Are you worried your Madison bathroom is too small to be functional and stylish? Maximizing space is key in any bathroom design, particularly in tighter interiors. A well-planned renovation can transform even the most compact layout into an attractive and highly functional retreat.
Whether designing a small primary bath or a little powder room, this article explores different design considerations that can lead to a bathroom that’s open, light, and something you’ll be proud for guests to see.
Optimize Layout and Storage
One of the biggest challenges in small bathrooms is optimizing the layout. Here are some elements to consider:
Floating Vanities
Floating vanities free up floor space and make even small bathrooms appear bigger and more spacious. Such a unit is mounted to the wall, with a space between its base and the floor, hence the name. They offer functional storage options while providing a sleek, minimalist, and modern look. Opt for a floating vanity design with built-in drawers or open shelving to easily access daily essentials.
Recessed Shelving
Recessed shelves are built-in shelves set into the wall, usually into shower walls or above the toilet. They eliminate the need for bulky freestanding shelves, cabinets, or shower caddies and are particularly suited to smaller bathrooms. The recessed shelving can be tiled or finished to match your desired interior decor.
Pocket Doors
Instead of traditional swing doors, pocket doors slide directly into the wall, reclaiming valuable space that would otherwise be needed for door clearance. This design allows for greater flexibility in layout and fixture placement while contributing to a clean, modern aesthetic. However, pocket doors come with some drawbacks. They don’t always provide a completely airtight seal, which can affect privacy and soundproofing. Additionally, proper installation requires sufficient wall thickness, making them unsuitable for certain spaces.
Barn Doors
Barn doors are another great option for small bathroom spaces. They slide along a track instead of swinging open, which helps save space and improves accessibility. However, keep in mind that barn doors don’t always provide a completely airtight seal for privacy or soundproofing, so they may not be ideal for every bathroom layout. If privacy is a concern, consider a solid-core barn door with soft-close hardware for a quieter, more secure fit.
“In a small bathroom, every inch counts. A well-optimized layout is about creating a space that feels open, functional, and effortless to use while ensuring everything you need fits,” says Linda Sweeney, Vice President & Design Consultant of Sweeney Design Remodel.
“Strategic choices like floating vanities and recessed shelving allow homeowners to maximize storage and movement without compromising on style. And that’s why layout planning is one of the most important steps in any home remodeling project.”
Choose the Right Fixtures
Smaller spaces require smart fixture choices, like these:
Wall-mounted sinks and toilets
In a similar way to floating vanities, wall-mounted sinks and toilets free up valuable floor space and create a more open feel. Wall-mounted sinks (such as this small powder room sink in Madison) can also be installed at varying heights, which together with the added space below, makes them more accessible for people with mobility challenges. Wall-hung toilets allow for hidden tank systems and more streamlined designs, which are ideal for smaller bathroom layouts.
Corner showers
Corner showersCorner showers are a great space-saving solution for compact bathrooms, fitting seamlessly into underutilized areas while keeping the layout open and functional. They come in various styles to suit different design preferences and spatial needs. Quadrant and curved showers feature rounded fronts for a sleek, modern look, while square and pentagon-shaped designs offer clean lines and maximize interior shower space.
Glass shower enclosures
Frameless glass shower enclosures also effectively maintain light and airy aesthetics in a smaller bathroom. They reduce visual barriers, thereby creating a seamless environment. Different hardware finishes and glass types are available, and they can be matched with any bathroom interior design scheme, like this frameless shower enclosure we installed.
Also, sliding glass doors are an excellent space-saving alternative to hinged models.
Utilize Light Colors and Reflective Surfaces
To make a small bathroom appear larger, consider these visual enhancements:
Light, neutral colors
Color matters a lot when it comes to increasing the perceived size of any interior space. Lighter shades, such as soft whites, pale grays, warm beiges, and pastels, reflect natural and artificial light, thereby making a smaller bathroom appear bigger than it really is. They also create a cohesive look that’s so important for a stylish room. To add depth without overwhelming the interior, consider slightly darker tones for the lower half of the walls or a vanity backsplash.
Mirrors and glossy tiles
Mirrors are the most effective way to expand a perceived space without physically increasing its dimensions. A large frameless mirror or one with integrated lighting will amplify brightness and make the bathroom feel more open. Mirrored cabinets add further mirror space while providing additional storage solutions. If space allows, positioning a mirror opposite a window will further enhance natural light, creating a bright and welcoming feel.
Glossy or high-sheen tiles also reflect light and add vibrancy to a smaller space. Consider adding subway tiles, large-format tiles, or mosaic accents in materials like glass or polished porcelain.
Good lighting
Effective lighting is crucial in the bathroom, particularly one that is more compact. Strategically adding layered lighting and maximizing natural light can significantly transform what before might have been a dark, drab interior. Layered lighting combines different types of light sources to create balanced illumination, ensuring all bathroom areas are adequately lit without adding unnecessary shadows.
“In a small bathroom, layered lighting is essential for both function and ambiance,” adds Linda Sweeney. “A single overhead light can create harsh shadows and make the space feel smaller. But when you incorporate multiple light sources, such as sconces at eye level, recessed ceiling lights, and LED accents, you can evenly distribute light and enhance the room’s depth. Strategically placed lighting makes the bathroom more practical and welcoming.”
If structurally possible, consider enlarging any small windows or adding skylights. Extra daylight will add brightness and enhance mood. Blinds or sheer curtains will provide privacy while allowing natural light to filter through.
Incorporate Smart Storage Solutions
There’s storage, and then there’s smart storage. Small bathrooms benefit from storage specially designed for compact spaces, such as the following options:
Built-in niches
We touched on recessed shelving earlier, including the mention of recessed shelves in the shower. Recessed shower niches provide a sleek and practical way to store toiletries without cluttering limited shelf space. They do away with the need for corner caddies and over-the-shower racks that can look cluttered, especially in a small bathroom. With a little contrasting tile inside the niche, the shelving can provide a nice eye-catching accent feature.
Vertical storage
Compact bathrooms mean floor space is at a premium. In this scenario, vertical storage solutions are key design elements, with options including tall cabinetry, ladder-style towel racks, and floating shelves. These storage pieces make efficient use of wall space and can be installed, for example, above a toilet or next to a vanity.
Or they can be floor-to-ceiling cabinets like the Tailored Living Closet system we installed for homeowners in Nakoma.
Vanities with custom drawer inserts and pull-out trays
When it comes to vanities of any type, consider ones with custom inserts, pull-out trays, and deep drawers. These design elements allow easy access to essential grooming tools, cosmetics, and cleaning supplies. A well-organized vanity can make a world of difference in a small bathroom.
In one Madison remodeling project, we designed custom cabinetry that was built and designed to look original and match seamlessly with the homeowners’ desired interior style.
Consider a Wet Room Design
Wet rooms are ideal for compact bathroom interiors, eliminating the need for barriers and cubicle doors. A wet room is a fully waterproofed bathroom with a shower area fully integrated into the general space. The shower is open with water draining directly through a specially designed floor gradient.
Because wet rooms are fully waterproofed, they’re easier to clean and more resistant to mold and mildew. You can achieve a smooth, low-maintenance surface with large-format tiles featuring minimal grout lines or sealed micro cement finishes.
A wet room is perfect if you are looking to create an airy and luxurious spa-like ambiance. They imbue a sense of openness and an uninterrupted visual flow, which, with the right fixtures, can look amazing. Wet rooms enhance aesthetics and future-proof your bathroom, making it a great addition to any aging-in-place designs.
“A well-designed wet room is a smart, long-term investment,” says Tim Sweeney, President & Project Developer of Sweeney Design Remodel. “By eliminating barriers like shower curbs, wet rooms create a seamless and open environment that works for people of all ages and abilities. This makes daily routines easier, especially for those with mobility challenges or homeowners planning to age in place.”
Why Choose a Design-Build Approach for Bathroom Remodeling in Madison, WI?
A design-build remodeling approach is a good strategy for small bathroom renovation. Design and construction are kept under one roof. Instead of working with separate designers, contractors, and suppliers, homeowners collaborate with a single team from start to finish.
The result is a seamless experience where miscommunication, unexpected delays, and budget overruns are vastly reduced compared to traditional remodeling projects. Every decision is worked on together and guided by both aesthetic vision and practical feasibility. A dedicated team overseeing the entire project means timelines are more reliable and everything stays on track.
For a stress-free, high-quality remodeling experience in Madison, WI, with a commitment to quality, choose Sweeney Design Remodel.
Start Your Bathroom Remodeling Project Today
At Sweeney Design Remodel of Madison, WI, we’ve been helping homeowners create the homes of their dreams since 1954.
As one of the most trusted names in remodeling, we ensure fantastic results for every project we complete. Our 4-step design-build methodology seamlessly integrates both the design and build elements of a project.
Our experienced and friendly team guides homeowners through a proprietary design-build process where customers remain informed, engaged, and 100% satisfied. We can do the same with you.
Take a look at our special approach to home remodels, sign up for our newsletter, and reach out to us directly. We look forward to discussing how we can help you achieve the perfect home.
