Our Favorite Small Baths That Live Large

As the only main-level bath in this home, this 9x7-foot space serves as both a powder room for guests and a full bath for a family. A neutral palette that blends modern aesthetic with traditional style gives the bathroom a polished look. Glass mosaic tile, limestone tile, and dark-stained cabinetry serve as rich accents that add personality.

When cast-iron pipes within this bathroom?s wall foiled plans for a wall-hung faucet, the wall behind the vanity was brought forward to make way for the plumbing valves. A dramatic mosaic backdrop provides a striking point of entry for the vanity. The dark-stained wood cabinetry and medicine cabinet present a clean-lined, sophisticated look.

A traditional linen closet was traded for a built-in cabinet to boost function and style. Linens and bath accessories are easy to reach and stow out of sight. Small bins and baskets within cabinet drawers make it a breeze to categorize belongings and eliminate clutter.

For a neutral shower backdrop, 18x18-inch limestone tile with subtle variations was installed. The wall behind the tub was modified to include a trio of storage niches for bath necessities, and a separate handheld shower was brought into play. A luxe two-panel shower curtain with beaded edging completes the look.

This once-cramped attic bath experienced a dramatic overhaul with a few savvy remodeling touches. A monochromatic color scheme and plenty of natural light help to visually expand this bath, which results in a space that feels much larger than its small footprint.

Furniture-style vanities -- such as this new base cabinet with beaded-board paneling and a fresh vanity top -- conserve floor space and keep the cottage theme consistent throughout the room. A medicine cabinet with beveled glass reflects light to open up the space visually while providing handy storage for small items.

Display shelves underneath the dormer skylight expand storage space for linens and bath necessities. In a small bath, shelves or cubbies recessed into the walls contribute storage without taking up valuable space.

A shower and toilet across from the vanities round out the bathroom space. Keeping the existing fiberglass shower and buying a standard adjustable showerhead made the decision to update the glass shower door an easy one. A new door frame in brushed nickel was installed to give the bath a fresh new look. Consistent use of finishes on bathroom fixtures, from towel hooks to door handles, helps tie the room's aesthetic together.

This 5x12-foot bath was cramped and water-damaged before a water-resistant remodel that maximized space. White wainscoting and a new bathtub made the space appear larger. The homeowners increased the storage space in the bathroom by choosing a slim vanity with drawers and shelf space for towels. The window in the shower and light fixtures above the vanity illuminate the space.

The homeowners chose white ceramic tiles for the shower walls because of the tile's water-resistant properties. Installing the tile past the window draws the eye up and makes that bathroom look taller. The window brings in natural light, which is a key to making a small space feel less cramped. Because the window is located in the shower, it needed to be durable and water-resistant. A vinyl-clad window unit did the trick.

Vinyl wainscoting that mimics the look of beaded board provides a waterproof surface on the remaining walls. The new vanity is narrower than the previous one, giving users more space to maneuver in the room. The vanity drawers and towel shelf provide lots of storage space, which is critical in a small space.

Mosaic stone tiles create an interesting and durable floor. Tile is a popular material for bathrooms because it is stain-proof and water-resistant and comes in a variety of colors and patterns. Though the basket-weave pattern looks intricate, the tile comes in 12x12-inch mesh-mounted sheets for simple installation.

Tip: If you're worried about stepping onto a cold tile floor after a hot shower or soak, consider installing a radiant heating system under the floor.

Center-set faucets are a good choice for a vanity without much room behind the sink. An undermount sink provides maximum counter space and makes wiping up spills on the marble countertop easy.

The goal of this 6x5-foot bathroom was to conserve space while providing durable, kid-proof surfaces. The vanity is crafted from a marble slab mounted on a 19th-century bureau. The wall-mount faucet conserves counter space around the 13-inch sink.

An antique hutch serves as bathroom storage. The open shelves hold towels while the door below conceals toiletries. The wood is protected from splashes by a marine-quality clear varnish.

To ensure that the bathroom was waterproof, mudproof, and kid-proof, the homeowners choose subway tile wainscoting for the walls. The bath includes a handheld showerhead and a drain built into the slate floor. The white walls, window above the bathtub visually open the room.