10 Brilliant Ideas for Long Narrow Bathrooms: My Favorite Space-Savvy Tricks to Make Tight Bathrooms Feel BigLydia ChenSep 24, 2025Table of Contents1. Use a floating vanity2. Opt for large-format tiles3. Keep sightlines open4. Add niche storage in walls5. Play with horizontal lines6. Go for a walk-in shower7. Use mirrored walls strategically8. Try wall-mounted taps9. Layer your lighting10. Choose sliding or pocket doorsFAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEOnce, I had a client who insisted on installing a vintage clawfoot tub in a bathroom barely wider than my arm span. Spoiler: we made it work (barely), but it taught me that a long narrow bathroom can make or break your daily comfort. Small spaces push your creativity to the limit — and I love that challenge. In this post, I’ll share 10 design ideas I’ve used in real projects, so you can turn your awkward bathroom into a stylish retreat without knocking down walls. Truth is, clever planning is everything, and I often start by mapping things out in a room planner before we touch a single tile.1. Use a floating vanityIt frees up precious floor area and makes the room look airy. I once swapped a bulky cabinet for a sleek wall-mounted unit — suddenly, the narrow space felt twice its size. The catch? You’ll need solid wall support, so it’s not an easy DIY for everyone.save pin2. Opt for large-format tilesFewer grout lines create a seamless effect, visually widening the room. Light-colored tiles amplify brightness, but darker tones work wonders too if you want a dramatic, spa-like feel.save pin3. Keep sightlines openIn a long narrow room, blocking the view with unnecessary partitions is a crime. Use glass shower enclosures instead of curtains to stretch the visual depth — a trick I learned after a client complained her bathroom felt like a subway tunnel.save pin4. Add niche storage in wallsRecessed shelves save your elbows from bumping into bulky cabinets. I often add them to showers for shampoo and soap — functional and clean-lined.save pin5. Play with horizontal linesA band of horizontal mosaic or paint stripe can trick the eye into seeing a wider room. I once paired this with a slim vanity and it felt like magic.save pin6. Go for a walk-in showerSkip the tub entirely if space is tight. Frameless glass keeps it feeling open, and you can adjust the layout using a free floor plan creator to find the best flow before committing.save pin7. Use mirrored walls strategicallyMirrors reflect light and double visual space, but don’t overdo it, or you’ll feel like you’re in a funhouse. I like a large mirror above the vanity that extends to the ceiling.save pin8. Try wall-mounted tapsPerfect for slim sinks, letting you choose narrower basins and free up counter space. Just remember, plumbing adjustments can cost more up front.save pin9. Layer your lightingOne overhead light is never enough. Mix ceiling lights with wall sconces and under-cabinet strips to avoid harsh shadows. I learned this after designing a long bathroom where one lonely bulb made it feel like a hallway from a thriller.save pin10. Choose sliding or pocket doorsGetting rid of a swinging door adds usable space instantly. You can see how much room you save by testing layouts in a bathroom design tool before construction starts.save pinFAQQ: Can I use dark colors in a narrow bathroom?A: Yes, just balance them with good lighting and reflective surfaces to prevent a cave-like feel.Q: Is it worth replacing the bathtub in a long, narrow space?A: Often yes — a walk-in shower can open up the layout and make everyday use more comfortable.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