A small bathroom can offer many design ideas. There are certain things that you can work with that are all ready present. Lighting is essential in small spaces and you want to have either natural lighting in the bathroom or a way to lighten the space up to appear larger. Bathrooms that are small and dark can feel like a box. The first tip in design ideas for a small bathroom should be to examine the lighting.

Are there any windows? What kind of light features are installed? Does the light that is available cast enough light into the room? Windows can be covered with a peel and stick plastic sheet that looks like stained glass, crushed glass or opaque glass that will offer privacy but still let in natural light and can be found at any home remodeling store. A center light fixture for the bathroom is normally a standard so no shadows appear in any corners and lighting over the bathroom vanity and mirrors can be done using strip lighting or by installing lights above the mirrors.

If you have children in the home a night light can be used to compliment the design of your bathroom such as a palm tree, light house, fish and just about any other shape you can imagine. If you want more natural light you can install a small skylight that can be inserted through the roof and is actually small enough that they are even used in closets and areas for a washer and dryer set that is in a hall closet. The second tip would be to examine the walls. Are they dark or light? Can they be painted? Light colors reflect light and can make a small space appear larger. Dark colors absorb light and can make even a large space appear smaller.

Poured plaster, drywall and even paneling can all be painted over. Adding a border to the top of the walls that meet the ceiling can add color, direct the eye and add charm to any bathroom. The third tip is add storage space. Play with a few ideas like adding a shelving unit that fits over the toilet. Install a small closet that is has just 12" deep wire shelves attached to the wall and enclosed with a folding screen with one end attached to the wall and the other with a hook and eye. Add wire shelves to the inside of the vanity for accessories.