Smart bathroom design tips to create a more spacious bathroom

Bathrooms in small apartments are typically compact, and it’s unrealistic to expect such limited space to be stylish. The goal is simply to make the renovation practical and functional while creating a sense of greater openness. Integrated bathroom suites are the ideal choice for remodeling small‑size bathrooms. Regardless of the style you choose, keep these key considerations in mind to turn your tiny bathroom into a highly functional space—and one that’ll leave you amazed at how much room it feels like it has!

I. Choose high-quality, affordable tiles

For small bathrooms, you don’t need to go overboard with wall and floor finishes—high-end tiles can be expensive. In a compact space, avoid overly busy color schemes; light, cool-toned tiles will keep the area feeling fresh and airy while also visually expanding the room and enhancing its aesthetic appeal. Such tiles typically cost around 50 yuan per square meter, making them an affordable, value‑for‑money option. Taking a 4‑square‑meter bathroom as an example, the total cost for wall and floor tiles would be roughly 1,500 yuan. The designer’s integrated sink-and-toilet unit not only saves space but also increases the usable surface area of the sink, providing convenient storage for various items. Additionally, placing a pot of hardy, vibrant greenery atop the toilet serves as a charming decorative touch.

II. For the washbasin, a countertop basin is preferable.

In a small bathroom, avoid installing pedestal sinks, as the space beneath the pedestal goes unused, wasting valuable room. Instead, opt for a countertop basin and pair it with an under‑counter cabinet; this not only increases storage capacity but also allows you to stash more items. Some designers even integrate the washbasin with a laundry machine, saving space while expanding the basin’s surface area—perfect for conveniently storing various essentials and making smart use of limited room. Additionally, placing a vibrant little potted plant atop the washing machine can serve as a lovely decorative touch (as shown in the photo). For a compact bathroom, choose a toilet that takes up minimal floor space. On the market, the most common types are one‑piece and two‑piece models. One‑piece toilets, with their integrated tank and bowl, tend to have a higher scrap rate and are slightly more expensive than comparable two‑piece units, while also occupying more floor space. In contrast, two‑piece toilets save space; their concealed‑tank design can shave off at least 20 centimeters of depth. In small bathrooms, opting for a two‑piece toilet is both space‑saving and cost‑effective. With a two‑piece model, the hidden tank is built into the wall, completely out of sight.

III. Choose a bathtub that is deep rather than wide.

Even a small bathroom, thoughtfully designed by an interior designer, can easily accommodate homeowners who want a bathtub. As shown in the photo, this deep‑but‑narrow tub is easier to stand in than a standard bathtub, without compromising comfort at all. For compact bathrooms, it’s best to opt for a small yet deep tub.

IV. Dry–Wet Separation

The compact bathroom achieves dry–wet separation without weighing down the space. The wet zone houses the toilet and shower, while the dry zone accommodates the washbasin, ensuring optimal use of even a small bathroom.

5. Install a mirror cabinet, shelves, and other fixtures above the washbasin.

Whether on the basin surface or the countertop of the bathroom cabinet, overloading with cleaning and personal-care products can look cluttered and make items easy to knock over. To address this, consider installing a mirrored cabinet along the wall above the sink. Not only does it provide storage for makeup bottles, brushes, and wash cups, but the reflective surface also helps visually expand a small bathroom. Additionally, the space above the toilet tank is often an overlooked area in standard bathroom designs. Without obstructing access to the toilet, you can use this spot to mount a shelf for storing toilet paper, hand towels, detergents, feminine hygiene products, and more. To maximize space in a compact bathroom, install a metal shelving unit in a corner to hold shampoo, body wash, and other essentials. This keeps small items neatly organized, maintaining a clean and tidy appearance while making the room feel more spacious. Avoid using built-in toilet paper holders or soap dishes, as they can be impractical and take up valuable space.