7 Small Bathroom Decorating Tips Minimalists Always Use to Maximize Their Space

Maximizing a small bathroom can feel tricky, but minimalists have it down to an art. By embracing simplicity and smart design, they turn even the tiniest spaces into tranquil retreats. So how do they do it? We tapped a few minimalist design experts to share their top tips for making bathrooms on the understated side shine.

Round Mirrors

In any bathroom, but especially in a minimalist one, there are limited opportunities to add character without crossing into excess. Your vanity mirror is one of those moments.

Emily Ruff, the CEO and Principal Designer at Cohesively Curated Interiors, likes stepping away from harsh, square-lined vanity mirrors and opting for a round one. Round mirrors create a gentle flow, Ruff explains, counteracting all the sharp angles in a minimalist bathroom.

“A round mirror is the kind of piece that makes a space feel carefully curated, especially if you opt for a beautiful finish with character like burl wood or brightly colored lacquer,” Ruff says.

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Natural Materials

Andrea Goldman, the founder of Andrea Goldman Design, explains that minimalist bathrooms often get a bad rap for feeling cold.

“That’s where natural materials and organic accents—think plants, wicker, and jute—come in,” Goldman says. “They’re the perfect antidote to all those sharp edges, making a space feel alive.”

If you’re lacking floor space for a natural material ottoman or stool like the one shown above, consider incorporating sconces with wicker or rattan shades, or a bamboo roller shade for your window. Flat woven baskets or feathered juju hats also make for striking wall art, adding texture without occupying valuable floor space.

Large Scale Windows

Unless chosen judiciously, art can easily disrupt the clean lines of a minimalist bathroom. A clever alternative? Large-scale windows that bring in natural beauty without overwhelming.

Large windows are the ultimate way to breathe life and light into a minimalist bathroom, Patrick Cunningham, the co-founder of C&C Partners, says. They not only frame the outdoors like living art but also bring in natural light that shifts the entire energy of the space.

For an added layer of interest, consider blocked or paned glass. In an exceptionally minimalist bath, even stained glass windows can work.

Full Tile Walls

A bold tile backsplash behind a vanity is a brilliant way to bend the rules of minimalist design. Since tile is a hard surface, pretty much any tile you choose will instantly read modern, creating a striking focal point without disrupting your bathroom’s simplicity.

A minimalist bathroom also offers the perfect opportunity to experiment with extroverted tile choices that might overwhelm busier baths. Think tiny mosaic tiles in an ombre color palette or vertically stacked subway tiles in a wide range of bold, contrasting hues.

A Seamless Sink

One of the fastest ways to disrupt a minimalist flow is introducing a bounty of materials.

“Every time you introduce a new material, you break a room’s minimalist flow—too many starts and stops make the space feel less sleek and more disjointed,” Goldman says.

With this in mind, think about the areas of a bathroom where you can share materials, such as a wall tile that runs onto the floor, or a sinktop material that bleeds over into the sink basin itself.

“We personally love designing integrated stone sinks where the countertop and sink are made from the same material,” Goldman explains. “It creates a seamless, cohesive look that makes the entire vanity feel effortless and clean.”

Arches

Ask any designer, and they’ll tell you the key to magazine-worthy minimalism is adding character while keeping the clutter at bay.

As an architectural detail, arches achieve this effortlessly, creating a vaulted effect that draws the eye upward, adding a subtle touch of drama, all while maintaining a sense of refinement.

Not ready to take on a full renovation to add arched doorways or recesses to your home? Conjure the beauty of arches on a budget with an arched mirror or arched medicine cabinet.

Decorative Lighting

Goldman explains how decorative lighting is a great way to inject character into a minimalist bathroom without crossing into overdone territory. Take globe sconces, for example—they add style and uniqueness without ever feeling fussy. Other options to consider include cylindrical sconces or LED rod sconces.

“Minimalism is all about finding that balance between personality and restraint, and the right light fixture does just that,” says Goldman.