Decorating a small bathroom can be quite challenging. Even when I carefully choose the decor, my small bathroom used to feel cramped and cluttered. The limited space made it difficult to find room for all the necessary items without making the area look overcrowded. However, with some design strategies and thoughtful organization, I was able to transform my small bathroom into a stylish, cozy and functional space. Here are some practical tips that helped me maximize space, create a cozy atmosphere, and add a touch of luxury to my small bathroom.
Start by Maximizing the Space in Your Small Bathroom
Before we begin decorating our small bathroom, we have to start by maximizing the space in the bathroom to make room for decorating.
1) Declutter
Keep only what you need in the bathroom. Store less-used items elsewhere.
Clear out the sink area. If it’s too much trouble to store daily items under the sink, it will be hard to keep doing it. You can fix this with a mirrored cabinet (with lights if possible) or a narrow set of drawers next to the sink if there’s room. A towel rail with some shelves can also help.
2) Add Mirrors
A large mirror can make the room feel bigger and brighter. Consider a mirrored cabinet, preferably illuminated, for added storage and better lighting.
3) Hooks Over Towel Bars
Replace your towel bar with hooks. Hooks allow towels to dry better and save space. Plus, they can be placed in small spaces like behind doors.
Replacing the towel rack with hooks tucked somewhere would also free up space to add a little decoration.
4) Sliding Doors
If possible, use sliding doors for the shower and even the entrance to save space.
And if your budget allows, replacing the shower curtain with a screen will make the space feel larger. You could even hang a plant there!
How to Make Your Small Bathroom Cozy
5) Warm Colors
Use warm, light colors like beige, soft yellow, or light brown to create a cozy atmosphere. However, beige can look formal without natural light. For a cozier feel, use white and add textiles and wood accessories, or choose a fun dark color in green or blue tones.
6) Soft Textiles
For a cozy and comfortable feel, choose white and add lots of textiles and wooden accessories. Or, follow current trends and pick a fun dark color like green or blue. Adding natural textures will help in either case.
Add fluffy towels, a soft bath mat, and perhaps a shower curtain with a pleasant texture.
7) Lighting
Use warm lighting rather than harsh, bright lights. Consider adding a small lamp if space allows.
8) Personal Touches
Add some personal items like framed photos, a small potted plant, or a decorative soap dish.
Add small shelves above the toilet and place accessories like a candle, a glass jar with q-tips, a reed diffuser, and either a faux plant or a funny book for reading in the bathroom.
9) Nature-y Texture
Add nature-inspired textures to make the bathroom feel more comfortable.
I love having plants! Especially hanging ones to avoid taking up floor and counter space. Just be sure to choose ones suitable to a dark, humid environment.
How to Make a Small Bathroom Feel Luxurious
10) High-Quality Materials
Invest in high-quality towels, a plush bath mat, and elegant fixtures.
11) Statement Pieces
Add one luxurious item like a fancy mirror or a piece of art. Replace the mirror with one that has a frame for added elegance.
12) Metallic Ascents and Neutral Palette
Use a neutral color palette with pops of metallic or glass for an elegant look.
13) Scents
Use scented Reed diffusers (you can get better longevity out of them over candles) or candles with a relaxing fragrance. I personally like something that lingers in the bathroom and gives a soothing experience every day.
14) Organized Storage
Keep everything neatly organized to maintain a clean, luxurious look.
15) Wallpaper
Try using wallpaper on one wall for a rich, trendy backdrop. Many interior designers use wallpaper in powder rooms.
Here’s one idea:
Put wallpaper on the side of the wall, where it’s facing the mirror. Choose something bold and tropical, like a dark background with Monstera leaves and birds of paradise. This will balance the gold and industrial look. The wallpaper will make the room feel longer and more open when reflected in the mirror. Plus, it will give you a stylish background for bathroom selfies.
Decorating a Small Bathroom Walls
16) Light Colors
Paint the walls in light colors to make the space feel larger. Alternatively, use a fun dark color in green or blue tones for a cozy, trendy look.
17) Tile Patterns
Use small or large tiles with simple patterns. Opt for tiles with simple patterns to keep the bathroom feeling spacious. Small tiles can add texture without overwhelming the eye, while large tiles can give a clean and uncluttered look. Avoid overly intricate designs that might make the room look crowded.
18) Artwork
Select one or two pieces of art or framed photos that reflect your personal style. These additions can give personality into the space without overwhelming the walls. Choose artwork that complements the color scheme and enhances the overall ambiance of the bathroom.
19) Vertical Patterns
Painting vertical stripes on the walls can draw the eye upward, making the ceiling appear higher than it is. This trick can make a small bathroom feel more expansive and loftier.
Decorating a Small Bathroom With Shower
20) Clear Shower Doors
Use clear glass shower doors to make the room feel larger. If that’s not an option, go for a light-colored shower curtain.
21) Corner Storage
Inside your shower, set up shelves in the corners to store your toiletries. This keeps things organized and off the floor, saving space and making it easier to find what you need.
22) Shower Hooks or racks
Consider using hooks or racks that can hang over the shower door. These provide extra storage for towels or bath accessories without taking up more floor space.
23) Compact Fixtures
Choose smaller-sized fixtures like a showerhead that’s not too big or other bathroom fittings that fit well in a small space. This helps maintain a comfortable scale in your bathroom.
24) Cohesive Style
Make sure the decor inside your shower matches the style of the rest of your bathroom. This creates a unified look throughout the entire space.
25) Shower Screen
If your budget allows, replace the shower curtain with a screen to open up the space. You can hang a plant in the shower to add greenery without taking up floor space. Choose plants suited to dark, humid environments.
By using these ideas, you can transform your small bathroom into a stylish, cozy, and functional space. The key here is to keep things simple and organized to make the most of the available space. Happy decorating!
