These Small Bathrooms Make a Big Splash

Savvy Storage

Stash essentials in covered spaces for privacy and to minimize visual clutter. Dwellify suggests organizational solutions like vertical cabinets or vanities with built-in storage. You can even look for hidden space between wall studs, where you can carve out built-in shelves and store rolled-up towels or bathroom essentials. 

Design by River + Lime 

Photo by Heidi Long

Bold Lighting

“It may sound counterintuitive, but in small spaces, one light fixture can be more valuable than several,” Caroline Sussman, lead designer with Ethan Allen at R&G Furniture in Rochester, New York, says. For a touch of eclectic style (and less visual clutter) she suggests experimenting with a statement chandelier or eye-catching pendant. 

Home by Timberlyne

Photo by Cody Wortmann / Timberlyne Group

Pattern and Texture

If the room is not graced with tall ceilings, subtle or large-scale geometric designs on feature walls, mats or tiles create the illusion of grandeur, according to Dwellify’s experts. Textured tiles or understated wallpaper infuse elegance and personality. (And the good news is, you’ll need less of it!)

Photo courtesy of Dwellify 

Special Sinks

Distinct designs like those you’ll find in log or timber homes demand something unusual. “Seek out creatively sized and shaped sinks that tuck into a corner or are elongated to reduce depth,” Caroline says. “They free up floor space and provide unique, visual interest.” 

Design by Chip and Pauli Wade

Photo courtesy of Christina Wedge and Chip Wade

Mimic Nature

Features infused with nature, like natural stone for a shower or biophilic sinks and fixtures, blur the lines between indoor and out and bring a sense of soothing tranquility to the space. (This is especially effective if a window with a view anchors the bathroom!) Dwellify explains that monochromatic, neutral tones — whites, pastels, muted grays and earth tones — are a quick way to create a cohesive atmosphere that exudes openness. 

Home by Colorado Timberframe

Photo James Ray Spahn

Reflect on Mirrors

With their ability to amplify light and space, mirrors are a small bathroom’s best friend. The Dwellify team suggests incorporating a well-placed decorative mirror or even installing a mirrored wall. Caroline puts a twist on the concept: she suggests hanging a mirror in front of the window to forgo the congestion of window coverings. “You can still open the window and have the functionality of a mirror while saving valuable wall space,” she explains.  

Home by Timberhaven Log & Timber Homes

Photo by Allen Mowery

Tub Time

Elevate the tub’s style, literally. Placing it under a window or creating a tiled, step-up platform separates the wet zone and adds grandeur to your restful retreat. Should you place your tub next to the window, build out the windowsill area to be deep enough that you can place bath products on it while in use. 

Home by Woodhouse, The Timber Frame Company 

Photo by Gross + Daley

Showers That Shine

A tub-shower combination can quickly occupy more than its fair share of visual space. Remedy this by hanging the curtain from a ceiling track for a tidier, more intentionally designed appearance. Alternatively, eliminate the curtain for a glass door. Even better, replace the existing tub with a dedicated shower. By including a shower bench that extends into the room, you can enclose the space under the bench for additional storage. 

Photo by Andrew Sample

Unusual Optimizations

Reclaim precious inches with a dash of panache. Caroline has loads of suggestions. Can’t part with a beloved clawfoot soaking tub? A ladder resting between the tub and wall converts unusable space into one that puts towels and magazines in easy reach. Found an irresistible cabinet or baker’s rack while antiquing? Repurpose it into a sink base. And a stylish vintage spice rack could be mounted for extra storage with apothecary flair. “You can even transfer contents into antique bottles,” Caroline adds.  

Photo courtesy of Dwellify