So your bathroom’s smaller than a walk-in closet? Join the club! I’ve been wrestling with my shoebox-sized bathroom for years, and let me tell you, I’ve tried every trick in the book.
The good news? You don’t need a contractor or a trust fund to transform that cramped space into something actually functional.
Here’s the thing about small bathrooms – they force you to get creative. And honestly? Some of my best home improvement moments happened when I had zero floor space and maximum determination.
Today I’m sharing 15 DIY projects that actually work (because I’ve tested most of them myself, and my friends have tackled the rest).
Floating Shelves for Maximum Storage
Remember when I thought floating shelves were just for Pinterest-perfect homes? Yeah, I was wrong. These bad boys are absolute game-changers for small bathrooms. You literally create storage out of thin air – how cool is that?
I installed three floating shelves above my toilet last summer, and suddenly I had room for all those extra towels that used to live on my bedroom floor. The best part? You only need about $30 and an afternoon to make this happen. Grab some sturdy brackets, wooden boards (I used reclaimed wood because I’m fancy like that), and a level that actually works.
What You’ll Need:
- Wooden boards (cut to your desired length)
- Heavy-duty brackets
- Wall anchors (trust me, don’t skip these)
- Sandpaper and stain or paint
- Your favorite drill
Here’s my pro tip: measure twice, drill once. Seriously, I learned this the hard way when I ended up with crooked shelves that made everything look like it was sliding off. Also, weight capacity matters – don’t be that person whose shelves crash down at 2 AM.
DIY Corner Vanity Makeover
Ever looked at that awkward corner in your bathroom and thought, “What a waste of space”? Time to fix that! Converting a corner into a vanity area changed my morning routine completely.
I bought a simple corner shelf unit from a thrift store for $15 and transformed it into a mini vanity station. Added a small mirror, painted everything white, and boom – instant glam corner. The trick is working with what you’ve got instead of fighting against it.
You can mount a triangular shelf in the corner, add some LED strip lights underneath (more on lighting later), and suddenly you’ve got a spot for your skincare routine that doesn’t involve balancing products on the toilet tank. FYI, corner spaces are usually deeper than you think – measure before you buy anything!
Corner Vanity Essentials:
- Corner shelf unit or floating corner shelf
- Small round mirror (they fit corners perfectly)
- Adhesive LED strips
- Small containers for organization
Creative Wall-Mounted Towel Racks
Who says towel racks have to be boring metal bars? Not me! I’ve seen people use everything from vintage ladders to industrial pipes as towel holders, and they all look amazing.
My personal favorite? I repurposed an old wooden coat rack by mounting it horizontally on the wall. Each peg holds a towel, and it looks way more interesting than those standard chrome bars everyone has. Plus, it was basically free since I already had it collecting dust in my garage.
Want something more modern? Try copper pipes and fittings from the hardware store. You can create custom configurations that fit your exact space. Just make sure you secure everything properly – wet towels are heavier than they look.
Also Read: 15 Stunning Small Basement Bathroom Ideas to Maximize Every Inch
Compact Bathroom Mirror Cabinet
Let’s talk about the ultimate multitasker – a mirror cabinet. If you’re still using a plain mirror, you’re missing out on prime real estate for storage.
I built mine using a simple shadow box frame and a mirror cut to size. Added some small shelves inside, painted the frame to match my bathroom, and installed it where my old mirror used to be. Now I’ve got hidden storage for medications, razors, and all those little things that usually clutter the counter.
DIY Mirror Cabinet Tips:
- Use a deep picture frame as your base
- Add magnetic strips inside for metal items
- Install a soft-close hinge (your 6 AM self will thank you)
- Consider adding interior LED lighting
The best part about making your own? You control the depth. Most store-bought medicine cabinets stick out awkwardly, but when you DIY it, you can make it as slim or deep as your space allows.
Peel-and-Stick Tile Upgrade
Okay, can we talk about how peel-and-stick tiles have gotten seriously good lately? Gone are the days when they looked obviously fake. I covered my entire backsplash area for under $50, and everyone thinks I hired a professional.
The secret is proper prep work. Clean that wall like your mother-in-law is coming to visit. Any dirt or grease will make your tiles peel faster than a bad sunburn. I also recommend buying 10% extra tiles because you’ll definitely mess up a few (or is that just me?).
Start from the center and work outward – this keeps everything symmetrical. And here’s a trick nobody tells you: use a hair dryer to warm up the tiles before applying them. They’ll be more flexible and stick better. Just don’t overheat them or they’ll warp.
Space-Saving Over-Toilet Organizer
That space above your toilet? It’s prime real estate being completely wasted! I built an over-toilet organizer that literally tripled my storage space without eating up any floor area.
You don’t need fancy woodworking skills for this one. I used a basic ladder-style design with three shelves. The whole thing cost me about $40 in materials and took a Saturday afternoon to build. The key is making sure it’s wide enough to clear the toilet tank but narrow enough to not look overwhelming.
Materials for Over-Toilet Storage:
- 2×2 lumber for the frame
- 1×10 boards for shelves
- Wood screws and wood glue
- Paint or stain to match your bathroom
Make sure to anchor it to the wall – nobody wants this thing toppling over. I learned to add a lip to the front of each shelf to keep things from sliding off. Small detail, huge difference.
Also Read: 15 Clever Small Bathroom Storage Ideas for Tiny Spaces
Minimalist Floating Sink Design
Want to make your tiny bathroom feel bigger instantly? Float that sink! Removing the bulky vanity cabinet and installing a wall-mounted sink opened up so much visual space in my guest bathroom.
I know what you’re thinking – “But where will I store stuff?” That’s where creativity comes in. I added a narrow shelf directly under the sink and used pretty baskets to hide toiletries. The open space below makes the room feel twice as big, and cleaning the floor is so much easier now.
You’ll need to make sure your wall can support the weight, and you might need to reroute some plumbing. But trust me, the payoff is worth it. Plus, you can still add a small curtain if you want to hide the plumbing – just make it a fun pattern that adds personality.
DIY Bathroom Lighting Transformation
Bad lighting makes even the nicest bathroom look terrible. Good news? Updating your lighting is easier than you think, and you don’t need to call an electrician for everything.
I replaced my ancient Hollywood-style bulb bar with modern LED vanity lights. The difference was insane – suddenly I could actually see what I was doing with my makeup. If you’re not comfortable with electrical work, try these alternatives:
No-Electrician Lighting Options:
- Battery-powered LED strips under cabinets
- Stick-on vanity lights around your mirror
- Plug-in pendant lights (if you have an outlet)
- Motion-sensor night lights
My favorite hack? I added LED strips behind my mirror for a backlit effect. It creates ambient lighting that makes the whole room feel spa-like. Total cost: $20 and zero electrical knowledge required 🙂
Vertical Storage Solutions for Small Spaces
Think vertical, people! When you’ve got no floor space, the only way is up. I installed a floor-to-ceiling storage unit in a dead corner that was basically useless before.
You can buy wire shelving units and customize them to fit your space perfectly. I spray-painted mine matte black to look more expensive than it was. Add some S-hooks on the sides for hanging baskets, loofahs, or whatever else needs a home.
Don’t forget about the back of your door! Over-the-door organizers aren’t just for shoes. I use one for hair tools, extra shampoo bottles, and cleaning supplies. Just make sure your door can actually close with it installed (yeah, I made that mistake).
Also Read: 15 Beautiful Small Blue Bathroom Ideas for a Cozy Vibe
Repurposed Ladder Towel Holder
Found an old wooden ladder at a garage sale? Instant towel rack! This trend isn’t going away anytime soon, and for good reason – it looks amazing and provides tons of hanging space.
I sanded down my $10 garage sale find, stained it to match my bathroom cabinet, and leaned it against the wall. Each rung holds towels, and the top is perfect for hanging robes. You can also mount it horizontally for a different look.
Ladder Makeover Steps:
- Sand thoroughly to remove splinters
- Apply wood conditioner before staining
- Use bathroom-safe sealant to protect from moisture
- Add furniture pads to protect your wall
The rustic look adds character that you just can’t get from store-bought towel bars. Plus, it’s a conversation starter – everyone asks where I got it!
Color-Pop Accent Wall DIY
Who says small bathrooms have to be boring? One bold accent wall can completely transform the vibe without overwhelming the space. I went with a deep navy on the wall behind my vanity, and wow, what a difference!
Here’s the thing – dark colors can actually make small spaces feel bigger when used strategically. They create depth and draw the eye upward. Just stick to one wall and keep the rest light and bright.
If you’re commitment-phobic like my sister, try removable wallpaper instead. She changes hers every year, and installation is stupid easy. Just watch out for humidity issues – some papers don’t love steamy showers.
Handmade Bathroom Soap & Accessory Holders
Why buy generic soap dishes when you can make custom holders that actually fit your style? I made mine from polymer clay, and they look like they came from some fancy boutique.
You can also repurpose small dishes, vintage ashtrays, or even seashells as soap holders. I turned a vintage brass dish into a ring holder by the sink – it’s both functional and gorgeous. For toothbrush holders, try drilling holes in a piece of wood or using test tubes in a wooden rack.
DIY Holder Ideas:
- Concrete coasters as soap dishes
- Mason jars with drainage holes
- Macramé hanging planters for products
- Repurposed candle holders
The best part about DIY accessories? They’re conversation pieces that make your bathroom unique. Nobody else will have exactly what you’ve got.
Foldable Shower Bench DIY
IMO, everyone needs a shower bench, not just people with mobility issues. Where else are you supposed to put your leg while shaving? I built a fold-down teak bench that tucks flat against the wall when not in use.
The project requires some basic woodworking skills, but it’s totally doable in a weekend. Use water-resistant wood and marine-grade hardware – regular screws will rust faster than you can say “shower mold.” Make sure to seal everything properly with multiple coats of waterproof sealant.
Mount it at a comfortable height (usually 17-19 inches from the shower floor) and make sure it can support your weight plus some. Test it thoroughly before your first shower sit-down!
Decorative Wall Hooks for Extra Storage
Wall hooks are the unsung heroes of bathroom organization. But why settle for boring when you can have personality-packed hooks that double as decor?
I collected vintage doorknobs from flea markets and mounted them as hooks. Each one is different, and they add so much character to the space. You can also use:
Creative Hook Ideas:
- Vintage spoons bent into hooks
- Colorful ceramic knobs
- Industrial pipe fittings
- Repurposed drawer pulls
Space them strategically around your bathroom for robes, towels, loofahs, or even jewelry. Just remember to use appropriate anchors – nobody wants their favorite robe pulling chunks out of the drywall.
Small Bathroom Plant Display Ideas
Plants in the bathroom? Absolutely! They thrive in the humidity and make everything look more expensive. I’ve got five plants in my tiny bathroom, and they’re all thriving.
The trick is choosing the right plants and displaying them creatively. Pothos and snake plants love bathroom conditions and look great in hanging planters. I made macramé hangers for mine (YouTube University taught me how), and they don’t take up any counter or floor space.
For a really cool look, try mounting small planters on the wall in a geometric pattern. Or create a living wall with air plants in a wooden frame. Just remember – if your bathroom has no windows, you’ll need plants that can handle low light, or you’ll need to rotate them regularly.
Best Bathroom Plants:
- Pothos (practically indestructible)
- Snake plants (love humidity)
- Air plants (no soil needed!)
- Lucky bamboo (grows in water)
- Boston ferns (humidity lovers)
Wrapping It Up
There you have it – 15 ways to transform your tiny bathroom without breaking the bank or your lease agreement. The thing about small spaces is they force you to be creative, and sometimes those constraints lead to the best solutions.
Start with one project that addresses your biggest pain point. For me, it was storage, so I tackled the floating shelves first. Once you see how much of a difference one change makes, you’ll be motivated to keep going. Before you know it, you’ll have a bathroom that feels twice as big and actually works for your lifestyle.
Remember, perfection is overrated. These projects don’t have to look like they belong in a magazine. They just need to work for you and make your daily routine a little easier. And honestly? The satisfaction of looking at something you built yourself beats any store-bought solution.
So grab your drill, channel your inner DIY warrior, and show that small bathroom who’s boss. Trust me, if I can do this stuff (and I once assembled a bookshelf backwards), you definitely can too. Happy DIYing!
