10 Small Bathroom Ideas 2024: Creative small bathroom tips from a decade of interior design experienceElena MarloweJan 20, 2026Table of Contents1. Go Vertical with Storage2. Use Oversized Mirrors3. Choose Light, Reflective Tiles4. Pocket or Sliding Doors5. Wall-Mounted Toilets6. Curbless Showers7. Floating Vanities8. Clever Lighting Layers9. Compact but Deep Tubs10. Glass Shower PanelsFAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEA few years ago, I nearly installed a full-sized clawfoot tub in a bathroom no bigger than a walk-in closet. Trust me, watching three plumbers try to pivot that thing through the door was comedy gold. That day I realised: small spaces demand smarter solutions, not just shrinking big ideas. This is why I love working on small bathrooms – they force me to be creative and intentional. In this post, I’ll share my 10 favorite small bathroom ideas for 2024, straight from real projects that worked (and a few lessons learned the hard way). Even in tiny floor plans, good design can make all the difference.1. Go Vertical with StorageWhen the floor space is limited, walls become your best friends. Install floating shelves, tall cabinets, or even ladder racks to keep essentials accessible but out of the way. In one project, I used a custom room planner to visualize exactly how high cabinets should go without making the room feel like a tower.save pin2. Use Oversized MirrorsA big mirror can double the sense of space and light in a small bathroom. I once swapped out a standard mirror for a wall-to-wall sheet, and the client swore the bathroom felt twice as wide the next morning.save pin3. Choose Light, Reflective TilesGlossy subway tiles or light-colored mosaics help bounce light around, keeping things airy. Be mindful though—high gloss shows water spots easily, so be ready for more frequent cleaning.save pin4. Pocket or Sliding DoorsHinged doors are space hogs. Switching to a pocket or barn-style sliding door can free up the swing space, making the room more functional and open-feeling.save pin5. Wall-Mounted ToiletsThey create the illusion of more floor area and make cleaning a breeze. The catch? They can be trickier (and pricier) to install, especially in older buildings.save pin6. Curbless ShowersSeamless, curbless showers not only look modern but also make a small bathroom safer and more open. Proper waterproofing is key here to avoid future headaches.save pin7. Floating VanitiesI love a floating vanity for small bathrooms—it opens up the floor, lets you store baskets beneath, and just feels lighter. On one project, using a free floor plan creator helped me nail the perfect vanity size without overwhelming the space.save pin8. Clever Lighting LayersGood lighting can trick the eye into perceiving more space. Combine recessed lighting with wall sconces near the mirror for function and ambiance.save pin9. Compact but Deep TubsIf you can’t live without a bath, opt for short-but-deep tubs that save length but still allow a good soak. It’s a great compromise if you love bubble baths like I do.save pin10. Glass Shower PanelsReplacing opaque curtains with clear glass panels opens the sightlines and makes a small bathroom feel bigger instantly. Just remember—you’ll be cleaning that glass often. In one tiny loft project, my client was amazed at how much larger the space felt when we tested the layout in a kitchen layout planner tool before building.save pinFAQQ: What’s the biggest mistake in small bathroom design?A: Trying to fit in too many 'big bathroom' features. Everything needs to be scaled and intentional.Q: Is it worth hiring a designer for such a small space?A: Absolutely. Small bathrooms have zero tolerance for poor planning—every inch matters.Start for FREEPlease check with customer service before testing new feature.Free Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREE