12 Tiny Bathroom Decor Ideas To Update Your Boring, Old Bath
Do you need some tiny bathroom design ideas? Are you bored of your old bathroom, and want some tiny bathroom inspiration?
When it’s time to update your small, boring bathroom and give it a brand new stylish, and spacious look, I have you covered.
In this article, we will help you transform your bathroom into an elegant space with these tiny bathroom decor ideas!
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10 Ideas To Stylishly Update Your Tiny Bathroom
The great thing about a tiny bathroom is that because the floor space is small, you can do a major renovation using luxurious high-quality materials, without blowing your budget.
Here are ideas to update your tiny bathroom with style and make it look stylish and spacious.
1. Use Organic Materials and Light Colors
There is something about using earthy organic materials that makes a small bathroom look grand. I love this stone bathmat for example:
- The stone bath mat made by diatomaceous earth;natural safe diatomite without any chemical additives
- Faster Water Drying Diatomaceous Earth Bath Mat;quickly soak up water,absorbent foot pad
- What You Get; 2pcs foot mats,4pcs of diatomite soap dish tray, one sand paper.
Using light colors can help make a small bathroom look bigger too. While a small bathroom almost seems to have not much space to work with, you can get creative and make the most of the square footage.
Many small space tricks can be done, including the perfect combination of mirror and glass, a beautiful floating vanity, and an ample amount of storage in all of the right places.
If you want to brighten any room—fast—grab a brush and paint light wall colorings.
Think white, yellow, cream, light blue, or light pink. A tiny, compact bathroom will feel more spacious if you opt for neutral colors or light pastels, particularly for the floor and wall tiles.
These light colors have the ability to reflect light, making the space feel clean, bigger, and airy.
When using white, ensure your tiny bathroom doesn’t look stark white by mixing other elements and accessories like hardware in creamy off-white to soften the clinical white look.
If you would want to add more interest and depth to your tiny bathroom by using bold colors, then put it on a single wall, a shorter one is much better. You can also use the bold color subtly below the eye level.
It’s important to mention that no matter how nicely styled your bathroom is, if the floors are a mess, it won’t matter!
And this is even more true when it comes to tiny bathrooms, small spaces are unforgiving when it comes to dust! So keeping up with vacuuming and mopping will be key.
Personally, I loathe cleaning floors, so I bought a Narwal to clean my floors. Now I don’t think I could live without it, I love it so much.
Narwal is a robot vacuum and mop combo. Yes, it even mops your floors automatically! Highly recommend!
2. Go Big And Incorporate Glass
We all know that glass can make a small room appear larger. You can add a fixed glass shower panel which is a great way to add style and functionality to your bathroom.
In the image above, you can see how using glass with modern minimal white and light blue make this tiny bathroom feel bigger.
This panel of glass allows you to do away with a traditional shower door, as it acts as a shield and prevents water from spraying out of the shower. A fixed glass shower panel adds a touch of style and elegance as the glass looks more refined than a shower curtain.
It also offers you an open feel, and can make your bathroom look bigger, lighter, and more open (especially for a small bathroom layout).
@chelseaclarke.co Some of my favorite accessories in my bathroom for organization and style. Everything shown is in my L,T,K and the shower squeegee is a life saver and a must if you have a glass shower door. This shower squeegee is rubbery so it will never rust and it comes with the hanger which makes for easy drip-dry storage. The towels are made of organic cotton, and the clear drawer organizers come in a pack of many so you can organize every drawer in your home. Follow for more organic modern bathroom decor ideas, matte black bathroom accessories, styling a black and white bathroom tips. #blackandwhitebathroom #bathroomaccessories #bathroomdecor #bathroomdesign #organizationhacks ♬ Sia – Xeptemper
To ensure the durability and safety of bathroom users, pick high-quality glass that also allows for more natural light into their design.
Look for premium toughened glass suppliers in your city who can offer a combination of style and security.
Another way to incorporate glass is by getting a tempered glass vessel sink, which gives your bathroom a spa-like feel.
3. Use Mirrors
No bathroom is complete without a mirror for functional and visual effects.
A bathroom mirror is key when it comes to our daily grooming routine like shaving, wearing makeup, and styling our hair.
For most people, it is one of the last things one looks at before going out.
Thus, you want your bathroom mirrors to be both stylish and functional, so it’s important to make sure you find the right mirror for your home.
Bathroom mirrors are typically larger than other mirrors in your home and might double as storage units for your toiletries. You can combine bronze or copper bathroom mirrors with neutral colors to give your bathroom a simple and elegant finish.
4. Add A Floating Vanity or Sink
Ever walk into a tiny bathroom and feel like you’re instantly crowded by the sink? That’s where a floating vanity comes in. By mounting it on the wall, you free up the floor, instantly making the room feel more spacious.
Plus, you get that sleek, modern look that’s all over design magazines without sacrificing storage. You can even pop some cute baskets underneath for towels or extra toiletries. The best part?
Cleaning is a breeze—no awkward corners to reach. It’s the perfect way to combine style and function in a small bathroom. Trust me, once you go floating, you’ll never go back to that clunky, floor-hugging vanity again!
The bathroom vanity is one of the most exciting decisions to make when renovating your bathroom.
Whether you choose a floating vanity that is attached to the wall and does not rest on the floor of the bathroom or a floating sink, you have the bonus of more space.
Floating sinks are fantastic guest restroom decor ideas as you can add multiple sinks if you anticipate multiple guests.
Floating bathroom vanities leave space below the vanity to the ground and floating sinks leave space in the storage areas underneath.
- Brand: Scarabeo (bathroom Fixtures)
- Made in Italy
When picking a floating sink, switch away from the typical porcelain sink bowls and make a style statement by going for imperfect shapes and natural materials, like thick tempered glass, or stone.
@chelseaclarke.co A quick look at my master bathroom renovation progress. The old 90s vanity with fake crystal knobs and laminate counter top had to go! In its place, a custom-built white oak vanity with stone counter and some tiles that LOOK like zellige tiles. #bathroommakeover #bathroomdesign #bathroomrenovation #organicmodern ♬ Interlinked – FNP
Check out my own bathroom makeover in the image below, where I used an unusually wide and low floating sink to create a spa-like space in my tiny bathroom:
My husband Nick built the custom vanity out of white oak. Visit the RadDadBuilds blog to watch Nick’s video tutorial to see how he made it.
5. Floating Shelves and Built-In Cabinets
A great way to save space in your tiny bathroom is by installing wall-mounted shelves that provide plenty of storage space whilst looking very stylish.
They also help keep the floor clear and easier to clean, giving the illusion of larger floor space. Placing floating shelves over he toilet can be a great use of space.
A bathroom storage cabinet also helps conceal a majority of the bath products since your countertops won’t be overloaded with stuff, making the already tiny bathroom look cluttered.
And if you have little floor space but enough height, then get a tall bathroom storage cabinet for even more storage capabilities.
Choose a color you prefer and consider getting adjustable shelves inside the cabinet to ensure more storage.
- Finish: Walnut Brown, Style: Modern.
- Lenght: 48.00in, Width: 18.31in, Height: 19.69in.
- Furniture: Vanity Sink Set
Of course, if it’s difficult to drill into the walls of your bathroom (such as if you have tile all around the walls), then opt for a freestanding storage cabinet instead. Or if you are doing a full bathroom remodel – create built-in shelves!
6. And A Wall-Mounted Toilet
Looking to have more space in your tiny bathroom? Then add a wall-mounted toilet. Yes, you can even get a floating toilet to create an even more spacious bathroom!
When properly installed, this design is actually quite strong and saves a lot of floor space since it does not have the center pedestal and upper tank to contend with.
They are also easy to clean using a mop to clean the area around without bending down as they are not connected to the floor.
While wall-mounted toilets are great, they can be more difficult to install than the regular kind.
The water tank is located behind the wall thus tank installation requires removal of drywall, making such a project best for when undertaking a new build or a remodel. So, best to hire a professional to install it.
7. Tile Creatively
You already know that tiles are perfect for the bathroom.
Tile is easy to clean and there are endless designs and arrangements that can help you create a completely unique bathroom design.
Wall tile is easy to clean, long-lasting, and adds incomparable style to your bathroom. So, for your tiny bathroom walls, use one kind of tile in light colors.
Tiles also add more visual interest if you have a bathtub shower combo for small spaces.
While you can match your floor and wall tile, it is also a great opportunity to create contrast in a different color, shape, or material to create interest.
Only use a different color or shape on the floor only and avoid using bold-colored tiles in your tiny bathroom as this might create a jewel-box effect that can make it look smaller.
If you don’t want to go that bold and just stick to all-white, try tiling the floor in a coordinating color.
Tiling your shower all the way to the top of the ceiling is a similar strategy that gives height to your bathroom.
You also want to avoid switching to another tile partway up the wall can visually cut the room off, making it appear smaller. Be sure to minimize grout lines during the installation to ensure a clean finish.
Larger designs are a great option for tiny bathrooms so the room feels less cluttered and more spacious.
Pro Tip: Use vertical shower tiles to draw attention up, creating the illusion of a higher ceiling.
8. Create A Feature Wall
If you’re looking to make a statement in your small bathroom, try painting one wall a different color to create a feature wall.
This trick is especially great for tiny spaces because it adds depth and dimension without overwhelming the room.
Imagine a soft blue or dark green accent wall behind your vanity or mirror—it instantly draws the eye and gives the space a focal point. Keep the other walls light and neutral to keep the room feeling open and airy. It’s such a simple way to add personality and style to your bathroom without going overboard.
Also, if you’re using both tile and paint on the walls, using similar colors will help smoothly transition from one space to another without hard stops.
9. Monochromatic Color Drenching
Ever heard of color drenching? It’s basically when you use the same color on the walls, ceiling, and even the vanity to create a seamless look.
This trick works wonders in small bathrooms because it eliminates harsh contrasts, making the room feel more cohesive and spacious.
Imagine soft gray walls blending into the ceiling with matching cabinets—it’s like wrapping your bathroom in a cozy blanket.
Plus, it’s super calming and gives off a chic, minimalist vibe. If you want your tiny bathroom to feel more put together and less cluttered, monochromatic color drenching is the way to go.
10. Get A Narrow Sink
If you’re really tight on space, a narrow sink can be a lifesaver. It gives you the function you need without taking up too much room, leaving more space for other essentials like storage or a towel rack.
Narrow sinks come in all kinds of styles, from modern to vintage, so you can find one that matches your aesthetic. It’s a simple change that can make your tiny bathroom feel less cramped and more functional. You won’t even miss the extra counter space once you see how much more room you have to move around!
11. Create A Green Zone
Nature comes with an instant calming effect; thus a bathroom should ideally have some plants too.
Plants will add color making it more pleasant to users, inject personality, and fresher air – and given the high humidity, you won’t need a green thumb to keep your plants alive here.
12. Add Interest With Hardware
Just as in the kitchen, bathroom cabinet hardware often goes overlooked as a detail worth upgrading.
Add an extra touch of style to your bathroom with shower hooks, hook racks, and fun knobs to add an interesting personal detail that you can always change inexpensively down the road.
13. Make An Impression With Creative Lighting
It’s not surprising to see that the bathroom most often gets overlooked when it comes to home decorating, let alone ensuring it is well-lit. These are some of the best bathroom styles ideas because you can be so creative with them.
For starters, open up your bathroom to natural light- a small window near your tub, or adding a skylight.
And when it comes to bathroom lighting, one of the best options to set the mood is installing recessed shower lighting.
Recessed lighting is perfect for providing soft lighting in the shower that allows you to slowly wake up in the mornings or wind down at night.
Overhead lighting is also a sleek and unique option. You can look for bathroom fans with lights that can help circulate air and light their bathroom.
If you do makeup, hair, or other grooming in the bathroom, you will need to install vanity lighting in the bathroom to help you see better and clearer as you go about your grooming routine.
Skip the harsh fluorescent lights and go for a dimmer. Lighting options like using smaller lamps and candles are ideal to set the mood and create a soft spa-like ambiance.
Ideas To Update Your Boring, Old, Tiny Bathroom Stylishly – Conclusion
Every bathroom needs the illusion of space. If you want to squeeze in more space or bring in the illusion of it into your bathroom, these tiny bathroom ideas can help.
Have you tried any of these ideas for your tiny bathroom?
In the middle of a small bath remodel. Should we keep the tub if the only one in the house? If so, what alcove tub do you recommend?
Yes, there should always be at least one bathtub, for resale value, most families need a tub for little ones. You can still do something cool with the tiles surrounding it =)
Thank you for focusing on small bathrooms — so often designers forget we all don’t have large homes with even larger bathrooms. I am replacing a 60″ vanity, it goes across the entire back wall. Would the bathroom look larger if I installed a 48″ vanity? I thought perhaps leaving a space, even a small one on each side of the vanity will open up the room.
Hi Judith, thanks for reading! Yes, a smaller vanity should make the bathroom look larger and open up the room as you said.
Love your tips! I hired cabinet painters to paint the cabinets in my small guest bathroom white and it really opened up the space. Highly recommend!
Glad to hear! Thanks for reading!
Glad I read this article. Lots of great ideas! I have a question. Can tile be painted and, if so, should a tile wall be painted if you can’t afford remodel?. Will it look ok for a long period of time? I’ve seen it done on tv remodeling shows but that’s tv. You can make anything look great on tv. Thank you again for article and answers to these questions!
Yes, you can paint tile, but make sure to use a primer and paint with a waterborne epoxy formula. Most tiles bond well to paint (like ceramic, natural stone, and porcelain), but glazed quarry tile doesn’t. It’s best to paint the tiles on surfaces that don’t get a lot of moisture, like the bathroom wall or floor (the parts away from the tub). The tiles inside the shower or the countertops aren’t a good candidate for painting as they get a lot of water exposure and can blister and fade quite quickly. Be sure to scrub and clean the area thoroughly before you start painting, as any leftover soap or moisture will stop the paint from adhering. If you do proper prep and use the right materials, it should last for several years as long as the area isn’t exposed to too much moisture. Thanks for reading!