When it comes to small bathrooms, less truly is more.
A minimalist approach isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about making the space feel functional, serene, and surprisingly roomy.
If your bathroom feels cramped or cluttered, embracing minimalism can transform it into a calm sanctuary, even if it’s only five square meters.
1. Stick to a Neutral Color Palette
A neutral color palette is the backbone of minimalist design. Whites, grays, beige, and soft pastels reflect light and make a small space feel airy. According to Houzz, bathrooms with light-colored walls appear 20–30% larger than darker ones.
Personally, I switched my small bathroom walls from pale yellow to soft gray, and it instantly felt like walking into a spa. Tip: Use matte finishes—they absorb glare and create a softer, more luxurious vibe.
2. Use Floating Vanities
Floating vanities create the illusion of more floor space because your eyes can see underneath them. Even if the vanity is tiny, lifting it off the ground makes the room feel modern and less cluttered.
I installed a floating vanity in my 4×6 feet bathroom, and suddenly it didn’t feel like I was bumping into cabinets every time I turned. Add hidden drawers to keep toiletries out of sight, and you’re winning at minimalist design.
3. Opt for Wall-Mounted Faucets
Wall-mounted faucets aren’t just elegant—they free up countertop space. For small bathrooms, every inch counts. Stats from Kitchen & Bath Design News suggest wall-mounted faucets can save up to 6–12 inches of countertop space, which in a tiny bathroom is huge.
I personally love the minimal drip sound and the cleaner look—they’re subtle but transformative.
4. Install Frameless Glass Showers
Nothing opens up a bathroom more than a frameless glass shower. Compared to traditional framed enclosures, these showers make walls disappear visually, creating a continuous flow.
Pro tip: Use clear glass rather than frosted; it maximizes the feeling of space. Add a small niche inside the shower for shampoo, and you avoid bulky shelves cluttering the floor.
5. Use Large Tiles
Large tiles reduce visual clutter. Small tiles with too many grout lines can make a small bathroom feel busier, while tiles like 24×24 inches give a more expansive appearance.
I once helped a friend renovate a 5×5 bathroom with large, matte tiles, and she couldn’t believe how open it felt. Bonus: Fewer grout lines mean easier cleaning, a huge win for minimalism.
6. Minimalist Mirrors
A large, frameless mirror instantly doubles the perceived space of a small bathroom. Mirrors reflect light, and in small bathrooms, that’s like a free upgrade.
If your walls are bare, hang a mirror that spans the vanity’s width. For an extra minimalist touch, go for a simple LED-lit mirror that eliminates the need for bulky light fixtures.
7. Recessed Storage
When floor space is tight, recessed storage is your secret weapon. Medicine cabinets that sink into the wall or recessed shower shelves keep things tidy without protruding.
I once installed a recessed niche in my shower and kept all bottles neatly arranged—no more tipping bottles off the edge of the tub. Minimalist and functional at once.
8. Monochromatic Design
Keeping all elements in a single color family creates a seamless look. Monochromatic bathrooms are calming, reduce visual clutter, and make small bathrooms appear larger.
Example: White walls, white vanity, and light gray tiles create depth without breaking the eye’s flow. Sprinkle in chrome or matte black fixtures for contrast without chaos.
9. Slim Profile Fixtures
Choose toilets, sinks, and vanities with slim profiles. Compact fixtures save space and maintain a clean, minimalist aesthetic.
A compact wall-hung toilet, for instance, can free up up to 2 feet of floor space in a small bathroom—a significant improvement in movement comfort.
10. Hidden Laundry Solutions
In tiny bathrooms, laundry baskets can be eyesores. Hidden laundry solutions, like pull-out hampers under the vanity, keep dirty clothes out of sight.
I personally switched to a pull-out laundry drawer, and it made the bathroom feel instantly tidy and stress-free.
11. Matte Finishes Over Glossy
Glossy surfaces can reflect light in a chaotic way, whereas matte finishes on tiles, countertops, and cabinets give a smoother, calmer feel.
Matte finishes are also forgiving—water spots, fingerprints, and smudges are less noticeable, reducing cleaning stress in a small space.
12. Wall-Mounted Storage
Instead of bulky cabinets, try wall-mounted shelves or baskets. They keep essentials accessible and free up floor space.
Tip: Use slim metal or wooden shelves near the vanity or above the toilet. It’s a small touch that makes a massive difference in perception of space.
13. Minimalist Lighting
Minimalist bathrooms thrive on streamlined lighting. Recessed ceiling lights or integrated LED strips create soft illumination without drawing attention to fixtures.
I once swapped an ornate chandelier in a tiny bathroom for LED recessed lights and immediately felt like I was in a designer spa rather than a closet-sized bathroom.
14. Frameless Medicine Cabinets
A frameless medicine cabinet blends seamlessly into the wall, offering storage without visual bulk. Pair it with an LED mirror for a double minimal effect.
It’s amazing how something so simple can make a bathroom feel 50% bigger instantly.
15. Floating Shelves
Floating shelves are like magic tricks for small bathrooms—they add storage without obstructing floor space.
Place one above the toilet for towels or decorative items. Keep items minimal to avoid the shelves turning into clutter magnets.
16. Use Clear Containers
If you must store items on countertops or open shelves, use clear acrylic containers. Your toiletries will be organized, visually lighter, and easier to find.
I personally use clear jars for cotton pads and Q-tips—they look neat, and you can see when you’re running low.
17. Minimalist Accessories
Minimalism isn’t about no accessories—it’s about smart accessories. Limit yourself to essential items like soap dispensers, toothbrush holders, and a single decorative piece.
A small succulent or a scented candle can add warmth without creating clutter.
18. Compact Bathtub or Wet Room
If you love baths but space is tight, consider a compact bathtub or even a wet room setup. Wet rooms eliminate the barrier between shower and floor, making the space feel unified.
In my experience, converting a small bathroom into a wet room freed up about 15% of floor space and looked surprisingly luxurious.
19. Vertical Storage Solutions
When horizontal space is limited, think vertical. Tall, slim cabinets or wall-mounted racks use unused wall space.
I installed a vertical towel ladder instead of folding shelves. It kept towels handy and added a sculptural touch without taking floor space.
20. Minimalist Hardware
Minimalist bathrooms shine with simple, streamlined hardware—think sleek drawer handles, simple towel bars, and invisible hinges.
Avoid ornate designs—they clash with the minimalist vibe. I went with matte black hardware in my small bathroom, and it elevated the entire look without crowding the space visually.
21. Optimize Natural Light
Natural light is the ultimate small-space hack. Even a tiny window can open up a bathroom dramatically.
If privacy is a concern, frosted glass lets light in without exposing the interior. I installed a frosted skylight in a small bathroom, and the difference in perceived size was night and day.
22. Keep the Floor Clear
Minimalist bathrooms thrive when the floor is uncluttered. Avoid bulky bins, stools, or storage that sits on the ground.
Floating vanities, wall-mounted toilets, and vertical storage help keep the floor open, which instantly makes the room feel spacious.
23. Use Mirrors Strategically
Mirrors don’t just reflect—they amplify space. Placing a mirror across from a window or near a light source increases the natural light and makes walls feel like they extend further.
I once added a mirror across a small bathroom window and suddenly felt like I had doubled the square footage. It’s magic.
24. Minimalist Art
Minimalist art adds personality without clutter. Think a single framed print, a geometric design, or a small wall sculpture.
Keep it small and intentional. I hung one abstract black-and-white print above my toilet, and it became a talking point while keeping the space calm.
25. Keep Countertops Clutter-Free
The golden rule of minimalism: clear countertops. Store all daily essentials in drawers, cabinets, or recessed niches.
I make it a habit to put everything away after use. It takes 30 seconds but instantly makes the bathroom feel clean, serene, and more spacious.
Conclusion
Creating a minimalist small bathroom is about smart choices, not sacrifice. By embracing floating vanities, neutral colors, recessed storage, and strategic mirrors, even the tiniest bathrooms can feel like a luxurious retreat.
Minimalism is a lifestyle as much as a design style—keeping surfaces clear, prioritizing essentials, and using space wisely transforms a cramped bathroom into a serene escape. Follow these 25 ideas, and you’ll turn your small bathroom into a functional, elegant, and stress-free oasis.
About James
James founded HomeUpgradeLab & was sharing his experiences to fix issues related to bathroom and toilet fixtures & fittings. Read to know more about James Hill & how he started this blog.