Tiny House Bathroom Design

Tiny House Bathroom Design

04. Getting the most out of your tiny house bathroom

04. Getting the most out of your tiny house bathroom

04. Getting the most out of your tiny house bathroom

21 Dec 2022

21 Dec 2022

Tiny House Bathroom Guide
Tiny House Bathroom Guide
Tiny House Bathroom Guide

Catch-Up

Our last post focused on living room features to get you on your way to a successful tiny house living room! If you haven't already, give it a read so you can follow along as we make our way through all the rooms & spaces in a tiny house.

As you explore all the points below, you will learn how to make the right decisions based on your lifestyle! Follow along by creating a table or list with two columns. This list will help you understand what features within your tiny house are essential and which you'd like to include, even if it's not crucial.

Catch-Up

Our last post focused on living room features to get you on your way to a successful tiny house living room! If you haven't already, give it a read so you can follow along as we make our way through all the rooms & spaces in a tiny house.

As you explore all the points below, you will learn how to make the right decisions based on your lifestyle! Follow along by creating a table or list with two columns. This list will help you understand what features within your tiny house are essential and which you'd like to include, even if it's not crucial.

Essential

Essential

Nice To Have But Not Necessary

Nice To Have But Not Necessary

To give you an idea of how this may look like, I’ve filled out the list of what I think is essential for my tiny house kitchen and what I could compromise on. Use this as a reference throughout the process if you need a pointer of where to go next!

To give you an idea of how this may look like, I’ve filled out the list of what I think is essential for my tiny house kitchen and what I could compromise on. Use this as a reference throughout the process if you need a pointer of where to go next!

Essential

Essential

Nice To Have But Not Necessary

Nice To Have But Not Necessary

  • Shower

    A standard size shower is perfect for me. If the space allows, a larger walk-in might be an option as a bonus!


  • Composting Toilet (Dehydrating) The dehydrating composting toilet is the best choice for me because of its ease of use + install.


  • Vanity

    I prefer a larger vanity for the extra storage. The more, the better! Keeping everything in one space is the dream, instead of walking back and forth between the bedroom to get a hairbrush, etc.


  • Having a combined washer/dryer is the way to go. Keeping it simple and tucked is the idea here.


  • A mirror is also crucial as this is the main getting ready space. Having one that is comfortable to the size of the area is ideal.

  • Bath

    This would for sure be a luxury, but not necessary for my bathroom.

Step 4: Living Room Features

Now that you've made your decisions around the kitchen and the living room, lets start thinking about the spaces behind the closed doors, starting with the bathroom. Bathrooms can be a super exciting place to design as they can involve multiple finishes, textures, and colors. However, we will stick to the essentials of what's going in the bathroom for now!

Handy Tip: Keep your routine handy throughout the steps to ensure you're not missing something important!

Step 4: Living Room Features

Now that you've made your decisions around the kitchen and the living room, lets start thinking about the spaces behind the closed doors, starting with the bathroom. Bathrooms can be a super exciting place to design as they can involve multiple finishes, textures, and colors. However, we will stick to the essentials of what's going in the bathroom for now!

Handy Tip: Keep your routine handy throughout the steps to ensure you're not missing something important!

Let's Make Some Choices.

Great, let's begin shaping up your tiny house bathroom. There are plenty of options for bathroom design in tiny houses, but in general, we try to keep it as compact as possible while still being comfortable to leave as much space for the living and kitchen areas. 

If you've looked through any of our plans, you've probably noticed no bathroom is the same, that's because each tiny house design had different requirements. (Don't be afraid to be nosy, go and check them out!)

Our smallest design “Tiny Haus” also has the smallest, most compact bathroom to keep a small footprint on interior floor space. Petite Maison, is one of our largeer designs, and was made for a family in mind that would benefit from the extra room in the bathroom.

Let's Make Some Choices.

Great, let's begin shaping up your tiny house bathroom. There are plenty of options for bathroom design in tiny houses, but in general, we try to keep it as compact as possible while still being comfortable to leave as much space for the living and kitchen areas. 

If you've looked through any of our plans, you've probably noticed no bathroom is the same, that's because each tiny house design had different requirements. (Don't be afraid to be nosy, go and check them out!)

Our smallest design “Tiny Haus” also has the smallest, most compact bathroom to keep a small footprint on interior floor space. Petite Maison, is one of our largeer designs, and was made for a family in mind that would benefit from the extra room in the bathroom.

Furniture

Furniture will be the most permanent choice shaping your tiny home's living room. If you're a bookworm, a cosy reading nook with built-in accessible shelving for easy access might be the way to go. If you're into your movies and TV shows, you'll want furniture that supports the best viewing experience. Or, if you think you'd like to use this space to convert into a second bedroom now and then, think about multi-use furniture or day beds. 

Below are some furniture options to consider for space efficiency and comfort.

Furniture

Furniture will be the most permanent choice shaping your tiny home's living room. If you're a bookworm, a cosy reading nook with built-in accessible shelving for easy access might be the way to go. If you're into your movies and TV shows, you'll want furniture that supports the best viewing experience. Or, if you think you'd like to use this space to convert into a second bedroom now and then, think about multi-use furniture or day beds. 

Below are some furniture options to consider for space efficiency and comfort.

Petite Maison - Tiny House Bathroom
Petite Maison - Tiny House Bathroom
Petite Maison - Tiny House Bathroom
Tiny Home Bathroom - Scandi
Tiny Home Bathroom - Scandi
Tiny Home Bathroom - Scandi
Tiny Home Bathroom - Tiny Haus
Tiny Home Bathroom - Tiny Haus
Tiny Home Bathroom - Tiny Haus

Shower & Bath

Showers

Put some time into what would be comfortable for your day-to-day life and what is the most convenient for you. For a snug space-saver, you can do a 3 sided alcove shower on one end of the bathroom, or for a larger bathroom, you might opt for a corner entry shower. If you're feeling generous, a large walk-in shower will give you all the space you need!

Shower & Bath


Showers

Put some time into what would be comfortable for your day-to-day life and what is the most convenient for you. For a snug space-saver, you can do a 3 sided alcove shower on one end of the bathroom, or for a larger bathroom, you might opt for a corner entry shower. If you're feeling generous, a large walk-in shower will give you all the space you need!

Shower in Tiny Haus - Tiny Home Bathroom
Shower in Tiny Haus - Tiny Home Bathroom
Shower in Tiny Haus - Tiny Home Bathroom

Baths

Baths, on the other hand, are entirely up to your liking. They're great fun for trying out bath bombs or for rejuvenating your muscles after a long day. If you’re thinking about having a tub in your tiny house bathroom make sure it will get the use it deserves. It is about double the footprint of a shower so only opt for this if it really compliments your daily routine! Our family-friendly design “Petite Maison” has a tub for the kids and makes washing the dog easy - intentionally included as a small family will always benefit from a tub!

Baths

Baths, on the other hand, are entirely up to your liking. They're great fun for trying out bath bombs or for rejuvenating your muscles after a long day. If you’re thinking about having a tub in your tiny house bathroom make sure it will get the use it deserves. It is about double the footprint of a shower so only opt for this if it really compliments your daily routine! Our family-friendly design “Petite Maison” has a tub for the kids and makes washing the dog easy - intentionally included as a small family will always benefit from a tub!

Shower + Bath - Tiny House Bathroom
Shower + Bath - Tiny House Bathroom
Shower + Bath - Tiny House Bathroom

Fixed or Movable Composting Toilets

Tiny house bathrooms have a few options when it comes to choosing your toilet: A fixed composting, dehydrating or incinerating toilet vs. a movable composting toilet. I won’t get into the different fixed toilet options just yet - this is a whole different topic for another blog! In today’s post, we’ll only need to make the decision if a fixed or movable toilet is right for you.

If you’re new to tiny homes, a family with small kids, or looking to retire in your tiny home, or you just like the usual comfort, a standard fixed composting toilet setup might be just right for you. Fixed toilets of course take up a little bit more space, but if designed correctly they can always be integrated nicely into your tiny house bathroom.

A movable composting toilet is the best bet for you if you want to make the most of your space. These toilets can be easily tucked away in a dedicated cabinet, and the newly won space can be used for even more storage. Movable composting toilets are usually custom-built or DIYed, so the usual off-the-shelf models are really just reserved for the fixed options.

Fixed or Movable Composting Toilets

Tiny house bathrooms have a few options when it comes to choosing your toilet: A fixed composting, dehydrating or incinerating toilet vs. a movable composting toilet. I won’t get into the different fixed toilet options just yet - this is a whole different topic for another blog! In today’s post, we’ll only need to make the decision if a fixed or movable toilet is right for you.

If you’re new to tiny homes, a family with small kids, or looking to retire in your tiny home, or you just like the usual comfort, a standard fixed composting toilet setup might be just right for you. Fixed toilets of course take up a little bit more space, but if designed correctly they can always be integrated nicely into your tiny house bathroom.

A movable composting toilet is the best bet for you if you want to make the most of your space. These toilets can be easily tucked away in a dedicated cabinet, and the newly won space can be used for even more storage. Movable composting toilets are usually custom-built or DIYed, so the usual off-the-shelf models are really just reserved for the fixed options.

Vanity

Bathroom vanities are a great way of getting extra storage into your bathroom. How much storage entirely depends on the size of your tiny house and what you need in the bathroom. Take note of what you're storing in your current bathroom vanity to see how much space you'll need. 


Sinks on top of the counter are a great way to maximize under-bench storage in the bathroom and even store a washing machine. Don't forget to consider vanity height to make it comfortable to use. The main difference between vanities in tiny homes is the width and depth of the basin which determines the size of the vanity’s cabinet below. For example, our “Tiny Haus” design uses a low-profile space-saving basin, paired with a slim floating vanity for a modern look with heaps of storage. The “Petite Maison” design in contrast has a full-size cabinet with an integrated basin for a modern look with maximum storage.

Vanity

Bathroom vanities are a great way of getting extra storage into your bathroom. How much storage entirely depends on the size of your tiny house and what you need in the bathroom. Take note of what you're storing in your current bathroom vanity to see how much space you'll need. 


Sinks on top of the counter are a great way to maximize under-bench storage in the bathroom and even store a washing machine. Don't forget to consider vanity height to make it comfortable to use. The main difference between vanities in tiny homes is the width and depth of the basin which determines the size of the vanity’s cabinet below. For example, our “Tiny Haus” design uses a low-profile space-saving basin, paired with a slim floating vanity for a modern look with heaps of storage. The “Petite Maison” design in contrast has a full-size cabinet with an integrated basin for a modern look with maximum storage.

Vanity - Tiny House Bathroom
Vanity - Tiny House Bathroom
Vanity - Tiny House Bathroom

Laundry: Appliances & Storage

The bathroom is the best place to tuck away the large laundry appliances.. Lots of our designs use cabinets to conceal the washer and storage to keep everything in one place and the bathroom looking tidy.  Personally, a clean and concealed laundry cupboard is a win-win in any tiny home bathroom! You’ll have space for a washer or a washer dryer combo machine and adjacent space to store your dirty laundry. Also, keep in mind the amount of storage you'll need for laundry products, laundry powder, cleaning products, pegs, etc. A small shelf or cupboard close to the washing machine is all you need here! 

Tip:

If you are opting for a smaller space-saving tiny house design for one or two people, you can consider removing the washer completely. A trip to a laundromat once or twice a week helps you gain that extra space you’d use for a bulky washer. All you’ll need to consider is storage for your laundry and you’re ready to go!

Laundry: Appliances & Storage

The bathroom is the best place to tuck away the large laundry appliances.. Lots of our designs use cabinets to conceal the washer and storage to keep everything in one place and the bathroom looking tidy.  Personally, a clean and concealed laundry cupboard is a win-win in any tiny home bathroom! You’ll have space for a washer or a washer dryer combo machine and adjacent space to store your dirty laundry. Also, keep in mind the amount of storage you'll need for laundry products, laundry powder, cleaning products, pegs, etc. A small shelf or cupboard close to the washing machine is all you need here! 


Tip:

If you are opting for a smaller space-saving tiny house design for one or two people, you can consider removing the washer completely. A trip to a laundromat once or twice a week helps you gain that extra space you’d use for a bulky washer. All you’ll need to consider is storage for your laundry and you’re ready to go!

Laundry in Petite Maison - Tiny House Bathroom
Laundry in Petite Maison - Tiny House Bathroom
Laundry in Petite Maison - Tiny House Bathroom

Dishplay Shelving

Display shelving is another great way to add your personal touch to a tiny home. We love display shelving for all sorts of things! Plants, photos, candles, clocks, sculptures, you name it! These are an excellent option for decorating your walls in double-height spaces.

Dishplay Shelving

Display shelving is another great way to add your personal touch to a tiny home. We love display shelving for all sorts of things! Plants, photos, candles, clocks, sculptures, you name it! These are an excellent option for decorating your walls in double-height spaces.

Mirrors

Mirrors are completely a personal choice and the best option for you is always shaped by your routine. If you’re thinking about adding mirrors in your bathroom, here are some points to consider: 

  • Size? Do you spend a lot of time in front of the mirror during your morning routine? Then a large mirror might be just right for you.

  • Shape? There are an infinite amount of shapes you can choose from! Find something that suits your style. It can be a simple round or rectangular mirror or a beautifully whacky shape!

  • Storage?? Do you want to amp up the storage in your tiny house bathroom? A mirror with integrated storage might be just right for you.

  • Lighting? To get the perfect illumination when getting ready, a mirror with integrated lighting is a great option. You can DIY these very easily with just a mirror, plywood, and an LED strip!

Most of our tiny homes feature beautiful round mirrors to stylize the bathroom. However, these could be easily interchanged for anything that screams your style!

Mirrors

Mirrors are completely a personal choice and the best option for you is always shaped by your routine. If you’re thinking about adding mirrors in your bathroom, here are some points to consider: 

  • Size? Do you spend a lot of time in front of the mirror during your morning routine? Then a large mirror might be just right for you.

  • Shape? There are an infinite amount of shapes you can choose from! Find something that suits your style. It can be a simple round or rectangular mirror or a beautifully whacky shape!

  • Storage?? Do you want to amp up the storage in your tiny house bathroom? A mirror with integrated storage might be just right for you.

  • Lighting? To get the perfect illumination when getting ready, a mirror with integrated lighting is a great option. You can DIY these very easily with just a mirror, plywood, and an LED strip!

Most of our tiny homes feature beautiful round mirrors to stylize the bathroom. However, these could be easily interchanged for anything that screams your style!

Mirrors - Tiny House Bathroom
Mirrors - Tiny House Bathroom
Mirrors - Tiny House Bathroom

Pet Area

As part of the family, considering the needs of your furry friends are very important. This will vary depending on what type of pet you own. Think about some of the things they might need and use every day. For your cat, a dedicated litter box integrated into a cabinet would be perfect. For dogs, you can think more about what your wash routines look like when they can’t resist diving into a muddy puddle…

Pet Area

As part of the family, considering the needs of your furry friends are very important. This will vary depending on what type of pet you own. Think about some of the things they might need and use every day. For your cat, a dedicated litter box integrated into a cabinet would be perfect. For dogs, you can think more about what your wash routines look like when they can’t resist diving into a muddy puddle…

Other Points to Consider

Below I've jotted down some less major, but important points to skim through and have them in the back of your mind when designing your tiny house bathroom.

Other Points to Consider

Below I've jotted down some less major, but important points to skim through and have them in the back of your mind when designing your tiny house bathroom.

Ventilation

Tiny houses are remarkable for their space efficiency but remember that a small space needs to breathe. Adding a window you can crack open is a good starter to avoid moisture build-up in your tiny house bathroom. A must-have in any tiny house bathroom is a through-wall fan within the shower that sucks out any moisture right at the source. This is less of a design aspect, but it’s important to consider.

Ventilation

Tiny houses are remarkable for their space efficiency but remember that a small space needs to breathe. Adding a window you can crack open is a good starter to avoid moisture build-up in your tiny house bathroom. A must-have in any tiny house bathroom is a through-wall fan within the shower that sucks out any moisture right at the source. This is less of a design aspect, but it’s important to consider.

Tiny Haus - Tiny Home Bathroom
Tiny Haus - Tiny Home Bathroom
Tiny Haus - Tiny Home Bathroom

Lighting

Natural lighting from windows is a great way to make your bathroom feel light and bright! Bring in the light, but keep the privacy with a regular frosted window or floor to ceiling window. Keeping this space well-lit is essential, especially if this is where you'll be getting ready in the morning and ready for bed in the evening. Getting ready in a dark room doesn't necessarily grant your greatest look! So, consider how much natural light you’ll get throughout the day and where you’ll need artificial lighting to make sure your tiny house bathroom is always well lit. Usually, a LED mirror paired with two or three downlights is all you’ll need! If you’re feeling fancy, some LED strip lighting under the cabinetry will give you a gentle glow in the evening.

Lighting

Natural lighting from windows is a great way to make your bathroom feel light and bright! Bring in the light, but keep the privacy with a regular frosted window or floor to ceiling window. Keeping this space well-lit is essential, especially if this is where you'll be getting ready in the morning and ready for bed in the evening. Getting ready in a dark room doesn't necessarily grant your greatest look! So, consider how much natural light you’ll get throughout the day and where you’ll need artificial lighting to make sure your tiny house bathroom is always well lit. Usually, a LED mirror paired with two or three downlights is all you’ll need! If you’re feeling fancy, some LED strip lighting under the cabinetry will give you a gentle glow in the evening.

Scandi - Tiny Home Bathroom
Scandi - Tiny Home Bathroom
Scandi - Tiny Home Bathroom

Let's Sum It Up

No matter how you use your bathroom, there is a solution for you. The main goal here is to keep your tiny house bathroom as compact as possible to maximise the space where it counts in the other areas of the house. Think about all of the great features you have just learned about and choose the right ones for you based on your routine. The list will nearly write itself ;) 

Let us know which one of these three tiny house bathrooms works best for you in the comments below!

Enjoy exploring your tiny house bathroom!

P.S. The next blog post will focus on bedroom features. You won't want to skip this one before planning your tiny house bedroom. Catch you then!

Let's Sum It Up

No matter how you use your bathroom, there is a solution for you. The main goal here is to keep your tiny house bathroom as compact as possible to maximise the space where it counts in the other areas of the house. Think about all of the great features you have just learned about and choose the right ones for you based on your routine. The list will nearly write itself ;) 

Let us know which one of these three tiny house bathrooms works best for you in the comments below!

Enjoy exploring your tiny house bathroom!

P.S. The next blog post will focus on bedroom features. You won't want to skip this one before planning your tiny house bedroom. Catch you then!

Keep Learning!

Keep Learning!