Whether you rent or own your home, updating your bathroom can freshen up the space by adding style and enhancing functionality. If you’re working with a small bathroom, it may feel as if your options are limited. In reality, small bathroom renovation ideas just call for a little extra creativity—and there are plenty of ways to make your space work for you.
Here are some of our favorite small bathroom remodel ideas for powder rooms, guest baths, and other compact spaces.
The Best Small Bathroom Update Ideas for Renters & Homeowners
Stick to One Scheme
Having a smaller space means you’ll want to settle on one design scheme to make the bathroom feel more cohesive. Style options are virtually limitless, so choose a concept that speaks to you. Bold geometric patterns, sleek minimalist designs, and vintage-inspired elements are some of the most popular small bathroom remodeling trends.
Once you settle on a specific theme, you’ll be able to incorporate it into various elements of your bathroom, including your lighting, walls, flooring or rug, shower curtain, and other accents. Owners will have a bit more freedom in terms of replacing fixtures and finishes, but renters can still upgrade with accessories.
Add a Pop With Wallpaper
Wallpaper is back and better than ever, and it’s an especially practical tool for a modern small bathroom remodel. Choose one accent wall for a fun patterned design and apply peel-and-stick wallpaper for an option that’s both renter-friendly and simple for owners to remove, too. Your eye will automatically be drawn to this wall, so adorn the rest of the room in complementing colors for an appealing visual effect.
Decorate With Tile
If texture is the perfect finishing touch for your bathroom update, create an accent feature with tile instead. Mosaics and geometric shapes can be a more permanent way to add vibrant details to your space, which is why they’re popular options for homeowners. But as more peel-and-stick tile decals enter the market, more renters can experiment with colors, patterns, and textures.
Make Use of Mirrors
Mirrors are a staple in every bathroom, but they can be more exciting than a single pane. Not only can your mirror help reflect light in a small space, making it feel larger, but it’s also an opportunity to introduce a fun shape or detailing. Circular and geometric mirrors are trendy right now, as are those with black or brass frames—especially in industrial-style bathrooms.
Incorporate Plants
There’s a reason plants are often incorporated into small bathroom remodel ideas. They go beyond typical décor by bringing air-purifying benefits to the room. Plus, they fit with virtually any theme. Funky ferns work well in eclectic or boho spaces, while sophisticated orchids are well-suited for minimalist décor. Snake plants, aloe, and bamboo thrive in almost any bathroom, including those with low light and high humidity.
Swap Out Your Showerhead
Whether you’re a renter who can’t swap out too many features or a homeowner sticking to a budget, replacing your showerhead is a simple and cost-conscious way to upgrade a small bathroom. A filtered showerhead offers long-lasting benefits by eliminating harsh minerals and chlorine, resulting in healthier skin and hair. Talk about a small swap with big results!
Both the wall-mounted Canopy Filtered Showerhead and the Canopy Handheld Filtered Showerhead take just five minutes to install and are available in four stylish finishes for your modern bathroom: polished chrome, matte black, brushed nickel, and brass.
Take Advantage of Vertical Space
Bathrooms of all sizes can benefit from more storage. When you’re limited on cabinet space, look up. Take advantage of open wall space by installing shelves for towels, toiletries, and other bathroom essentials.
If you’re renting, just remember to spackle and repaint over any holes you’ve made. Or skip the shelves completely and pick up a ladder-style towel rack or standalone storage unit to place against your wall.
Adorn Your Floors
A final detail that brings your bathroom together cohesively is your flooring. Large tile is ideal for small spaces since it can create a seamless look. You can experiment with color, texture, and pattern with the tile itself, or choose a simple tile with a more unique layout, such as offset or herringbone.
If you can’t redo the floors or aren’t ready for that type of project, rugs are a quick and inexpensive solution. A neutral or solid color works best for spaces that already have an accent wall or other busy features, but if you’re working with mostly solid colors elsewhere, feel free to add vibrant colors or patterns.
No matter which small bathroom remodel ideas you settle on, Canopy is here to help you achieve a spa-like environment in your home. Embrace better water quality with our Filtered Showerheads, a simple home upgrade that allows you to enjoy better showers with style.
