How to design a small bathroom to look stylish | Step-by-step guide

Do you want to know how to design a small bathroom that looks insanely stylish? The steps below are all the ones I usually follow when designing a bathroom for a client. So, I hope they can help you transform your small space into an oasis.

Remodeling a bathroom is extremely exciting. If you’re looking to turn your small bathroom into a stylish one, you’re probably doing all the research you need to get ready for the makeover. As an interior designer, I’m here to take your hand and give you the secrets step-by-step to having a functional and well-designed bathroom.

You’re going to learn about the best layout for your small bathroom, what style of bathroom to choose, the best tiles for small bathrooms, and more.

After learning about all these steps for designing your small bathroom, you’ll be extra prepared to take your bath time to the next level.

This post is all about how to design a small bathroom step by step.

Step 1: Plan and Measure / Planning your layout for a stylish small bathroom

All right then, let’s get this design show on the road!

Before designing a small bathroom, you must create a clear plan. The first thing you need is your measuring tape, and take note of dimensions, including windows and doors. Your sketch has to look similar to the image below.

Pay attention to existing fixtures like the toilet, bathtub/shower, and sink. Be smart and think about whether they can be moved or replaced to improve the functionality of your bathroom.

While I’m planning a bathroom, I usually prioritize privacy and comfort. So, I want to leave you with important advice for you:

The first fixture you should see when opening the door is the sink. Wondering why? It’s simple. If someone forgets to lock the door and is in the toilet, they have time to call out that they’re in there. Plus, the person outside the bathroom won’t immediately see someone in their private moment.

In addition, I would love to give you some examples below that can help you with your small bathroom design planning!

You’re welcome to take a peek at these designs’ layouts if you’re looking for a bit of inspo!

Step 2: Choose the style of your small bathroom design

There are a ton of styles out there, but you gotta think about what YOU like first.

If you haven’t decided on a style yet, take a look around social media, websites, design magazines, and anywhere else you can find your muse. In other words, be creative!

To come up with a style, consider what kind of atmosphere you want to create. For example, do you prefer a vintage vibe, a calming spa-like retreat, sleek and modern, or something completely different? The vibe you set is the heartbeat of your design decisions and can give you a bathroom with a special touch.

While you’re at it, take a look at these bathroom styles for some inspiration!

Traditional Style Bathroom

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Transitional Style Bathroom

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Contemporary Style Bathroom

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Farmhouse Style Bathroom

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Coastal Style Bathroom

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Keep in mind that you’re working with a small space, so think about styles that match the size. Some styles, like minimalist or Scandinavian design, are a perfect fit for smaller spaces.

I know this is a lot of decisions you have to make, but if you’re here, you’re ready to take your bathroom to the next level. I always recommend hiring an architect or interior designer to help you with the design if you’re really not one. Their expertise can save you time, and money, and ensure a beautiful outcome.

Step 3: Do a Mood board and choose the suitable color scheme for your small bathroom design

Having selected a design style, what’s next? It’s time to put your information together and create a mood board and color palette for your bathroom concept plan.

Color Palette

Firstly, let’s talk about a color palette for your small bathroom design! Consider light and neutral shades like white, creamy cream, soft pastels, or gentle grays. These colors bring light around and create a sense of openness. I’m not kidding when I say it’s like giving your bathroom a virtual size boost!

A pro tip from me:

Don’t be afraid to sprinkle pops of color through accessories like towels, shower curtains, or some artwork on the walls. As a result, these accessories going to inject your personal style and sense of aesthetics into the design, making your bathroom feel more like you.

Mood Board

At this point, you might be wondering what a mood board is. Well, mood boards are like your best friend in the design world. It is a vision tool used in creative projects to collect and organize ideas, inspiration, colors, textures, and style.

Here’s how you can create a mood board with a color palette:

• Creating a mood board is like going on a treasure hunt for inspiration. Firstly, You get images, pictures, and snippets that have furniture, colors, textures, or scenes that capture the essence of the style.
• You can do it digitally or the old-fashioned way, with your hands! You can craft a physical mood board using printed images, glue, and scissors. Or you can choose online platforms or apps that let you mix and match images like Canva.
• Arrange those images like puzzle pieces. Mix textures, pictures, and colors and see how they interact. Find the perfect balance between them.
• After arranging the images, look at the colors that stand out the most and those will be your main colors. A combination of 3 hues makes up a color scheme. Don’t go over 5 shades.
• After that, you have to feel the vibe! Your mood board has to capture the essence of your design. It helps you to see if the elements you choose work together in harmony.

Once your mood board is complete, it becomes your trusted guide. Use it as your “design compass” when you’re feeling lost and need to make design decisions. It’ll help you stay on course and aim for a cohesive and stylish result.

Step 4: Choose the Right Fixtures for your small bathroom design

You have to keep in mind that small spaces love smart choices! So, embrace space efficiency, and choose fixtures that match the layout that you previously designed. Don’t forget the scale of your bathroom.

Don’t let large furniture take over the room; go for pieces designed to save space instead: wall-mounted sinks, sleek pedestals, compact toilets, and showers with frameless glass doors. If you can’t live without a bathtub, choose a small freestanding tub or go for a shower-bathtub combo to save space.

To conserve a harmonious look, choose fixtures with the same finish. Whether you go with brushed nickel, chrome, or another finish, this brings a unity and polished appearance.

Regarding style, think of clean lines and simplicity. It is always better to decide on sleek, modern fixtures or classic timeless designs that work well in small spaces. They keep your bathroom feeling open, airy, and uncluttered.

Step 5: Choosing the Right Tiles for Your Small Bathroom Design

I’ve got some friendly advice to make this process easier:

• Firstly, start thinking about the size. Large-sized tiles can create a sense of openness. If we have fewer grout lines on the walls and floors, it will make your bathroom feel less visually busy and clutter-free.
• If you feel adventurous, you can choose an accent wall and consider using a subtle mosaic or pattern like a herringbone layout. This type of layout speaks without overwhelming the space.
• In small bathrooms, we always need to think about creating the illusion of space. So, it’s important to opt for lighter colors like soft whites, creams, pastels, and light grays.
• For an extra touch of height, consider vertical tiles and extending wall tiles up to the ceiling. This trick draws the eye upward and creates an interrupted look that helps to create a modern look, adding a vertical boost.
• Consider ceramic or porcelain tiles when choosing materials for your bathroom. These tiles are easy to clean, durable, and stand strong against moisture. For the shower floor, opt for tiles that are slip-resistant to prevent accidents. Safety, style, and practicality go together.

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My pro tip:

Get tile samples before making your final decision. It can help you see how the tile fits in the space and how the space’s lighting can affect it. It’s like a sneak peek before the big reveal.

Step 6: Use mirrors and lighting strategically in your small bathroom design

Now, let’s talk about two magical elements: mirrors and lighting. These dynamic features can make a significant difference in your small bathroom design, and I’m here to guide you through their benefits.

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Mirrors

Mirrors are fantastic for creating the illusion of space. A large mirror or mirrored surfaces can reflect light and make the room appear larger. Consider a tall and vertical mirror or mirrored cabinets for a touch of elegance and vertical spaciousness. Incorporating this into your bathroom will add an extra layer of visual appeal as well as a heightened feeling.

My last piece of advice about mirrors: placing mirrors across from a window or opposite a light source can help expand the room’s appearance. And always choose frameless or sleek-framed mirrors for a modern touch.

Natural Light

Embrace the natural light coming through the windows. Keep your windows uncovered or use sheer curtains to protect privacy and let the gentle touch of sunlight brighten your room. It’s all about finding that perfect balance to create a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Layer your lighting

When it comes to lighting, mix and match different types of lighting for a balanced and functional result. Use task lighting for functional areas, ambient lighting for a cozy ambiance, and accent lighting for added dimension.

Turning our attention to task lighting – is a must around the vanity. Positioning lights on either side of or above the mirror provides perfect illumination for your grooming routine. It’s a game-changer, especially in a small bathroom where every corner matters.

And speaking of ambient light, also known as general light. This type of light comes in the form of recessed lighting, flush mounts, or semi-flush mounts. They evenly distribute light and avoid creating strong contrasts or dark spots in the room.

Don’t forget about accent lighting — it can come in the form of wall sconces, or strategically placed small pendant lights. Give a unique look and emphasize particular spots.

Lastly, consider the color temperature of the bulbs. Opt for warm white (2700K to 3000K) for a cozy, welcoming feel. Avoid extremely cool or blue-toned lights, as they can create a clinical atmosphere.

Step 7: Maximizing storage with clever bathroom design solutions

Maximizing storage is the name of the game when it comes to designing a stylish small bathroom that still has all the functionality of a larger one! By thinking strategically, you can transform your limited space into a well-organized haven.

Let’s explore some creative ideas that will help you maximize storage in your small bathroom:

• Think vertical, don’t waste any inch of your walls. Install tall shelving units or cabinets reaching up to the ceiling. This way not only adds more storage but also draws the eye upward, making the room feel taller and more spacious.
• Go for Wall-Mounted Storage! Floating shelves, cabinets, and hooks can be incredibly useful. They keep the floor clear while providing ample space for storing towels, toiletries, and those essentials that always seem to multiply.
• Your furniture must always be double-duty. At least, consider a vanity with drawers, a mirror that hides a cabinet, or even an ottoman that conceals storage – multitasking at its finest!
• Don’t overlook to use of behind-the-door space! Hang organizers or hooks on the back of the bathroom door as a result, you will have extra space for towels, robes, and other items.

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• Optimize your shower with caddies, niches, and corner shelves for easy access to shampoos and soaps.
• Tight spaces like nooks and crannies are hidden gems in tiny areas. Consider adding slim shelves or storage baskets under the sink or around tight corners.
• Using containers to stack or nest is a clever way to keep things organized. They keep items neatly organized while taking up minimal space.

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• The area above the toilet has great storage potential. Of course, you have to install shelves, cabinets, or a rack with adjustable shelves and compartments. This way, you will add extra storage space without using any of your precious floor space to store extra towels or your favorite scents.

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Making the most of every available option when planning your small bathroom design project can result in both a functional and organized space.

Step 8: Space-Savvy shower enclosure ideas for small bathrooms

As an interior designer, I want to help with all the details of your bathroom. Choosing a shower enclosure for a small bathroom depends on your specific needs and preferences. But here are my recommendations for having a bathroom that looks bigger than it is:

Frameless Sliding Shower Glass Door:

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This type of door is a stylish and practical option for compact bathrooms because it maximizes the available space and gives a sleek and modern look. They create a sense of openness, allowing natural light to flow through and making the bathroom feel more spacious. The absence of bulky frames lends an elegant and sophisticated look.

They are so practical, and the maintenance is easy to do. There are no nooks and crannies for soap scum or mold to hide, and a simple wipe-down is all that’s needed to keep them sparkling clean.

Comes in various designs, including single and soluble slide configurations. Also, you can choose different types of glass as clear, frosted, or textured, depending on your preferences.

Singular Glass Panel:

On the other hand, if you prefer an open concept or spa-feel design, it’s a great option to have a singular glass panel that acts as a divider. It’s an excellent choice for those who prefer a seamless transition between the shower area and the rest of the bathroom. They beautifully showcase your bathroom’s tiles and fixtures, adding a touch of sophistication to the overall design.

A rain shower head is a clever strategy when you have a one-glass panel because they don’t incline. Helps to minimize water splashes outside the shower area, making sure that the bathroom floor remains dry and safe.

It’s important to get proper drainage with this type of walk-in shower. To make sure the water goes to the correct drain, preventing pooling and water damage. For that reason, consider consulting with a professional to make sure that your bathroom drainage system is up to the task.

This mix of a singular glass panel, a rain shower head, and a proper drainage system isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s also about enhancing functionality. It gives you the spacious, luxurious, and water-efficient shower of your dreams – even if your bathroom is on the small side.

Shower Curtains:

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For a more flexible option, consider using a shower curtain. They are budget-friendly for enclosing a small bathroom shower and are easy to maintain and install.

Come in various colors, patterns, and styles, allowing you to personalize your bathroom’s aesthetic. Make sure to choose appropriately and think that you are designing a small space, so choose lighter colors and patterns that do not overwhelm the space.

Shower curtains are particularly useful when space is limited, as they don’t require extra floor space for swinging or sliding. This makes them ideal for designing a small bathroom.

A pro tip:

For an extra touch of height and sophistication, place the curtain rod as high as possible – just don’t forget the curtain length! This way, you’ll make your room look taller than ever before.

Each of these options has its charm and response to different requirements, preferences, space, and budget. The most important thing for me as an interior designer? Helping you make an informed decision to create a shower space that’s not only functional and stylish, but that also fits into your lifestyle.

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Step 9: Adding the final touches to your small bathroom design

Now it’s time to elevate your bathroom and add the finishing with personal touches that bring your small design to life. Choose fashionable and practical items such as decorative jars, chic soap dispensers, sleek toothbrush holders, or shampoo and conditioner luxury bottles.

Bring green into your small bathroom to create a fresh and warm atmosphere! Go for small potted plants or lovely succulents; these types of plants introduce a dash of greenery.

Small additions can make a big difference, so don’t forget to include a cozy rug and artwork that reflects your style. Hang the artwork to eye level to maximize the impact. You can choose to print some online art or showcase your photographs. Also, you can get artwork from local artists you admire. These final touches are what make your space stand out and feel like yours.

Step 10: BONUS TIP! Maintain Cleanliness and Organization

Last but certainly not least, let’s talk about cleanliness and organization! We recognize that clutter is the enemy of small bathrooms. You must use the storage solutions you carefully planned.

Maintain surfaces clutter-free and make sure everything has its assigned place. Additionally, keep unnecessary items like toiletry bottles and makeup brushes stored away or organized on shelves and drawers. In conclusion, the key to having an organized bathroom is to cultivate the habit of tidying up regularly.

Trust me, everything will feel much more serene and beautiful when everything has its assigned place. Plus, you’ll be amazed at how a well-organized bathroom can uplift your mood!

Congratulations! You’ve reached the end of our step-by-step guide to designing a small bathroom that’s insanely stylish. Remember, it’s not about the size of the bathroom—it’s about how you maximize its potential.

This post was all about how to design a small bathroom.