Introduction
Small bathrooms can be challenging spaces to design in a way that feels open, uncluttered, and highly functional. However, with careful planning and clever solutions, it’s possible to create a beautiful and efficient bathroom, even in a tight footprint of 75 square feet or less. From optimizing layouts to selecting space-saving fixtures, storage options, and décor, you can make every inch count.
In this article, we’ll explore five stunning and stylish small bathroom designs under 75 square feet. You’ll find creative ideas to inspire your own tiny bath project, whether you’re doing a remodel or building from scratch. With some strategic thinking and the right picks for surfaces, lighting, and accessories, you can have the bathroom of your dreams, no matter the size.
Optimize the Layout
The layout and flow of a small bathroom is critical to making the most of limited square footage. Here are some layout tips to maximize function and style:
- Combine the tub and shower: Select a tub with shower capabilities to consolidate fixtures. Sliding doors can save space.
- Strategic sink placement: Place the vanity and sink on the same wall as the toilet, to utilize plumbing.
- Floating vanities: Wall mounted or floating vanities create an illusion of more floor space.
- Pocket doors: Swapping out swinging doors for pocket doors can gain several extra inches.
- Vertical storage: Floor-to-ceiling shelving and cabinets provide storage while taking up minimal floor space.
Smart Storage Solutions
Carefully chosen storage is key for keeping small bathrooms organized and clutter-free. Consider these solutions:
- Built-in wall niches: Great for stashing toiletries and towels within easy reach.
- Under-sink drawers: Maximize the space under pedestal sinks with roll-out drawer organizers.
- Over the toilet shelves: Perfect for extra folded towels and toilet paper.
- Medicine cabinets: Make the most of wall space with mirrored cabinets for concealing toiletries.
- Floating shelves: Display decorative items while adding open storage.
Use Lighting to Open Up the Space
Proper lighting can make a small bathroom feel more expansive and airy. Use these tips:
- Natural light: Add windows and skylights to let sunshine in. Mirrored walls also amplify light.
- Overhead lighting: Install flush or semi-flush mounted ceiling lights. Avoid bulky fixtures.
- Sconces: Use wall mounted fixtures to free up counter and floor space.
- Under cabinet lighting: Illuminate the sink and counter area.
- Dimmable switches: Create different lighting moods for day and night.
Select Small Space-Friendly Fixtures
Look for bathroom fixtures designed for tight footprints when selecting essentials like sinks, toilets, tubs, and showers:
- Compact pedestal sinks: Freestanding sinks with a smaller profile.
- Vessel sinks: Modern bowl-shaped sinks that sit atop counters.
- Wall-hung toilets: Toilets with concealed tanks mount to walls, preserving floor space.
- Corner shower units: Snug prefabricated corner showers maximize existing layouts.
- Soaking tubs: Shorter and narrower tubs provide a built-in bathing option.
- Glass shower doors: Visually open up a stand-up shower.
Use Smart Decor Tricks
Minor decor tweaks can drastically enhance the look and feel of your tiny bath:
- Neutral palette: Stick with light, neutral colors to visually expand the space.
- Patterned floors: Graphic floor tiles add interest underfoot without clutter.
- Sculptural vessel sink: Make the sink a striking focal point.
- Mini pendant lights: In lieu of bulky overhead lights, minimal pendants keep things streamlined.
- Sleek mirrors: Floor-length leaner mirrors are space-enhancing as well as functional.
- Curbless shower: Ditch the shower curb for a seamless look.
- Maximalist touches: Pack a decorative punch with bold art, plush towels, or an eye-catching wallpaper.
5 Stylish Small Bathroom Designs
Now let’s look at five real-world examples of fabulous small bathrooms under 75 square feet. Analyze how layout, storage, lighting, fixtures, and decor all come together to create distinctive and envy-inducing tiny spaces.
1. Scandinavian Style in Seattle
This light-filled Seattle townhouse bathroom packs Scandinavian inspired style into just 60 square feet. A corner shower unit trimmed with wood-look tile maximizes floor space. The white color palette keeps things airy and relaxed. Pops of black in the accents, mirror frame, and linear floor tile provide contrast. And the sculptural black vessel sink makes a striking focal point atop the floating vanity.
2. Coastal Cottage Charm in California
This beachy California cottage bathroom exudes breezy coastal style within its petite 65 square foot footprint. The classic clawfoot tub painted in marine blue steals the show, set against crisp white beadboard walls. Weathered wood accents on the mirror frame and shelving enhance the relaxed, seaside vibe. Cubby shelves stacked with rolled towels add open storage without clutter.
3. Contemporary Loft Style in New York
Sleek and contemporary, this New York loft bathroom packs a style punch at just 55 square feet. Glossy navy penny tile floors instantly capture attention. The floating vanity maximizes floor space below, while the rectangular vessel sink adds sculptural flair. Frosted glass shower doors maintain an airy, open look in the shower. And the slender floor lamp saves space while washing the room in a warm glow.
4. Vintage Glam in Georgia
This Atlanta bathroom brings vintage Hollywood glamour to a petite 70 square foot floorplan. Keeping the walls, trim, floors, and cabinetry crisp white prevents visual clutter. Pops of black marble in the hex tile floor and veined countertop provide an elegant contrast. The gold mirror frame and lights add a glitzy accent. And the ornate black and gold wallpaper behind the clawfoot tub dials up the drama.
5. Modern Tropical in Florida
This Florida bathroom packs a tropical punch into just 55 square feet. Vibrant teal walls exude beachy personality. The floating vanity maximizes floor space while the round vessel bowl sink adds sculptural style. Mosaic penny tile floors inject eye-catching pattern underfoot. Open shelves provide display space without eating up square footage. And the large mirror visually expands the petite room.
Conclusion
While small bathrooms can seem like a design challenge, these five examples show that stunning style is possible even in tight square footage. By optimizing layouts, choosing space-saving fixtures and furnishings, and selecting décor that enhances the aesthetic, you can create a bathroom that exceeds expectations. With clever and creative solutions, your tiny bath can become a comfortable, functional, and beautiful oasis. The key is making every inch count through smart planning and design.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is considered a small bathroom size?
Bathrooms under 75 square feet are generally considered small or compact. Some typical small bathroom dimensions are 5 x 5 feet, 6 x 6 feet, or 5 x 7 feet. The smallest recommended size for a functional bathroom is around 25 square feet.
How can I make a small bathroom look bigger?
Use strategies like floating vanities, wall-mounted fixtures, neutral colors, proper lighting, leaner mirrors, pocket or sliding doors, and vertical storage solutions. Visually opening up the space is key.
What type of sink is best for small bathrooms?
Vessel, pedestal, and wall-hung sinks take up minimal space. Built-in or under-mount sinks also work for tight bathrooms. Stay away from bulky vanities.
Should I get a shower or tub in a small bathroom?
If space is extremely limited, opt for just a shower stall. For a little more room, choose a tub-shower combo unit. Sliding tub doors save space. Corner shower units also maximize tight layouts.
What flooring works best in small bathrooms?
Smaller bathroom patterns like mosaics, penny tile, and chevron help floors look less busy. Neutral colors keep the space looking open. Avoid large format tiles.
In Closing
Designing a beautiful, functional small bathroom is very achievable. Get inspired by the clever layouts, smart storage, space-saving fixtures, and decor tricks showcased in these five stunning compact bathrooms under 75 square feet. With strategic planning and creative solutions, you can craft your dream oasis, no matter the size.
