10 Smart Bathroom Ideas for 5x9 Spaces: Creative and Practical Design Tips from My Real ProjectsClara M. InteriorsSep 24, 2025Table of Contents1. Go Vertical with Storage2. Choose a Corner Sink3. Use Glass Shower Doors4. Opt for a Sliding Door5. Big Tiles, Fewer Grout Lines6. Play with Light and Mirrors7. Wall-Mounted Faucets8. Neutral Palette with a Pop9. Compact But Cozy Bathtub10. Recessed Niches for StorageFAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREELast year, a client of mine insisted on having a freestanding tub, a double vanity, and a walk-in shower — all in their 5x9 bathroom. I laughed (quietly) and then got to work figuring out what was actually possible. That project reminded me that small spaces, like a 5x9 bathroom, almost always turn into creativity boot camps. Today, I’m sharing 10 bathroom ideas from my own projects that prove you don’t need a large footprint to have a stunning and functional space.1. Go Vertical with StorageIn a tight bathroom, walls are your friends. Floating shelves, tall cabinets, and even above-door storage can transform awkward unused areas into life-savers. I once turned the space above a toilet into a slim linen cabinet — the homeowner still thanks me.save pin2. Choose a Corner SinkA traditional pedestal sink can eat up precious square footage. A corner sink tucks neatly out of the way and frees up movement space. When combined with a room planner, you can visualize the flow before committing.save pin3. Use Glass Shower DoorsReplacing a shower curtain with clear glass doors instantly makes your bathroom feel larger and brighter. Frameless designs are pricier, but they’re stunning and minimize visual clutter. Just watch out for fingerprints — they’re relentless.save pin4. Opt for a Sliding DoorTraditional swing doors waste valuable space. A pocket or barn-style sliding door solves this and adds a stylish touch. I installed one in a narrow apartment bathroom and the owner swore it felt “twice as big.”save pin5. Big Tiles, Fewer Grout LinesSmall mosaic tiles may be trendy, but in tiny bathrooms they can make the space look busy. Large-format tiles create a sense of openness and are easier to clean — your future self will thank you.save pin6. Play with Light and MirrorsMirrors are the oldest trick in the book for small spaces, but they truly work. Combine them with layered lighting — ceiling lights plus wall sconces — to eliminate shadows and open the space visually. I’ve even used a free floor plan creator to test mirror placements digitally before drilling any holes.save pin7. Wall-Mounted FaucetsThey free up counter space, look sleek, and make cleaning easier. The challenge? You’ll need to plan plumbing during the renovation phase — not a last-minute decision.save pin8. Neutral Palette with a PopLight colors keep the room airy, but adding one bold element (like a patterned floor or colorful vanity) stops it from feeling bland. I once matched a client’s vanity to her favorite coffee mug — it sounded crazy, but it worked.save pin9. Compact But Cozy BathtubIf you really want a tub, go for a shorter but deeper soaking style. Japanese soaking tubs are my go-to for clients who love baths but have limited space. Layout is key here, and a kitchen layout planner can surprisingly help as the logic is similar for tight-fit fixtures.save pin10. Recessed Niches for StorageInstead of bulky shelves, recessed niches inside the shower hold toiletries without intruding into the walking area. They also add a subtle design feature — especially when tiled in a contrasting color.save pinFAQ1. How do you make a 5x9 bathroom feel bigger?Use light colors, large tiles, glass shower doors, and mirrors to open up the space visually.2. Can you fit a tub in a 5x9 bathroom?Yes, consider a compact soaking tub or a shower-tub combo. Measure carefully and plan layout before purchase.3. What’s the most efficient layout for a 5x9 bathroom?Placing the vanity and toilet along one wall and the shower or tub at the far end often works best.4. How much does it cost to renovate a bathroom this size?Costs vary widely; in the U.S., expect between $6,000 and $15,000 depending on finishes and labor.5. Is underfloor heating worth it in a small bathroom?Yes, it adds comfort and can replace bulky radiators, freeing up wall space.6. Do sliding doors work for bathrooms?Yes, they save space, but make sure they offer enough privacy and seal well to contain moisture.7. Are wall-mounted toilets a good idea?They create more visible floor area and make cleaning easier, but require more complex installation.8. Where can I plan my bathroom design online?You can try online layout tools; I sometimes start with digital mockups to experiment with ideas before renovation begins.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