While designing for a small bathroom can be a challenge, it doesn’t require a total renovation to make it look and feel like a larger space. With less square footage, you can create your dream space while maintaining a realistic budget.
Whether it’s a powder room or primary bathroom, small bathrooms are a chance to stretch your design muscles and go all out. Check out these small bathroom ideas so you can have a functional space without sacrificing style or breaking the bank.
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Use Wainscoting Visual Interest
![Laura Kay Bathroom](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/7UCO7FEpLzzDj1EzHe-BmKgQyE0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/27378_Kay_ChattanoogaLookOutMtn__0537-2ec258ab9f20406b810762a879b4b7da.jpg)
Overdecorating is a common issue when designing a small bathroom, as it can easily feel cramped with the wrong decor. In this bathroom, designer Laura Kay used wainscoting as a simple yet appealing break in the bold wallpaper.
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Keep Toiletries Hidden
![Heather Chadduck Hillegas Blount Springs, AL Lake House Bathroom](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/p4xs-8XHnp4wwi5tNTcT51Y8bR0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/2581501_heath_1466-2000-798a167789f24bf387e30a7ad283cdb4.jpg)
With smaller bathrooms, storage is extremely important when making sure you’re space isn’t cluttered. In this bathroom, there is an under the sink cabinet that blends nicely with the color palette to hold any items or products that may not fit the overall aesthetic.
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Raise the Sink
![Idea House 2020 Powder Bathroom Vanity](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/7eQcxM8PvmPlhd5DGivQDwO9-S8=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/2644601_IdeaH-_231w-2000-aa882b8472764ee6ab5caf15eeca9567.jpg)
Counter space is a luxury in smaller bathrooms, and it’s not always a given. In this bathroom, the sink is raised instead of built in to allow for more space on the counter.
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Add a Floating Shelf
![Wall Shelf in Bathroom](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/5pjUFcxpmyRwMHpyHLn5gVz-M8A=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/IMG_0425-93fe724d9f0948faba9c3e85e96b251f.jpg)
If storage is an issue, a floating shelf can add space while adding an element of design. In this bathroom, the floating shelf holds hand towels and blends in nicely with the wainscoting for a functional yet stylish element.
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Use White Accents
![Powder room with wallpaper](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/Ewv-WqLje3BDl9ii8ezudYCLRTQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/4.-Powder_19_RC_031021_HayleiSmith-2000-edfc59dd94614744bebf11dc380a306b.jpg)
For many small bathrooms, natural light isn’t as prevalent. Whether there’s no windows or just a small one, using white accents like in the mirror frame, cabinet paint, and countertop can help keep the space bright.
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Use Tiles as Wallpaper
![Chapel Hill House Bathroom with Chicken Wire Wallpaper](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/AqEzs_OIZJP9-MWtBrS0f12vLgQ=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/2561801_chape_shot23-003-1-e5989c8f56354823818556123801bded.jpg)
While it’s common to use wallpaper in a powder room to create intrigue, adding tiles to the wall makes a unique statement. Not only can it brighten up a space, but it also aids in humidity control.
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Create Cohesion with Hardware
![Grass cloth wallpaper bathroom](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/2gJwRBKMUe4K4SSOPOEqOkv8IwU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/AmyPeltier_AndrewBui-1-2000-a6c06c05c2f64539a8e3ef2c91662592.jpg)
If you have a full bath that is on the smaller side, making sure the space is cohesive is extremely important in making it look visually appealing. In this bathroom, the black hardware goes from the sink and into the shower to make a seamless look.
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Add a Storage Shelf
![Leaning Bathroom Shelf](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/v0NcwpTr7KjNjcN9fskfUsLCfJo=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/leaning-bathroom-shelf-fd6aca7b2ba2482b85a699afaefedf9e.jpg)
If your small bathroom doesn’t have any storage already built in, add in your own! This bathroom put a standing shelf in next to the sink to allow for more storage without taking up too much room.
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Go All Natural
![Unpainted, unfinished wood recalls bygone beach styleâimagine a Key West cottage in the days of Hemingway. The look is authentic, natural, and beach-chic all at the same time.](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/XfUa4czPkmkU22QZG0ZWUPh0ZoY=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/bathroom_03-2000-919726710e944278b8ef2a1e1bcfc747.jpg)
Incorporating elements from natural into any bathroom can truly make it feel like an oasis. In this bathroom, the wood, rattan, and bamboo textures give this space a relaxing vibe.
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Go Big With the Mirror
![Ornate mirror on patterned wallpaper](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/26Fu4Y1XV66WkPzBOVI_jwIDg_I=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/JS_AndreaMay9thAve_0030-2000-3a400aa97d304c53a62460b3f24af04f.jpg)
Having a big mirror in a small bathroom not only fills up wall space, but also creates a reflection of light to brighten up the space.
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Get Some Funky Lighting
![Bathroom with dark, patterned wallpaper](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/Zj4GBppo2_X5DBtjmyVFGXENJbM=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/Arditi-Design_Yuksel-Tavarez-Astoria_credit-Claire-Esparros12-2000-aaa77312c90b427aae476c2c95cb49bd.jpg)
With less square footage comes more opportunity to design a fun, eclectic space in your home. In this bathroom, unique overhead lighting and sconces were incorporated to make a bold statement.
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Double the Mirror as a Shelf
![Yellow patterned wallpaper and green sink](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/ptnG8gR7cc92MBj2Uxfc_kNHSeE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/NomitaJoshi_Bathroom-2000-5b090085f1bb490aa1a221429036246c.jpg)
In small bathrooms, storage is necessary to keep the clutter at a minimum. In this bathroom, a mirror with a ledge spanning the width of the wall is used that can hold small items like towels and soaps.
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Go White and Bright
![Gibson Cottage in South Carolina](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/om0JnQdoKFgwIYKE4CiZMUzfQ3w=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/2494801_joshg52187-1-4dd3025353624888bd2c4f35d829d17d.jpg)
When space is an issue, keeping an all-white color palette can really help brighten and elongate the room. In this bathroom, white wood and white tiles were used on the walls to make a seamless and bright space.
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Don’t Shy From Bright
![Green and Blue Bathroom with Wallpaper](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/NSzVJnqG7NxT_pVbRBDYvxwZ-aA=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/green-wallpaper-bathroom-2467601-0918_0-2000-80c14adf2e044371b10405ea49f69bdd.jpg)
Small bathrooms don’t usually bring in a ton of natural light, so you can incorporate your own brightness through a purposeful color palette. This bathroom uses a bold yellow-green color in throughout the space to make it brighter.
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Throw in Some Patterned Tiles
![Katie Davis Powder Bath](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/5c4_TMrgAZame-ez5JHUqVwNB1Q=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/katie-davis-powder-bath-2000-d25daa0be3cd4699a94138b4b56edb6a.jpg)
Tiles are great in bathrooms for preventing water damage, and adding a tile with a pattern is a fun way to add some visual interest while being functional.
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Go Full Glam
![Brown bird wallpaper bathroom](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/-7CzcmN_NS6z-Nsw8D-dFWCSdOE=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/Peter-Spaulding-photo-by-kelley-kish-29-2000-bce26e574c0d457fa894a196e6e92d18.jpg)
If you’ve always wanted to decorate a room in a bold, glamorous manner, a small bathroom is the perfect opportunity to show off your design prowess. This bathroom went all out with the moody, vintage-inspired glamor to create a unique and beautiful space in the home.
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Make the Floor Shine
![Meg Kelly's 1960s Ranch Bathroom](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/qwBKyoKM7xxog87rizw3LO39vCs=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/26983_MegKellyNashBA_044-F-2000-a73b2047d23e4b1a9a675716d28d850e.jpg)
If you’re looking to add light into your small bathroom without relying on a window, adding shiny floor tiles is a great way to get that reflection of light while staying practical.
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Don’t Forget About the Ceiling
![2018 Idea House in Austin, Texas Girl's Vanity Bathroom](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/HJeNZ992Es4SMIUjeSMLz1CRf4U=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/2566401_2018a_016-2000-61e57d708685463cbce57f8ce69cb8be.jpg)
When adding wallpaper to your small bathroom, don’t stop at just the sides. In this bathroom, the wallpaper was put on the ceiling as well to create a fun and cohesive look.
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Get Inspired by the Garden
![Floral bathroom wallpaper](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/tRRfwnso_FOAyl94nWvMl2fTOqg=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/JenniferBarronJuly2020-52-2000-360defefff494c658c39a93c58602e57.jpg)
Bringing the outside in is a lovely way to add brightness and fun design into your space. Incorporating floral wallpaper into your small bathroom can create a visually appealing and lightened space.
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Put Your Personality Into It
![Blue and white bathroom](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/AexDalSvknStsIN_Eo-D0NHAbUU=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/3.-Powder-Bath1-DustinPeckPhoto-2000-54c042129299434399f5ef4e4cb0088c.jpg)
Adding bits of yourself anywhere in your house can truly make it feel like a lived-in home. In this bathroom, designer Zandy Gammons used a Biggie Smalls inspired wallpaper to honor and represent the town of Brooklyn in a subtle, stylish way.
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Go Back in Time
![Shaun Smith New Orleans Ranch Guest Bathroom](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/oVSVGaYigf9GdIZ0LAVvDVlg4rw=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/2532601_shaun64352-1-cef39da4673845f292548b5e82b2b25b.jpg)
Vintage interior design styles can make any small bathroom become a true wow factor of your home. This bathroom used the Art Deco aesthetic to create a unique, stunning statement room.
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Make the Shower a Focal Point
![christinakim-pc_raquel-langworthy.jpg](https://www.southernliving.com/thmb/gIXr8TaImCgmBxv93ZPTw2cjRW0=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/christinakim-pc_raquel-langworthy-1-2000-81b5affe3b334a12a5abf91d7c5aab8a.jpg)
When your full bath is small, creating contrast is a great way to make it feel bigger. In this bathroom. the shower is covered in a gorgeous black tile to separate it from the white color in the rest of the bathroom.
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