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Decoration

7 tips for decorating small bathrooms and making the most of the space

Check out practical tips for decorating small bathrooms, from optimizing space with shelves to adding plants and pictures

By Yeska Coelho

Submitted at Jan 24, 2025, 9:00 AM

08 min de leitura
FC Studio Architecture and Design - Women's Bathroom. Project of CASACOR Ribeirão Preto 2024.

FC Studio Architecture and Design - Women's Bathroom. Project of CASACOR Ribeirão Preto 2024. (Keniche Santos)

Small bathrooms don't have to be synonymous with simplicity or a lack of care when decorating. Quite the contrary: interior design can be an ally to bring more functionality and make better use of every corner. Transforming a small bathroom into a cozy space can be a challenge but, with a few simple strategies, it is possible to optimize the environment and still guarantee a lot of style. Check out some tips and inspirations for creating your own décor!

1. Include shelves and niches


Natural materials and light tones are the focus of PKB Arquitetura's project. In the photo, a washroom with a sculpted sink and niches.

Projeto PKB Arquitetura (Fotos: Denilson Machado, do MCA Estúdio / Produção: Lu Algarthe/CASACOR)

Verticalizing is always a great solution for those who need to organize a small bathroom. This solution helps to store essential items - such as towels, toiletries and even ornaments - without taking up too much space.

2. Use organizers


With green panel in the dining room, penthouse gains new floor in renovation. Project by Escala Arquitetura. In the photo, the bathroom is wallpapered and mirrored.

Project signed by Escala Arquitetura. (Juliano Colodeti, from MCA Estúdio/Disclosure)

Maintaining order is essential to avoid the accumulation of items in the bathroom. Trays and baskets are excellent for keeping your bathroom items tidy and always within easy reach.

3. Make the most of natural lighting


In Rio, Horto Girassol creates landscaping that blooms all year round. In the photo, a toilet with a view of the garden and a wooden bench.

(Juliano Colodeti, of MCA Estúdio/CASACOR)

Natural lighting is indispensable, as it helps to create a sensation of spaciousness and improves the ventilation of the room. Therefore, if your bathroom has a window, try not to obstruct it with curtains or objects that block the light from entering.

4. Large mirrors


YK Arquitetura - Lavabo Oásis. Project for CASACOR Piauí 2024.

YK Arquitetura - Lavabo Oásis. Project for CASACOR Piauí 2024. (Esdras Guimarães/CASACOR)

A large mirror is a great way to make a small bathroom double in size. It reflects light and creates a sense of depth, making the space seem wider and airier. What's more, the large mirror is practical and facilitates the personal care routine.

5. Add plants to the decor


Contemporary furniture and wood-paneled walls mark this 138 m² apartment. Designed by Leticia Nanetti. In the photo, the bathroom with mirror and sculpted tub.

Projeto: Letícia Nannetti (Edson Ferreira/CASACOR)

A vase on the worktop, a vertical garden hanging on the wall or a less exuberant floor plant. Adding plants to the bathroom is a great way to bring life and freshness to the room, as well as creating an even more welcoming atmosphere. However, it is important to choose species that adapt well to humidity and lack of light, such as ferns, succulents, orchids or jiboia.

6. Choose light or contrasting colors


Cintia Ramos - Lavabo Wabi Sabi. Project for CASACOR Paraná 2024.

Cintia Ramos - Lavabo Wabi Sabi. Accepting the beauty of imperfection, impermanence and the incompleteness of life seems a contradiction in terms in this society that demands exactitude. Inspired by the ancient Japanese concept of Wabi-Sabi, the architect created an environment that follows the premise of (Marcelo Stammer/CASACOR)

Light colors are ideal for small bathrooms, as they visually enlarge the room and bring a feeling of freshness. Even so, if you want a darker bathroom, you can bet on color contrasts to add dynamism to the décor - this way, the bathroom gains personality without losing its lightness.

7. Include pictures in the decor


Isabela Bethonico and Studio Tertúlia - Bathroom: Blue or Patience and Courage. Project for CASACOR Minas Gerais 2023. Bathroom with blue and green walls, paintings and bathtub.

Isabela Bethonico and Studio Tertúlia - Blue or Patience and Courage Bathroom. Project for CASACOR Minas Gerais 2023. (Studio Tertúlia/CASACOR)

Bathrooms bring affection and beauty to any environment. This is no different in the bathroom. Go for models that bring personality and fit in well with the rest of the decor. If the bathroom is very minimalist, a medium or large painting can help bring out the more surprising look you want. In rooms that already have plants and niches, for example, small paintings positioned next to the countertop can be enough to avoid overloading your small bathroom.