10 Smart Ideas for Remodeling a 5x10 Bathroom: Creative design tips from my 10+ years transforming compact bathrooms.Evelyn GrantSep 24, 2025Table of Contents1. Go Vertical with Storage2. Use a Floating Vanity3. Swap to a Pocket Door4. Large-Format Tiles5. Glass Shower Enclosure6. Light It Like a Pro7. Wall-Hung Toilet8. Built-In Shower Niche9. Play with Light Colors10. Heated FloorsFAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEA client once asked me, very seriously, if we could "just add a bathtub next to the toilet" in their 5x10 bathroom… without moving plumbing. I laughed, then explained that in small spaces, creativity is our best friend — but physics still has rules. Over the years, I’ve learned that a compact bathroom can look luxurious if we approach it smartly. Today, I’m sharing 10 ideas I’ve tested myself for a 5x10 bathroom makeover.1. Go Vertical with StorageIn small bathrooms, wall height is prime real estate. Tall cabinets or open shelves above the toilet keep essentials within reach but free up floor area. I once added sleek vertical niches for a client, and it doubled their storage without feeling cramped. Planning layouts carefully, like in this room planner example, makes a big difference.save pin2. Use a Floating VanityA wall-mounted vanity exposes more floor, creating the illusion of space. Plus, it makes cleaning a breeze. The only caveat? You’ll need solid wall support, which sometimes means reinforcing during renovation.save pin3. Swap to a Pocket DoorHinged doors eat into precious space. A pocket door or barn-style sliding door can save almost 10 square feet of usable area. It’s not always possible for every wall type, but when it works, it changes traffic flow dramatically.save pin4. Large-Format TilesBigger tiles mean fewer grout lines, which tricks the eye into feeling more open. I once used 24x48 tiles in a tiny bath and it looked twice the size overnight. Just be mindful: large tiles are heavier and require precise installation.save pin5. Glass Shower EnclosureSkip frosted or framed screens. A clear, frameless shower enclosure makes the room feel continuous. Bonus: your beautiful tilework gets to shine uninterrupted.save pin6. Light It Like a ProLayered lighting — overhead, vanity, and even under-shelf LEDs — prevents shadows and keeps the mood airy. I like to tuck LED strips under a floating vanity to add a subtle glow at night.save pin7. Wall-Hung ToiletThis design lifts the tank into the wall, opening floor space and giving a modern look. Installation is more invasive, but the payoff in style and footprint is worth it.save pin8. Built-In Shower NicheNo more clunky caddies — a recessed niche in the shower wall keeps bottles tidy and the space streamlined. It’s a small detail that feels high-end at low cost, especially if designed with contrasting tile.save pin9. Play with Light ColorsWhites, soft grays, and pastels bounce natural light around, making the bathroom feel breezy. Add a warm wood accent so it won’t look too clinical. You can preview these palettes in a free floor plan creator before committing to paint.save pin10. Heated FloorsLuxury can live in small spaces! Radiant floor heating adds comfort and eliminates the need for bulky heaters. It’s an investment, but I’ve had clients thank me for it every single winter. To visualize the impact, try an AI-based interior design simulation — just swap kitchen for bathroom specs.save pinFAQ1. Is a 5x10 bathroom big enough for both a tub and shower? Usually yes, with a combined bath-shower unit, but separate fixtures can be tight without compromising storage.2. What’s the best layout for a 5x10 bathroom? A three-fixture layout along one wall often works best. The NKBA suggests keeping at least 21 inches in front of each fixture for comfort.3. How much does it cost to remodel? Depending on materials and labor, $5,000–$15,000 is common in the US for quality finishes.4. Can I DIY a small bathroom remodel? Cosmetic updates like paint or fixtures are DIY-friendly. Plumbing or structural changes should be left to licensed pros.5. How do I make my small bathroom look bigger? Use light colors, large tiles, clear glass, and floating elements to enhance the sense of openness.6. Should I use a double sink? In a 5x10 bathroom, a double sink may make it feel cramped unless you choose a very compact design.7. Are heated floors worth it? Yes, especially in cold climates. They add comfort and can slightly improve resale value.8. Where can I test bathroom layouts before renovation? Online tools like Coohom’s planners let you experiment with layouts in 3D before committing.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