8×9 ft Bathroom Layout Ideas: 10 Practical and Stylish Ideas for an 8×9 Bathroom

One time, I had a client who insisted their 8x9 bathroom must fit a freestanding tub, double vanity, walk-in shower, AND a laundry unit. I smiled politely, but in my head I was already grabbing a measuring tape — reality checks are part of my job. Over the years, I’ve learned that small bathrooms can still feel luxurious if every inch is planned smartly. Today, I’m sharing 10 design ideas that have worked wonders in my projects.

1. Floating Vanity with Storage

A floating vanity creates the illusion of more floor space and makes cleaning easier. You can choose a model with deep drawers for towels and toiletries. In one project, pairing it with a large mirror visually doubled the space.

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2. Corner Shower with Glass Walls

Switching to a frameless glass shower in the corner can open up sightlines, making the 8x9 bathroom feel bigger. I once used a bathroom design tool to test different glass shapes before finalizing the layout, and it saved us from costly mistakes.

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3. Wall-Mounted Toilet

By mounting the toilet on the wall, you free up floor space and make the room look less crowded. The concealed tank setup can be trickier to install, but it’s worth the flush (pun intended).

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4. Sliding Door Instead of Swing Door

Replacing a standard swing door with a sliding or pocket door means no clearance issue when entering. In one remodel, this change alone gave us room to add a narrow shelving unit.

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5. Multi-Functional Niche

Built-in wall niches in the shower or above the toilet add storage without jutting into the space. I like using mosaic tiles inside the niche for a little visual interest halfway through the design process when I’m using the 3D floor planner to preview finishes.

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6. Large Format Tiles

Big tiles mean fewer grout lines, which visually expands the space. They can be a bit pricier, but cleaning is easier and they feel more high-end.

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7. Tall Vertical Storage

Instead of cramming in low cabinets, think tall: a slim floor-to-ceiling storage cabinet by the sink keeps everything organized without taking up much footprint.

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8. Light Color Palette with Texture

Light tones bounce light around, but adding texture—like beadboard or patterned tiles—keeps it from feeling sterile.

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9. Combined Tub and Shower

If you must have a tub, combining it with a shower is the most space-efficient way. I’ve used a curved glass screen here to keep water in while feeling less boxy, tested first in a room planner simulation.

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10. Statement Lighting

Good lighting can change everything. I’ve swapped basic flush mounts for layered lighting—wall sconces plus an overhead—to make small bathrooms feel warm and inviting.

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FAQ

1. Is 8x9 ft a good bathroom size?

Yes, it’s comfortable for a full bathroom layout if you plan efficiently. You can fit a shower, vanity, and toilet without feeling cramped.

2. Can I fit a bathtub in 8x9?

Yes, especially if you combine it with a shower. A standard 60-inch tub fits on one wall with proper clearance.

3. How do I make an 8x9 bathroom look bigger?

Use glass for the shower, light colors, large mirrors, and minimize bulky furniture.

4. What’s the best tile size for small bathrooms?

Large-format tiles reduce grout lines and make the room feel more spacious, according to NKBA guidelines.

5. Should I use a pocket door?

Yes, it saves swing clearance and can open up layout options.

6. How much does it cost to remodel an 8x9 bathroom?

It varies, but a mid-range remodel in the U.S. averages $12k–$18k depending on finishes and labor.

7. Is underfloor heating worth it for 8x9?

Yes, especially in colder climates—it adds comfort and slightly improves resale value.

8. Which layout planner should I use?

Online tools like Coohom’s bathroom planner let you test layouts before committing, helping avoid expensive changes later.