Many bathrooms in small apartments are only about 3 square meters;
once you add a vanity, toilet, and shower area, it immediately feels cramped.
However, with the right layout and dimensions,
a small bathroom can be made to look more spacious and function better.
Based on extensive experience designing for small homes, here are 10 highly practical tips to maximize space:
① Separate wet and dry areas (instantly makes the space feel fresher)
The smaller the bathroom,
the more important it is to separate wet and dry zones.
Recommended:
Linear glass partition
Half-glass partition
Shower area dimensions:
≥90cm
Benefits:
Keeps the floor dry
Creates a tidier look
② Move the vanity outside (a game-changer for small homes)
A common strategy for small apartments:
Relocating the vanity outside the bathroom
Advantages:
More space inside the bathroom
No conflicts during use
More convenient during morning and evening rushes
③ Use recessed wall niches for storage (space-saving)
Compared to mounted shelves,
recessed niches save more space.
Recommended dimensions:
Width: 30–40cm
Depth: 10–15cm
Benefits:
Saves space
Looks more high-end
④ Choose a compact toilet
For small bathrooms, consider:
A short-projection toilet
Length:
Around 60cm
⑤ Install a wall-hung vanity
Wall-hung units are a lifesaver for small homes.
Advantages:
Creates a lighter, airier feel
Keeps the floor visible and open
Easy to clean
Recommended height:
About 20cm off the ground
⑥ Use large-format tiles
Many people think small bathrooms require small tiles.
In reality:
Large tiles make the space look bigger.
Recommended:
Wall tiles:
600×1200mm
Fewer grout lines create a seamless, unified look.
⑦ Use a mirrored cabinet (super practical)
Mirrored cabinets offer
the most practical storage solution for bathrooms. Suitable for storing:
Toothbrushes
Skincare products
Hair dryer
Instantly creates a tidy space.
⑧ Use a linear floor drain
Linear floor drains are becoming increasingly popular.
Advantages:
Faster drainage
More attractive appearance
Easier floor tile layout
⑨ Wall-mounted drainage saves space
Standard drain pipes take up a lot of space inside the cabinet.
Wall-mounted drainage allows for:
Larger cabinet capacity
A more aesthetic look
⑩ A unified color scheme makes the space look larger
For small bathrooms, it is recommended to:
Use a light color palette.
Examples include:
Beige
Light gray
Cream
This creates the visual effect of a larger space.
