10 Smart Bathroom Design Ideas for 5x10 Spaces: Practical and stylish solutions for small bathrooms, drawn from my 10+ years of interior design experience.

One of my funniest design mishaps? Years ago, a client with a 5x10 bathroom wanted to fit in a bathtub, double vanity, AND a bidet. I almost drew up the plan—until I realized she also needed space to walk! That project taught me the beauty of creative constraints. Small bathrooms like 5x10 spaces can push you to think smarter, and today I’m sharing 10 design ideas I’ve used to make these compact layouts stylish and functional.

In one recent project, I even used a room planner tool to test three different layouts before settling on the perfect one. It saved the client both time and renovation costs.

1. Floating Vanity for Extra Floor Space

Mounting the vanity on the wall visually opens up the floor, making the room feel larger. It also creates a nook below for a small laundry basket or decorative storage.

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2. Sliding Door Instead of Swing Door

Switching to a sliding or pocket door can free up valuable space that a swinging door would consume. Perfect for tight entryways.

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3. Light-Colored Walls and Tiles

White, beige, or soft pastels bounce light better, instantly making the small bathroom feel airy and calm. Just remember that very light grout lines might need more cleaning attention.

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4. Large Mirror for Depth

A floor-to-ceiling mirror above the sink doubles the perceived space. Bonus: it reflects light from your fixtures beautifully.

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5. Wall Niches for Storage

Recessed wall niches in the shower or above the toilet keep toiletries neatly arranged without protruding shelves. They’re sleek and safer in small areas.

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6. Compact Fixtures

Consider a narrower vanity or a corner sink to keep the center area clear. I once worked on a 5x10 design using a thin-profile toilet, which made a shocking difference.

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7. Vertical Storage Up to the Ceiling

Use tall cabinets or shelving to store extra towels and toiletries. This works especially well when paired with a free floor plan creator so you can visualize height and clearance.

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8. Glass Shower Panels

Replacing a shower curtain with a frameless glass panel eliminates visual barriers, making the room feel more open—but be ready for extra glass cleaning.

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9. LED Lighting Layers

Combine overhead, vanity, and accent lighting to brighten every corner. Good lighting can visually stretch the walls outward.

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10. Smart Accessory Choices

Opt for hooks instead of towel bars, slim rolling carts instead of bulky shelves, and folding stools instead of fixed seating. In my latest remodel, pairing this with a bathroom design tool helped to balance style with function.

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FAQ

1. How can I make a 5x10 bathroom look bigger?

Use light colors, large mirrors, and glass shower panels to create an airy visual effect.

2. Is a bathtub possible in a 5x10 bathroom?

Yes, but you may need to opt for a smaller tub or shower-tub combo to save space.

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

Line fixtures along one wall when possible, to free up more open space.

4. How do I add storage without cluttering the room?

Use vertical space, recessed wall niches, and multifunctional furniture pieces.

5. Are pocket doors worth it for small bathrooms?

Definitely—they eliminate door swing space and improve flow.

6. How important is lighting in a 5x10 bathroom?

Very important. Layered lighting can make the room feel larger and more inviting.

7. Should I avoid dark tiles?

Not necessarily. Dark tiles on the floor with light walls can create a grounded, balanced look, but too much darkness can shrink the feel.

8. Where can I try out bathroom layouts online?

You can use tools like Coohom’s bathroom design tool to visualize layouts before committing.