Think your small bathroom is hopeless? Think again. Many Maryland homes, especially older properties in Bethesda, Silver Spring, and DC, have compact bathrooms that can be transformed with smart design choices. Here are proven ideas from our renovation projects.

Space-Saving Design Ideas

Floating Vanity

Wall-mounted vanities create visual space below and make the floor appear larger. Perfect for bathrooms under 40 sq ft.

Pro tip: Add under-vanity lighting for a spa-like feel

Walk-In Shower

Replace a tub with a curbless walk-in shower to open up the space. Glass enclosures maintain sightlines.

Pro tip: Use large-format tiles (less grout = cleaner look)

Pocket or Barn Door

Traditional swing doors require clearance. Pocket or sliding barn doors save 8-10 sq ft of usable space.

Pro tip: Match door hardware to your fixtures for cohesion

Corner Fixtures

Corner sinks, toilets, and shower units maximize usable floor space in awkward layouts.

Pro tip: Corner sinks work great in powder rooms

Recessed Storage

Built-in niches in shower walls and medicine cabinets don't take up floor space.

Pro tip: Plan niche placement between studs during framing

Wall-Mounted Toilet

Concealed tank toilets save 9-12 inches of floor depth and are easier to clean around.

Pro tip: Requires in-wall carrier system

Visual Tricks to Expand Space

Large Mirrors

Doubles perceived space and reflects light

Light Colors

White, cream, and light gray make rooms feel larger

Continuous Flooring

Same tile from floor into shower expands visual space

Vertical Lines

Stacked tile patterns draw eye upward, adding height

Frameless Glass

Clear shower doors maintain sightlines vs. curtains

Adequate Lighting

Well-lit spaces feel larger; add layers of light

Small Bathroom Remodel Costs in Maryland

Budget Refresh

$5,000 - $12,000

Paint and new fixtures
Vanity replacement
Mirror and lighting update
New toilet

Mid-Range Remodel

$12,000 - $25,000

New tile floor and walls
Walk-in shower conversion
Custom vanity
New plumbing fixtures

Full Renovation

$25,000 - $40,000

Complete gut renovation
Layout changes
Premium materials
Custom storage
Heated floors

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't Make These Errors

-Choosing too-small tiles (busy grout lines shrink space)
-Poor ventilation (leads to mold in small, humid spaces)
-Inadequate lighting (single overhead fixture isn't enough)
-Ignoring storage (clutter makes small rooms feel smaller)
-Over-designing (too many patterns overwhelm small spaces)
-Wrong door swing (doors that hit fixtures or each other)

Best Layout Options for Small Bathrooms

3x5 Powder Room (15 sq ft)

The classic powder room: corner sink, toilet, and pedestal or floating vanity. Focus on a statement mirror and quality fixtures since there's not much else to look at.

5x7 Three-Quarter Bath (35 sq ft)

Add a shower stall to the powder room equation. Corner showers work well here. Consider a sliding barn door to save swing space.

5x8 Standard Small Bath (40 sq ft)

This common size can fit a tub/shower combo, toilet, and vanity. Replace the tub with a walk-in shower for more usable space, or keep it if needed for resale or kids.

6x9 Small Full Bath (54 sq ft)

Starting to have real options here: separate shower and tub, double sinks (narrow), or generous single vanity with storage.

Small Bathroom Remodel Ideas That Actually Work