a newly renovated small bathroom

Small bathroom renovation ideas for the sensible and stylish

Creating a small bathroom that you'll love to use

Hire a bathroom renovator

Last Updated on

Renovating small bathrooms can pose a distinct set of difficulties. It requires meticulous planning and innovative design strategies. The restrictions of limited floor space, unconventional layouts, and minimal storage space can make the renovation of small bathrooms in your home seem overwhelming. However, with the correct methodology and a dash of creativity, you can convert your bathroom into a chic, practical area.

Improving small bathrooms can significantly enhance your overall living experience. When brainstorming small bathroom ideas, don’t be afraid to incorporate artistic elements. Your choice of materials, colors, and accents can help you design a bathroom that truly represents your style. Here are some ideas for small bathroom renovations that can boost aesthetic appeal and functionality:

Clever storage solutions

In small bathrooms, every inch has to count. You will need to incorporate smart storage solutions to have an organized and functional bathroom. For a modern bathroom design, you can maximize space by using anything from built-in shelves and cabinets to wall-mounted storage.


Built-in cabinets and shelves:

recessed shelving in a small bathroom

  • Create recessed shelves within the walls of your bathroom. These provide storage without taking up valuable floor space.
     

  • Install slim cabinets above the toilet or beside the vanity to effectively utilize vertical space.
     

  • Create a floating vanity by adding shelves or a cabinet to a floating sink to make the space look like a bigger bathroom.


Wall-mounted storage options:

floating shelves in a small bathroom

  • Floating shelves can be installed on empty wall spaces. These are great for storing towels, toiletries, and even decorative items.
      

  • Use wall-mounted organizers such as magnetic strips or hooks to keep grooming tools easily accessible.


Multifunctional furniture:

a small bathroom with cabinets under the sink

  • Storage benches provide seating and a place to store anything, from towels and linens to bathroom or cleaning supplies.
     

  • Using vanity units with hidden storage can keep toiletries, medicines, and other essentials organized.

Space-saving fixtures and layouts

For small bathroom renovations, space-saving fixtures and layouts are your savior. By incorporating them into your bathroom design, you can maximize the functionality of your small bathroom while creating a more visually appealing environment. These modern, small bathroom design and renovation ideas help ensure that every square inch counts:


Corner sinks and toilets

a small bathroom with a corner sink and toilet

  • Utilize unused corner spaces by installing corner sinks, storage fixtures, or even toilets.
     

  • Choose compact designs for sinks and toilets. These are ideal when renovating small bathrooms since you can use less space and make your bathroom feel more open.

See also: How much does it cost to install a new sink?


Wall-mounted fixtures

wall-mounted toilet in a small bathroom

  • Opt for wall-mounted sinks and faucets instead of traditional pedestal sinks. These fixtures free up floor space and provide a clean and minimalist look.
     

  • Use toilets with tanks hidden within the wall, saving valuable space and making cleaning easier.


Sliding doors and enclosures

a small bathroom with a sliding shower door

  • Install sliding shower doors instead of hinged doors to give you extra space. Sliding doors also eliminate the need for clearance space and allow you to use the remaining space in your bathroom efficiently.

  • Use pocket doors for privacy within the bathroom. These doors slide into the wall, freeing up space that a swinging door would otherwise occupy.

Modern bathroom design tricks to make yours feel bigger

Trickery isn’t all that bad, especially in the context of small bathroom renovation ideas and modern bathroom design. The goal is to deceive the eye and transform your bathroom into a visually expansive and inviting space. Light and neutral color schemes, large mirrors, and minimalist design elements work harmoniously to create the perception of a larger, more refreshing bathroom.

Light and neutral color schemes

a small bathroom with neutral colours

  • Choose light, airy, or neutral colors, such as soft whites, pastels, or subtle earth tones.

  • Study the effects of color on perceived space. Lighter hues reflect light and make the area feel more open and expansive. Avoid dark or bold colors, as they can make the room appear smaller.


Large mirrors and reflective surfaces

a small bathroom with a mirror

  • Expand your visual space by installing a large mirror or multiple mirrors in your bathroom. Mirrors help create an illusion of depth and reflect light, making the room appear larger.

  • You can creatively use mirrors in different ways to visually expand your small room. You can ask your designer what works best for your bathroom, from mirrored or glass surfaces for countertops to shower enclosures or backsplashes.


Minimalist design and clean lines:

a small bathroom with minimal decor

  • Emphasise simplicity and function by embracing a minimalist approach to design by decluttering your bathroom and opting for clean lines.
     

  • Reduce visual clutter in your bathroom by removing unnecessary items from the countertops, and choose streamlined fixtures with simple shapes. This creates a sense of spaciousness that works for smaller rooms.

Upgrading lighting and ventilation

Enhancing lighting and ventilation when renovating small bathrooms can significantly affect the overall feel and functionality of the space. You can create a bright and seemingly spacious atmosphere by purposely including natural light sources and incorporating various artificial lighting.

Improving ventilation with an upgraded exhaust fan and adequately sealing your windows and doors will promote a healthier and cozier environment. These small bathroom renovations or upgrades can do wonders.

See also: How much does exhaust fan installation cost?


Natural light solutions

a small bathroom with natural lighting

  • Install skylights or solar tubes to incorporate natural light in your bathroom. These features allow sunlight to flood the room, making it feel brighter and more spacious.

  • Maximise window space by using sheer or light-filtering window treatments that allow natural light to enter while maintaining privacy.


Artificial lighting ideas

a small bathroom with artificial lighting

  • Recessed lighting provides a sleek and unobtrusive option, creating an even light distribution.

  • Add LED strip lights or lighted mirrors under cabinets. Lighted mirrors are popular because they combine lighting and functionality in one fixture, adding style and practicality in small spaces.


Ventilation Improvements

a small bathroom exhaust fan

  • Upgrade your bathroom’s ventilation system by installing an efficient exhaust fan. This helps remove moisture and odors and prevents mold and mildew buildup.

  • Properly sealing windows and doors prevents drafts and maintains comfort.

Setting a realistic timeline for your renovation

You’ll need to set a realistic timeline when renovating small bathrooms. How long does a small bathroom renovation take? Well, depending on task complexity, it takes anywhere from 3-4 weeks to 5-6 weeks.

You’ll need to consider several factors, such as renovation scope, contractor availability, and time to get the necessary permits. You’ll also need to plan for delays and issues that may arise, so it’s advisable to add a buffer to your initial timeline. This gives you a little flexibility to deal with anything that could happen. 

Remember that effective communication with your contractor, careful planning, and realistic expectations will contribute to a smoother renovation process and help ensure that your project stays on track.

Simplify bathroom renovation with Airtasker

Renovating small bathrooms can be a daunting task, but there’s a way to make it easier. With Airtasker, you can find a professional to assist with every aspect of the renovation, from the initial planning and design stage through to the final installation and cleanup. This enables you to concentrate on the important details, such as picking out the ideal finishes and fixtures, while your Tasker handles the rest. By the end of this process, you’ll have an updated bathroom that caters to your needs, mirrors your personal style, and adds pleasure to your everyday routine.

Find bathroom renovations, fast

Find a Bathroom Renovation Contractor

FAQs on small bathroom renovation

While some tasks like painting and simple installations might be DIY-friendly, others, like plumbing and electrical work, usually require professional skills. It’s important to evaluate your own abilities and time constraints before deciding to undertake a renovation project yourself.

Durable materials like ceramic, porcelain, and glass are popular for bathroom floors and walls due to their water-resistant properties. For countertops, materials like quartz, granite, and marble are often chosen for their durability and aesthetic appeal.

Even small bathrooms can feel luxurious with the right touches. Consider heated floors, a rainfall showerhead, high-end fixtures, or a freestanding bathtub. Lighting also plays a huge role in creating a relaxing, spa-like atmosphere.

Related articles

Related price guides

Let's do this!

It's free and takes only a minute.