22 Toilet and Bathroom Design Ideas for Modern Small Apartments
Let’s be honest for a second. Small apartment bathrooms can feel like a bad joke. You turn around too fast and bump into the sink. You drop something and suddenly it’s behind the toilet forever. Been there, done that 🙃.
But here’s the thing — small spaces don’t mean boring design. With the right layout, lighting, and smart choices, even the tiniest toilet and bathroom setup can feel modern, stylish, and surprisingly comfortable. I’ve lived in more than one apartment where the bathroom felt like a closet, so I’ve learned what actually works and what just looks good on Pinterest.
This guide walks you through real, practical toilet and bathroom design ideas for modern small apartments. We’ll talk about space-saving layouts, modern fixtures, smart storage, and design tricks that make a bathroom feel bigger than it is. And yes, we’ll keep it fun — because bathroom design doesn’t have to feel like homework.
Ready to make your bathroom feel less “meh” and more “wow”? Let’s go.
1. Minimal Marble Glow
I love this look because it screams luxury without actually demanding luxury-level square footage. Marble finishes instantly elevate a small bathroom, especially when you pair them with a wall-mounted toilet and floating vanity. The trick here lies in balance — you want elegance, not visual overload.
I once helped a friend redo a tiny apartment bathroom with marble-look tiles, and the space felt twice as big overnight. The secret sauce? Soft LED lighting under the vanity. That glow adds depth and keeps the space from feeling boxy.
This style works beautifully in modern apartments where clean lines matter. You also get that hotel-bathroom vibe without paying hotel prices. IMO, that’s a win.
Why it works so well:
- Light-colored marble tiles reflect light and open up small spaces
- Floating fixtures free up visual floor space
- Warm LED lighting adds softness and comfort
- Simple color palette keeps things modern and uncluttered
Ever noticed how high-end bathrooms never feel cramped? This design borrows that exact mindset.
2. Scandinavian Soft Neutrals
If you like calm, cozy spaces, this one’s for you. Scandinavian bathroom design nails that “effortlessly put together” look. Think light wood finishes, matte white toilets, and soft neutral tones that never feel cold.
I tried this style in my own apartment once, and honestly, it felt like a deep breath every morning. The bathroom stayed bright even on gloomy days, thanks to reflective surfaces and minimal clutter. FYI, clutter kills small bathrooms faster than bad lighting.
This design suits small apartments because it focuses on function first, then layers in warmth. You won’t find unnecessary decor here, just smart choices that make daily routines easier.
Key elements to focus on:
- Light wood vanity for warmth
- Neutral wall tiles for visual calm
- Round mirrors to soften sharp lines
- Natural or soft white lighting
Why fight your small space when you can work with it?
3. Modern Black Contrast
This one surprises people. Many assume black doesn’t belong in small bathrooms. I used to think that too — until I saw it done right. When you balance matte black fixtures with white tiles, the contrast actually sharpens the space.
A black-framed glass shower or black toilet fittings add drama without overwhelming the room. The key lies in restraint. Use black as an accent, not a takeover.
This style works best in modern apartments that already lean minimalist. It feels bold, confident, and very Instagram-worthy without screaming for attention.
Design tips that make it click:
- Keep walls mostly white or light gray
- Use black for fixtures and frames only
- Add focused lighting to highlight contrasts
- Stick to clean, geometric lines
Ever wondered why black-and-white designs never go out of style? Yeah, this is why.
4. Floating Space Saver
This design speaks directly to anyone living in a truly tiny apartment. Floating toilets and vanities don’t just look modern — they visually expand the room. When you see more floor, your brain reads the space as larger. Sneaky, right?
I installed a floating vanity in a narrow bathroom once, and cleaning suddenly became easier too. No awkward corners, no dust traps. Practical wins matter.
This setup also gives you room for hidden storage, which small bathrooms desperately need. You keep essentials nearby without cluttering surfaces.
Why floating designs rule small bathrooms:
- More visible floor equals bigger feel
- Easier cleaning and maintenance
- Cleaner, more modern aesthetic
- Perfect for compact apartment layouts
Small bathroom problems require smart design solutions — not magic.
5. Warm Japandi Calm
Japandi blends Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian warmth, and it feels perfect for small apartment bathrooms. You get soft wood tones, neutral tiles, and simple forms that calm the mind instead of overstimulating it.
I love this style for evening routines. After a long day, stepping into a space that feels intentional and peaceful hits different :). It encourages slower moments, even in a small space.
This design avoids excess by focusing on quality over quantity. Every element serves a purpose, and nothing feels random.
Core features to include:
- Natural wood accents
- Neutral, earthy color palette
- Soft ambient lighting
- Clean, low-profile toilet design
If your bathroom stresses you out, this style fixes that fast.
6. Luxury Hotel Look
Who doesn’t want their apartment bathroom to feel like a boutique hotel? This design leans into glossy tiles, integrated lighting, and sleek fixtures to create instant polish.
I’ve noticed hotel-style bathrooms always use lighting strategically. Backlit mirrors and soft wall lighting eliminate harsh shadows and make the space feel intentional. You can copy that at home without a massive budget.
This works especially well in modern apartments where you want a refined look without clutter.
Hotel-inspired must-haves:
- Wall-mounted toilet for clean lines
- Large mirror with integrated lighting
- Neutral tiles with subtle shine
- Minimal decor for a polished finish
Why save luxury for vacations only?
7. Soft Beige Elegance
Beige gets a bad rap, but in small bathrooms, it shines. Soft beige and cream tones add warmth without shrinking the space. This palette feels timeless and forgiving, especially in apartments with limited natural light.
I’ve seen beige bathrooms age better than trend-heavy designs. They stay stylish longer and adapt easily to small updates.
This design suits people who want modern comfort without bold statements.
What makes it work:
- Cream or beige wall tiles
- Textured surfaces for depth
- Warm lighting for coziness
- Simple modern toilet design
Sometimes subtlety delivers the biggest impact.
8. Smart Storage Chic
Storage issues ruin small bathrooms faster than bad layouts. This design tackles that head-on with concealed cabinets, vertical shelving, and built-in solutions.
I always recommend hiding storage wherever possible. Open shelves look great online but collect dust IRL. Hidden storage keeps things clean and stress-free.
This approach works well in modern apartments where clean visuals matter.
Smart storage ideas include:
- Cabinets above the toilet
- Vanity drawers instead of doors
- Vertical storage units
- Minimal countertop clutter
Less mess equals less stress. Simple math.
9. Concrete Modern Edge
Concrete-style finishes add instant character. This look feels urban, modern, and slightly edgy without being cold. When you pair concrete-look tiles with warm lighting, the space feels intentional, not industrial.
I like this style for apartments with a modern or loft vibe. It feels grown-up and confident.
Design essentials:
- Concrete-effect wall tiles
- Minimalist toilet design
- Black or chrome accents
- Soft ambient lighting
Want your bathroom to feel bold without shouting? This does that.
10. Bright White Illusion
All-white bathrooms work wonders in small spaces. They bounce light around and blur boundaries. Add a large mirror and glossy tiles, and suddenly your bathroom feels way bigger.
I’ve used this trick in rentals where changes stayed minimal. White never offends landlords 😅.
Why this illusion works:
- Reflective surfaces amplify light
- White tiles reduce visual clutter
- Large mirrors expand perception
- Clean lines enhance modern style
Sometimes simple beats clever.
11. Earthy Modern Retreat
Earth tones bring warmth into small apartment bathrooms without overwhelming them. Think sand, clay, and soft browns paired with modern fixtures.
This style feels grounding, especially in city apartments where nature feels far away.
Key elements:
- Earth-toned tiles
- Compact modern toilet
- Warm lighting
- Natural textures
A little nature goes a long way indoors.
12. Compact Luxury Gold
Gold accents instantly add that “I tried” energy to a small bathroom — in the best way. When you use them carefully, gold finishes elevate a modern apartment bathroom without tipping into over-the-top territory. I’m talking gold faucet details, flush plates, or mirror frames, not a full gold explosion.
I once thought gold belonged only in giant bathrooms. Turns out, in small spaces, it works even better when balanced with white marble or neutral tiles. The contrast feels intentional and refined.
This design shines when you keep everything else clean and minimal. Let gold do the talking.
Why this design hits different:
- Gold accents add warmth and elegance
- Light-colored tiles keep the space open
- Modern toilet design keeps things sleek
- Soft spotlight lighting enhances the luxury feel
Who said small apartment bathrooms can’t feel fancy?
13. Vertical Tile Drama
Vertical tiles feel like a cheat code for small bathrooms. They pull the eye upward and make ceilings appear taller. I’ve seen tiny apartment bathrooms feel instantly bigger just by switching tile orientation.
This design works especially well behind the toilet wall. It creates a subtle focal point without overwhelming the space. You get style and function in one move — rare, right?
Stick with neutral or soft-toned tiles to avoid visual chaos.
What makes it effective:
- Vertical tile layout adds height
- Simple color palette avoids clutter
- Modern toilet placement keeps lines clean
- Minimal lighting enhances the illusion
Ever noticed how your eyes follow lines automatically? Yeah, that’s the magic here.
14. Modern Minimal Gray
Gray bathrooms often get labeled “boring,” but honestly, that’s lazy thinking. When done right, gray tones feel modern, calming, and incredibly versatile. They work beautifully in small apartments where you want balance.
I like gray because it forgives wear and tear better than white. It also pairs well with almost any fixture finish.
This style suits people who want a clean look without committing to bold colors.
Design basics to follow:
- Soft gray wall or floor tiles
- Sleek toilet with minimal detailing
- Frameless mirror for openness
- Diffused lighting to soften the space
Minimal doesn’t mean lifeless — it means intentional.
15. Glass & Light Combo
Glass partitions save small bathrooms from feeling boxed in. Instead of walls chopping up the space, glass lets light flow freely. That alone makes a bathroom feel larger and more breathable.
I’ve used this setup in a compact apartment, and the difference felt immediate. The bathroom stopped feeling like a cave.
Pair glass with a wall-mounted toilet and you’ve got a winning combo.
Why glass works so well:
- Maintains visual openness
- Allows natural and artificial light to spread
- Keeps layouts flexible
- Looks clean and modern
Why block light when you can let it work for you?
16. Soft Pastel Modern
Pastels in small bathrooms feel fresh when done with restraint. Soft greens, blush tones, or muted blues add personality without shrinking the space.
I recommend keeping pastels limited to one or two elements. Too much color can overwhelm a small apartment bathroom fast.
This style works great for people who want modern design with a softer edge.
Smart pastel usage tips:
- Pastel tiles or painted accent wall
- Neutral toilet and vanity
- Balanced lighting to avoid dull tones
- Minimal decor
A little color goes a long way — don’t overdo it.
17. Monochrome Perfection
Black and white bathrooms never miss. The contrast feels crisp, modern, and timeless. In small apartments, this combo works because it creates clear visual structure.
I love monochrome designs for rental apartments too. They adapt easily if you want to switch accessories later.
The key is balance. Let one color dominate while the other supports.
Monochrome essentials:
- White tiles as a base
- Black fixtures or accents
- Geometric tile patterns
- Clean lighting setup
Timeless designs exist for a reason.
18. Hidden Storage Wonder
Hidden storage feels like a gift in small bathrooms. Cabinets above the toilet or behind mirrors keep essentials out of sight while maintaining a clean look.
I always say this — visible clutter shrinks spaces mentally. Hide it, and the room breathes again.
This approach works best in modern apartment bathrooms where simplicity matters.
Storage ideas worth using:
- Recessed cabinets
- Mirrored storage units
- Built-in shelving
- Minimal open surfaces
Out of sight really does mean peace of mind.
19. Natural Stone Accent
Stone accents bring organic warmth into modern small bathrooms. A single stone wall behind the toilet adds texture without overpowering the space.
I’ve noticed stone works best when paired with soft lighting. Harsh light ruins the vibe.
This design feels grounded and high-end at the same time.
Why stone accents shine:
- Adds natural texture
- Elevates modern design
- Works well with neutral palettes
- Creates a subtle focal point
Sometimes one statement piece does all the work.
20. Ultra-Modern Compact
This design leans into smart tech and sleek finishes. Think smart toilets, touchless faucets, and LED lighting that feels straight out of the future.
I didn’t think tech mattered much in bathrooms — until I tried it. Convenience changes habits fast.
This style suits modern apartments that value efficiency and clean aesthetics.
Tech-forward features include:
- Smart toilet functions
- Motion-sensor lighting
- Minimalist controls
- Streamlined layouts
Future-proofing your bathroom feels pretty satisfying.
21. Cozy Apartment Glow
Lighting defines mood more than tiles ever will. Warm ambient lighting transforms small bathrooms from sterile to inviting.
I always recommend layered lighting — overhead plus soft accent lights. It makes routines feel less rushed.
This design works for anyone craving comfort in compact living.
Lighting tips to try:
- Warm LED bulbs
- Under-vanity lighting
- Soft wall sconces
- Balanced brightness
Good lighting fixes more problems than people realize.
22. Minimal Spa Escape
Ending strong here. Spa-inspired bathrooms focus on calm, balance, and intentional design. Even in small apartments, this style works when you remove excess.
I love spa bathrooms because they encourage slower moments. That matters more than square footage.
This design strips things down to essentials and lets space breathe.
Spa essentials to include:
- Neutral color palette
- Wall-mounted toilet
- Soft diffused lighting
- Simple textures
Your bathroom shouldn’t stress you out.
Conclusion
Small apartment bathrooms don’t need to feel cramped, boring, or outdated. With the right toilet and bathroom design ideas, you can transform even the tiniest space into something functional, modern, and honestly enjoyable.
From floating fixtures and smart storage to lighting tricks and texture play, every idea here focuses on working with small spaces — not fighting them. I’ve seen these designs succeed in real apartments, not just perfect online photos.
If you take one thing from this guide, let it be this: design matters more than size. Choose thoughtfully, keep things simple, and don’t underestimate the power of good lighting.
So, which idea fits your apartment best?
