How can I make a small bathroom look stylish? These ideas will make even tiny spaces feel chic

Making a small bathroom look stylish is no easy feat. When you have a lot of space you really have a lot more design freedom to create a room that is in line with current interior trends. But if you're lacking the space, don't worry. There are still ways you can be clever about design, and plenty of touches you can make to create a room that is a perfect stylish spot to unwind in. 

The key? Don't skimp on things that feel luxurious. 'There are a lot of ways of making a small bathroom look stylish,' says Ophélie Doria of interior design studio, Space Factory, 'but first off you have to treat it like another room of the home and make it look comfortable no matter the size.' 

Read on for small bathroom ideas that are sure to make your space feel stylish.

1. Don't be afraid of going for a statement bath

(Image credit: Le Whit)

Just because you have a small bathroom doesn't mean you can't enjoy the luxury look of the ever-stylish freestanding bath. As in demand as ever, freestanding baths are the ultimate definition of luxury. But for smaller bathrooms, there is no reason freestanding tub dream isn't within your grasp. 

For smaller bathrooms around 6.5 - 9.8 feet by 4.9 foot, a smaller bath of around 59 inches or less will work. A bath in a smaller ensuite is still achievable too. There are several models out there that are 51 inches to 55 inches, which is smaller than a standard shower, and can be the perfect solution. Look to a compact slipper bath - an asymmetrical freestanding bath raised at one end so the bather can be immersed. A short roll-top or back-to-the-wall design with at least 3.9 inches round each of the edges is also good for smaller bathrooms. Shower baths are also great space-saving designs, shaped to be wider at the shower end. They are generally P-shaped or L-shaped. 

2. Create bathroom niches

(Image credit: Space Factory)

If space is at a premium, think about how you can use your wall to your advantage to create handy bathroom niches where you can store essentials. You might want to tile them in a beautiful way too, as seen here from Space Factory, which has used playful terrazzo to add a focal point. It's a small way to gain precious bathroom storage space and is a look that can be achieved in even the smallest of spaces.

3. Add a bathroom stool

(Image credit: Zac&Zac. Design: Jeffreys)

A stool is a simple addition that really ups a small bathroom's style. A handy extra place for storage of shampoos and conditioners, and working as a bath tray, it also adds elegance to the space and reinforces the idea that your bathroom is a place of luxury and pampering. ‘I always like to pair a freestanding bath with a smart bath tray, you can even prop your tablet on there for a bit of in-tub viewing,’ says interior designer Pandora Taylor.

The surface area also adds a small space that you can decorate as you would with coffee table decor. A selection of your favorite magazines, a candle and a jar of bath salts make a stylish vignette.

4. Go dark and moody

(Image credit: Fabian Martinez. Design: direccion)

This small space designed by the architectural design studio, direccion, had to account for very little lighting, using what little light comes through from the ceiling to reflect light and create the illusion of space. 

Instead of trying to make the space feel bigger, the design house embraced the lack of space by going for a dark bathroom, using sumptuous shades of brown to make the room cocooning and cozy, and effortlessly stylish. 

5. Use beautiful materials in small quantities

(Image credit: Madeleine Harper. Design Emily Lauren Interiors)

Don't underestimate the power of material to make a small space really pack a punch. Emily Lauren of Emily Lauren Interiors had the challenge of creating a tiny powder room tucked off in a private nook that was dramatic and luxurious. 'It's a small bathroom with no natural lighting,' Emily explains. 

'We decided to embrace the darkness and created a dramatic and moody atmosphere with lots of texture by using Portola's Roman Clay on the walls and designed a custom bathroom sink and mirror using calacatta viola marble.'

6. Go bold with statement tiling

(Image credit: Romanek Design Studio, 1stDibs)

Sometimes, clever small bathroom tiling is a way to make a small space feel on trend. It gives real wow-factor, adds texture and doesn't shy away from the fact that this is a smaller room, in fact it embraces size. 

This California bathroom by Romanek Design Studio does just that with a stylish black-and-white look, with tiles taken across the ceiling in a monochromatic way. Golden accessories make it all the more glamorous and prove that space isn't an obstacle to style.

7. Remember wall lights

(Image credit: Hanna Grankvist. Design: Studio Nato)

Lighting is important in the bathroom and can take all sorts of shapes and sizes, but when you are lacking the room for a dramatic ceiling light, look to your spare wall space for inspiration and use the walls for sconces or wall lights above a vanity unit. Extra bathroom wall lighting can provide that extra feeling and layer to a room, explains interior designer, Caz Myers. 'A contemporary style of vanity mirror wall-lights add mood, are striking, and give the bathroom a vibrant and unique feel both during daytime and at night when the lights create a wonderful glow.' 

Here, Studio Nato achieved that feel with frosted bulb-style lights with glimmers of gold hanging above the mirror, giving the room a pampering feel.

8. Embrace statement grouting

(Image credit: Casey Dunn. Design: Elizabeth Baired)

When it comes to designing small bathrooms, you might be tempted to keep the color scheme light to try and create the illusion of space, but that doesn't mean you can't have fun and experiment with pops of color. 

We've noticed designers supersizing grout, or using contrasting colors of grout to tile to create a bit of interest in the bathroom. In this room designed by Elizabeth Baird, red grout lines help lift his small room in a subtle but stylish way, creating interest in an unlikely way.