10 Small Master Bathroom Remodeling Ideas: Creative & Smart Ways to Transform Your Compact Master BathClara H. BennettSep 24, 2025Table of Contents1. Wall-Mounted Vanity2. Recessed Storage Nooks3. Pocket or Barn Doors4. Large-Format Tiles5. Floating Toilets6. Glass Shower Enclosures7. Light, Layered Illumination8. Vertical Towel Warmers9. Niche Bathtub Installation10. Mirrored Walls or PanelsFAQFree Room PlannerDesign your dream room online for free with the powerful room designer toolStart for FREEOne time, a client insisted on putting a freestanding clawfoot tub into a bathroom barely big enough to spin around in. It felt like trying to park a limousine in a bike lane. That hilarious-but-stressful project taught me one thing — small spaces truly force us to get creative. So today, I’m sharing my go-to small master bathroom remodeling ideas that I’ve picked up from real projects over the past decade.1. Wall-Mounted VanityLifting your vanity off the floor creates an airy feeling and makes cleaning easier. It’s especially useful when every inch counts, but be ready to reroute plumbing if needed.save pin2. Recessed Storage NooksInstead of bulky shelving, recess storage into walls — between studs, inside the shower, or behind mirrors. It’s one of my favorite ways to add space without visually crowding the room.save pin3. Pocket or Barn DoorsReplacing a swing door with a pocket or sleek barn door gives you free space that would otherwise be a door swing zone. Just note that proper installation is key to prevent future rattling.save pin4. Large-Format TilesCounterintuitive but true — big tiles make tiny rooms look bigger. Plus, fewer grout lines mean easier cleaning, which was a lifesaver in my last apartment remodel.save pin5. Floating ToiletsBy concealing the tank in the wall, you gain visual space and a cleaner line. I once had a client who loved this so much she did it in all her bathrooms. It’s modern, but requires sturdy wall framing.save pin6. Glass Shower EnclosuresClear glass lets the eye travel further, unlike opaque curtains that chop up the space. In a recent project, we maximized flow by pairing it with a customized floor plan to fit both shower and storage.save pin7. Light, Layered IlluminationMix overhead, mirror, and accent lighting to avoid shadows and open up the feel. You’ll be surprised how much mood a few well-placed LEDs can add to a small bath.save pin8. Vertical Towel WarmersThese double as storage and luxury. They keep towels off the floor and turn drying into a little spa moment even in a compact home.save pin9. Niche Bathtub InstallationFraming out a bathtub nook with shelves above makes use of awkward corners beautifully. I’ve even used one to hide exposed pipes while adding decor.save pin10. Mirrored Walls or PanelsStrategically placed mirrors bounce light and make the room feel twice its size. In one project, pairing mirrored panels with a detailed 3D render helped the client visualize the airy transformation before we started.save pinFAQQ: Can I really fit both a tub and shower in a small master bathroom?A: Yes, but you’ll need to combine them or choose compact fixtures. Smart layouts are essential.Q: Is it expensive to move plumbing for small bath remodels?A: It can be. Keep fixtures close to existing plumbing lines if you’re on a tight budget.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