Most people think of "small bathroom ideas" and envision cramped shower stalls, dim lighting, and vanities crammed to the gills. In this article, you will find bathroom design ideas that can help you make the most of the space you are working with. And while a small bathroom may require making a few sacrifices in terms of space, it can also be a welcoming and comfortable space. Plus, consider the major pros of a small bathroom. With less square footage to manage, it's cheaper to renovate, easier to clean, and quicker to decorate.
Bathroom design ideas can be tricky to navigate, and they vary from person to person. It is crucial that when deciding on a plan for your bathroom, you consider the space's functionality in relation to your needs. That's why we have included bathroom inspiration in this article. Explore the 20 most impressive bathroom designs.
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20 Inspiring Bathroom Design Ideas to Make Your Bathroom Feel Unique
If you're considering renovating your small bathroom, there are many ways to create the illusion of more space while maximising what you have. When designing or planning, bear in mind that tiny bathroom ideas can vary from a cosy shelving nook to strategically placed clawfoot tubs. Read on to discover some outstanding bathroom designs for small bathrooms.
Be it the main bathroom design ideas, modern bathroom ideas, small bathroom remodel ideas, bathroom decorating ideas, contemporary bathroom designs or even bathroom renovation ideas, we have you covered as the bathroom is a space that is used to its best potential; it can bring out the best in the space and make it the best possible version space can hold. When planning, leave no stone unturned. Bathroom floor tile ideas, bathroom cabinet ideas, and small bathroom ideas can add personality to the space, giving it that extra edge that makes your bathroom feel unique.
1. Washroom Designs with a Modern Touch
One of the best aspects of contemporary design is the seamless, clean lines that create an open and airy feel.
- This can create the illusion that space is, and feels, much bigger than it actually is, in part because the eye is drawn to the crisp, straight lines of the vanity, which helps elongate the room and almost seems to push the walls outward.
- Neutral colours such as white and unpainted wood are also excellent choices for small bathrooms.
- Modern design adds a contemporary twist to a space, giving it a feeling of being edgy and cool.
| Materials | Estimated Price |
| Matte-finish tiles, laminate or wooden vanity, large-format tiles | ₹50–₹200 per sq. ft. for tiles, ₹15,000–₹50,000 for vanity |
2. Wainscoting
Adding wainscoting to your bathroom creates a more classic look and lends a bit of visual interest. Dining rooms are another popular location for installing wainscoting.
- Some homeowners opt to extend the wainscoting to the ceiling, complemented by crown moulding, for a more formal appearance.
- For a more design-forward approach, consider investing in a graphic wallpaper, such as the tropical one featured on Design Sponge.
- By keeping the wainscoting white and neutral, the bold print adds a pop of personality without overwhelming the small space.
- Generally, the cap sits about one-third of the way up the wall. So, if the ceiling is 9 feet, go for 3-foot wainscoting. For taller wainscoting, such as one with a plate rail, cap it two-thirds of the way up the wall.
| Materials | Estimated Price |
| MDF or plywood panels, wood/MDF crown moulding, and enamel paint. | ₹100–₹300 per sq. ft. for panels, ₹50–₹150 per ft. for molding. |
3. Shiplap
Street, a leading home décor influencing blog, has stated that tile, shiplap, plaster, rattan, or living walls of plants are set to become more popular in 2023. If you're looking for a wainscoting alternative, shiplap can be an excellent choice for small bathrooms.
- Shiplap boards have grooves cut into their edges for a tight, overlapping fit. Shiplap panelling can add instant character, texture, and a rustic feel to any room in your house.
- It is also an affordable and easy way to be installed, requiring just a few basic tools: a saw, a level, a stud finder, a hammer, and nails.
- The lines also appear to visually extend the wall, making it feel wider than it actually is.
| Materials | Estimated Price |
| Wooden or MDF planks with groove edges, matte/satin paint | ₹150–₹400 per sq. ft. for boards, ₹300–₹800 per liter for paint. |
4. Luxury Tubs
Does lack of bathroom square footage mean you have to forgo a luxury tub? Think again. That tub of your dreams, the one you plan to use in your Instagram photoshoots, the one you plan to use to relax and rejuvenate in - well, you can have it in any space you please. What you need to know is how to balance the space, making it appear as though there is a ton of negative space. When you do so, you should also bear in mind the colours you choose, as some colours can help bring depth.
| Materials | Estimated Price |
| Acrylic/stone resin/cast iron tubs, brass or stainless steel fittings. | ₹30,000–₹1,50,000 for tub, ₹5,000–₹50,000 for fittings. |
5. Tubs and Showers
If you dream of a standalone shower and a claw-foot tub, this cosy bathroom can be a realised dream.
- It is something that you bring into your home as a cherished piece of furniture.
- Similar to the picture of small bathroom designs with showers shown, replacing a standard shower curtain with a glass door panel can make the bathroom feel more open.
- The frosted glass windows allow precious natural light in (a small space's favourite accessory), without sacrificing privacy. This can also help brighten and elongate the space.
| Materials | Estimated Price |
| Tempered glass panels, anti-slip tiles, and wall-mounted faucets. | ₹20,000–₹60,000 for shower enclosure, ₹60–₹200 per sq. ft. for flooring |
6. Wallpaper
If your small bathroom is bursting with anything, let it be a personality (rather than stray makeup and toiletries).
- Wallpaper can transport your bathroom into any realm you wish it to go to. From vintage-inspired wallpaper to add pops of colour to an otherwise neutral white space, to glam, chic, edgy, minimalist, or traditional styles, you can surely find it all.
- While wallpaper can be expensive, one benefit of a small space is that you won't need to purchase much to make a big statement.
| Materials | Estimated Price |
| Vinyl or water-resistant printed wallpaper | ₹150–₹500 per sq. ft. |
7. Small Windows
Natural light can make even the tiniest bathroom feel spacious and open.
- This attic bathroom staple has been used for years to help illuminate a space, whether on a ceiling, a slanted window, or even a corner.
- This window can bring in a stream of natural light, also helping to create an inviting and surprisingly roomy feel—bonus points for the clever use of the under-the-pedestal storage, which utilises vital, often overlooked space.
- Alternatively, you can also create floating shelves around the window to optimise the space.
| Materials | Estimated Price |
| UPVC/aluminium frames with frosted or clear glass | ₹3,000–₹10,000 per window, depending on size. |
8. Gold Fixtures
Midas-approved gold fixtures throughout the design can add a regal touch to your bathroom.
- Not only does the gold provide the bathroom a classic look, but by keeping the accessories uniform throughout the space, the room feels cohesive and meaningfully decorated.
- One of the best ways to make a small bathroom feel inviting is to decorate every nook and cranny smartly.
| Materials | Estimated Price |
| Brass or stainless steel fixtures with gold plating | ₹2,500–₹20,000 per fixture |
9. Single Showers
If you can live without it, forgoing a tub is a great way to earn back precious floor space and open up a small bathroom.
- The glass shower stall is ideal, as it maximises the use of your space.
- It features mixed tiles on the floor and walls, which add a sense of variety and eclecticism despite the limited space available.
| Materials | Estimated Price |
| Tempered glass panels, anti-slip tiles, stainless steel showerhead | ₹20,000–₹60,000 for enclosure, ₹60–₹200 per sq. ft. for tiles |
10. Pink Bathroom
This candy-coloured bathroom serves as a decorative focal point in a small space. Gives a retro 70s bathroom feel.
- It's unique, creative, and a welcoming environment. Though neutral colours can provide a calming backdrop, this bubble-gum pink bathroom is amusing, and the single colour palette keeps it from becoming overpowering.
- If this shade isn't your go-to, you can choose from a range of pastel shades.
| Materials | Estimated Price |
| Matte pink tiles or water-resistant paint, acrylic fittings | ₹50–₹250 per sq. ft. for tiles/paint, ₹5,000–₹20,000 for fittings |
11. Galley Bathroom
A galley bathroom can feel claustrophobic if not designed correctly, but with the proper bathroom layout, it can feel spacious and inviting.
- The double vanity and glass shower stall options in this space provide the perfect space for a 'him and her' moment, while also keeping the space open and visually elongating the room.
| Materials | Estimated Price |
| Glass shower panels, double vanity (laminate/wood), wall tiles | ₹25,000–₹70,000 for vanity, ₹20,000–₹60,000 for shower |
12. Scandinavian-Style Bathrooms
When it comes to small spaces, "hygiene" is everything right now, especially in the times of COVID-19; extra precautions need to be taken to ensure cleanliness is maintained.
- This Danish concept, which embodies effortless chic vibes, is all about a comfortable, warm-feeling design and a perfect ambience for a cosy space.
- The tucked-away shower, the key to this bathroom, makes the rest of the room feel far more spacious and open.
| Materials | Estimated Price |
| Light wood or laminate, matte tiles, minimalist fittings | ₹100–₹300 per sq. ft. for tiles, ₹15,000–₹50,000 for fittings |
13. Bathroom Storage Solutions
One of the most significant downsides of a small bathroom is, of course, finding a place to hide all your stuff. Storage in a small bathroom requires creativity.
- Creating secret compartments, under-sink spaces, and floating wall mantle place holders provides endless storage, but a ladder shelf offers the perfect place for towels, bath supplies, and other knick-knacks.
| Materials | Estimated Price |
| Floating shelves (wood/MDF), under-sink cabinets, ladder shelves | ₹2,000–₹15,000 depending on material and design |
14. Black Bathroom
This moody bathroom option can come with stunning black accents that work in tandem with a light tiled floor and neutral wallpaper to add depth to the room (without feeling too dark).
- Black paint may take some guts to incorporate into your decor, but the payoff is worth it. Take a note from the Adams family, and embrace your dark side.
| Materials | Estimated Price |
| Black matte paint, black tiles, neutral wallpaper, acrylic/ceramic fittings | ₹100–₹300 per sq. ft. for tiles/paint, ₹5,000–₹20,000 for fittings |
15. Latest Bathroom Designs with Modular Setting
A modular bathroom design idea for your interiors can be the perfect new addition to your home this summer. You can ace any minimalistic bathroom design idea and execute the latest patterns with it.
- You can also incorporate a monochromatic theme into your bathroom interior design ideas. The textured walls are paired with the white marble sink and bathtub.
- The shower partition is also carefully designed to enhance the space's aesthetics while providing a modern, tasteful appearance suitable for your home in 2023.
| Materials | Estimated Price |
| Modular cabinets (MDF/laminate), marble or quartz sink & bathtub, glass partition | ₹25,000–₹60,000 for modular setup, ₹50,000–₹1,00,000 for sink & bathtub |
16. New Bathroom Designs for Your Home
When implementing a new bathroom design idea for your home, you may encounter various issues, including determining the type of design to be implemented and obtaining a quotation for the labour involved.
- It is a good idea to narrow down the design idea and talk to expert professionals. With this process of execution, you will have a fair idea about the pros and cons of the designs you are planning to get.
- Additionally, this provides a general idea of the required space and how you can utilise it effectively to the best of your ability.
| Materials | Estimated Price |
| Depends on chosen design—tiles, cabinets, fixtures, fittings | ₹50,000–₹2,00,000 depending on scale and materials |
17. 4×6 Bathroom Design with a Pop of Green
If you can't afford an outdoor shower, it doesn't mean you can't create an outside atmosphere in your bathroom.
- Use contemporary glass doors and windows to highlight garden vistas (and give in plenty of light), and add some vegetation to the shower.
- The chemicals left behind by cleaning and cosmetic items are removed from the air by plants. They also instantly breathe new life into any bathroom.
| Materials | Estimated Price |
| Glass doors/windows, small indoor plants, ceramic/porcelain tiles | ₹3,000–₹10,000 for windows/doors, ₹500–₹2,000 for plants |
18. 6×4 Bathroom Design: Mostly White with a Touch of Black
For those narrow bathroom spaces, go for light shades like white or beige. Set up the wash counter and cabinets opposite the bathtub.
- Add black accents, such as stools, cabinet handles, and window frames, to make the white stand out more.
| Materials | Estimated Price |
| White/beige tiles, black accents (handles, stools), cabinets | ₹100–₹250 per sq. ft. for tiles, ₹2,000–₹10,000 for accents & cabinets |
19. White Marble Shower
The white marble shower, walls, and vanity in this main bathroom design set the stage for an opulent, coordinated appearance.
- Add contemporary floor lamps that look like gallery pieces to create a pleasing contrast with the overall historic design.
- Additionally, the area is kept traditional with the help of the high-gloss ceiling and the timeless, neutral colour.
| Materials | Estimated Price |
| White marble (walls & flooring), contemporary vanity, high-gloss ceiling paint | ₹500–₹1,500 per sq. ft. for marble, ₹25,000–₹70,000 for vanity & accessories |
(Pro tip: The easier it is to clean and preserve paint, especially in high-moisture locations like a bathroom, the greater the paint sheen.)
20. Retro Chic Bathroom
This bathroom is an example of how little renovations can give a dated room a brand-new feel.
- A pleasing juxtaposition is made by the stark, hyper-realistic photograph's contrast with the traditional black-and-white striped wallpaper and flashy chandelier.
- A hand towel ring, tailored linen curtains, an accent magazine rack, and a case were added to complete the room's decor without requiring the replacement of the sink or toilet.
| Materials | Estimated Price |
| Black-and-white striped wallpaper, chandelier, basic fixtures, decorative accents | ₹200–₹600 per sq. ft. for wallpaper & flooring, ₹10,000–₹40,000 for decorative elements |
Conclusion:
Creating a small bathroom doesn't mean sacrificing style or function. With the right choices of materials, colours, layouts, and fixtures, a small bathroom can still feel airy, organised, and attractive. Whether the aesthetic is modern minimalist, classic glamorous, or eccentric retro, each decision is an opportunity to reflect a facet of personality while ensuring efficient use of the space. If you think creatively, plan constructively, incorporate storage appropriately, and invite natural light in, a small bathroom can feel spacious, elegant, and comfortable.
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