Do you have a tiny toilet room that feels boring and bare? You’re not alone. Many homes have a small water closet, which is a separate room with just a toilet inside. This little space often gets ignored when people think about home design.
But here’s the good news: your small water closet doesn’t have to stay plain. Even the smallest rooms can look great and work well. This space might be tiny, but it still matters. Your guests use it. Your family uses it every day.
In this post, you’ll find simple ways to make your small water closet both useful and nice to look at. We’ll cover paint colors, storage options, and small changes that make a big difference. Let’s turn that forgotten space into a room you actually like.
Why Your Small Water Closet Deserves Design Attention?
A water closet serves an important purpose in your home. It keeps the toilet separate from the sink and shower areas. This means someone can use the toilet while another person gets ready at the bathroom sink. It adds privacy and makes your morning routine easier when multiple people share a bathroom.
Small spaces actually give you more freedom to try bold choices. You can use colors or patterns that might feel like too much in a larger room. The small size means less money spent on materials, too. A single roll of wallpaper or one quart of paint can cover the whole space.
Many people think tiny rooms should stay simple and plain. That’s not true. Your water closet needs good lighting, a clean look, and maybe a spot to store extra toilet paper. These basics don’t have to be boring. With the right choices, even a room that’s just a few feet wide can feel complete and welcoming. The ideas below will show you exactly how to do this.
Small Water Closet Ideas to Maximize Style and Function
These small water closet ideas will help you create a space that works hard and looks good. Each one is simple to do, even if you’re new to home projects.
1. Apply Bold Wall Paint or Two-Tone Color Schemes
Dark colors actually work really well in small rooms. They make the walls feel like they go on forever instead of closing in on you. Try painting your water closet in a rich shade like navy blue, dark green, or charcoal gray. For the best effect, paint the ceiling the same color as the walls. This creates a cozy feeling that wraps the whole room together.
If you want something less bold, try a two-tone look. Paint the bottom half of your walls in a darker shade and keep the top half lighter. You could do sage green on the bottom and cream on top. Or try gray blue below with white above. This gives you color without going all in on a dark room.
2. Install Peel and Stick Wallpaper for Instant Character
Peel-and-stick wallpaper changed the game for renters and people who want easy updates. You can put it up in an afternoon and take it down without damaging your walls. Small water closet ideas often include wallpaper because the tiny space means you only need one or two rolls.
You don’t have to cover every wall, either. Try wallpaper on just the wall behind the toilet. Or go bold and put it on the ceiling while keeping the walls painted. Floral prints add a soft touch. Geometric patterns give a modern feel. Stripes can make your ceiling look higher. Pick what matches your style and don’t be afraid to have fun with it.
3. Add Wall Molding or Picture Frame Trim
Adding trim to your walls creates instant detail without taking up any floor space. Board and batten is a classic choice where you attach vertical boards to the wall with a horizontal board at the top. This works great on the wall behind the toilet or on the side walls.
You can also create simple rectangles on your walls using thin trim pieces. This is called frame molding, and it gives a fancy look for not much money. Another option is wainscoting, which covers the bottom third of your walls with panels or beadboard. All of these work fine around a toilet. Just measure carefully and cut the trim to fit around the base.
4. Create a Gallery Wall Above the Toilet
The wall above your toilet is perfect for art. You can buy printable art files online from sites like Etsy, print them at home or at a print shop, and hang them in matching frames. This costs way less than buying ready-made art and gives you tons of choices.
Pick three to seven frames in the same color but different sizes. Black frames look clean and modern. Gold frames feel more fancy. For a relaxed look, try wood frames. If you don’t want to put holes in your wall, use washi tape to hang lightweight prints. Choose art that fits a bathroom theme, such as plants, abstract shapes, or calm landscapes.
5. Install Floating Shelves or Over Toilet Storage
Floating shelves attach to your wall without visible brackets, giving you storage that doesn’t touch the floor. Put one or two shelves above the toilet to hold rolled towels, small plants, or extra supplies. Make sure to find the studs in your wall or use good anchors so the shelves stay secure.
Over-toilet storage units are another great option. These are tall shelving units that stand on the floor and frame around your toilet. They usually have two or three shelves, perfect for toilet paper rolls, cleaning supplies, or small baskets. You can find these at any home store. They add lots of storage without needing tools or wall mounting.
6. Upgrade Fixtures and Hardware
Swapping out basic fixtures makes a bigger difference than you might think. Replace that builder-grade toilet paper holder with something better-looking. Switch your basic light fixture for one with more personality, such as a small chandelier or a modern sconce. These changes take less than an hour but update the whole feel of the room.
Don’t forget the switch plates and outlet covers. Replace white plastic ones with metal or colored versions that match your design. If your water closet has a door that opens into the room, consider changing the doorknob or handle too. Matte black hardware is popular right now and looks good with almost any color scheme.
7. Add Functional Accessories and Finishing Touches
Small details complete the look of your small water closet. Get a nice trash can that fits the space and matches your style. Find a toilet brush holder that you don’t mind seeing (they make nice-looking ones now). These practical items need to be there anyway, so make them part of the design.
If your floor looks dated, peel-and-stick floor tiles can cover it up. These go right over existing tile or vinyl and come in lots of patterns. Add a small plant that does well in low light, like a pothos or snake plant. A reed diffuser or nice candle keeps the space smelling fresh. These finishing touches take your water closet from basic to complete.
8. Install a Compact Wall-Mounted Cabinet
A small wall-mounted cabinet gives you hidden storage without eating up floor space. Mount it on the wall next to the toilet or on the opposite wall if you have room. Look for shallow cabinets that are only 6-8 inches deep so they don’t stick out too far. You can store extra toilet paper, cleaning supplies, or personal items inside while keeping everything out of sight.
Choose a cabinet that fits your style. A simple white cabinet works with any look. Wood cabinets add warmth. You can even find cabinets with mirrors on the front for double duty. Make sure to mount it securely using wall anchors or by screwing into studs. This small change adds real function to your space.
9. Add Decorative Hooks for Extra Hanging Space
Wall hooks are simple to install and give you spots to hang things. Put one or two hooks on the back of the door for a robe or a hand towel. You can also add hooks on the side wall for a small basket or cleaning supplies. This keeps items off the floor and within easy reach.
Pick hooks that match your other hardware. Matte black hooks look modern and clean. Brass or gold hooks add a polished feel. Ceramic or decorative hooks can add personality if that fits your style. Most hooks just need a single screw or anchor to install. They’re a quick update that makes the space more practical.
10. Include a Small Plant or Greenery
Living plants make any room feel fresh and alive. Pick plants that can handle low light and humidity, like pothos, snake plants, or ZZ plants. Set a small potted plant on a shelf or on top of an over-toilet storage unit. The green color brings life to the space and helps clean the air.
If you don’t have great light, fake plants work fine too. Modern artificial plants look real and need zero care. Just pick one that’s small enough to fit your space. A trailing pothos on a high shelf looks natural. A small snake plant fits nicely on a narrow ledge. Even one plant makes the room feel more finished.
11. Use a Stylish Toilet Brush Holder
Your toilet brush needs to be there, so make it count. Skip the cheap plastic holders and get something that matches your design. Ceramic holders in white, black, or colors blend in better than plastic. Metal holders in matte black or brass look polished and last longer.
Some toilet brush sets include a matching plunger, which keeps everything looking coordinated. Look for ones that sit flat against the wall to save space. You can find options that hide the brush completely when not in use. This small swap makes a bigger difference than you’d think.
12. Place a Decorative Waste Basket
A nice-looking trash can finishes the room. Metal bins with foot pedals keep things sanitary. Woven baskets with liners add texture. Small bins that fit in corners save floor space. Pick something that’s easy to clean and fits the size of your room.
Match your trash can to your overall color scheme. White or black bins work with anything. Natural materials like rattan or seagrass add warmth. Make sure it’s big enough to be useful but small enough that it doesn’t crowd the space. A good trash can is both practical and part of the design.
13. Update Your Door with Fresh Paint or Stain
The door to your water closet matters more than you think. If it’s a plain hollow-core door, painting it can make a real difference. Paint it to match your walls for a seamless look, or use a contrasting color to make it stand out. Dark colors like navy or forest green look great against lighter walls.
If your door is solid wood, consider staining it instead of painting. This brings out the wood grain and adds warmth. You can also add details like new hinges or a decorative door knocker on the hallway side. These small touches make the door feel intentional instead of basic.
14. Add Texture with a Small Area Rug
A small rug in front of the toilet adds comfort and warmth underfoot. Look for bath mats or small rugs that are 20×30 inches or smaller. Make sure to get one that’s machine washable for easy cleaning. Avoid anything too plush that might get in the way when you open and close the door.
Pick colors and patterns that work with your walls. A simple white rug keeps things clean and bright. Patterned rugs in geometric or floral designs add interest. Textured rugs like chenille or tufted cotton feel nice under bare feet. Just make sure the rug lies flat so it’s not a tripping hazard.
15. Install a Corner Shelf for Vertical Storage
Corner shelves fit into dead space and give you extra storage. Mount one in the corner near the toilet to hold a plant, extra supplies, or a small decorative item. Corner shelves come in wood, metal, or glass and are installed with just a few screws.
This works great if your walls are too full for regular shelves. The corner is often wasted space anyway, so putting a shelf there makes sense. You can stack two corner shelves at different heights for more storage. Keep whatever you put on them small and light so the shelf doesn’t look crowded.
16. Use Baskets for Organized Storage
Baskets keep things tidy and look good doing it. Put a basket on a shelf to hold rolled hand towels or extra toilet paper. Use a basket on the floor in the corner for cleaning supplies. Woven baskets in natural materials add texture and warmth to the space.
Pick baskets that fit your space and what you need to store. Small woven baskets work well on shelves. Taller baskets with handles fit on the floor. Wire baskets have a modern industrial look. Label them if you want, or leave them plain. Either way, baskets make storage look intentional.
17. Add a Reed Diffuser or Scented Candle
Keeping your water closet smelling fresh makes the whole space more pleasant. Reed diffusers are great because they work all the time without any effort. Just set one on a shelf or on top of the toilet tank. Pick a scent you like, such as lavender, eucalyptus, or citrus.
Small candles work too if you light them when you use the space. Put a candle in a holder on a shelf where it’s safe and won’t get knocked over. Battery-operated flameless candles are another option if you want the look without the flame. A good scent makes the room feel clean and welcoming.
Tips for Designing Your Small Water Closet
Before you start working on small water closet ideas, a little planning goes a long way. These tips will help you avoid common mistakes and create a space that really works.
- Measure your space before you buy anything. Write down the width, length, and height of your walls. This helps you pick the right size shelves and art.
- Use your wall space from floor to ceiling. In a tiny room, vertical storage is your best friend. Think up, not out.
- Match your water closet colors with the rooms around it. If your bathroom or bedroom is blue and white, carry those colors into the water closet for a connected feel.
- Don’t fill every inch of space. A small room needs breathing room, too. Pick your favorite ideas and leave it at that.
- Choose items that do more than one job when you can. A shelf with hooks underneath gives you two storage spots in one.
- Think about lighting when you pick paint colors. A dark color in a room with no window will feel different than one with lots of light.
- Install wall items the right way. Use drywall anchors for shelves and anything heavy. Take time to level everything so it looks professional.
Keep these tips in mind as you plan your project. They’ll save you time and help you create a water closet you love.
Conclusion
Your small water closet has more potential than you probably realized. Even though it’s just a little room with a toilet, it can still show off your style and work well for your needs. The key is picking one or two changes that matter most to you and starting there.
You don’t need to spend a lot of money to make this space better. A can of paint costs less than $50. Peel-and-stick wallpaper runs about $30 per roll. Even small upgrades like new hardware or a floating shelf fit most budgets.
The best part? This tiny space lets your personality show without overwhelming the rest of your home. Be bold. Try something you wouldn’t do in a bigger room. Make it a space that brings a smile when you walk in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Colors Work Best in a Small Water Closet?
Both light and dark colors can work well in a small water closet. Light colors make the space feel bigger and brighter. Dark colors create a cozy, wrapped feeling. Your personal taste matters most, so pick what you like.
How Do I Add Storage Without Taking Up Floor Space?
Wall-mounted options are your best choice for saving floor space. Floating shelves, over toilet units, and wall hooks all add storage while keeping the floor clear. You can also use the back of the door for hanging storage.
Can I Install Wallpaper in a Humidity Area?
Peel-and-stick wallpaper works fine in a water closet since it’s a separate room from the shower. Make sure your space has good air flow. If there’s a window or vent, crack it open after use to prevent moisture buildup.
What’s the Best Way to Hang Shelves Above a Toilet?
Find the wall studs using a stud finder and screw directly into them when possible. If studs aren’t where you need them, use heavy-duty drywall anchors rated for the weight you’ll put on the shelves. Measure twice before drilling holes.
How Much Should I Budget for a Water Closet Makeover?
You can update a small water closet for as little as $50 to $100 with paint and small accessories. A bigger project with wallpaper, shelving, and new fixtures might cost $200 to $500. Doing the work yourself saves the most money.
