9 Space-Saving Small Master Bath Ideas That Still Feel Spa-Worthy

A luxurious and functional bathroom offers tremendous benefits to homeowners. As a space that you use every day, you'll constantly notice the difference after a master bathroom remodel.

High-quality design is essential to making the most of any master bath. But thoughtful design is especially important for a small master bath where every inch counts. While a small bathroom creates some limits during a remodel, the right design can turn a small space into one that delivers visual appeal and usefulness that you'll enjoy day in and day out.

In this article, I'll share some examples from our portfolio where we've turned our clients' small master bathroom ideas into a high-end remodel. I hope these ideas kindle your inspiration and help move you one step closer to a renovated master bath.

#1: A Tuck-Away Toilet

In this project, we employed a "tuck-away toilet" design, which partially hides the toilet in an adjacent area. Although we had to work with limited space, separating the toilet area helps open up the rest of the bathroom.

In addition, using a glass shower door instead of a shower curtain gives the entire bathroom a more open feel. Distinct tile for the floor and the shower walls adds an additional touch of visual interest.

#2: The 2x2 Design

Although not a tiny space, this master bathroom is still on the smaller side, requiring smart design to make the most of the layout. We used a 2x2 design with a vanity and closet along one wall facing a walk-in shower and tub on the other wall. The vanity with a single sink offers lots of usable counter space.

Modern design elements, including clean lines and a frameless glass shower door, make the space feel bigger, creating an almost spa-like experience. Other options and upgrades that could be incorporated into this kind of design include heated floors or a floating vanity or medicine cabinet.

#3: A Strategically Placed Pocket Door

In this master bath remodel, we used a pocket door to save space and hide the toilet. For a shared master bathroom, the pocket door adds meaningful extra privacy and a more spacious feel.

Other steps to make the space feel bigger include putting in robe hooks instead of full towel bars and installing some open shelving in the vanity. We also spruced up the bathroom decor with a vintage mirror and bright, attractive house plants.

#4 An Angled Corner Shower

For this master bathroom remodel, we had to maximize the available space by building the walk-in shower in the corner and under the angle of a gabled roof. While it gives the shower irregular dimensions, it creates additional floor space for the attractive freestanding tub. Modern fixtures and high-end materials round out the design for this small bathroom.

#5 Built-In, Set-Back Vanity

Bathroom vanities often jut out into the main floor space, but in this project, we set the vanity back into the wall to make the small bathroom feel bigger. The double vanity has one large mirror, and the wide reflection helps reduce the sense of narrowness in the room.

Cabinets underneath the vanity and on both sides of the mirror provide plenty of storage space, and a stylish walk-in shower features built-in niches of two different sizes.

#6 An Angled, Wall-Hugging Vanity

A standard bathroom vanity with a simple rectangular shape isn't always the best fit for a small space. In this home, one bathroom wall had a pronounced natural angle. Instead of trying to squeeze in a rectangular vanity, we created a vanity that traces the angle of the wall. In the end, this proved to be a great solution, allowing us to maximize space, installing two sinks and more cabinets for extra storage.

#7: Pony Wall Divider

Another simple upgrade for a small bathroom is to use a pony wall to help create separation from the toilet area. In this remodel, the limited floor space meant that the toilet and freestanding tub had to be close to one another. The pony wall gives a greater sense of separation despite the space restrictions.

This remodel also demonstrates how unique styles and patterns can give more personality to a small bathroom. In this space, distinct patterns for the floor and wall add a striking visual element. The style may not be for everyone, but if you find something that suits you, it can be a great way to draw attention to the decor instead of the size of the bath.

#8 Bright Wall Paint

A pop of color can go a long way in adding visual interest to a small space. That can be a single accent wall, or, in the case of this remodel, the paint color for the whole bathroom. Combined with a large mirror and bright vanity lights, these design elements make the bathroom feel more vibrant and dynamic. An ample niche in the walk-in shower helps save space, and the glass doors also make the room feel more open.

#9 Harnessing Natural Light

One of the best ways to make any room feel bigger is to include a window that lets in natural light and makes everything feel more spacious and open. In this upper-floor remodel, we achieved that result with a large skylight. While it allows plenty of natural light to stream in, the skylight resolves many of the privacy concerns that homeowners have with standard bathroom windows.

Beyond this custom-designed window, the bathroom features a modern aesthetic with two vanities made of light-colored wood that are separated by a chic freestanding tub. An attractive painting fills the wall space above the tub and complements the wood tones and natural light.

Designing Your Bathroom Remodeling Project

Hogan Design & Construction is a custom remodeling firm, which means we don't copy and paste bathroom designs. We adapt our project plan to your vision and your space. That allows us to deliver high-end results regardless of whether you want to remodel a huge bathroom, a powder room, or anything in between.

If you're thinking about your next project, we'd love the opportunity to help you find the right ideas for your home. We invite you to schedule a consultation to learn more about our process, our team, and what we can accomplish together.