5 x 11 Bathroom Ideas: 5 Small Bathroom Designs: Practical, stylish ideas I use to turn a 5 x 11 bathroom from cramped to clever

I once showed up to a 5 x 11 bath remodel with a client who insisted the toilet face the window so she could "enjoy the morning light" — we compromised, but that day taught me small bathrooms demand big imagination. If you want to visualize layouts that actually work before demo day, I usually start with a quick 3D mockup to avoid surprise problems.

1. Linear layout with a floating vanity

In a narrow 5 x 11, lining the sink, toilet, and shower along one wall keeps sightlines open and circulation clean. I like a floating vanity because it creates visible floor space, making the room feel wider; the trade-off is less hidden storage unless you add recessed niches or over-toilet cabinets.

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2. Wet-room shower to open up floor space

Turning the far end into a wet room (curbless shower) visually expands the bathroom and makes wheelchair-friendly future-proofing easier. Waterproofing and slope details add cost and need a good contractor, but the payoff is a spa-like, barrier-free feel that maximizes usable width.

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3. Corner pocket door + mirrored wall

Swapping a swinging door for a corner pocket door reclaims nearly a square foot of floor space — tiny wins stack up fast in a 5 x 11. Pair that with a full-width mirror or mirrored medicine cabinet to bounce light and depth across the room; the only catch is ensuring the pocket cavity is framed correctly so plumbing or studs don’t get in the way. When I sketch compact options for clients I often encourage them to create floor plans early so we can test door swings and clearances.

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4. Vertical storage and recessed niches

Think up, not out: tall, shallow cabinets and recessed shower niches keep countertop clutter away while preserving walking space. I once installed an inset linen tower that saved a remodel — it looks elegant, but you should measure door swing and shelf depth carefully so towels actually fit.

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5. Glass, pattern, and light tricks

Use clear glass for the shower and run a horizontal tile band or a long rectangular floor tile to emphasize length, not width. Layered lighting—overhead, task, and a backlit mirror—turns a cramped bathroom into one that reads larger; higher-spec fixtures help but can stretch the budget, so I prioritize good ambient light first.

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FAQ

Q: Can a 5 x 11 bathroom include both a tub and a shower?

I usually recommend choosing one function if you want comfortable circulation—fitting both often leads to tight transitions. If a tub is essential, consider a shower-over-tub with clear glass and a curbless threshold where possible.

Q: What are the best materials for a small bathroom floor?

Porcelain tile or luxury vinyl plank are durable and visually seamless options; pick a larger-format tile with minimal grout lines to make the floor area read bigger. Avoid tiny mosaic tiles unless you want a textured, tactile look that can feel busy.

Q: How much storage do I really need in a 5 x 11?

Audit what you use daily—3 to 4 drawers or 2 to 3 cubic feet of reachable cabinet space is often enough if you add vertical storage and niches. Open shelving works for display, but closed storage keeps the small space feeling calm.

Q: Are pocket doors a good idea for narrow bathrooms?

Yes, pocket doors save swing space and improve flow, but they require careful planning for studs, plumbing, and electrical. Make sure the framing allows for the pocket and that you’re okay with limited hardware repair access.

Q: How do I plan plumbing in a small remodel?

Keep plumbing runs compact and aligned where possible—moving a toilet far from existing soil stacks dramatically increases cost. I always advise clients to map existing lines early so we can design efficient layouts.

Q: What lighting layout works best in a 5 x 11?

Layer ambient, task, and accent lighting: a diffuser ceiling light for general light, sconces or a backlit mirror for tasks, and a small accent light for depth. Dimmable fixtures let you change mood without changing fixtures.

Q: Any accessibility guidelines to keep in mind?

For clearances and accessible design elements, follow ADA guidance where applicable—the ADA Standards (2010) specify clear floor spaces like 30" x 48" for maneuvering and recommended grab bar placements. Referencing those standards helps if you want universal design features.

Q: Where can I test layout ideas before committing?

I always encourage clients to mock up designs digitally or with simple tape on the floor to test circulation; building a virtual layout helps avoid costly mistakes. If you want a fast way to create floor plans and try different placements, using a reliable floor plan creator will speed decision-making.

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