It’s a classic Pittsburgh story. You love your home's character - whether it’s a cozy Brookline bungalow, a historic South Side row house, or a charming cape in the North Hills - but the bathroom is, to put it politely, tiny.
If you’re spending your Saturday afternoon scrolling for inspiration, feeling stuck with a cramped, dated bathroom, you’re in the right place. A small bathroom isn’t a limitation; it’s an opportunity for clever, high-impact design. With the right strategy, you can transform that tight space into a stylish, functional retreat.
Here are our top tips for remodeling a small bathroom.
1. Create the Illusion of Space
Before you pick a single fixture, think about perception. The goal is to trick the eye into seeing a larger, more open area.
Go Light and Bright: Dark colors can make a small room feel like a cave. Opt for light, airy colors like soft whites, pale grays, or light blues. Painting the ceiling the same color as the walls makes the room feel taller.
Embrace the Mirror: A large mirror is a small bathroom’s best friend. It reflects light and the room itself, creating a powerful illusion of depth. Consider a wall-to-wall mirror above the vanity for maximum effect.
Let There Be Light: A single, dim overhead light won’t do. A well-lit bathroom feels bigger and cleaner. Combine recessed ceiling lights with vertical sconces on either side of the mirror to eliminate shadows and brighten the whole space.
See-Through Shower: Ditch the shower curtain. A bulky, opaque curtain chops the room in half. A frameless glass door, or even just a simple glass panel, keeps the sightlines open and makes the entire floor plan visible.
For this Squirrel Hill client we used a mirror that spanned the entire half wall to create an illusion of a larger room
For this client we converted the acrylic tub into this clear shower stall and it transformed the entire space! Check it out.
2. Choose Smart, Space-Saving Fixtures
In a small bathroom, every square inch counts. Modern fixtures are designed specifically for compact spaces.
Get a Floating Vanity: This is our number one recommendation. By mounting the vanity to the wall, you expose the floor underneath. This creates a continuous line of flooring that makes the room feel significantly larger and less cluttered.
Consider a Corner Sink: For truly tiny powder rooms, a corner sink can be a game-changer, freeing up valuable floor space and improving traffic flow.
Wall-Mounted Faucets: Mounting the faucet directly to the wall frees up precious counter space on a smaller vanity, giving you a cleaner, more minimalist look.
Rethink the Door: The swing of a traditional door can eat up a surprising amount of functional space. If your layout allows, consider a pocket door that slides into the wall or a stylish barn door that slides along the outside.
For our Oakland client we installed a floating vanity to maximize the illusion of additional floor space
3. Maximize Every Inch of Storage
Clutter is the enemy of a small space. Your design needs to include clever storage solutions to keep countertops clear.
Go Vertical: Think up, not out. A tall, narrow linen tower can provide a ton of storage without taking up a large footprint.
Recessed Everything: Use the space between the wall studs. A recessed medicine cabinet offers hidden storage without jutting out over the sink. A recessed niche in the shower is the perfect spot for shampoo and soap, eliminating the need for bulky caddies.
Use the Space Above the Toilet: This is often wasted real estate. Simple floating shelves are perfect for holding towels, baskets, or decorative items.
For this client we installed a wide niche with mosaic inlay tile on one wall
...and then another niche on the other wall for smaller items like skincare products
A Special Note for Pittsburgh Homes
Remodeling a bathroom in our region’s older homes often comes with unique challenges. Behind those plaster walls, you might find old plumbing or electrical systems that need updating to meet current Allegheny County codes. While this can add to the scope, addressing it during a remodel is the smartest and safest time to do so. Working with a local contractor who understands the quirks of Pittsburgh-area homes is essential to ensure your project goes smoothly and is built to last.
Ready to Transform Your Small Bathroom?
A small bathroom doesn't have to feel like a compromise. With thoughtful planning and smart design, it can become one of the most beautiful and efficient rooms in your house.
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