What's more captivating than the restroom? This often-neglected corner deserves our full attention, especially when space is limited. We know it well: even the tiniest nooks and crannies can become true treasure troves of style with the right decorating tips.
Traveling the world, we've discovered that diverse cultures know how to transform these functional spaces into places that tell a story. It's this approach we want to share with you today, offering ideas for transforming your small bathroom into a space that truly reflects your personality. Whether you have 1 or 3 square meters, together we'll explore how to combine functionality and aesthetics in this intimate space of the home.
Our article in brief:
Designing a small restroom requires a creative approach to combine functionality and aesthetics in a limited space.
- THE suspended equipment as compact toilets and washbasins free up floor space and make maintenance easier.
- THE color games transform the perception of space: light shades to enlarge, contrasts to create depth.
- L'strategic lighting combining recessed spotlights, wall lights and indirect LEDs creates a feeling of enlarged space.
- THE natural elements as suitable plants and warm materials bring a soothing atmosphere.
- Favoring vertical storage and functional accessories avoid visual overload.
In this article
The basics for fitting out cramped toilets
In our small, compact spaces, every centimeter counts! To successfully design your toilets in confined spaces, we recommend that you first opt for wall-hung fittings. A wall-hung toilet visually frees up floor space and makes maintenance easier while saving a few precious centimetres.
Compact hand wash basins, sometimes even integrated into the toilet tank, represent an ingenious solution for small amenities that lack spaceWe noticed during our travels in Scandinavia that this 2-in-1 approach is very widespread.
To maximize every nook and cranny, consider vertical storage and custom-made corner units. These solutions allow you to utilize normally wasted space while adding a personalized touch to your restroom. Ideally, these features should be planned for from the design stage, but even during a renovation, there are options to radically transform the available space.
Color games: how to visually enlarge your toilet
The magic of colors can literally transform the perception of your small, cramped toiletsWe favor light shades like white, soft beiges, or pastels that visually push back the walls. Sage green, our current favorite, brings freshness and serenity while creating a feeling of enlarged space.
However, don't be afraid to use deeper tones! An accent wall in a bold shade can create surprising depth. We love duck egg blue or terracotta, which bring warmth and character to even the most modest amenities.
Use contrasts to create depth
Playing with contrasts between different surfaces is a trick we brought back from our Mediterranean travels. A dark floor combined with light walls anchors the space while giving it height. Pearlescent or metallic effect paints beautifully reflect light and visually enlarge the space. small toilets lacking volume.
Wall coverings that transform your small toilets
Your bathroom walls are the perfect canvas to express your creativity and radically transform the ambiance. Tiles remain a classic for their resistance to moisture, but we recommend using them strategically. Geometric patterned tiles laid horizontally visually expand the space, while vertical formats raise the ceiling.
| Type of coating | Advantages for small toilet space | Visual effect |
|---|---|---|
| Vinyl wallpaper | Moisture resistant, varied patterns | Depth and character |
| Wood paneling | Natural warmth, timeless | Verticality and authenticity |
| Waxed concrete effect paint | Modern, easy to maintain | Minimalism, enlargement |
Panoramic wallpaper is our absolute favorite for little corners that deserve a touch of originalityThese immersive settings transport you to another universe and make you forget the reduced dimensions. Lush plant motifs, distant landscapes or artistic abstractions create an astonishing depth.
Optimize lighting for a magnification effect
Light is the magic wand that transforms small, cramped toilets in a breathable spaceIn our Japanese travels, we observed how indirect lighting can transform a minimalist space into a haven of serenity.
For your small toilet, choose a combination of lighting:
- Recessed ceiling spotlights for general lighting without visual clutter
- A designer wall light at face height for functional lighting without shadows
- LEDs integrated under furniture or in plinths to create a floating atmosphere that enlarges the space
Combine these light sources with a strategically placed mirror that captures and multiplies the light. This combination visually enlarges the toilet space while adding an elegant touch. New connected lighting technologies even allow the intensity to be adjusted according to the time of day.
Nature inspirations: creating a calming atmosphere
Introduce natural elements into your small toilet transforms the atmosphere remarkably. Plants are our allies in bringing life and freshness to this often impersonal space. Even with little natural light, some species like pothos, sansevieria, or devil's ivy thrive perfectly.
Natural materials for a warm toilet
Wood instantly brings warmth and character. A solid oak shelf, a small bamboo stool or rattan accessories create a authentic atmosphere in the toilets even the most cramped. These natural materials echo our philosophy of living, breathing interiors.
For windowless spaces, we suggest alternatives like a miniature terrarium, botanical wallpapers, or even plant-scented room fragrances that evoke nature without requiring light.
Clever accessories and storage for small toilets
In our toilets where every inch is precious, accessories should be as decorative as they are functional. We highly recommend exploring verticality with slim wall shelves or built-in niches that don't take up any floor space.
To store essentials without clutter, here are our favorite suggestions:
- A paper holder with an integrated shelf for placing a few decorative objects
- Natural fiber hanging baskets for paper supplies
- A narrow cabinet between the wall and the toilet to maximize unused corners
Accessories like the brush holder or trash can are best hung or integrated into a piece of furniture to free up space. A few carefully chosen decorative objects—a small frame, a handmade ceramic brought back from a trip—add a personal touch without cluttering the space.
Decorative styles suitable for small toilets
Scandinavian style, with its clean lines and soft hues, works wonderfully in small toilets lacking spaceIts minimalist yet warm philosophy combines functionality and aesthetics without overloading the space.
Japanese style, that we particularly like, plays on balance and serenity. Natural materials such as light wood, bamboo and plant fibers create a Zen atmosphere perfect for cramped amenities.
For the more daring, industrial style with touches of matte black, metal, and raw wood can radically transform a small restroom space. The key is to maintain consistency with the rest of your interior while perhaps daring to add a more assertive touch to this unique space.
Tips to avoid mistakes in toilet design
Decorative overload is the number one enemy of small toilet spacesWe often see this temptation to overdo it to compensate for the size. It's better to focus on a few strong, meaningful elements rather than an accumulation that suffocates the space.
Overly bold or contrasting patterns can visually shrink the space. For small bathrooms, we recommend fine patterns or subtle textures that add interest without overpowering the space.
Poorly designed lighting can ruin even the most successful layout. Avoid a single central ceiling light at all costs, which creates unsightly shadows. Instead, opt for multiple sources of soft, diffused light that envelop the space.
Finally, disproportionate fittings are a classic mistake. An oversized towel rack or a piece of furniture that's too deep can transform your welcoming toilets in a stuffy spaceThe golden rule: choose elements that fit the room, even if it means having them custom-made for perfect integration.
