8x8 Bathroom Ideas: 10 Inspiring Designs: Creative ways to transform an 8x8 bathroom into a stylish and functional space

A few years ago, I had a client who insisted on fitting both a freestanding tub and a full walk-in shower in her 8x8 bathroom. At first, I thought she was joking — but then I realized, in small spaces, constraints can actually spark some of the most creative solutions. Over the years, I’ve learned that maximizing an 8x8 bathroom is all about clever layout, light play, and multi-functional elements. Today, I’m sharing my favorite 10 ideas, straight from real projects I’ve worked on — you might be surprised at what’s possible in just 64 square feet.

1. Go Vertical with Storage

One of the first tricks I use is maximizing vertical storage. Tall cabinets or open shelving above the toilet can free up floor space and keep essentials tidy. I once designed an 8x8 bath with ladder-style shelves that became both a design statement and practical helper. For layouts like this, a room planner helped me visualize every inch before committing.

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2. Floating Vanity

A floating vanity can instantly make the room feel more spacious by revealing more floor area. It also makes cleaning easier, which is a detail you’ll thank yourself for later. The slight challenge? You’ll need to hide plumbing neatly, often inside the wall.

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3. Glass Shower Panels

Replacing a shower curtain with glass panels opens up the visual space, making the room feel larger. Frameless designs are sleek but do require regular cleaning to stay spotless.

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4. Light, Neutral Palette

Lighter colors, especially off-white, warm beige, or soft grey, can make an 8x8 bathroom feel airy. I’ve paired this with textured tiles to avoid a flat, sterile look.

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5. Large-Format Tiles

Using large tiles minimizes grout lines, which tricks the eye into seeing a bigger space. It’s a subtle tweak, but during one project, it turned a cramped shower into a serene spa corner.

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6. Built-In Niches

Instead of bulky wall shelves, I love using built-in niches inside the shower for shampoo and décor. This keeps the space streamlined. In one remodel, I used an online free floor plan creator to test niche heights in 3D before we cut any tiles.

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7. Statement Mirror

A large mirror not only serves a practical purpose but also bounces light around the room. Just make sure it’s treated against bathroom humidity — I learned that the hard way when a gorgeous antique mirror fogged and warped in months.

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8. Recessed Lighting

In an 8x8 space, every inch counts, so recessed or slim-profile lighting avoids clunky fixtures. It’s a clean look that also spreads light evenly.

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9. Compact Fixtures

Choosing a shorter projection toilet or a small-depth vanity can free valuable inches. It’s incredible how a few saved inches change flow in a small bathroom. For tricky arrangements, I sometimes test everything in a bathroom design tool before ordering items.

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10. Accent Wall

Finally, one bold wall — think patterned tile or a contrasting paint — can give personality without overwhelming. In an 8x8 space, moderation is key to avoid visual clutter.

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FAQ

1. Is 8x8 a good size for a bathroom?

Yes, it’s spacious enough for a full bath setup with a tub and shower if planned well.

2. How can I make my 8x8 bathroom look bigger?

Use light colors, mirrors, glass panels, and minimal visual barriers to create an open feel.

3. Can an 8x8 bathroom have both a tub and shower?

Yes, but it requires creative space planning and compact fixtures.

4. What’s the most efficient layout for an 8x8 bathroom?

Place the shower/tub along one wall, keep the vanity and toilet aligned for plumbing efficiency.

5. Do large tiles work in small bathrooms?

Absolutely. Large-format tiles reduce grout lines and make the space feel bigger.

6. How much does it cost to remodel an 8x8 bathroom?

It varies, but a mid-range remodel in the US averages $10,000–$15,000 (source: Remodeling Magazine 2023).

7. Should I use recessed lighting in a small bathroom?

Yes, it saves ceiling space and creates even illumination without bulky fixtures.

8. What’s the best storage option for an 8x8 bathroom?

Opt for vertical shelving or built-in niches to maximize usable space.