8×5 ft Bathroom Layout Ideas: 10 Smart Designs: My go-to tricks for making an 8×5 bathroom feel twice the size.

One of my earliest projects nearly gave me a heart attack — the client wanted a full spa, double vanity, and walk-in shower... in an 8×5 ft bathroom. At the time, I thought it was impossible, but that challenge taught me that small spaces are where design magic really happens. With the right planning, even a tiny footprint can feel luxurious. Today I’m sharing my favorite 10 ideas that have worked wonders in real homes, and some were even perfected using a virtual room planner.

1. Walk-in Shower with Glass Partition

Clear glass makes the space feel open and airy. Just be ready for a little extra cleaning to keep it spotless, but it’s worth it for the visual expansion.

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2. Wall-mounted Vanity

Floating vanities give the illusion of more floor area and make cleaning easier. You might need a specialist to mount it securely, especially in older walls.

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3. Pocket Door Entry

Switching from a swinging door to a pocket door instantly recovers precious floor space. It’s a bit of a construction job, but for small bathrooms, the payoff is huge.

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4. Tall Storage Cabinets

Stacking storage vertically keeps clutter off the floor. I once squeezed in a 7-ft tall slim cabinet that stored everything from towels to skincare—planned precisely with a floor plan creator.

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5. Large-format Tiles

Bigger tiles mean fewer grout lines, which tricks the eye into seeing a larger area. Just make sure you have a skilled tiler, since large tiles show imperfections easily.

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6. Built-in Niches

Recessed shelves inside the shower save space and keep things tidy. I recommend waterproof LED strips inside for a sleek look.

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7. Light Color Palette

Soft whites, warm greys, and light neutrals bounce light beautifully. Combine with good lighting to avoid a clinical feel.

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8. Corner Sink Installation

A corner-mounted sink opens up valuable walk space. It’s especially useful if your bathroom is narrow but needs to stay highly functional—something I’ve modeled several times with an online bathroom planner.

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9. Mirror Wall

Mirrors double the perceived depth of a room. One client agreed to try a full-width mirror and never looked back.

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10. Underfloor Heating

No radiators means more wall space for fixtures and storage. It’s a luxury that also makes winter mornings much nicer.

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FAQ

Q1: What is the best layout for an 8×5 bathroom?

A: A layout with a walk-in shower, wall-mounted vanity, and pocket door maximizes usability without crowding the space.

Q2: Can I fit a bathtub in an 8×5 ft bathroom?

A: Yes, but consider a compact soaking tub or shower-tub combo to prevent the room from feeling cramped.

Q3: How to make a small bathroom appear bigger?

A: Use a light palette, glass partitions, mirrors, and large-format tiles to visually expand the space.

Q4: Is underfloor heating worth it in small bathrooms?

A: Definitely—according to Energy.gov, radiant heating can be more efficient and frees up wall space for storage or decor.

Q5: Do corner sinks save space?

A: Yes, they free up walkway area and work well in narrow bathrooms without compromising function.

Q6: Are wall-mounted toilets good for 8×5 bathrooms?

A: They save floor space and make cleaning easier, but need sturdy installation and wall reinforcement.

Q7: How much does it cost to remodel an 8×5 bathroom?

A: Costs vary widely but expect anywhere from $5,000–$15,000 depending on finishes and labor rates.

Q8: Can I plan my 8×5 bathroom online?

A: Yes, using tools like a bathroom design tool lets you visualize layouts before starting work.