5 Brilliant 5x11 Bathroom Ideas: Creative tips for transforming a narrow 5x11 bathroom without sacrificing style

I still remember a client who insisted on fitting both a freestanding tub and a double vanity into her tiny 5x11 bathroom. At first, I thought she was joking—turns out she wasn’t, and that challenge changed the way I see small spaces. Narrow layouts can really spark big creativity, and in this article I’ll share five design inspirations based on my hands-on experience that can help you make the most of a 5x11 bathroom while keeping it stylish and functional.

1. Floating Vanity Magic

One of my go-to tricks in a 5x11 layout is a floating vanity. It not only makes the floor look more open, but also creates room for extra storage baskets underneath. The visual lightness works wonders for narrow spaces, but do keep in mind that wall support must be strong enough for the weight.

I once designed a floating vanity in oak with a slim profile and paired it with a big backlit mirror—this instantly doubled the perceived width. If you want to experiment with layout options beforehand, a bathroom design tool can help simulate the effect before committing.

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2. Shower Instead of Tub

Replacing the bathtub with a sleek walk-in shower freed up over two feet in one project, which we used for a linen tower. Frameless glass keeps the sightlines clear and makes the narrow space feel longer. The challenge? You need proper drainage slope and waterproofing—never skip these steps.

Adding mosaic tiles in the shower floor can also define the zone visually and add personality without overwhelming the tiny room.

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3. Vertical Storage Everywhere

When floor space is precious, I look up—literally. Tall cabinets, shelving above the toilet, and even staggered wall niches can give you storage without cramping the walkway. In one chic 5x11 remodel, we installed open shelves above the vanity for plants and baskets, bringing both function and character.

If you’re playing around with storage placement digitally, try using a free floor plan creator to test dimensions before buying the actual units.

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4. Optical Illusions with Lighting

Lighting can totally change how a narrow bathroom feels. Under-cabinet LEDs and recessed ceiling spots brighten dark corners, making the room feel less like a tunnel. The trick is layering light—ambient, task, and accent—without overcrowding the ceiling with fixtures.

On one project, placing a soft wall sconce near the shower visually pulled the eye toward the far end, making the space seem elongated.

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5. Pocket Doors for Extra Inches

Standard swing doors eat up space you really can’t spare in a 5x11 footprint. Pocket doors slide into the wall, freeing valuable clearance and keeping traffic flow smooth. Installation can be a bit invasive if the wall structure isn’t ready, but the space trade-off is worth it.

Before deciding on the placement, you can run mockups with a room planner tool to visualize how it blends with your other bathroom elements.

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FAQ

1. What is the best layout for a 5x11 bathroom?

A linear arrangement—vanity, toilet, shower—works well to keep circulation smooth and maximize usable space.

2. Can I fit a bathtub in a 5x11 bathroom?

Yes, but you’ll likely need a compact tub under 60 inches and careful positioning to avoid blocking walkways.

3. How can I make a narrow bathroom look wider?

Use large mirrors, continuous flooring, and clear glass partitions to visually stretch the space.

4. Is a double vanity possible in a 5x11 layout?

It can work with reduced depth vanities; just ensure there’s enough elbow room to avoid feeling cramped.

5. Do pocket doors save space?

Absolutely—they remove the clearance area needed for swing doors, freeing several valuable inches.

6. What color palette works best?

Light, neutral tones reflect light better and create an airy feel, as supported by Houzz’s small-space design guidelines.

7. How important is ventilation?

Extremely—tight bathrooms trap moisture, so proper exhaust fans keep mold at bay and maintain air quality.

8. Can I move plumbing fixtures in a remodel?

Yes, but it may increase costs; consult a licensed plumber to check feasibility before finalizing design plans.