Blog

A small bathroom layout doesn’t have to feel cramped. In fact, with Lake Country Builders, it can become one of the most efficient (and even beautiful) spaces in your home. 

Whether you’re tackling a guest bath, powder room, or a primary suite with tight dimensions, here’s our best tips to maximize space, function, and style.

1. Float the Vanity

One of the simplest tricks to visually open up a small bathroom is opting for a wall-mounted vanity. Floating vanities expose more floor area, which gives the room extra space (or at least the feel of it). Under-cabinet lighting helps enhance the look!

2. Choose a Glass Shower Enclosure

Frameless glass showers are a go-to feature in our small bathroom remodels. They eliminate visual barriers, preserve natural sightlines, and make the space feel far more open compared to bulky curtains or framed enclosures. Pair that with sleek tilework, and even the smallest shower can feel like a luxury.

3. Go Big with Tile

It might sound counterintuitive, but larger tiles actually make compact bathrooms feel bigger. Fewer grout lines mean a cleaner, more seamless appearance—especially on shower walls and floors. We love using 12×24 or even 24×48 tiles in light tones to reflect light and stretch the space visually.

4. Stick to a Light Color Palette

Color plays a massive role in how open a space feels. Our go-to palette for this type of bathroom includes warm whites, soft taupes, and muted greys, all of which reflect light beautifully. When finishes, tile, and paint colors work together, the space feels balanced (and bigger).

5. Use Mirrors 

Mirrors don’t just help you get ready—they bounce light around compact spaces and give the illusion of more space. We often custom-cut large mirrors for small bathrooms or use careful planning to place them strategically across from windows or sconces to amplify both natural and artificial light.

6. Rework the Footprint 

Sometimes the best solution for a small bathroom layout is starting from scratch. Our team frequently rethinks a bathroom floor plan to improve flow, maximize functional space, and introduce key features (like walk-in showers or additional storage) that didn’t exist before.

7. Build in the Storage

Smart storage is key in a small bathroom—but bulky cabinetry can quickly eat up a narrow space. We recommend:

• Recessed shower niches for soaps and shampoos

• Built-in shelving between wall studs

• Mirrored medicine cabinets with integrated lighting and outlets

• Slim linen towers tucked beside vanities

These subtle storage solutions maintain a clean look while keeping clutter at bay.

Multi-Functional Design for Maximum Efficiency

Whenever possible, every element in a small bathroom renovation should do double duty. Think shower benches with hidden extra storage or vanity drawers with outlets for hair tools. At Lake Country Builders, we know how to make the most of every feature!

Curious about aging in place? Check out this blog!

Tubs vs. Showers For A Small Bathroom Layout

“Should I keep a tub in a small bathroom?” We get this question a lot! The answer, of course, depends on your needs. For families with young kids or those who enjoy soaking, a compact tub can work beautifully with the right layout no matter your bathroom size. But more often, we recommend replacing the tub with a walk-in, curbless shower for floor space.

From a resale perspective, it’s smart to have at least one tub in the home—but it doesn’t have to be in your smallest bathroom.

An Underrated Upgrade

If there’s one luxury upgrade we recommend in small bathroom remodeling, it’s radiant floor heating. Not only does it add comfort on chilly mornings, but it also helps dry the floor faster—keeping everything cleaner and reducing moisture buildup.

Ready to Maximize Your Small Bathroom Layout?

At Lake Country Builders, we design and build bathrooms that feel bigger than their square footage. If you’re ready to create your dream bathroom design from a small space, we’re here to help!

Contact us to schedule your consultation!