How to Maximize Small Restroom Design

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July 18, 2025
By Jeremy Croff
6 min read
Construction

At Partition Stalls, we know that restroom design for small spaces can be challenging. Many businesses struggle to create functional and appealing bathrooms in limited areas.

Our team has developed innovative solutions to maximize every inch of your compact restroom. In this post, we’ll share expert tips and tricks to transform your small bathroom into a spacious and efficient oasis.

Space-Saving Solutions for Tight Spots

Wall-Mounted Wonders

Wall-mounted toilets and sinks transform tiny restrooms into functional, stylish spaces. These fixtures create an illusion of roominess while simplifying cleaning. They look great, save space, and make cleaning the bathroom a little simpler.

Compact Urinals for Commercial Efficiency

Businesses can optimize male restrooms with compact urinals. Waterless urinals deliver significant cost savings beyond just reduced water bills. Each unit saves hundreds of dollars annually on water costs, offering an eco-friendly option for your business.

Slim and Sleek Hand Dryers

Modern slim-profile hand dryers and paper towel dispensers reduce protrusion from walls by up to 70% (as noted in a recent Restroom Facility Managers Association survey). These streamlined options save space and add contemporary elegance to your restroom design.

Chart showing 70% reduction in wall protrusion for slim-profile hand dryers and paper towel dispensers - restroom design for small space

Maximizing Awkward Angles

Corner stalls and sinks provide ingenious solutions for awkward spaces. These fixtures turn previously unusable areas into functional zones, increasing your restroom’s capacity without expanding its footprint.

Innovative Storage Solutions

Recessed shelving and over-toilet storage units maximize vertical space without compromising floor area. These clever storage options keep essentials within reach while maintaining a clean, uncluttered appearance.

The right combination of space-saving fixtures and accessories unlocks the potential of compact commercial restrooms. As we explore clever storage solutions in the next section, you’ll discover even more ways to optimize your small restroom design.

Clever Storage Hacks for Tiny Restrooms

Small restrooms often lack storage space, but creative thinking can maximize every inch. Innovative storage solutions transform cramped bathrooms into organized, functional spaces.

Recessed Shelving: The Wall’s Hidden Potential

Recessed shelving revolutionizes small restrooms. Carving out space between wall studs creates storage without sacrificing floor area. Research shows recessed shelving can enhance bathroom storage capacity by 15-20% without compromising space.

Chart showing 15-20% increase in bathroom storage capacity with recessed shelving

Install recessed shelving near the sink for easy access to toiletries, or above the toilet for extra toilet paper storage. For a sleek look, add cabinet doors to hide clutter. Waterproof these areas to prevent moisture damage.

Over-Toilet Solutions: Vertical Space Optimization

The area above your toilet offers prime real estate in a small restroom. Over-toilet storage units or shelving can add valuable storage space to your bathroom.

Select a unit that matches your restroom’s style – from sleek floating shelves to cabinet-style storage. These units store extra towels, cleaning supplies, or decorative items perfectly. Commercial spaces benefit from locking cabinets to secure supplies.

Under-Sink Magic: Maximizing Dead Space

The area under the sink often goes overlooked, but it’s a goldmine for storage. Under-sink organizers can significantly increase storage capacity.

Pull-out drawers or tiered organizers work wonders in this space. They keep cleaning supplies, spare toilet paper, and other essentials neatly tucked away yet easily accessible. In commercial settings, this hidden storage maintains tidy and professional restrooms.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: Secret Storage Compartments

Mirrors with hidden storage compartments offer a brilliant solution for small restrooms. These multi-functional pieces reflect light, create the illusion of space, and provide discreet storage.

Install these above sinks or in unused corner spaces for maximum impact.

These clever storage solutions prove that even the smallest restrooms can become organized and efficient spaces. The next section will explore how optical illusions can further enhance the perception of space in compact restrooms.

Creating Spacious Illusions in Small Restrooms

Small restrooms don’t have to feel cramped. We’ve mastered the art of creating spacious illusions in compact bathrooms. Our design experts use clever techniques to make even the tiniest restrooms feel open and inviting.

Hub and spoke chart showing key elements for creating spacious illusions in small restrooms: Mirror Magic, Light and Bright, Seamless Flooring, and Lighting Layers - restroom design for small space

Mirror Magic

Mirrors are a small restroom’s best friend. Large mirrors along a wall can effectively double a room’s perceived size. This technique adds depth and dimension to the space. For maximum impact, install floor-to-ceiling mirrors on one wall. This trick can make a narrow restroom feel twice as wide.

We recommend placing mirrors opposite windows to reflect natural light and create depth.

Light and Bright

Color choice dramatically affects spatial perception. Light colors reflect more light, making rooms feel larger and airier. White, cream, and pale gray are excellent choices for small restrooms.

We suggest painting walls and ceilings in the same light shade to blur boundaries and create a seamless look.

Reflective surfaces amplify this effect. High-gloss tiles or metallic accents bounce light around the room, enhancing the sense of space. Try using glossy finishes on cabinets or countertops for added sparkle.

Seamless Flooring

Continuous flooring transforms small restrooms. Using the same flooring material throughout creates an uninterrupted visual flow, making the space feel larger and more cohesive.

Extend floor tiles into the shower area for a curbless design. This technique eliminates visual barriers and creates a smooth transition.

Lighting Layers

Proper lighting is essential in small restrooms. Layered lighting can make your bathroom feel more spacious, highlight its best features, and even improve your daily routines.

Start with ambient lighting to illuminate the entire room evenly. Add task lighting around mirrors for functionality. Finally, incorporate accent lighting to highlight architectural features or create visual interest.

Final Thoughts

Small restroom design challenges can be overcome with strategic planning and innovative solutions. Space-saving fixtures, clever storage, and visual tricks transform compact bathrooms into functional, appealing spaces. Wall-mounted toilets, compact urinals, and slim accessories maximize usable area while maintaining efficiency.

Partition Stalls specializes in creating efficient, stylish commercial restroom solutions tailored to specific needs. Our expert team guides clients through the process, ensuring optimal results for small restroom projects. We offer a wide range of high-quality products and customization options to achieve the perfect balance of functionality and aesthetics in compact bathrooms.

Small spaces can make a big impact with professional guidance and innovative design techniques. Transform your small restroom into a spacious, efficient oasis that impresses visitors and enhances user experience. Take the first step towards maximizing your restroom’s potential today (and discover how limited space can become an asset).

How to Maximize Small Restroom Design | Partition Stalls Blog