Small Bathroom, Big Design: 5 Inspiring Bathrooms Under 40 Square Feet

Even the tiniest spaces can transform into stunning—functional havens. This collection of bathrooms under 40 square feet showcases how creative design and clever space-saving solutions can make a massive impact. From sleek walk-in showers to ingenious storage hacks, get ready to be inspired by these small bathroom powerhouses. So, ditch the claustrophobic vibes and prepare to see how maximizing every inch can lead to a bathroom that feels both luxurious and incredibly efficient.

These five compact bathrooms by Sweeten showcase that even in the smallest of spaces, style knows no bounds.

A West Village wet room-style bathroom

As the homeowner Ali put it about her 12-square-foot bath: “I’ve been in showers larger than our entire bathroom.” To make this tiny space less claustrophobic, she and her husband Mark decided to make it a wet-room style with a gently sloping floor. Bold, geometric tile brings a pop of color and cheer to the windowless space, too.

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A leak leads to a luxe remodel

After building management discovered a leak in this homeowner’s bathroom she decided to go through with a full renovation. Measuring in at just 40 square feet, there wasn’t a lot of flexibility in the layout. The renovator and contractor decided to stick with the arrangement, but reduce the shower size to gain more room for a vanity. Her best tip? Place a sink to the side, instead of the center of the vanity, to maximize counter space.

A glam bath with sleek storage and stunning floor tile

Angela’s compact bathroom, measuring just 36 square feet, exudes classic New York charm with its subway tile and cozy dimensions. Despite the limited space, her goal was to revitalize the bathroom with fresh fixtures. To enhance storage, her contractor cleverly incorporated inset wall niches flanking the sink and shower, as well as utilizing the shower wall to install marble shelves. These thoughtful additions transformed the small bathroom into a functional and stylish space.

In Gramery, goodbye bathtub; hello glassy & green

Removing the bathtub was the best way to make 35 square feet feel bigger. So that’s exactly what Charon and Lex (who’s 6’ 2”) decided to do when renovating their Gramercy Park bathroom with a Sweeten general contractor.

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A barn door bathroom opens up extra square footage

Erin and Chris’ bathroom can’t be any more than 15 square feet, but their contractor succeeded in making it feel light, bright, and dare we say open? The all-glass shower door across from the window, as well as the white walls, help reflect light streaming in and prove the transformative power of light.

Smart space-saving solutions for small bathrooms

Living in a small space often requires creative solutions to maximize functionality and style. Here are some clever space-saving tips Angela and other homeowners featured in this collection utilized to transform their tiny bathrooms:

• Vertical Storage: Utilize walls! Install shelves, cabinets, and towel racks that take advantage of vertical space. Angela’s built-in niches are a perfect example. Recessed shelves tucked into shower walls also provide additional storage without sacrificing precious floor space.
• Multi-Functional Fixtures: Opt for furniture that serves multiple purposes. Consider a vanity with built-in storage drawers or a shower-tub combo to maximize functionality in a small space.
• Mirrors and Lighting: Strategic use of mirrors and bright lighting can create the illusion of a larger space. Consider a large mirror above the vanity to reflect light and make the bathroom feel more open.
• Compact Fixtures: Downsize! Selecting a smaller sink, toilet, or shower stall can free up valuable real estate in a tiny bathroom. Look for space-saving options without sacrificing comfort or style.
• Sliding Doors: Opt for sliding shower doors instead of swinging doors. This clever solution eliminates the need for clearance space when opening the door, maximizing space around the shower area.

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