Small bathrooms are the norm in most Ottawa homes — especially in older neighbourhoods like the Glebe, Centretown, and Old Ottawa South. The good news? A small bathroom can be beautiful, functional, and feel much larger than its footprint suggests.
Here's how to maximize every square inch of your 5x8 (or smaller) bathroom.
Space-Maximizing Design Tricks
These strategies make small bathrooms feel larger:
Large-format tiles — Bigger tiles mean fewer grout lines, making the room feel more open. Try 12x24 or larger.
Light colors — White, light gray, and soft neutrals reflect light and expand visual space.
Glass shower enclosure — Clear glass doesn't interrupt sight lines like a shower curtain does.
Large mirror — Extend your mirror wall-to-wall if possible. It doubles the visual space.
Consistent flooring — Run the same tile into the shower (curbless if possible) for seamless flow.
Recessed everything — Medicine cabinets, niches, toilet paper holders that sit flush with the wall.
Smart Storage Solutions
Storage is the biggest challenge in small bathrooms:
Vanity with drawers — Much more usable than open shelving or doors
Tall medicine cabinet — Recessed cabinets add storage without taking floor space
Shower niches — Built-in shelves for shampoo eliminate the need for corner caddies
Over-toilet storage — Cabinet or floating shelves use otherwise wasted space
Towel hooks instead of bars — Take less wall space and dry towels faster
Behind-door storage — Hooks or slim shelving on the back of the door
Fixture Choices for Small Spaces
Right-sizing your fixtures matters:
Vanity size — 24-30" is often sufficient; don't sacrifice floor space for a 48" vanity
Toilet — Consider a compact elongated bowl (2" shorter than standard) or wall-hung toilet
Sink — Vessel sinks look great but take counter space; undermount maximizes usability
Shower vs tub — In truly small bathrooms, removing the tub for a walk-in shower may be the best choice
Pocket or barn door — Saves the swing space of a traditional door
Lighting for Small Bathrooms
Good lighting is crucial in compact spaces:
Layered lighting — Overhead ambient + vanity task lighting
Vanity sconces — Side-mounted lights (at eye level) provide even, flattering illumination
Recessed ceiling lights — Clean look, don't hang into the space
Natural light — If you have a window, maximize it. Consider a solar tube if no window exists.
Light colors on walls and ceiling — Reflect and amplify available light
The Bottom Line
A small bathroom doesn't have to feel cramped. With smart design choices — large tiles, good lighting, appropriate fixtures, and clever storage — your compact bathroom can feel spacious and function beautifully.
Want help maximizing your small bathroom? Get a free design consultation and we'll show you what's possible.
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