10 Creative 5x7 Bathroom Ideas You’ll Love: Small space, big style – my favorite 5x7 bathroom design tricks from real projects

The funniest design request I ever got? A client asked if we could fit a double vanity AND a freestanding clawfoot tub into their 5x7 foot bathroom. I had to laugh (politely) and say, “Only if we hang the tub on the wall like a picture frame.” But honestly, I love when a tight space challenges me to think creatively—small bathrooms are perfect for clever hacks.

Over the years, I’ve renovated more than a dozen 5x7 bathrooms. Every time, I discover something new—from storage you didn’t know you had to layouts that make you forget how small the room is. Today, I’m sharing 10 bathroom ideas I swear by, all learned from real-life projects and little happy accidents. And yes, I once even used a room planner just to test if a shower and towel rack could share the same wall without feeling cramped. Spoiler: it worked.

1. Go Vertical with Storage

In a 5x7 bathroom, every inch counts—especially upwards. Tall, slim cabinets or floating shelves above the toilet can give you extra storage without eating into floor space. Just remember to keep the top shelves for items you don’t use daily, unless you enjoy climbing a step stool at 6 a.m.

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2. Corner Sink Charm

If a standard sink juts out too far, swapping to a corner sink frees up precious inches for movement. One client told me it “changed their morning mood,” because the space felt less like a hallway and more like a room.

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3. Pocket or Sliding Doors

A swinging bathroom door can waste up to 9 square feet. With a pocket or barn-style sliding door, you reclaim that space instantly. Bonus: they look modern and sleek, especially with black metal hardware.

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4. Glass Shower Doors

Opting for clear glass instead of a shower curtain keeps your sightlines open, making the bathroom feel bigger. If you’re worried about water spots, go for treated glass—it’s easier to clean than you think.

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5. Floating Vanity

I love installing floating vanities because they create an airy look and let you sneak baskets or scales underneath. In one project, I used a free floor plan creator to experiment with vanity sizes before committing—saved us from making it too chunky for the space.

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6. Large Format Tiles

It sounds counterintuitive, but bigger tiles mean fewer grout lines, which visually expands the room. Go for light, neutral tones to bounce more light around.

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7. Recessed Shelving

Installing shelves directly into shower walls or above the toilet keeps surfaces clutter-free. It’s a bit more work during renovation but totally worth it if you hate knocking bottles over.

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8. Wall-Mounted Toilets

This is a more advanced upgrade, but lifting the toilet off the floor creates more visible space and makes cleaning a breeze. One of my clients said it was the best decision of their entire reno.

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9. Layered Lighting

Mix task lighting around the mirror with a softer overhead light for a bright but cozy feel. I once used a bathroom design tool to visualize the exact bulb/wattage setup before a client bought fixtures—and it nailed the mood perfectly.

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10. Bold Flooring

When the space is small, the floor can be your statement. Patterned tiles in a 5x7 bathroom won’t overwhelm, but they’ll add just the right amount of personality.

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FAQ

1. What’s the best layout for a 5x7 bathroom?

A typical setup is a toilet and sink on one wall with the shower/tub opposite. This keeps plumbing straightforward and space balanced.

2. Can I fit both a tub and a shower?

Yes, if you choose a shower-tub combo. Freestanding tubs usually won’t work without sacrificing comfort.

3. How much does a 5x7 bathroom remodel cost?

Based on HomeAdvisor data, most small bath remodels range from $4,000–$10,000 depending on finishes and labor rates.

4. What color makes a small bathroom look bigger?

Light colors like white, cream, or pale gray reflect more light, giving an airy feel.

5. Do large tiles work in small bathrooms?

Yes, fewer grout lines can make the room feel more expansive.

6. What’s the smallest vanity I should get?

For a 5x7 bathroom, a 24-inch vanity usually fits without crowding the space.

7. Are wall-mounted toilets worth it?

They save space visually and ease cleaning but can cost more for installation.

8. How can I visualize my remodel?

Using an online room planner or bathroom design tool can help you test layouts before committing.