Did you know that the average apartment bathroom is often squeezed into less than 40 square feet? I learned this the hard way when I moved into my first city studio and literally couldn’t open the door without hitting the sink—it was a total nightmare!
I spent months bumping my elbows against the shower door before I realized that a small footprint doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style or your sanity. In this guide, I’m going to share 7 small apartment bathroom decor ideas that I’ve used to turn cramping powder rooms into spacious retreats, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal so you can finally stop hating your tiny bath.
1. Master the Art of Vertical Storage Solutions
If there is one thing I tell everyone about living in a small place, it is to stop looking at the floor. The floor is already full! You need to start looking at your walls. I remember standing in my bathroom thinking I had nowhere to put my extra towels. Then I realized the space above the toilet was totally empty. It was just wasted space.
So, I bought some simple floating shelves. I like the wood ones because they look warm, but glass is okay too if you want it to look airy. Putting them right above the toilet is a game changer. You can stack your towels there or put your little jars of cotton balls. It clears off the sink counter, which is a huge win.
Another thing I love is those leaning ladder racks. You just lean it against the wall. It barely takes up any room on the floor, but you can hang three or four towels on it. It draws your eye up, making the room feel a bit taller. And if you have a weird tight corner, try to find a tall, skinny cabinet. I found one that is only like 10 inches wide. It fits perfectly and holds all my cleaning supplies. Using that vertical space is the best way to get organized without feeling crowded.
2. Create Illusions with Large Mirrors and Reflective Surfaces
Mirrors are honestly the oldest trick in the designer’s book for a reason. They work! In my tiny powder room, I felt like the walls were closing in on me. The first thing I did was take down that chunky medicine cabinet that stuck out from the wall. It was just taking up air space that I didn’t have.
I swapped it for a huge, frameless round mirror. It was actually wider than the sink, but that was the point. It instantly made the room feel open. If you can, try to get a mirror that goes almost floor-to-ceiling on one wall. It reflects all the light and tricks your brain into thinking there is more space than there actually is.
Also, think about your surfaces. I used high-gloss paint on the ceiling and glossy white tiles in the shower. They bounce the light around like crazy. It stops the room from feeling like a dark cave. Just changing these reflective surfaces makes a massive difference without knocking down any walls.
3. Lighten Up: The Power of Bright Colors and Good Lighting
I cannot stress this enough: dark corners make a room feel tiny. When I moved into my current place, the bathroom was painted a dark beige. It felt like a closet! I immediately grabbed a bucket of soft white paint. Sticking to a monochromatic palette—like whites, creams, or very light greys—blurs the lines between the walls and the ceiling. It just opens everything up.
Lighting is the other big thing. Most apartments just have one light fixture in the middle of the ceiling. That is the worst because it casts shadows on your face when you look in the mirror. I added some stick-on sconces beside my mirror to mix it up. It brightens the whole room. And if you are lucky enough to have a window, don’t block it with heavy blinds! I used a frosted glass film instead. It lets all the sunshine in but keeps anyone from seeing you in the shower.
4. Opt for Space-Saving and Multi-Functional Fixtures
When you have a small bathroom, every single inch counts. I learned that the hard way when I tried to squeeze a standard cabinet into my first apartment. It blocked the door! You really have to scale your stuff to fit the room.
I had to make a tough choice between a pedestal sink and a vanity. The pedestal sink looks great and makes the room feel huge because it’s so open at the bottom, but then you have zero storage. I actually think a floating vanity is the best middle ground. It hangs on the wall, so you can still see the floor underneath it. Being able to see more floor tricks your eye into thinking the room is bigger.
If your layout is really weird, look at corner sinks. My friend installed one in her tiny powder room, and it opened up the whole walkway. Also, consider a faucet that mounts right on the wall instead of the counter. It sounds like a small thing, but it gives you a few extra inches of counter space for your soap and toothbrush. It is a total lifesaver in a tight spot.
5. Distract the Eye with Bold Wallpaper or Accent Walls
People usually think you have to keep small walls plain, but I actually disagree. Sometimes, a fun pattern is the best distraction. If there is a cool design on the wall, nobody notices how close the walls are together. I decided to try a feature wall behind my vanity. I used that peel-and-stick wallpaper because I was renting and didn’t want to mess up the paint. It was super easy to put up.
I chose a big floral print. You might think big prints are too much for a tiny room, but they actually work better than tiny, busy patterns. The tiny ones can make it feel cluttered. Big patterns look intentional. Another trick is using vertical stripes. My ceiling is kind of low, so I used striped paper to make it look like the walls went up higher. It’s a fun way to add some personality without taking up any actual space on the floor.
6. Soften the Edges with Textiles and Shower Curtains
I think fabric is the secret weapon for a cold, tiled room. It softens everything up. The best trick I ever learned was about the shower curtain. Don’t put the rod right above the tub where it usually goes. I moved mine all the way up to the ceiling. You have to buy an extra-long curtain, but it makes the room look so much taller. It draws your eye up and feels a bit more fancy.
Also, think about what you are hiding. My tub was old and scratched, so I used a thick, patterned curtain to cover it up completely. But if you have nice tile in the shower, maybe just use a clear liner. It lets you see the back wall, which adds depth. And don’t forget the floor. I hate cold rental tiles, so I got a big, fluffy rug. It covers the ugly floor and keeps my feet warm in the morning. It’s a simple change that makes a big impact.
7. Bring Life In with Humidity-Loving Greenery
I honestly think plants are what turn a bathroom from “just a room” into a sanctuary. But in a tiny space, you don’t want big pots taking up your precious floor or counter space. I had to get creative. I started looking up—again! I bought a cheap macramé hanger and hung a fern right in the corner from the ceiling. It adds this pop of green without getting in my way when I’m brushing my teeth.
Another thing I tried recently is tying a bundle of eucalyptus to the showerhead. When the hot water hits it, it smells like a fancy spa. It is amazing for stress relief after a long week of teaching. If you have a little bit of shelf space, try a Pothos or a Snake Plant. I have a notorious “black thumb,” but these guys love the humidity from the shower and even I haven’t killed them yet. They clean the air and just make the tight space feel fresh.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. You honestly don’t need a contractor or a million dollars to fix up a small bathroom. I know it feels frustrating when you are tripping over the bath mat every morning, but trust me, these small changes really add up. When I finally finished fixing up my bathroom, I actually started looking forward to my morning routine. It didn’t feel like a cramped closet anymore; it finally felt like my space.
Just take it one step at a time. Maybe start with just the plants or swap out that old shower curtain. You will be surprised at how much better it looks with just a little effort. I really hope these small apartment bathroom decor tips help you love your home a little more. If you found this helpful, please pin these ideas to your Pinterest board. It helps me out, and it saves this list for when you are at the store wondering which plant to buy!
