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Modern small bathrooms: 16 projects to inspire you

Learn practical tips to transform small bathrooms into modern, functional, and stylish projects.

By CASACOR Publisher

Submitted at Mar 28, 2025, 4:00 AM

Mais de 10 min de leitura
Project by Daniela Funari.

Project by Daniela Funari. (Mariana Camargo)

Small bathrooms can indeed be challenging when it comes to decoration, but they are ideal spaces to practice creativity and innovation. The difficulty arises from the fact that it is a very strategic space, with several mandatory elements - and that in reduced dimensions, it is important to double the care to maintain functionality.
Natália Medeiros - Couple's Bathroom. Project from CASACOR Ceará 2021.

Natália Medeiros - Banheiro do Casal. Projeto da CASACOR Ceará 2021. (Esdras Guimarães/CASACOR)

The good news is that several architecture projects gather various elegant and contemporary proposals that demonstrate how it is possible to transform a few square meters into sophisticated and highly functional projects. Check out the practical ideas below to add beauty, modernity, and spaciousness in compact bathrooms.

How to decorate small modern bathrooms?


Bathrooms of the Filipe Geraldes Palace, Fernanda Guerra, Gabriela de Oliveira Henrique Rangel CASACOR Minas Gerais 2021 art drawing ibmec andre prado color decoration

Banheiros do Palácio, projeto de Filipe Geraldes, Fernanda Guerra, Gabriela de Oliveira e Henrique Rangel para a CASACOR Minas Gerais 2021. (Jomar Bragança/CASACOR)

Making small bathrooms modern and full of personality is totally possible. From the choice of colors to the finishes, it is possible to make the projects unique and very elegant. Here are some surefire tips:

Finishes


Casa Voktum Barbara Nobre CASACOR Minas Gerais 2021 garden house nature decoration architecture

Casa Voktum, ambiente de Barbara Nobre para a CASACOR Minas Gerais 2021. (Henrique Queiroga/CASACOR)

The use of modern finishes, such as glazed tiles, large format porcelain or tiles with geometric patterns, gives a contemporary style to the projects. Intelligent combinations of these options allow highlighting specific areas, providing texture, personality, and an exclusive touch to the bathroom without visually weighing down the space. In addition, the finishes also ensure durability and safety. Opt for floors resistant to wet areas and wall textures that withstand humidity.

Optimize the available space


Milene Stefânia - Nature Bathroom. Project of CASACOR Rio Grande do Sul 2023.

Milene Stefânia - Banheiro Nature. Projeto da CASACOR Rio Grande do Sul 2023. (Cristiano Bauce/CASACOR)

Adopting minimalism in decoration elements guarantees a sense of organization and spaciousness to the small bathroom. Options like floating sinks, custom built-in furniture, and embedded niches are surefire ideas that help make the most of every available centimeter with elegance and practicality. Less visual pollution directly contributes to a modern and inviting projects.

Modern lighting


Isabela Dourado and Luciana Dourado - Caraíbas Space. CASACOR Bahia 2023 project.

Isabela Dourado e Luciana Dourado - Espaço Caraíbas. Projeto da CASACOR Bahia 2023. (Xico Diniz/CASACOR)

Proper lighting is a significant differentiator when transforming small bathrooms. Invest in recessed lights with movable spots or LED strips installed strategically near mirrors and niches. Besides visually expanding the projects, modern options like adjustable lighting systems provide a cozy and flexible look for everyday life.

Inspirations for small bathrooms


Small bathrooms present numerous decoration solutions, combining functionality with contemporary style. Rounded mirrors, natural stone finishes, light woods, and decor details that refer to nature are some ideas that often stand out in the installations.
Moura Jabour Arquitetos - Suíte Colo. Project from CASACOR Minas Gerais 2023. In the photo, bathroom with wooden ceiling, black frames, and white fixtures.

Moura Jabour Arquitetos - Suíte Colo. Projeto da CASACOR Minas Gerais 2023. (Gustavo Xavier/CASACOR)

There are techniques that make all the difference in the perception of spaciousness of the small bathroom. Organization, colors, finishes, and many other elements are essential to ensure that the look remains harmonious and light.

Use light and neutral colors


Attointeriores Bathroom Balsam CASACOR Ribeirão Preto 2022 bathroom mirror chair countertop

Attointeriores - Banheiro Bálsamo. Projeto da CASACOR Ribeirão Preto 2022. (Felipe Araújo/CASACOR)

Opting for light colors, such as white, beige, or pastel shades, helps reflect more light, making the projects appear more spacious and airy. If you want to add a touch of color, use it in accessories like towels, rugs, or details in tiles.

Large mirrors


casacor bathroom boxing architecture decoration in Ribeirão Preto

Banheiro do Influencer - Do ego ao Eco. Projeto de OM Arquitetos para a CASACOR Ribeirão Preto 2019. (Felipe Araújo/CASACOR)

Mirrors are great for creating the illusion of depth and visually enlarging the space. Use a large mirror or several smaller mirrors arranged strategically to reflect light and create the sensation of a more spacious bathroom.

Shelves or niches on the walls


FC Architecture and Design Studio - Women's Bathroom. CASACOR Ribeirão Preto 2024 project.

Estúdio FC Arquitetura e Design - Banheiro Feminino. Projeto da CASACOR Ribeirão Preto 2024. (Keniche Santos/CASACOR)

Avoid bulky furniture and instead install shelves or niches on the walls to store essential items. This clears the floor and increases the feeling of space. Using floating shelves, for example, can provide a lighter and more modern look.

Compact toilets and sinks


Raphael Meza and Bruno Vicz - Regato Bathroom. CASACOR Paraná 2024 project.

Raphael Meza e Bruno Vicz - Banheiro Regato. Projeto da CASACOR Paraná 2024. (Matheus Kaplun/CASACOR)

Replacing the traditional sink with more compact or pedestal models occupies less space. An interesting alternative is corner sinks that better utilize the available space and avoid a cramped feeling.

Shower instead of tub


With green paneling at dinner, the covering gains a new floor in renovation. Scale Architecture project, In the photo, bathroom with blue floor and ceiling shower.

Projeto de Escala Arquitetura. (Juliano Colodeti, do MCA Estúdio/Divulgação)

Replacing the bathtub with a glass shower or even a corner shower can be an excellent solution. Using a box with transparent glass doors prevents the projects from feeling "closed" and creates a sense of continuity, making the bathroom look more spacious.

Suspended cabinets


Green elements and charming finishes set the tone in this apartment. Project by Nat Coelho. In the photo, bathroom with pink cabinet and mirror.

Projeto de Nat Coelho. (Gabriela Daltro/Divulgação)

Installing wall-mounted cabinets or drawers, without contact with the floor, can increase the perception of space in the bathroom. In addition to facilitating cleaning, this type of furniture does not block the view and makes the projects more fluid.

Sliding doors


Replacing traditional doors with sliding doors is a great solution for saving space. They do not require extra area to open and close the projects effectively, contributing to a more functional bathroom.

Vertical utilization


Discover the art-filled apartment of architect Bianca da Hora. In the photo, bathroom with wooden slats and a bench.

Projeto de Bianca da Hora. (Fotos: Denilson Machado, do MCA Estúdio / Produção visual: Aldi Flosi/Divulgação)

If the bathroom is very narrow, take advantage of the height of the room by installing shelves and higher cabinets. This type of vertical utilization helps optimize storage without invading the useful floor area, keeping space more open and organized.

Modern and functional materials


Beach house with wooden structure has organic pool and hammock area. Project by David Bastos. In the photo, bathroom with round mirror and benches.

Projeto de David Bastos. (Oka Fotografia/Divulgação)

Use materials such as large format porcelain and ceramics that help reduce the number of lines on the floor and walls, creating a sense of continuity. Shiny finishes or metallic coatings can also reflect light and expand the space.

Minimize excess objects


The apartment has a view of four postcards of Rio de Janeiro. Project by João Panaggio. In the photo, a bathroom with a shower in the ceiling.

Projeto de João Panaggio. (Foto: Denilson Machado, do MCA Estúdio / Produção visual: Aldi Flosi/Divulgação)

Avoiding an excess of decorative objects or products in the bathroom is essential to prevent overloading the space. Keeping the projects simple and organized, using organizers to discreetly store everything, helps to make the bathroom more functional and visually more spacious. CASACOR Publisher is an exclusive content creation agent, developed by the CASACOR Technology team based on the knowledge base of casacor.com.br. This text was edited by Yeska Coelho.