There’s a lot to love about older homes, but one of the less charming features you may be dealing with is a small bathroom. Creating a comfortable area for bathing and grooming with enough storage for the essentials – all while keeping everything to code – is a tall order for a small space, but the following design ideas can make your diminutive bathroom a delight.

Let there be light
It’s no secret that natural light makes a space feel larger, which is why home stagers recommend opening your blinds or removing heavy draperies. When applied to a tiny bathroom, the trick is to maintain privacy while maximizing light exposure. Try frosting your windows to get the best of both worlds.

Looking for the perfect light fixture placement? If you plan to use this bathroom to get ready every day, make room for wall sconces on both sides of the mirror. This lighting configuration is more flattering and more effective than overhead lighting when it comes to grooming tasks.

Use every inch
Small bathrooms require creative layouts to fit in key fixtures, plus room to stow towels and toiletries. A corner sink may be a great solution if other arrangements would block the walkway. Be thoughtful when selecting fixtures; an over-sized tub or toilet will only accentuate the smallness of the space. Opt for a shower stall over the shower/tub combo in truly tiny bathrooms.

When it comes to storage in such a small space, focus on finding ways to make necessities accessible while minimizing visual clutter. For example, a mirrored medicine cabinet that’s flush with the wall creates a discreet place to hide toothpaste and other products used on a daily basis. Don’t forget about the wall space in your tub or shower; placing towel bars there can be convenient, as long as there’s enough room to keep them out of the water spray.

Skip hinged doors
Swinging doors require more room than the alternatives and can make an already tight space feel claustrophobic. A decorative shower curtain saves space and can be a great place to add a splash of color. For showers with windows, a sliding glass door will contain the water without blocking the light.

Consider installing a pocket door in the bathroom entryway to save even more space. You may want to reserve this solution for infrequently used bathrooms, as they typically don’t afford as much privacy as a standard door.