10 Clever Ideas for an 11x4ft Bathroom Remodel: Smart design tricks to transform a narrow 11x4ft bathroom into a stylish, functional space

Once, a client asked me to fit a soaking tub, double vanity, and a washer dryer into an 11x4ft bathroom. At first, I thought they were joking — until I realized they were dead serious. That project taught me that small spaces can spark the most creativity, and that’s exactly what I’m sharing today: my favorite 10 design ideas for narrow bathrooms like yours.

When I worked on that tiny bathroom, I used a virtual room planner to test multiple layouts before touching a single tile. It saved us days of guesswork and prevented expensive mistakes.

1. Go for a Pocket Door

Replacing a swinging door with a pocket door instantly frees up floor space. It’s a small tweak with a huge impact in a narrow room.

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2. Install a Wall-Mounted Toilet

They make the floor area look bigger and are easier to clean underneath. Just be prepared for more complex installation work.

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3. Choose a Narrow Vanity

Look for vanities no deeper than 14 inches. You sacrifice some storage, but your knees will thank you every morning.

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4. Add Large-Format Tiles

Big tiles minimize grout lines, making the room feel less cluttered. Just be mindful of extra cuts in tight corners.

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5. Use a Continuous Flooring

Keeping the same flooring throughout makes the space visually longer. I tried this trick with a client, and it instantly made their bathroom feel twice as wide.

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6. Install a Glass Shower Panel

Skip the opaque shower curtain — glass keeps the sight lines open. I always make sure it’s treated to resist water spots and soap scum.

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7. Try a Corner Sink

This frees up the central passage and can be surprisingly stylish. While playing with layouts in a free floor plan creator, I once found a corner sink placement that turned a cramped entry into an airy one.

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8. Go Vertical with Storage

Use tall cabinets or shelves over the toilet. Not everyone loves reaching up high, but it’s a trade-off worth considering.

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9. Integrate Lighting into Mirrors

LED-lit mirrors save wall space and provide flattering light. Just make sure they’re rated for bathroom use.

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10. Consider a Wet Room Layout

In some cases, removing the shower enclosure entirely and waterproofing the whole space can be a game changer. I once mapped out this style via a bathroom design tool for a client and they never looked back.

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FAQ

1. How can I make my 11x4ft bathroom look bigger?

Use light colors, large tiles, glass panels, and continuous flooring to visually expand the space.

2. Is a bathtub possible in an 11x4ft bathroom?

Yes, but it will need a compact or Japanese soaking tub to fit comfortably, often replacing a larger shower.

3. What’s the best storage for small bathrooms?

Vertical storage like tall cabinets, floating shelves, and recessed niches work well without cluttering the space.

4. Do I need professional help for such a remodel?

For plumbing changes or wet room designs, yes — this ensures waterproofing and layout comply with building codes.

5. How much will a remodel cost?

It varies widely; budget between $3,000–$10,000 depending on finishes and whether plumbing is moved.

6. Are wall-mounted toilets durable?

Absolutely, if installed correctly by a licensed plumber. They’re used in commercial spaces for decades without issue.

7. Can I DIY a pocket door installation?

It’s possible if you’re experienced with carpentry, but many opt for a contractor due to wall modifications required.

8. Where can I experiment with layouts before remodeling?

Try an online planner like the one from Coohom — it lets you test ideas in 3D before committing.