20 Best Small Bathroom Decor Ideas: Transform Your Tiny Space with These Creative Tips

Have a small bathroom and don’t know how to make it work? The good news is there are plenty of small bathroom decor ideas that can help you transform the space and keep it stylish.

From small bathroom organization tips to the best paint colors, there are plenty of ways to make a small bathroom look bigger and appear more inviting.

Here are some of the best small bathroom decor ideas to inspire you and help you make the most of a small space.

1. Add a bold wallpaper pattern to liven up a small bathroom

Yes, you can put wallpaper in a bathroom! Just make sure it’s properly ventilated and that it’s not in a spot that gets directly splashed by water.

A bold, colorful pattern like this one by Voutsa is a great way to distract from the small size of a bathroom. Interior designer Tamsin Johnson chose the same wallpaper for the walls and ceiling to make the room feel even more cozy and enveloping.

2. Use paint or tile to create a faux wainscoting

If you love the look of a traditional wainscoting but don’t have the budget to add it to your space, consider using paint or tile to create a faux version.

In this bathroom designed by 2LG Studio, the designers used a simple line of black tile to create a wainscoting effect. This makes the space feel more polished and gives the eye a place to rest in an otherwise busy room.

3. Install floor-to-ceiling mirror to open up a small bathroom

A mirror is a classic small bathroom decorating idea that can help to expand a small space. This floor-to-ceiling mirror, designed by Studio DB, makes the bathroom feel much larger than it actually is.

The light wood accents and the marble vanity add a beautiful contrast to the black and white tiles.

4. Install a pocket door to reclaim space

If you’re really tight on space, consider swapping out your traditional door for a pocket door. This can help you gain back a few extra inches, as the door slides directly into the wall. That way, you don’t have to worry about it swinging open and taking up precious square footage.

Not to mention, a pocket door can give you a little more privacy in the bathroom since it latches to the wall, which is great if you have a family or roommates.

5. Replace a bath mat with a small rug

If you have a larger-than-average small bathroom, you may have room to add a rug. Rugs can add texture and color to any space, and that’s no different in a bathroom.

A small rug is a great way to add a pop of color or a fun pattern to your bathroom. Choose a rug that complements the rest of your decor and color scheme.

6. Paint your door a dark color to make a statement

The dark paint trend is still going strong, and we love the idea of using it to make a statement in your bathroom.

If you have a small bathroom with a door, paint it a dark color to make it stand out.

This is a great way to add character to your space without taking up any extra room.

7. Add a vibrant framed painting or print

Just because your bathroom is small doesn’t mean it can’t have a big personality. Adding a colorful piece of art to your bathroom is a simple way to add a pop of color and some fun to your space.

If you’re worried about moisture, consider adding a print or an acrylic painting. If you’re not worried about moisture, you can add a traditional framed painting.

And, don’t be afraid to go big with your art. A large piece of art can make a big impact in a small space.

8. Opt for a corner sink

In a small bathroom, every inch of space counts. That’s why a corner sink can be a great solution to make the most of your floor plan.

This bathroom designed by Arent & Pyke also has a corner toilet and a wall-mounted medicine cabinet to keep the floor space as open as possible.

9. Get rid of the bath mat

If you’re looking for a way to make your bathroom feel more high-end, consider getting rid of the bath mat. Instead, add a rug with a non-slip pad underneath.

This allows you to play with different textures and patterns in your bathroom and makes it feel more like a cozy living space.

10. Install a trough sink to save space

If you have more than one person sharing a bathroom, a trough sink is a great option for a small space. It’s long and narrow, so it doesn’t take up as much space as a double vanity, but it can still accommodate two faucets.

In this bathroom designed by Studio DB, the under-sink area is also concealed to keep everything looking polished.

11. Use a shower curtain instead of a glass shower door

Shower curtains are a great option for small bathrooms because they take up less space than a glass door and they’re not as expensive. Plus, you can find a shower curtain in just about any color or pattern you want, which makes it easy to add some personality to your bathroom.

If you’re worried about a shower curtain making your space feel smaller, you can always use a clear one. Pro tip: Hang your shower curtain as high as possible to make your ceiling feel higher.

12. Install a floating vanity

A floating vanity is a great way to make a small bathroom look and feel larger. By raising the vanity off the floor, it creates the illusion of more space, and it’s a great spot to store towels and other bathroom essentials.

This sleek, wood floating vanity in a bathroom designed by Emily Henderson features a simple countertop sink, modern faucet, and a round mirror that ties the look together.

13. Use large-scale patterns to create a dramatic effect

In a small space like a bathroom, the last thing you want to do is overwhelm the area with a busy pattern. However, using a large-scale pattern can actually make the space feel larger and create a dramatic effect.

In this bathroom from House Beautiful, the large-scale, black and white, floral wallpaper creates a beautiful focal point. The bold design is repeated in the smaller scale of the shower curtain, and the black and white color scheme is carried throughout the rest of the space.

14. Add a candle or incense

Create a relaxing environment in your bathroom with a candle or incense. A calming scent can make your bathroom feel like a spa, and it’s an easy way to cover up any unpleasant odors.

Just be sure to never leave a candle unattended, and always extinguish it before you leave the room.

15. Add storage in a small bathroom

In a small bathroom, storage is key. It can be tricky to find a spot for all your items without making the space feel cluttered. To keep your bathroom organized and stylish, add a few storage solutions.

Open shelving is a great way to add storage without making your bathroom feel crowded. You can use baskets and bins to store items, or simply stack towels and other bathroom necessities on the shelves.

If you want to keep your items hidden, a vanity with doors or drawers is a great option. You can also add a small cabinet or storage tower to your bathroom to keep your items organized and out of sight.

16. Put a plant in your bathroom

Bringing a little greenery into your bathroom is a great way to add life and color without taking up any space.

If you have a window in your bathroom, consider placing a plant on the sill or hanging a few from the ceiling. If not, you can still add a plant by placing it on a shelf or even on top of your toilet tank.

Pro tip: Choose a plant that thrives in humid environments, like a spider plant, snake plant, or peace lily.

17. Paint the ceiling the color of the walls

Painting the ceiling the same color as the walls can help make the room feel more cohesive and less chopped up. It’s a great way to make a small space feel larger, and it can also help draw the eye up to make the room feel taller.

In this bathroom designed by 2LG Studio, the walls and ceiling are painted in Farrow & Ball’s Setting Plaster. The color was chosen to bring warmth to the room and to complement the pink veining in the marble floor.

18. Use a modern or contemporary design style

If you have a small bathroom, then you may find that a modern or contemporary design style is the best option for you. This style is all about clean lines and open spaces, which means that you can make the most of your small space.

In this example, the bathroom has a very simple design. The walls and floors are white, and there is a small window that lets in natural light. The vanity is a floating design, which helps to open up the space and make it feel larger. The light wood color of the vanity adds a bit of warmth to the space and keeps it from feeling too stark.

19. Use a bold color in a small bathroom

We get it: Painting a small room a dark color can sound counterintuitive. But when you have a small bathroom with a lack of space for accents, a bold paint color can be a great way to add visual interest.

This small bathroom by Arent & Pyke is the perfect example of how to make a small space feel large by using a dark color. The key to making it work is to keep the rest of the decor simple and let the color be the star of the show.

20. Create a statement with your small bathroom

If you’re going to put in the work to renovate your small bathroom, make sure it stands out with a few statement pieces. This bathroom by Arent & Pyke features a simple color palette, but the unique tile pattern on the floor and the light fixture above the tub give the space a little extra oomph.

Conclusion

Get ready to feel refreshed after a bathroom update like this. For more small bathroom ideas, check out our gallery.