7 Small Bathroom Design Ideas to Maximise Space and Style

Due to space constraints, small bathrooms can prove challenging to design. However, well-planned small bathroom design ideas can help you optimise your space, ensuring every part is used efficiently while maintaining a stylish and functional aesthetic.

We explore seven practical small bathroom renovation ideas that’ll help inspire and bring greater style to your space.

Maximising space in a small bathroom begins with a well-planned layout that prioritises functionality and flow. For instance, opting for a corner shower instead of a bathtub naturally frees up valuable floor space and makes a small space feel larger. Placing key fixtures—such as the toilet and sink—along a single wall can streamline the design and create a more spacious feel, too. 

In Australia, a small bathroom typically ranges from 2.5 to 5 square metres, with careful planning essential to maximise space. A bathroom of around 6 square metres (e.g., 2.5m x 2.4m) is considered relatively spacious and can comfortably accommodate key fixtures such as a basin, toilet, and either a shower or a shower-bath combination. With smart design choices, even compact bathrooms can be both functional and visually appealing.

Another excellent space-saving small bathroom design idea is opting for pocket sliding doors over traditional hinged doors. These eliminate the need for extra clearance and neatly disappear when fully open. To enhance your space, you can choose specifically designed internal door handles for these, along with matching door hardware in the same finish to enhance your space.

When working with a small bathroom, utilising vertical space is key to maintaining functionality and minimising clutter. Installing shelves above the toilet, tall cabinets, or hanging storage solutions helps free up valuable floor space while keeping essentials easily accessible. Wall-mounted towel rails and towel hooks/robe hooks offer additional storage while utilising vertical space rather than expanding outwards, helping create a more open and organised bathroom. There’s also the option of space-saving glass-mounted towel rails that are specifically designed for bathrooms with minimal wall space — utilising the glass screen as a mounting wall.  

Wall hung vanity units, basins, and toilets enhance a sense of spaciousness. These fixtures not only elevate aesthetics but also make cleaning easier. By incorporating these small bathroom design ideas, even the most compact bathroom can feel functional, stylish, and open.

We’ve already touched on wall-hung vanities, but it’s worth reiterating their importance as a space-saving fixture. These vanities are versatile enough to fit into unconventional spaces, such as between baths and toilets, while delivering a minimalist aesthetic that enhances the sense of openness. 

As part of your small bathroom remodel ideas, it’s always good to streamline your space and remove clutter. Keep vanity drawers limited to essential items. Store excess products or rarely used items in a separate cupboard, allowing for easy replenishment. This ensures a seamless routine without searching through an overfilled drawer.

Also, consider customisable vanity organisers tailored to fit seamlessly into our vanity drawers for added storage convenience. 

Built-in shelves and recessed wall niches are additional space-saving storage options that give your design a pleasing three-dimensional element that improves character and balance.

The contribution that tiles make towards making a bathroom feel bigger cannot be overstated. Light-coloured bathroom tiles can make a confined area feel more expansive. Shades like white, soft beige, pastels, or light grey reflect more light, creating an airy atmosphere. Glossy or satin finishes further enhance this effect by bouncing light around the room. Pairing light-coloured walls with similar-toned tiles helps to ensure a seamless look that eliminates harsh contrasts that can make a space feel boxed-in.

Incorporating bold tiles can add personality without overwhelming the space. Patterned tiles, whether on a feature wall or a small backsplash, introduce visual interest while maintaining balance in a smaller setting. 

Mirrors are one of the most effective small bathroom design ideas for creating a sense of space. A well-placed mirror, such as one above the vanity or across from a window, reflects light and creates the illusion of depth. Full-length mirrors or mirrored cabinets can further enhance this effect by adding both function and visual expansion. 

Extending a mirror across an entire wall can visually double the room’s size, achieving a greater impact. Mirrored cabinets provide the added benefit of concealed storage while amplifying light. Positioning mirrors opposite each other can introduce a sense of depth to create a more dynamic effect, while backlit options offer a soft, ambient glow. Mirror placement can turn a cramped space into a spacious and welcoming haven.

Natural lighting is a powerful tool in making a small bathroom feel more spacious and open. Allowing sunlight to flood the room reduces the need for bulky artificial lighting fixtures, freeing up valuable wall and ceiling space. Large windows or skylights can help eliminate dark corners, creating the illusion of a large, airier bathroom. Opting for frosted or translucent glass allows for privacy while maximising light, preventing the room from feeling closed in.

Overall, natural light enhances the perception of space and can even reduce the need for excessive storage solutions. A well-lit bathroom makes it easier to keep surfaces clutter-free, as bright and open spaces naturally encourage a more minimalist approach to organisation. By embracing natural light and minimising the need for extra fixtures and bulky storage, a small bathroom can feel more functional, stylish, and effortlessly spacious. 

Statement lighting is another powerful way to enhance a small bathroom’s style without overwhelming the space. Modern fixtures like pendant lights, wall sconces, or illuminating backlit mirrors contribute style and function to spaces.  

Wall-mounted sconces free up valuable counter space while adding a sophisticated touch, while pendant lights create a striking focal point without encroaching on the floor area. Overall, opting for minimal designs or adjustable lighting can help distribute light effectively, making the room feel more open and inviting.

A minimalist aesthetic is ideal for small bathrooms, creating a sense of openness and sophistication. Clean lines, neutral colour palettes, and subtle details help maintain a clutter-free and elegant look. This small bathroom design idea works well with wall-mounted fixtures and cabinetry, reinforcing that streamlined feel. Thoughtful storage solutions keep everyday essentials neatly tucked away. By embracing minimalism, even a compact bathroom can feel serene, stylish, and effortlessly functional.

Our range of mini tapware and basins contributes to this minimalist aesthetic while expanding space. Heated towel ladders are another fixture that can be implemented in this space. By carefully selecting sleek, space-saving elements, you can achieve a modern and practical bathroom design without compromising on style or comfort.

All these design ideas for small bathrooms are guaranteed to free up more space. For other small bathroom renovation ideas, check out these blogs:

Transform Your Space with Bathroom Tile Ideas

Bathroom Renovations: Bathtub, Shower or Both?

Bathroom Renovations: 9 Things You Need to Know