Is your bathroom tiny? Trying to figure out how to best use its limited space? No problem! Here we give you lots of design inspiration for how to make your small bathroom feel twice as big—and look stellar too.

From how you think about tile designs to pretty wallpaper ideas, you’re sure to find lots of ideas to make your bathroom as functional as it is delightful. Who knows, you might even have space for a beautiful claw-foot tub that you didn’t think possible! Read on and let the dreaming and scheming begin for your own bathroom. It’s getting ready to live large!

Think Vertically

green bathroom
Max Kim-Bee

Vertical paneling on the walls and/or cabinetry will draw your eyes upwards, making even a tiny bathroom appear bigger. Here, fresh spring-green beadboard paneling also brings a cheery vibe. Vertical subway tiles can achieve a similar look.

Create Cubby Space

rustic bathroom with trough sink
William Abranowicz

Need more storage space? Consider creating a cubby space under your sink for towels, bath products, and more. Woven baskets make great additions to keep clutter at bay. If you prefer not to see what’s under the sink, add a skirt to wrap around the base to cover it up and add some fun pattern and/or color to the room.

Embrace Darker Hues

bathroom with green floral wallpaper and white tile wainscoting with black tile trim
ALI HARPER

While bright, airy colors can make cramped bathrooms feel larger, by contrast darker colors can add a unique depth and drama to enliven a small space. Here, in an Alabama home, a deep, almost aubergine brown covers the walls and trim for a color-drenched design that makes you feel like you stepped into a spa (yes, please!).

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RELATED: 45 Powder Room Decorating Ideas That Add Storage and Style

Try a Space-Saving Pedestal Sink

lakehouse powder room with pedestal sink
David A. Land for Country Living

One of the most tried-and-true space savers in a bathroom is a classic pedestal sink with its compact footprint and slender silhouette. Here, a vintage pedestal sink is the centerpiece of this petite lake house bathroom and pairs with vintage ship wheel sconces lined with fisherman’s rope that add coastal charm.

Think Creatively with Fixtures

white wood paneled bathroom with sloped roof and cast iron tub with shower curtain, the floors are made from brick pavers laid in a herringbone pattern
Annie Schlechter for Country Living

Even if your square footage is limited, that doesn’t mean you have to choose between a tub and a shower. Instead, combine them! If you have a classic claw-foot tub, you can buy a shower kit that’s both easy to install and easy on the wallet. Plus, it’s full of country charm to boot.

RELATED: 36 Creative Claw-Foot Tub Ideas for Every Bathroom

Select Dainty Patterns

powder bath with floral wallpaper and a bright blue reclaimed vanity
David A. Land

Want to add some color to your small bathroom but not overdo it? Opt for ditsy wallpaper prints perfect for petite areas. The small-scale, continuous pattern has a way of melting seamlessly into the overall design and is anything but “busy.” Here, designer Chenault James featured a vintage paper from Brunschwig & Fils and then chose finishes and paint colors in corresponding colors to tie the look together.

Headshot of Madoline Markham Koonce
Madoline Markham Koonce
Assistant Managing Editor
Madoline Markham Koonce is the assistant managing editor at Country Living and VERANDA, where she covers home décor, shopping, travel, news, and culture. She began her career at Southern Living and previously worked in community journalism—including serving as the editor of three community magazines she helped launch. She has an undergraduate degree in history from Rhodes College (and loves to tap her love of history in her writing) as well as a master's degree in magazine journalism from the University of Missouri. When she's not on deadline, you can find her baking or lost in a good book.