5 by 7 Bathroom Design: 5 Space-Savvy Ideas: A senior designer’s friendly guide to making a compact 5x7 bath feel bigger, brighter, and smarter—without blowing the budget.

A client once begged me to squeeze a double vanity, a soaking tub, and a linen closet into a 5 by 7 bathroom. I laughed, then sketched, then used AI-generated room concepts to prove we could get the look—just not all the bulky pieces. Small spaces really do spark big creativity, and today I’m sharing five ideas I’ve leaned on in real projects.

I’ll keep it practical and honest. Each move has perks and a few tiny trade-offs, but they’re the kind of tweaks that make a 5x7 feel like a minor miracle.

Tip 1: Trade the swing door for a pocket or slider

In tight bathrooms, a swinging door is a space thief. A pocket door or sleek slider frees up valuable inches, often just enough to widen a vanity or shift the toilet for better clearances.

The catch? Pocket doors need a clean wall cavity—no hidden plumbing or wiring—and decent craftsmanship to avoid wobble. If the wall is loaded, a well-fitted barn-style slider can be your elegant plan B.

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Tip 2: Float the essentials—vanity and (if possible) toilet

Wall-hung vanities visually expand the floor plane, making the whole room feel airier. Add a slim, integrated sink and you’ll still get decent counter space without the bulk.

For wall-hung toilets, check framing and in-wall carrier requirements; they’re fantastic for cleaning and sight lines but can lift the budget. Even just floating the vanity delivers 80% of the magic for far less fuss.

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Tip 3: Swap the tub for a space-savvy shower

If you don’t take baths, a shower saves serious inches. A 36x60 or 36x48 shower feels generous in a 5x7 footprint, and going curbless adds seamlessness (plus aging-in-place points).

Waterproofing and floor pitch need precision, so you’ll want to visualize options in seconds before demo. I aim for a single glass panel with a fixed opening to keep water where it belongs and avoid door-swing drama.

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Tip 4: Use tile and lighting to “zone” the room

Large-format floor tile reduces grout lines and visual noise, while vertically stacked wall tile draws the eye up. I love a soft feature wall behind the vanity—a subtle color shift or textured tile—to anchor the mirror and create depth.

Layered lighting is your secret sauce: bright ambient, focused task at the mirror, and a small dimmable accent for spa vibes. When clients struggle to picture it, a quick 3D render walkthrough helps them feel the balance before anything is installed.

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Tip 5: Go transparent and reflective

Frameless glass makes the shower “disappear,” and a mirrored cabinet adds hidden storage while bouncing light. A tall, narrow mirror elongates the room in photos and in real life—yes, I’ve measured my own eye level more times than I’ll admit.

Just watch for glare: position vanity lights at eye height on either side of the mirror, not overhead only. Your face—and your selfies—will thank you.

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FAQ

1) What’s the best layout for a 5 by 7 bathroom?

A common layout is door on the short wall, then vanity, toilet, and shower/tub in a straight line. Keep about 30 inches clear in front of the toilet and vanity so traffic feels natural.

2) Can I fit a double vanity in a 5x7?

Usually not comfortably. A single, wider sink with a centered faucet and generous storage will feel better and leave you the clearances you need.

3) Is a pocket door worth it?

If your wall cavity is clear, yes—it frees swing space and helps layouts immeasurably. If not, a high-quality slider outside the wall can achieve a similar effect.

4) What shower size works best in a small bath?

For comfort, aim for at least 36 x 36 inches; 36 x 48 or 36 x 60 feels great if you can swing it. According to the National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) Bathroom Planning Guidelines, a 36 x 36 interior is the recommended minimum for comfort.

5) How much does a 5x7 remodel cost?

In most markets, expect roughly $8,000–$25,000 depending on finishes, labor, and whether plumbing moves. Curbless showers, stone tops, and custom cabinetry push the upper range.

6) Can I do a curbless shower in a 5x7?

Yes, but you’ll need proper slope, waterproofing, and sometimes a recessed subfloor. It’s a technical build—hire a pro who consistently executes curbless details.

7) What tile sizes make a small bath look bigger?

Large-format floor tile (like 12x24) reduces grout lines and visual clutter. On walls, slim ceramics or stacked 2x8/3x12 can draw the eye up; keep grout colors close for a calm look.

8) How do I make it feel brighter?

Use light, warm neutrals, layered lighting, and a generous mirror. A glass shower and a floating vanity clear visual weight and keep light bouncing around.

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