As we prep for our move to Los Angeles, I’ve been so excited about our new apartment. And of course, a new apartment means a new bathroom to decorate! So today I’m sharing my favorite easy ideas for small bathrooms.
Of course, small space design is always a fun adventure. However, the challenge really shows up when you’ve got tight quarters in the bathroom. Rather than repeat the same old tips, like “use a pedestal sink,” these ideas for small bathrooms will actually make yours look bigger.
Above all, none of them require a renovation. In fact, you can do every one on a modest budget. So, ready for a tiny bathroom makeover? Then let’s get into these 3 easy tips!
Tip 1. Double Shower Curtain It Up
Why Double Curtains Are One of the Best Ideas for Small Bathrooms
Firstly, you’ve probably heard the tip to hang curtains above a window to make a room look bigger. So why not try the same trick with your shower? As a result, double curtains instantly look more upscale. In addition, hanging them floor to ceiling draws your eyes up.
And you guessed it, that makes your little bathroom look bigger than ever! Also, for the softest look, choose light, airy fabrics in ivory, white or a classic toile.
In order to pull off this look, you’ll need an adjustable shower curtain rod. Better yet, choose a curved one for even more elbow room. After that, add two of your favorite shower panels.
Alternatively, for a custom touch, use two clear liners on the inside. Then, buy a few yards of your favorite fabric for the outside. Finally, finish with classy tie backs for an instant touch of chic.
Tip 2. Over The Toilet Storage Is Your Best Friend
Why Over The Toilet Storage Works in Small Bathrooms
Admittedly, you’d be surprised how many people fill this spot with a simple towel rack. But this prime real estate can be a storage gold mine! Granted, the cabinets that slide over your toilet are easy. Still, closed cabinets can make a tiny space feel cramped.
Instead, opt for open shelves that go all the way up to the ceiling. This is another one of my favorite ideas for small bathrooms. After all, it draws the eye up, and open shelves feel airy. Meanwhile, a brass or glass shelf adds that vintage hotel feel.
When styled right, this is the perfect spot for cute but functional decor. For example, use small bins for hand towels and everyday bath products. Likewise, store cotton balls in pretty apothecary jars. Then top it off with a framed photo or a small plant!
Tip 3. Fun Wallpaper + Unique Mirror = Perfection
Why Wallpaper Is Among the Best Ideas for Small Bathrooms
Similarly, creating a focal point is easy with this fresh trick. First, choose a bold wallpaper for the wall above your sink. Then, pair it with a unique mirror. If you’re renting, peel and stick wallpaper gives a similar effect without the hard work.
Although some say don’t go bold in small rooms, a pretty pattern can actually brighten a tiny space. In addition, it gives the eye an easy place to rest. Besides, you don’t have to cover every wall. Instead, a single accent wall above the sink looks perfectly polished.
How to Choose a Mirror for Small Bathrooms
To begin with, pick a wallpaper with a fairly large print. After that, add a unique mirror that complements your light fixtures. For instance, an ornate gold frame instantly feels vintage. Similarly, an arched or oval shape softens all the straight lines.
Shop the Small Bathroom Look
So here are all my favorite small bathroom pieces in one place. Then just tap any product to see it!
So there you have it, 3 easy ideas for small bathrooms that’ll make yours look bigger! Altogether, these chic touches breathe fresh air into a tiny space. Meanwhile, have you tried any of them in your own bathroom? If so, let me know how it went in the comments below!
Also, if you love a little old-world charm, you’ll adore these French vintage bathroom ideas. Or, for even more pattern inspiration, browse my chinoiserie decor ideas. Finally, see why I think more is more when it comes to decorating!
- 20 Mudroom Ideas for a Charming, Organized Entry
- 20 Vintage Christmas Decor Ideas for an Old-World Holiday
- 20 French Country Kitchen Ideas for Old-World Charm
- 18 Elegant Thanksgiving Table Ideas With Vintage Charm
- Neo Deco Home Decor: Modern Art Deco Ideas for 2026
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Taylor, great ideas. We are visiting our daughter right now and shopping for things for her apartment. Will definitely try the double curtain trick. Love the open shelves, as long as the person is organized and keeps them looking tidy and uncluttered.
Yes that is the one downside to em, you’ve gotta keep em tidy looking! Thanks for reading Lisa!
I don’t own an apartment but these are some awesome ideas
thanks so much for reading and glad you like em!
Those are such amazing tips!!! I love the idea with the mirrors
Thanks Stefanie! That one is my fav too! Thanks for reading!
Love these tips! Thanks so much. We live in very tight quarters here in New Orleans, and our bathroom is no exception. These are great tips. We already have over the toilet storage, but the other two we will work on.
I’m sure it’s all worth it to be in a fab city like NOLA, but every little bit helps huh?! Thanks for reading!
Great and cute tips! Xoxo
Thanks for reading Natasha!
Love the wallpaper and mirror idea!
Thank you! I am obsessed with wallpaper!
So cute! Thank you for all the tips
Glad you like it, thanks for reading Cassie!
OMG! The wallpapers! We have a super-tiny bathroom, too… but I think I’m gonna have to start preparing my husband for crazy wallpaper winter, LOL! Thanks for the great ideas and smiles from Switzerland!
Glad you enjoyed it, and hope you have fun with that little winter project! Thanks for reading Steffi!
Great tips! I love having storage above the toilet as well as it can be an aesthetically pleasing and convenient place to store things
Bernice | IG @bunnybernice
https://www.bunnybernice.com/single-post/2017/08/29/MuLondon-Cleanser-and-Moisturiser-Review
It’s a life saver! Thanks for reading Bernice!
These are such great tips!! Definitely going to be using them
Glad to hear it! Thanks for reading!
Some great ideas! I’ve been thinking about getting wallpaper and doing a feature wall in our bathroom so found this helpful. Thanks!
I cant wait to do the same! Thanks for reading Roxsanne!
I freaking love bold crazy wall paper in a bathroom.. really adds character and like you say, a sense of space.
Great tips!
Laura ¦ http://www.laurahasablog.co.uk
Goodness me too, can’t wait to pick one out! Thanks for reading Laura!
These are some great tips! I definitely want to add some open shelving in my bathrooms soon. I love the metal and wood option that is hanging from the ceiling!
That one is my fav too! Thanks for reading!
Love the doctor bow curtain tip! So dramatic!
Hahah yes, all about the drama! Thanks for reading Natalie!
Love working on small spaces because then I think you need to be more creative
Isn’t that the TRUTH! Thanks so much for reading Joanne!
I’ll defo be doing these!
Glad you enjoyed Tianna!
I love these bathrooms !!! The butterfly wall paper is out of this world. Thanks for the inspirational post.
Isn’t it fantastic?! Thanks so much for your kind words Sam!
This was a lovely read! Thanks for tips
Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for reading Kimberly!
Such great tips, loving the ideas!!
Thanks so much Leila!
These are great ideas! I love the double curtain trick, it also makes the bathroom so so elegant and luxurious!
I couldn’t agree more, and it’s super easy too! Thanks for reading Cari!
Great post! I’d love to try no 2 but sadly there’s a boiler over the toilet and there’s no place for storage.
Aw what a bummer! Glad you enjoyed it and thanks for reading!
Great ideas! Love the curtain one.
Thanks, I love that it is such an easy trick!
Great tips I love the shelves with iron hooks they are fantastic!!! I wish I was bold enough to add a fun wall paper like the blue zebra one, but I think my husband would have a coronary.
Hahah if thats not the realest thing I’ve read all day! Glad you liked it, thanks for reading Jennifer!
These are fantastic tips – I especially love the storage above the toilet area. Going to buy shelves!
So glad you enjoyed! Thanks for reading Rachel!
Wow thanks for sharing I’m Airbnb Hosts and this is very helpful:)::)
Oh I love this, I’ve been meaning to make my bathroom look presentable, this helped a lot. Great post!
I love these tips!! So creative.
glad you enjoyed! Thanks for reading Kassie!
OOO! Might have to try out the double shower curtain. I’m loving that look.
I am about to do one in my sisters home and I cannot wait to see how it looks! Thanks for reading Lauren!
I love the wallpaper idea!!! This post is so useful with simple but brilliant ideas! Thanks for sharing this
Isn’t it fun? Glad you enjoyed and thanks for reading Glenda!
I love these ideas, especially the double shower curtain! I also love the shelves, such a great idea!
Glad you like em Michelle! Thanks for reading!
I have a tiny bathroom too. Putting shelves above the toilet really helps 🙂
Love this post thanks for sharing, my favourite is the Zebra wallpaper! Totally love it!
Thanks
The Girl! x
http://www.girlbehindthelook.com/blog
Hi Taylor,
Thank you for the tips you provided I will use all of them as I redecorate my guest bath. I would like to do the wall paper idea above our sink however, our sink is not positioned in a nook like the examples above. Instead, our 36 inch vanity sit on a long wall in our restroom. So there would be a three foot strip of wallpaper and then bare wall directly to the left of it and then our toilet.
What our your thoughts on this? I wonder if the wallpaper idea would look as nice if there is a lack of symmetry.
Hi Erika! That is a great question, I think it would still look nice! As long as the mirror is centered evenly above the sink, and the wallpaper isn’t too busy, it should look great. You can even try a matching pair of sconces to amp up the symmetry in the area, making it a beautiful focal point 🙂