Designing a 40-Square Foot Bathroom? Here’s What Actually Matters

A 40-square foot bathroom might sound limiting, but with the right design choices, it can do more than you’d expect. In a space this compact, every finish, fixture, and layout decision has to work harder—and that’s exactly what makes it so rewarding to get right. Whether you’re focused on budget, style, or squeezing in a bit more function, small bathrooms offer the ideal opportunity to get creative and intentional with every square inch.

General cost estimates for a 40-square foot bathroom 

Light remodeling in a 40 sq ft bathroom typically covers fresh paint, hardware swaps, basic fixture upgrades, and new flooring—quick changes that deliver a fast refresh. This level of remodel usually keeps plumbing and electrical systems in their original locations, making it the most cost-effective option for a simple update.

Medium remodeling expands to replacing your shower or bathtub, updating all tile and lighting, installing a new vanity or toilet, and making small functional updates. With a medium remodel, you can expect to significantly improve both style and usability, while staying within a predictable range for budget and timing.

Heavy remodeling often means gutting the space, rerouting plumbing or electrical, updating a half-bath to a full, or selecting higher-end materials and custom storage. If you are building an entirely new 40-square foot bathroom by converting a closet or sectioning off part of your attic, such projects may well exceed $40,000. 

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Design ideas for 40-square foot bathrooms

Glass shower doors make the space feel larger

Check out this 40-foot square foot bathroom with a boho touch  

Glass shower doors make the space feel larger by letting light flow through and eliminating visual barriers. This creates a sense of openness, even in compact bathrooms. In this 40-square foot bathroom, the frameless glass doors reveal patterned tile and greenery in the shower, adding depth and visual interest without enclosing the space. As a result, every design element—from the black hex tile to the corner window—remains visible, making the room feel thoughtfully designed and surprisingly spacious.

Corner showers can help free up floor space

Check out the strategic layout of this 40-square foot bathroom

Corner showers can help free up floor space by making the most of often-underused areas and opening up the layout for easier movement. This design choice is ideal for smaller bathrooms, since it creates a more open, functional flow without sacrificing comfort. In the 40-square foot bathroom shown above, the angled glass enclosure tucks neatly into the corner, allowing room for a full vanity and extra storage. The black-and-white palette ties the shower into the rest of the space, proving that practical solutions can still feel cohesive and visually striking.

Amplify storage with a long storage ledge or niche

Fall in love with this 40-square foot New York bathroom

A long storage ledge in your shower provides practical, easy-to-reach space for shampoo, soap, and daily essentials. Unlike small niches, a continuous ledge can stretch the full length of the wall, offering plenty of room while keeping bottles organized and off the floor.

In this shower, the marble ledge runs from end to end, blending seamlessly with the wall tile for a streamlined look. It’s wide enough for multiple products but slim enough to avoid crowding the space—proof that a simple detail can make everyday routines much smoother.

Try a bold wallpaper to convey personality without clutter

See how this 40-foot bathroom makes an impact with wallpaper 

A bold wallpaper lets you express personality and style, instantly transforming even the smallest bathroom. Large-scale prints or dramatic colors become the focal point, so you can keep decor and accessories to a minimum. For example, In this space, a vivid botanical pattern animates the walls, offset by sleek, streamlined fixtures in gold and black. With the wallpaper taking center stage, there’s no need for extra décor—the 40-square foot bathroom feels lively yet uncluttered.

Use colorful tile to make your small bathroom feel bespoke

See how this 40-square foot bathroom features tiles

Use colorful tile to make your small bathroom feel truly one-of-a-kind by introducing personality and vibrancy where every detail matters. Saturated hues or playful patterns turn the walls or shower into a standout feature, giving even the most compact space a custom, designer touch.

Shown in the 40-square foot bathroom above, the soft blue wall tile creates a calming mood and pairs beautifully with the hexagonal floor. Against sleek fixtures and simple cabinetry, the colorful tile brings character and warmth—making the room feel thoughtfully designed and truly one of a kind. 

Don’t neglect your small bathroom’s floors 

Behold the beautiful floors of this 40-square foot bathroom 

Bold or patterned tile can completely define your small bathroom’s personality, adding instant style underfoot. The right flooring draws the eye, anchors the room, and gives every square foot a sense of intention. In the bathroom above, intricately patterned tiles create visual interest and set the tone for the entire bathroom. Even with simple walls and fixtures, the floor becomes a standout feature that makes the room feel thoughtfully designed and inviting. For more additional tips for your 40-square foot bathroom, read Small Bathroom Flooring Ideas That Make a Big Impact.

Floating vanities make your 40-square foot bathroom feel more spacious

Find inspiration in this small yet stylish bathroom 

Floating vanities make your 40-square foot bathroom feel more spacious by revealing more floor area and creating a lighter, less crowded look. The open space underneath allows for better circulation and gives even small bathrooms a subtle sense of airiness.

In this bathroom, the wall-mounted vanity leaves the sleek black floor tile fully visible, which visually expands the footprint. It also creates extra room for storing baskets or other essentials, making the most of every inch without sacrificing style.

Convey individuality with accessories

Enjoy this kid-friendly bathroom  

Show off your style through accessories—these details are what turn a simple bathroom into a memorable, personalized space. Items like towels, shower curtains, and even waste baskets offer easy ways to express your taste and make the room feel welcoming. In the bathroom photographed above, the playful curtain, cheerful towels, and striped waste basket create a fun, kid-friendly vibe. Each accessory adds color and whimsy, proving that a few thoughtful details can make everyday routines brighter and more personal.

Don’t obscure windows with shades

See this 40-square foot bathroom in its entirety

Skip the heavy shades—allow your window to bring in as much natural light as possible. Privacy can be achieved with frosted panes and high windows, so you can enjoy sunlight without compromising comfort.

In the photographed 40-square foot bathroom, the choice to leave the window uncovered fills the space with brightness, offsetting the dark tiles and wood-inspired walls. The result is a room that feels both welcoming and open, with every detail enhanced by natural light. For more examples of spaces remodeled using Block, check out our before-and-after photos of small bathroom renovatons. 

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Design your 40-square foot bathroom with Renovation Studio and Block

Renovation Studio: Block’s Renovation Studio makes planning your compact bathroom simple, visual, and stress-free. With our intuitive platform, you can experiment with 40 sq ft bathroom layouts, fixtures, tile, and appliance colors, all with real-time cost estimates and side-by-side comparisons. Preview your design in minutes and feel confident that every decision fits your style and your space.

How we pair you with the right bathroom remodelers: When you’re ready to remodel, Block pairs you with the best small-space bathroom remodelers in your area, all thoroughly pre-vetted for craftsmanship, reliability, and communication. We know 40-square foot bathrooms require inventive design and precise work—so we match you with contractors experienced in making tight layouts efficient and beautiful. Every contractor goes through a strict selection process and is supported by Block’s team before, during, and after your build. You’ll receive multiple, transparent quotes and expert scope reviews, minimizing surprises and setting your project up for success. Plus, you’ll be protected with progress-based payments and a one-year workmanship warranty for total peace of mind from start to finish.