10 Inspiring 10x5 Bathroom Remodel Ideas: Practical and stylish upgrades for transforming a small bathroom footprint.

Once, a client sent me a sketch of her 10x5 bathroom with a shower, a tub, and—believe it or not—a piano squeezed into the floor plan. No, I didn’t approve the piano, but it made me realize how much fun small spaces can be. With just 50 square feet, you’d think options are limited, but actually, constraints can spark the most creative bathroom designs. Today, I’m sharing my favorite 10 ideas that I’ve used in real projects, so you can make the most of your own small bathroom.

1. Walk-In Shower Instead of Tub

Swapping a traditional tub for a frameless glass walk-in shower immediately makes your bathroom feel bigger and brighter. The continuous floor tiling keeps the space seamless and easier to clean. This worked wonders in one apartment project where the space barely allowed room to turn around.

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2. Floating Vanity with Storage

A wall-mounted vanity creates the illusion of more floor space while keeping essentials tidy. I love pairing it with under-lighting for a subtle glow. In one remodel, this also helped us sneak in a small laundry zone—planned using an online bathroom design tool—without crowding the room.

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3. Large-Format Tiles

Big tiles in a small bathroom reduce grout lines and make walls look smoother. I once used 24-inch porcelain slabs in a 10x5 room, and my client swore it magically added two feet to each wall (it didn’t, but the effect was real).

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4. Mirror Wall

A full mirror on one wall doubles the visual size. Bonus: It reflects light from any window or pendant. Just be careful with placement—nobody wants a mirror facing the toilet.

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5. Sliding Door

A pocket or barn-style door removes the swing clearance and frees up precious interior inches. In one urban loft, replacing the hinged bathroom door meant we could fit a larger vanity—something I mapped perfectly with a free floor plan creator.

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6. Vertical Storage Towers

Tall, slim cabinets can turn dead corners into storage goldmines. I like open cubbies at the top for plants or candles, and closed shelves below for the not-so-pretty essentials.

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7. Statement Lighting

Forget basic ceiling lights—small bathrooms can handle bold lighting too. A pair of vertical sconces beside the mirror gives even lighting for makeup or shaving, and looks more high-end than overhead glare.

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8. Curbless Shower with Linear Drain

This design blends the shower into the rest of the room without a step or curb, great for accessibility. I tested one with a homeowner who loved the spa vibe but needed to commit to precise sloping to avoid puddles—planning in a room planner was essential.

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9. Bold Accent Wall

Even in a small space, a vibrant tile or patterned wallpaper can create a focal point. I like placing it behind the vanity to draw attention away from tighter areas.

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10. Recessed Niches

Instead of bulky shelves, build recessed niches into your shower or next to the vanity. You gain storage without intruding into the floor area. One client told me hers is her favorite part of the remodel—less clutter, more style.

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FAQ

1. What is the best layout for a 10x5 bathroom?

Typically, a linear layout with shower/tub at one end and vanity/toilet along one wall maximizes flow.

2. Can I fit both a tub and shower in a 10x5 bathroom?

Yes, but it requires precise planning—consider a shower-tub combo to save space.

3. How much does it cost to remodel a 10x5 bathroom?

Costs vary, but in the U.S., expect $6,000–$15,000, depending on finishes and labor.

4. What tile size works best?

Large-format tiles reduce visual clutter; smaller tiles work well for slip-resistant flooring.

5. How can I make a small bathroom look bigger?

Use light colors, large mirrors, and frameless glass to open up the space visually.

6. Do I need a professional designer?

Not always, but complex projects benefit from expert planning—especially when relocating plumbing (source: NKBA).

7. What about ventilation?

Use a high-quality exhaust fan to prevent moisture damage, especially in windowless bathrooms.

8. Are heated floors worth it for such a small space?

Absolutely—they’re energy-efficient and add comfort without taking up any extra room.