10 Brilliant Ideas for Renovating a 39x35 Small Bathroom: Creative space-savvy bathroom renovation ideas from my 10+ years of interior design experience

One of my funniest design mishaps? I once installed a mirror cabinet in a tiny bathroom that opened the wrong way… and kept smacking into the shower glass. Lesson learned: every inch matters in small spaces. That’s why a compact 39x35 bathroom is actually an exciting design challenge – it forces you to be clever. Today, I’m sharing 10 ideas I’ve used with clients to turn small bathrooms into surprisingly luxurious retreats. And trust me, these tricks work even if your space feels like a phone booth.

1. Wall-mounted vanity

A floating vanity instantly adds visual space and makes cleaning a breeze. In one project, we used a slim wall-mounted unit that kept the floor open, creating the illusion of a larger footprint. Just make sure plumbing is aligned to avoid costly adjustments.

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2. Large format tiles on walls

Larger tiles reduce grout lines, making the room feel less busy. I’ve found that using matte finish is more forgiving with water spots. For measurements like 39x35 inches, keep patterns minimal so the space doesn’t get overwhelmed. I once used room planner simulations to test different tile sizes before ordering – saved me a lot of regret.

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3. Pocket or sliding door

Switching from a swing door to a pocket door can free up critical inches for storage or more comfortable movement. It can be a bit more expensive if walls need modification, but the space return is worth it.

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4. Bright, layered lighting

Tiny bathrooms often suffer from shadows. I layer ceiling spotlights with backlit mirrors and even LED strips under shelving. The result: no gloomy corners and a more inviting feel.

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5. Glass shower partition

Frameless glass keeps sight lines open, unlike shower curtains which break up the space. It’s not always great for those who dislike cleaning water spots, but a quick squeegee after showering keeps maintenance low.

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6. Vertical storage

Think upwards – shelves and cabinets over the toilet, tall recesses in the shower wall, or even a ladder-style rack. On one remodel, using a free floor plan creator helped us stack storage solutions without overcrowding.

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7. Bold accent wall

It sounds counterintuitive, but a single bold wall can distract from the actual size of the room. I like to do this behind the vanity or inside the shower niche, using patterned tiles or a pop of color.

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8. Multifunctional fixtures

Choose mirrors with integrated lighting, or towel racks that double as warmers. It’s an investment but helps eliminate extra clutter.

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9. Curved or corner fittings

A corner sink or rounded shower stall can make awkward layouts functional. I used a bathroom design tool to tweak a compact plan until both sink and toilet felt comfortable to use – no elbow bruises.

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10. Add greenery

Small touch, big impact: a hanging plant or a tiny potted fern adds life and distracts from scale. Choose humidity-loving plants like ferns or pothos – they thrive in moisture.

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FAQ

1. How can I make a 39x35 bathroom feel bigger? Use light colors, large tiles, mirrors, and glass features to open the visual space.

2. Can I fit a shower in such a small bathroom? Yes – opt for a corner or curved shower stall to save space and improve flow.

3. Are wall-mounted toilets worth it? They save floor space and make cleaning easier, but require wall reinforcement and a higher budget.

4. What's the cheapest upgrade? Changing lighting and repainting walls in a lighter shade can have a huge effect for minimal cost.

5. Do plants survive in windowless bathrooms? Many do – use low-light, high-humidity plants like peace lilies. You can also add grow lights.

6. How to avoid clutter in a small bathroom? Build vertical storage and use multifunctional fixtures to remove countertop mess.

7. Should I use glossy or matte tiles? Glossy tiles reflect light and enhance brightness; matte hides water spots better. Design choice depends on your cleaning habits.

8. What's the most durable bathroom material? According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association, porcelain tiles offer top durability for wet spaces and are resistant to stains and scratches.