Make Your Small Guest Bathroom Feel Spacious With These Decor Ideas

Do you have a tiny guest bathroom that feels cramped and closed in? Small bathrooms can be challenging to decorate in a way that feels open, inviting, and not claustrophobic. But with some clever decorating tricks, you can transform your small guest bath into a space that looks and feels more spacious.

From bold colors and patterns, to smart storage solutions, to lighting and layout tweaks, there are many ways to make a small bathroom shine.

Evaluate Your Small Guest Bathroom's Layout and Storage Needs

Before decorating your small guest bathroom, take time to evaluate the existing layout and storage. Measure the overall dimensions and create a simple floorplan if needed. This will help you identify any problem areas or traffic flow issues to address.

Also take stock of all the storage your guest bathroom currently has, including under sink cabinets, medicine cabinets, shelving, and beyond. Determine what's working well and what needs improvement. Pay attention to vacant wall space that could accommodate additional storage furniture or organizers.

Some key questions to ask:

• Is there adequate space for multiple guests to move comfortably in and out of the room?
• Is storage sufficient for extra towels, toiletries, and bathroom essentials?
• Are the contents of cabinets and drawers easily accessible?
• Is the space under the sink being maximized?

Addressing any layout or storage deficiencies first will make decorating much easier. Clearing clutter and designating a place for everything will make the room feel instantly more spacious.

Choose the Right Colors and Patterns

When it comes to decorating a small bathroom, it's time to get daring with bold colors and prints. Vibrant hues and eye-catching patterns create the illusion of depth and space in a room. They also add a fun, personalized element that guests will remember.

Some ideas for infusing color:

• Paint one wall an intense shade like navy blue, charcoal gray, or eggplant purple. Keep other walls neutral.
• Use multiple colors of mosaic tile for the floor, shower walls, or as an accent band.
• Choose a colorful or patterned shower curtain in a lively pattern.
• Pick a vibrant hue like teal, lime green, or golden yellow for towels and bath accessories.

When using strong colors, stick to one or two bold hues so the room doesn't feel too busy. Balance them with plenty of neutral whites, tans, or blacks. The contrast will make the vibrant colors pop even more.

In a tiny bathroom, bold printed wallpaper can make a huge impact. Choose graphic black and white prints, sophisticated damasks, or lively floral patterns. Limit wallpaper to one wall as an accent or on a vanity backsplash to avoid overwhelming the space.

Add Mirrors and Carefully Place Lighting

Strategically placed mirrors and lighting can work magic in a small guest bathroom. Mirrors visually expand the space, while lighting casts a warm glow and creates the illusion of size.

Some mirror tricks to try:

• Hang an oversized mirror opposite a window to reflect light and create depth.
• Install narrow vertical mirrors on the ends of a single larger mirror to add height.
• Choose a mirrored medicine cabinet for added storage without sacrificing reflection.

When it comes to lighting, stick with task lighting like sconces or undercabinet fixtures. Overhead ceiling lights cast unflattering shadows in a small bathroom. Mount sconces on either side of the mirror or vanity for even illumination. Undercabinet lights provide focused task lighting.

Incorporate Greenery and Flowers

Live plants bring freshness, color, and life to any space, and small bathrooms are no exception. Greenery instantly makes a room feel more welcoming and tranquil. Ferns, ivy, orchids, and succulents are all low maintenance options that thrive in humid bathroom environments.

Here are some greenery decor ideas to try:

• Group a collection of small potted plants on the vanity, shelves, or windowsill.
• Hang air plants or small ferns in the shower for an unexpected touch.
• Add a tray of succulents to the top of the toilet tank.
• Use wall-mounted plant holders to display greenery without taking up space.

Can't keep plants alive? Faux versions offer the same visual impact without the maintenance. Place them in rustic baskets, ceramic pots, or hanging planters.

A vase of fresh flowers on the vanity is another quick way to liven up a small guest bath. Stick to simple, fragrant blooms like lilies, peonies, or roses that won't need frequent changing.

Maximize Vertical Storage Space

In a compact bathroom, make the most of vertical real estate. Floor to ceiling shelving and cabinets provide concealed storage while taking up zero floor space. Other vertical storage solutions include:

• Extra long shower curtain rods to draw the eye up.
• Wall-mounted corner shelves for shampoo, soap, and other shower essentials.
• Freestanding cabinets positioned vertically against walls.
• Floating shelves staggered artfully at different heights.

For a quick visual boost, consider open shelving to display brightly colored baskets, rolled towels, and your favorite decorative pieces.

In narrow spaces, rolling utility carts offer storage while saving space. Tuck them under pedestal sinks or in corners to neatly stow extra toilet paper, cleaning supplies, and bath essentials.

Rethink Your Medicine Cabinet Storage

A basic recessed medicine cabinet provides out-of-sight storage for toiletries and medications. But the space can feel restrictive. Consider alternatives better suited for small bathrooms, like:

• Mirrors with concealed storage compartments behind or surrounding the glass.
• Framed medicine cabinets that mount to the wall like artwork.
• Narrow freestanding medicine cabinets that tuck into tight spaces.
• Undersink options like slide-out trays or pull-out cabinetry for concealed storage.

Doorless medicine cabinets also eliminate bulky doors that swing out and take up space. Just be sure to organize the contents neatly.

Prioritize Drawers and Bins for Toiletries

Drawer storage is ideal for organizing a small guest bathroom. Opt for a vanity with large, deep drawers that maximize every inch of available space. Then outfit them with customizable inserts and trays to neatly store toiletries.

Some drawer organization ideas include:

• Flocked cosmetic organizers to prevent sliding.
• Modular trays to compartmentalize toiletries.
• Built-in dividers and compartments for customized storage.
• Cutlery organizers for upright makeup brush storage.

For extra storage, use freestanding bins and baskets stacked vertically on shelves or in the cabinet under the sink. Label them for easy access.

Lazy susans efficiently utilize awkward corner cabinet space. Spinning trays provide easy access to items in the back that normally go untouched.

Add Pops of Color With Bath Accessories

Vibrant bath accessories add a lively, personal touch. Towels, shower curtains, rugs, and other accents come in a rainbow of fun colors to brighten up small bathrooms.

Some ideas:

• Choose hand and bath towels in multiple complementary colors.
• Select a patterned fabric shower curtain and coordinate with a solid colored rug.
• Pick metallic bronze or silver bins, shelves, and towel bars for subtle glam.

When selecting bath accessories, opt for a cohesive color scheme for a pulled together look. For example, pair navy and white striped towels with a navy rug and silver fixtures. The coordinated elements will give the illusion of a larger, designer space.

Finish With Stylish, Functional Accents

The finishing touches can make all the difference in pulling your small guest bath decor together. Include styling accents that enhance the overall look while serving a purpose.

Some ideas:

• Add artwork or framed prints to walls for visual interest.
• Incorporate a lidded wastebasket in a neutral tone that blends in.
• Display fresh flowers or greenery in ceramic vessels on floating shelves.
• Include bins and baskets to corral extra supplies.
• Mount wall hooks near the shower for bathrobes and towels.
• Add a boxed shelf organizer with handy compartments for cosmetics.

A final tip? Consider removing the bathroom door and replacing with a doorway curtain for a breezy, spa-like feel even in a tiny bathroom. It's an unexpected detail guests will appreciate.

You can make a small guest bathroom feel airy and open with a bit of creativity. Use bold prints, maximize vertical storage, and incorporate greenery to give your compact space a stylish and spacious feel.