel inviting is to smartly decorate every nook and cranny.

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    Tubs and Showers

    Updated bathroom with shower and clawfoot tub

    Cathie Hong

    If you dream of a standalone shower and a claw-foot tub, this cozy bathroom from Cathie Hong is the perfect inspiration for your next renovation. By replacing a standard shower curtain with a glass door panel, the bathroom feels more open. The frosted glass windows allow precious natural light in (a small space's favorite accessory), without sacrificing privacy.