Introduction
Designing a stylish yet functional bathroom in a small space can be a challenge, but this week’s featured bathroom shows it can be done with clever planning and smart design choices. At just 50 square feet, this bath squeezes in a shower, toilet, vanity, and even a touch of charm. Read on to learn the strategies and tips that make this petite powder room both bright and chic.
Layout and Floorplan
When working with a compact bathroom, every inch counts. Careful planning of the layout and floorplan ensures the space is used efficiently. Here are some of the key elements of the floorplan for this week’s featured 50-square-foot bath:
- Strategic placements: The toilet is tucked into a corner nook while the shower stall is situated along the longer wall. This provides enough clearance around both fixtures for comfortable use.
- Stacked functions: The vanity sits above the toilet tank rather than beside it, maximizing vertical storage and eliminating wasted space.
- Multi-functional pieces: An over-the-toilet storage cabinet adds shelving while mirror cabinets on the vanity provide hidden storage.
- Clean sightlines: There is no visual clutter. Fixtures and storage are streamlined and minimalist.
Getting the most out of a petite bath means optimizing every bit of available space. Careful planning of layout and floorplan allows for smart use of the 50 square feet in this bright, chic bath.
Lighting
Proper lighting is essential in a small bath to make the space feel open and airy rather than closed-in and dark. Here are some lighting strategies used in this week’s featured bathroom:
- Windows: A small square window above the toilet brings in natural light. Duraclear glass provides privacy while maximizing brightness.
- Skylights: A solar tube skylight over the shower contributes natural light from above. These affordable skylights capture sunlight via rooftop domes.
- Sconces: Wall-mounted lights on either side of the mirror provide ideal illumination for grooming. The upward lighting casts a soft, flattering glow.
- Ceiling lights: Flush mount ceiling lights distribute ambient lighting throughout the room. Their central location ensures the whole bath is bright.
By combining natural light sources with strategically placed fixtures, this 50-square-foot bath avoids a cramped, dungeon-like feel. The lighting keeps it fresh and airy.
Color Scheme
Color choices also impact the feel of a small bath. Here’s how color is used effectively in this space:
- White palette: White cabinetry, walls, tile, and fixtures keep the look light and bright. White reflects light, making the room appear more open.
- Pops of color: A sage green tile backsplash and matching hand towels provide a splash of color without overwhelming the compact space.
- Glossy surfaces: Polished chrome fixtures and glass tile add depth through shine and reflection.
- Patterned floor: A geometric tile floor injects visual interest underfoot without cluttering the room.
By keeping the overall palette light and minimizing visual clutter, the 50-square-foot bath feels serene rather than chaotic. Pops of color and shine prevent it from feeling sterile.
Storage Solutions
Finding a place for all bathroom necessities is tricky in a pint-sized powder room. Here are some of the storage solutions that make this space work:
- Hidden cabinets: Mirror cabinets mount on the wall above the pedestal sink, concealing toiletries and medications behind the mirrors.
- Overhead storage: Deep cabinets above the toilet maximize vertical storage potential for extra towels and toilet paper.
- Undersink organizer: A custom drawer keeps items organized under the pedestal sink and out of sight.
- Floating shelves: Wall-mounted shelves near the shower provide display space for decorative items and frequently used shower products.
- Towel bars: Slim, space-saving towel bars allow towels to dry without consuming available square footage.
Through discreet cabinets and vertical storage, the bath makes room for necessities without looking cluttered. Display shelves keep items visible but organized.
Materials and Finishes
The materials and finishes used throughout the bath also contribute to its crisp, polished look:
- Porcelain tile: Durable, water-resistant porcelain tile covers the floor and shower walls. Porcelain comes in a wide range of colors and patterns.
- Glass tile: The glossy glass subway tile backsplash adds a touch of glamour. Glass tile can be pricey but uses less grout for a sleek look.
- Polished chrome: Faucets and fixtures feature a shiny chrome finish. The reflective surface makes the small space feel more expansive.
- Pedestal sink: A pedestal sink maximizes floor space since it doesn’t require vanity cabinetry. The clean lines keep the look lightweight.
- Groutless shower: Using large-format shower tiles eliminates most of the grout lines for a seamless look. Grout inevitably collects grime.
Thanks to smart material selection, the bath feels bright rather than dark and dingy. Durable, water-resistant materials also make the space highly functional.
Furnishings and Decor
Attention to furnishings and decor adds style to even the most petite powder rooms:
- Woven storage baskets: Attractive woven baskets stashed on shelves corral toiletries while adding natural texture.
- Live plants: A compact potted plant brings life to the space without taking up floor area. Plants also boost air quality.
- Framed mirror: A decorative mirror frame adds warmth and elegance. Choose a narrow style to fit petite baths.
- Hand towels: Colorful hand towels complement the green backsplash tile and add a decorative focal point.
- Artwork: A single piece of wall art prevents bare walls from feeling cold and sterile. Choose water-resistant art materials.
With space at a premium, every furnishing and decorative item serves double duty—adding both style and functionality. Even in 50 square feet, creative touches personalize the bath.
Tips for Achieving a Bright, Chic Look
Here are a few top tips for achieving a similarly fresh, polished look in your own compact bathroom:
- Use light colors like white or pale neutrals to visually expand the space.
- Incorporate mirrors and reflective finishes for an airier, less-confined look.
- Opt for glass shower doors rather than shower curtains to keep sightlines open.
- Install ceiling-level cabinets for hidden storage that doesn’t clutter the room.
- Choose streamlined pedestal sinks and toilets to maximize floor space.
- Include a skylight, window, or other natural light source to make the room brighter.
- Use pops of color and patterns in moderation as accents against neutral backgrounds.
- Keep accessories and furnishings minimal for a streamlined, uncluttered aesthetic.
- Select materials like porcelain, glass, and chrome that are water-resistant and easy to keep clean.
By borrowing ideas from this week’s featured bath, you can create a petite but perfectly polished powder room. Strategic layout, lighting, storage, and decorative details give even a 50-square-foot bathroom a bright, fresh, and inviting feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about designing an elegant powder room in a small space:
How can I make a tiny bathroom feel bigger?
Use light colors, ample lighting, mirrors, glass surfaces, small-scale patterns, and clear glass doors and dividers to visually expand the space. Built-in shelving and vertical storage also keeps the floor space open.
What colors work best in small bathrooms?
Light neutrals like white, beige, gray and pale blues and greens can make a small bathroom feel larger and brighter. Use color in small doses as accents to avoid overwhelm.
What flooring is best for a small bathroom?
Porcelain or ceramic tile is most popular since it is water-resistant and comes in a range of sizes and patterns. Small-scale mosaics make the floor visually recede. Larger tiles with narrow grout lines enhance seamlessness.
How do you maximize storage in a little bathroom?
Use ceiling-height cabinets, shelving behind the toilet and in the shower niche, under-sink organizers, narrow shelving units, hanging racks, and over-the-door storage for extra space.
Should I get a pedestal sink or vanity in a small bath?
A pedestal sink is space-saving since it allows more open floor area. But a narrow vanity provides useful storage. Decide based on your need for concealed storage vs. visual spaciousness.
What type of toilet works in a tiny powder room?
Compact, close-coupled toilets with a shorter or even tankless design can fit into tight spaces. Wall-mounted models also save space. Measure carefully and use the smallest toilet your space allows.
Conclusion
This week’s featured bathroom packs storage, function, and even style into just 50 square feet. Careful space planning, light colors, and concealed storage allow for an airy, minimalist look. Strategic lighting choices and pops of color keep the petite powder room feeling bright and fresh rather than dark and closed-in. With smart spatial thinking and design, even the most modest bathroom can look chic and elegant. When faced with a tiny bath, keep these tips in mind for creating a light-filled oasis in any sized space.
