A small bathroom can feel charming and functional when designed correctly, but common decorating mistakes can make the space feel cramped, cluttered, or poorly lit. Whether you’re working with a compact powder room or a tiny ensuite, avoiding these design pitfalls will help you create a bright, airy, and well-organized retreat. Here are 10 things you should never do when decorating a small bathroom—and how to fix them.
1. Choosing Dark Colors That Make the Space Feel Smaller
Dark, heavy colors can make a small bathroom feel even more enclosed. Walls painted in deep hues like charcoal, navy, or burgundy absorb light rather than reflect it, making the space feel tighter than it is. Instead, opt for soft neutrals, warm whites, or pale pastels, which create a sense of openness. If you love moody tones, consider using them sparingly, such as on a vanity or in small accents, while keeping the walls and ceiling light and airy. A high-gloss or satin paint finish will further enhance brightness by reflecting light around the room.
2. Using Oversized Fixtures That Overpower the Space
Bulky vanities, oversized bathtubs, and large decorative elements can make a small bathroom feel crowded and unbalanced. Instead, choose compact, wall-mounted sinks, floating vanities, and sleek storage solutions to free up floor space and create a sense of openness. Opt for a pedestal or console sink, which offers functionality without overwhelming the room. A frameless glass shower enclosure instead of a traditional shower curtain will also visually expand the space, making it feel less confined.
3. Ignoring Vertical Space for Storage and Decor
Limited square footage doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice storage. Many people overlook the vertical space in a small bathroom, resulting in cluttered countertops and limited organization. Utilize floating shelves above the toilet, wall-mounted cabinets, or recessed niches in the shower to maximize storage without consuming valuable floor space. Tall ladder-style towel racks and hanging organizers are also excellent ways to keep towels and toiletries neatly arranged while maintaining a clean and stylish look.
4. Using Too Many Bold Patterns or Busy Designs
While patterns can add character, excessive use of bold prints can overwhelm a small bathroom and make it feel chaotic rather than cohesive. Large-scale floral wallpapers, heavy geometric tiles, or overly busy designs can visually shrink the space. If you love patterns, incorporate them in small doses, such as a single accent wall, a subtle tile design, or a decorative shower curtain, while keeping the rest of the space light and neutral to maintain balance.
5. Skimping on Proper Lighting and Relying Only on Overhead Fixtures
A single overhead light fixture often casts harsh shadows, making a small bathroom feel dim and unwelcoming. Layered lighting is essential—combine wall sconces, LED mirror lights, and under-shelf lighting to eliminate dark corners and brighten the entire space. Installing backlit mirrors or recessed lighting around the vanity enhances functionality while creating an illusion of depth. If natural light is limited, opt for warm LED bulbs that mimic daylight for a soft, inviting ambiance.
6. Choosing a Shower Curtain That Closes Off the Space
A heavy, opaque shower curtain can visually cut a small bathroom in half, making it feel even more confined. Thick fabrics or dark-colored curtains block light and create a closed-in effect. Instead, opt for a clear or lightly frosted glass shower door, which allows the eye to travel through the space, making it feel larger. If a curtain is necessary, choose a light-colored, sheer, or neutral linen shower curtain and mount the rod closer to the ceiling to create the illusion of height.
7. Overcrowding the Space with Too Many Accessories
Over-decorating a small bathroom with excessive decor, plants, baskets, or trinkets can quickly make it feel cluttered and chaotic. While accessories add personality, too many can overwhelm the space. Stick to a “less is more” approach—incorporate one or two statement pieces, like a vintage mirror, a single framed artwork, or a stylish soap dispenser, while keeping countertops mostly clear. Functional decor, such as woven baskets for towels or a simple glass jar for cotton balls, keeps things organized while maintaining an elegant, uncluttered look.
8. Using the Wrong Size Mirror or Skipping It Altogether
A small mirror or no mirror at all can make a compact bathroom feel cramped. A large, well-placed mirror reflects light and visually doubles the space, creating an airy feel. Instead of a tiny vanity mirror, opt for a wall-to-wall mirror, a round oversized mirror, or a backlit option to enhance brightness. Mirrored medicine cabinets offer both storage and reflective benefits, making them an ideal choice for tiny bathrooms. Positioning a mirror across from a window will further amplify natural light, making the space feel open and refreshed.
9. Choosing the Wrong Flooring That Doesn’t Suit the Space
Flooring plays a key role in how spacious or cramped a small bathroom feels. Dark, large-format tiles or heavily patterned floors can make the space look crowded. Opt for light-colored, small or medium-sized tiles in neutral tones like soft gray, warm beige, or classic white to create a sense of continuity. Using diagonal tile placement or long, vertical planks in wood-look porcelain can also elongate the room, making it feel larger and more open. Avoid high-contrast grout lines, as they can visually break up the space and make it feel busier than it is.
10. Forgetting About Functional Storage Solutions
A small bathroom without well-planned storage can quickly become cluttered and disorganized. Avoid leaving toiletries, towels, and products scattered on surfaces, as this makes the space feel messy and cramped. Instead, install recessed wall shelves, floating corner units, or a slim over-the-toilet cabinet to keep essentials neatly stored. Built-in niches in the shower provide a stylish alternative to bulky storage racks. For small spaces, consider a mirror-fronted cabinet above the sink, offering hidden storage while maximizing light reflection.
