Bathroom design 5 sq m – 35 photos with the best ideas

A huge number of people in our country live in small apartments. In typical housing, where every meter of usable space is used, a small bathroom is the norm rather than the exception to the rule.

Five square meters for a bathroom is, of course, not enough, but it is wrong to believe that it will be too difficult to arrange it on these meters.

Design features of small rooms

A harmonious modern bathroom design of 5 sq. m is not difficult to come up with if you know some secrets:

Convenient plumbing. If you need a bathtub, don’t save 10-15 cm for 5 square meters, install a full-length model (170-180 cm). And develop the rest of the layout taking into account a full bath.
Nothing extra. Do not store anything in the bathroom that is not related to water procedures, so as not to look for space for additional furniture.
Light shades. White and pastel colors expand the bathroom, and at 5 square meters this effect will not be superfluous.
Multifunctional items. Things for 5 square meters should combine several functions. For example, a cabinet with a mirrored front will replace a separately hanging mirror and shelves.
Proportionality. Finishing materials, furniture, and decor should not be too large - small and medium sizes will look more harmonious.
Mirror effect. All reflective surfaces visually enlarge the bathroom: mirrors, glass, glossy facades, ceilings.

Decoration Materials

Ceramic finishing materials are most often used for this room due to its easy care, excellent resistance to moisture, and long service life. A varied color chart of products and their wide range of sizes allows you to use this material in any design.

Mosaic has similar qualities, but it has a serious advantage - the small dimensions of the elements, which makes it possible to cover even semicircular surfaces with it.

If you use mosaic and ceramics together, you can bring the most original ideas to life

Plastic panels have the lowest price, but they will not last long and will reduce the environmental safety of the room. But the low cost, wide range of colors of products and ease of care make us pay attention to this material.

The service life of panels in the bathroom is minimal

Wood, stone products and pebbles are often used when decorating a bathroom. Wood will add coziness and warmth to the bathroom. They use inexpensive finishing methods - moisture-resistant plaster and special paint.

Color spectrum

The room does not have to be completely bright. Of course, if the style allows it (for example, Scandi) and you like this option, why not. In another case, light finishes and snow-white plumbing will be an excellent backdrop for placing bright decor and dark, contrasting furniture.

In the photo there is a 5 square meter bathroom with Moroccan tiles

Suitable shades for the bathroom:

White color. Reminds you of cleanliness and hygiene. Universal, combined with any other colors, has an enlarging effect.
Grey. Shiny silver looks great in a modern or industrial style bathroom.
Beige. In combination with the same warm brown it will make a 5 square meter room more comfortable. Emphasizes the snow-whiteness of plumbing fixtures.
Blue. The color of the sky, the sea - reminds of relaxation, relaxes, cools. Suitable for taking a bath.
Green. Natural, spring, cooling. Will fit into any modern style.
Yellow. If your small 5-meter bathroom doesn’t have enough sun, use the brightest shade, but in limited quantities: a separate cabinet, an accent wall, a bathroom curtain.

Interior styles

Style	Execution
Provence	A combination of a couple of light shades, forged elements, wicker furniture, natural wood, small ceramics - 20x20;
Classical	The presence of gilding, bas-reliefs, stained glass, mosaics, gilding, bronze, pastel colors in the decoration of the walls;
Japanese	Natural materials or their imitation. Pastel colors, oriental ornaments, floral patterns; Read also: DIY plasterboard shelves on the wall: Step-by-step instructions + Photos in the interior
Loft	Brickwork, concrete surfaces, stainless steel, exposed beam floors. Communications: hidden or deliberately displayed as decoration;
Minimalism	The predominance of gray in various combinations. Materials: glass, metal, concrete. Built-in or suspended plumbing;
Rustic (country)	Natural materials, simplicity, bright palette. Drawings, patterns in the form of a cage and plant prints;
Eclecticism	Combination of several stylistic forms. Color balance, contrasting solutions, combination of textures and patterns.

Finishing and repair options

The decoration of a 5 square bathroom starts from the ceiling. The simplest solution is to paint it with a special waterproof compound. But a suspended ceiling is more durable and practical. The glossy shine of the canvas will visually increase the area of the bathroom, and in case of a flood from above, it will protect your walls from water.

The third suitable option is plastic lining or PVC panels, but keep in mind that due to the mounting box, the ceiling height will be lower by 3-5 cm (the same applies to the tension structure).

The photo shows a combination of two types of tiles

Wall finishing is done in various ways and materials:

Ceramic tile. For tiling a small bathroom, choose something that is not too large (tiles, mosaics). The exception is plain porcelain tiles: if you create the effect of a seamless surface by grouting in color, you can also use 60*60 cm slabs. In modern renovations, imitation marble, wood, and concrete are often used - such a pattern looks expensive and creates the feeling of an exclusive finish.
PVC panels. The most inexpensive and fastest way to transform your bathroom interior. But keep in mind that on each side the bathroom will be reduced by 2-4 cm due to the sheathing on which the panels are mounted. In hardware stores you can find high-quality plastic that looks no worse than tiles.
Decorative plaster. Use a special compound for wet areas or coat with clear varnish to protect against water. The effect under cement and concrete looks beautiful on 5 square meters.
Lining. Not the best solution for 5 sq. m, but if you combine it with tiles or plastic and place the wood away from water, it can be used. The disadvantage is the same as for the panels - when installed, a gap of 2-4 cm remains between the wall and the lining.

The floor is the darkest surface of the bathroom. Ceramic tiles and porcelain stoneware are also laid as standard. But you can successfully use microcement and self-leveling flooring. A modern option for 5 square meters is quartz vinyl tiles.

Advice! Do not use laminate or linoleum for flooring. The first one is afraid of water and will swell in a couple of months. Under the second, ideal conditions are formed for the development of mold and mildew.

In the photo the walls are decorated with a colored boar

How to arrange furniture, appliances and plumbing?

The layout of a 5 sq. m bathroom begins with making an important decision: shower or bath?

Bath. For those who like to lie down and relax after a hard day. For families with small children or planning to become parents.
Shower. For active people who do not like to lie in the bath, but shower daily. Suitable for families with older children, as well as older people who find it difficult to climb into the bowl.

Technically speaking, a shower is a more economical option. This applies to the space occupied per 5 square meters and the water consumed. But at the same time, the cost of purchasing a ready-made one or building a stationary one will be much higher compared to a bowl. And cleaning the shower is more difficult - ledges, corners, technological holes require special care.

Important! The minimum dimensions of a square or rectangular shower stall are 85 cm (comfortable ~100 cm), the same amount of space should be left in front of its door. Don't try to save space, otherwise it will be inconvenient to use the shower.

Even a small bathtub takes up a lot of space, uses more water, but costs less.

Important! For elderly and sedentary groups, do not forget about a seat in the shower - this will make washing more comfortable.

The photo shows wooden hexagonal tiles

After the choice is made, we move on to the rest of the plumbing:

Toilet. Best of all - suspended, with a hidden drain system. At 5 square meters it looks more compact, and due to the absence of a “leg” and a tank, it will be easier for you to clean the bathroom floor and the toilet itself.
Sink. When designing your bathroom, don’t skimp on space for the washbasin—choose a countertop model and place it on the cabinet in which you will store everything you need.
Bidet. On an area of 5 square meters you will have to give up either it or the furniture - everyone decides for themselves what they need most.

The right furniture will help you arrange everything comfortably and ergonomically:

A long countertop is placed on the cabinet under the sink, under which it is convenient to hide the washing machine.
Open shelves are hung above the toilet for storing paper and installing an aroma diffuser.
A free corner of 5 square meters can be occupied by a shelving unit or a corner pencil case; it will accommodate the bulk of things.

Advice! Choose non-floor, hanging cabinets and shelves that do not stand on the floor, but float above it. Due to the wall arrangement, the bathroom will look more spacious.

Let's say separately about the washing machine: in a bathroom of 5 square meters, do not install it yourself, use the space above it as a countertop. Or build the equipment into a closet. If you need to place a dryer and washing machine, stack them on top of each other.

The photo shows colored plastic furniture

Planning stages

If the dimensions of a utilitarian room are close to average, then the topic of saving space remains pressing. The layout here is not particularly difficult, but it is unlikely that it will be possible to combine the installation of a bathtub and a shower, so it is worth paying attention to 2 in 1 options. It is recommended to start planning by compiling a list of future paraphernalia and plumbing fixtures. Priority should be given not only to quality and functionality, but also to ease of use. An expensive faucet, for example, will not be as impressive as a creative solution in a small space. Another important initial step is to accurately measure the volume of the room. It is thought out in advance whether it is advisable to combine a bathroom. It is worth carrying out work with communications in order to have confidence in the possibility of transferring water supply pipes, a radiator and a heated towel rail, as well as altering the discharge configuration into the sewer.

Important! The use of computer design programs will help you design an individual option in the form of a photo that completely satisfies the owner’s needs.

Correct lighting

Light plays an important role in bathroom design: it can either expand the space and make it more comfortable, or vice versa - completely destroy all the beauty of the arrangement. There should be a lot of light sources per 5m2:

Ceiling. General chandelier or spotlights.
At the mirror. As an idea for a 5 sq. m bathroom, consider an LED strip, hanging sconces, or buy a mirror already illuminated.
Above the shower/bathtub. Additional light is required, otherwise it will be dark for you to wash with the curtain closed. Don't forget about suitable sockets and lamps: they must have an IP waterproof rating.

Advice! Diode lamps do not heat up, shine brighter, save energy, and are suitable for 5 sq. m.

The photo shows the lighting of the mirror in the bathroom

Examples of combined bathroom design

There is more plumbing equipment in a combined bathroom - at a minimum, you need to place a toilet, so it makes sense to think about choosing a shower stall.

Advice! Measure all the plumbing, sketch out the layout before starting repairs and order the installation of water pipes and sewerage from a specialist - this is the main step when repairing a combined bathroom of 5 square meters.

In the photo the walls are decorated with wood tiles

The functional areas of the toilet and bath are separated by partitions (preferably glass, non-contrasting), or made in different color palettes. Zoning is not necessary, but with it a 5 square meter bathroom will look complete.

Important! Don't forget about free space in front of the toilet (55-75 cm) and on the sides (25-30 cm from the edge, or ~40 cm from the center point).

The photo shows gray cement walls

Geometry: rectangle, square, redevelopment

In standard high-rise buildings, as a rule, all bathrooms with an area of five square meters are rectangular in shape. This allows you to create a layout that accommodates a bathtub, washbasin and washing machine. If the bathroom is combined, then the area increases significantly and there is the possibility of free movement and many design options.

Combined redevelopment is often done to increase space. In this case, it becomes possible to install cabinets and cabinets for storing personal hygiene products and household chemicals.

Decorating a separate bathroom without a toilet

It’s easier to create the interior of a 5 square meter bathroom without a toilet - the space that would be occupied by a toilet can be put to good use by placing a large closet here for storing towels, cosmetics, and other things.

The photo shows a cabinet with illuminated mirrors

In a separate bathroom, you don’t need to choose a bowl or a stall - if you like a bathtub better, put it in, there is enough space for 5 square meters. The shower can be made more spacious to make it more comfortable.

The photo shows a bright yellow bathroom