If you are seeking compact restroom concepts for a water closet, you have arrived at the correct destination!
The petite bathroom within your residence might be the last area you consider enhancing. However, it is quite simple to transform this limited space into something more welcoming. This blog post discusses everything from wall accents to storage solutions to assist you in initiating your own small lavatory revamp.
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Compact Restroom Concepts: Wall Area
Revamping walls with paint, wallpaper, or moldings is an effective method to make a restroom seem more purposeful and styled. Here are some suggestions!
Restroom Wall Paint
First, let’s discuss wall paint. To give our restroom a refresh, I chose to paint the lower half of the wall in Sage Gray by Behr paint. This is a stunning, medium tone green. I had the paint color leftover from our guest bathroom, which you can view in this article!
You often hear that dark hues are not ideal for smaller rooms, as they can make the area appear more confined. Lighter shades can create an illusion of more space, but do not hesitate to utilize a darker tone if you appreciate a dramatic ambiance.
I even applied the same green shade to the restroom ceiling, which enhances the sense of space, in my view. Naturally, the highlight of this petite bathroom is the wallpaper, which we will explore next!
Botanical Wallpaper for a Water Closet
This limited space was the ideal chance to employ peel and stick wallpaper, as I would only require a few rolls to create a significant effect on a budget!
I opted to apply wallpaper to the upper two-thirds of the wall in our restroom. I employed a small piece of PVC molding (that can be easily sized with miter shears) to segregate the wall area. This not only provides a timeless look, but it also eliminates the need to wallpaper behind the toilet, which can be quite challenging.
An alternative is to create a wallpaper accent wall if you simply wish to cover one entire wall.

I felt that this leaves peel and stick wallpaper featuring small white berries perfectly matched my aesthetic. It exudes both warmth and classic charm, making a statement in our water closet. This wallpaper is available in various color options as well, including green leaves on a white backdrop if you prefer something brighter.
For those who favor modern design or striking patterns, there are numerous wallpapers to contemplate. Here are a few of my personal favorites:
Restroom Wall Molding
Another one of my preferred concepts for a compact bathroom is to install wall trim or wainscoting. Here is a demonstration on a small wall in our main bathroom, where I placed DIY picture frame molding!

This design works excellently in a restroom, as the lower frame can be easily fitted around the toilet. I’ve been contemplating adding this same trim to our powder room.
I am fond of this PVC wall trim because it is simple to cut with miter shears (eliminating the need for a saw). However, if you prefer something pre-cut and readily available, feel free to explore these sets of decorative wall trim:
- Basic box wall trim
- Scalloped box wall trim
- Shaker panel kit
- Shiplap wainscoting
Compact Bathroom Gallery Wall
Lastly, I wanted to highlight restroom wall art! I recently crafted a simple gallery wall above the toilet in our water closet for a captivating focal point.

An excellent source for playful bathroom art is Etsy! I selected printable art from small boutiques to display in our restroom. Here are the digital prints I utilized:
- Wash your little paws cat
- Silly goose with toilet paper
- Bathroom karaoke tickets
If you possess a color printer, you can print up to an 8.5×11 at home! I chose to print my art at 8×10 and 5×7. Carefully trim the artwork, and you are set to frame (or adhere with charming washi tape).


I didn’t have any additional frames available, but I think the washi tape appears adorable! It is also simple to change out.
If you favor a more refined appearance, consider coordinating frames. I actually just acquired these budget-friendly wavy frames from Target and am intending to repaint them in some vibrant hues.

Here is an additional example of bathroom wall art positioned above the toilet in our powder room. In this instance, I opted for an elaborate bronze frame and a timber frame. Frames are an excellent method to incorporate metals and cozy wood tones.
Small Toilet Room Concepts: Storage Solutions
Secondly, here are some imaginative storage ideas for a compact bathroom!
Over the Toilet Storage Unit
An effective way to introduce additional storage is with a shelving unit that fits above the toilet. This is a straightforward option if you prefer to avoid installing floating shelves.

Utilize the over the toilet storage unit for toilet paper and a few ornamental elements, such as fresh blooms in a vase or reed diffusers.
Compact Cabinet for a Toilet Room
If there is extra flooring available in your toilet room, a compact cabinet may be the ideal storage option. Depending on the room’s arrangement, you can place an accent cabinet opposite the toilet or against the side wall.

Within the cabinet, you can keep toilet paper rolls in a basket and cleaning supplies for the bathroom for easy accessibility. The top surface also allows space for a few decorative touches.
Floating Wall Shelves
If you are dealing with a limited space, which is typical for most water closets, you might want to install floating shelves above the toilet.

I employed these scalloped wall shelves in our guest bathroom. After painting them to blend with the walls, I mounted one facing downward (to accommodate a roll of toilet paper) and one facing upward (to showcase framed artwork).
If you cannot hit a wooden stud in the wall, ensure to use drywall anchors or the appropriate screws for your wall type, to make the floating shelves stable. I frequently utilize toggle bolts for drywall.
Additional Toilet Paper Storage
If you prefer not to install shelves or utilize a cabinet, a practical solution for toilet paper storage is a simple basket placed on the back of the toilet. I chose this rope basket from Target for our water closet.

Alternative options for toilet paper storage include a toilet paper stand or a floor basket. It truly depends on what functions best for your area.
Small Toilet Room Concepts: Floor Area
When navigating tiny areas like a water closet, you likely don’t possess much square footage for additional furniture. However, here are a few methods to effortlessly enhance your toilet room flooring and bathroom essentials for a more appealing look!
Peel and Stick Floor Tiles
An effective way to rejuvenate a small bathroom without a full renovation is to utilize adhesive floor tiles. They come in various styles, including faux marble, faux wood, and faux patterned tile. If our toilet room had tiles, I would undoubtedly choose these!
In our circumstance, our water closet features the same LVP flooring as our main bedroom and bathroom. (We replaced the flooring over a year ago and are very satisfied with it.) For more details, check out Vinyl French Oak Flooring: Malibu Wide Plank Review.
Trash Can or Waste Basket
Next, refresh your compact toilet room with a functional trash can. We have these simple human trash cans which are ideal for petite spaces.

Alternatively, you can opt for a wicker or seagrass basket with a liner to use as a trash can in a water closet. Here are some charming options to contemplate!
- Pink trash can
- Powder blue trash can
- Brown can with pedal
- Rattan waste basket
- Pink flower basket
- Whitewashed basket
- Gold-rimmed trash can
- White can with pedal
- Black can with pedal
Toilet Brush and Plunger
Lastly, I find it essential to incorporate a toilet brush and plunger in every bathroom for straightforward upkeep. Here is a compact set that is ideal for a toilet room. Or, here is an adorable toilet brush if such a thing exists!
Compact Toilet Space Concepts: Fixtures and Accessories
Having explored wall decorations, storage solutions, and flooring ideas for a compact toilet space, I wanted to mention some straightforward fixture upgrades that can create a significant effect.
Ceiling Light Fixture
If your restroom features a flush mount light, this is a perfect starting point. Take a look at Best Flush Mount Ceiling Light Alternatives for Boob Lights for an array of lovely light fixtures! Here’s the flush mount installed in my workspace.

Our petite toilet room is equipped only with the built-in light and exhaust fan on the ceiling, so I didn’t change it. However, I recently came across some attractive exhaust fans, so I might consider replacing it in the future!
Toilet Paper Holder
In contrast, I did replace the frustrating spring-loaded toilet paper holder installed by our contractor. I opted for this brass toilet paper holder from Target. It is incredibly durable and stylish.

An alternative is a toilet paper holder that includes a small shelf. Minor alterations like this can create a major difference!
Additional Fixtures for a Water Closet
One more fixture you can upgrade in a toilet room is the light switch cover. I installed these brass switch plates in our main bathroom, and they truly elevate the design.

Lastly, think about replacing the doorknob on your water closet. If desired, you can choose one that matches your other doorknobs but has a bit more flair. Such as this decorative doorknob, or this vintage crystal doorknob.
Compact Toilet Space Concepts: Conclusion
I hope you found this article useful if you are looking to revamp a small water closet! Please feel free to leave any inquiries below, or share how you rejuvenated your tiny toilet space.
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