Small bathrooms are a common challenge in Sioux Falls homes, but limited square footage doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style or functionality. After more than 60 years of transforming compact bathrooms throughout Sioux Falls and across South Dakota, we’ve learned that smart design choices can make even the tiniest space feel open, luxurious, and surprisingly spacious. Here are our favorite small bathroom remodel ideas that deliver big impact.
Use Light Colors and Mirrors to Make a Small Bathroom Feel Bigger
This might sound obvious, but the power of light colors in small bathrooms can’t be overstated. White, soft grays, pale blues, and warm creams reflect light and create an airy, open feeling that darker colors simply can’t match.
That doesn’t mean your bathroom has to be boring. Add depth with varying shades of the same color family, or introduce patterns through tiles while keeping the overall palette light. A white subway tile with light gray grout, for example, adds subtle visual interest without overwhelming the space.
Large mirrors are your secret weapon for making small bathrooms feel bigger. A mirror spanning the full width of your vanity—or even wall-to-wall—reflects light and creates the illusion of depth. Consider mirrors with built-in lighting for both function and ambiance. At Hjellming Construction, we’ve seen this simple change make dramatic differences in bathrooms throughout the Sioux Falls area.
* Photo from our Sawtooth Trail home.
Wall-Mounted and Floating Vanities for Small Bathrooms
Floor space is precious in a small bathroom, and a wall-mounted vanity creates the illusion of more room by exposing the floor beneath. This simple change makes the space feel less cramped and easier to clean—something our family has been helping homeowners achieve since 1962.
Wall-mounted vanities come in countless styles, from sleek modern designs to more traditional options that work beautifully in older Sioux Falls homes. Many include clever storage solutions like built-in drawers and compartments that maximize every inch.
If you’re concerned about storage, consider a vanity with open shelving below. Baskets or decorative boxes can hold toiletries while maintaining that open, airy feel.
Walk-In Shower vs Tub: What Works Best in a Small Bathroom?
Unless you’re a devoted bath person, replacing a bulky tub with a walk-in shower can dramatically open up a small bathroom. Modern shower designs can be just as luxurious as a soak in the tub, think rain showerheads, built-in benches, and beautiful tile work.
*photo from the Old Yankton Road remodel. Check out more of this home here!
A curbless or low-threshold shower creates seamless visual flow and makes the bathroom feel larger. Glass enclosures, rather than shower curtains or opaque doors, maintain sight lines across the entire room.
If you’re absolutely not willing to part with your tub, consider a tub-shower combo with a glass door instead of a curtain. It’s a small change that makes a noticeable difference in how spacious the bathroom feels. Throughout South Dakota’s 100-mile radius around Sioux Falls, we’ve helped homeowners navigate this decision based on their specific needs and preferences.
Maximize Vertical Space
When floor space is limited, look up. Vertical storage solutions keep necessities within reach without cluttering countertops or making the room feel cramped.
Built-in recessed shelves in the shower provide storage without protruding into your space. A tall, narrow cabinet fits into awkward corners and offers surprising storage capacity. Floating shelves above the toilet or beside the vanity keep essentials accessible while drawing the eye upward, which makes ceilings feel higher.
Even your medicine cabinet can work harder. Opt for a recessed version that sits flush with the wall rather than one that juts out into the room. As a three-generation family business, we’ve learned countless tricks for making every inch count in small spaces.
Select the Right Tile
Tile choices dramatically impact how spacious a small bathroom feels. Large-format tiles—think 12×24 inches or bigger—have fewer grout lines, which creates a cleaner, more expansive look. Counterintuitively, bigger tiles often work better in small spaces than tiny mosaic tiles.
Consider running tile in unexpected ways. Horizontal tiles can make a narrow bathroom feel wider, while vertical placement draws the eye up and makes the ceiling feel higher. Continuing the same floor tile up the shower wall creates continuity that expands the perceived space.
* Photo from our Sawtooth Trail home.
For Sioux Falls homeowners looking to add personality, an accent wall with patterned or textured tile can create a focal point without overwhelming the room. Just keep the rest of the surfaces simpler to maintain balance. We work with trusted local suppliers to source quality materials that stand up to South Dakota’s climate while delivering the look you want.
Improve Lighting Layers
Poor lighting makes any bathroom feel smaller and less inviting. A single overhead light might not be enough—layer multiple light sources to eliminate shadows and create warmth.
Vanity lighting is crucial for daily grooming tasks. Wall-mounted sconces flanking the mirror provide even, flattering light that overhead fixtures alone can’t achieve. Consider LED options that mimic natural daylight.
* Photo from the Old Yankton Road remodel. Check out more of this home here!
If your bathroom has a window, maximize that natural light. Skip heavy curtains in favor of frosted window film or solar shades that provide privacy while letting light filter through.
Recessed can lights add overall illumination without taking up visual space, and dimmer switches let you adjust the mood from bright and energizing in the morning to soft and relaxing for an evening soak. Our team has decades of experience coordinating with electricians to ensure proper lighting placement that enhances both function and atmosphere.
Choose Streamlined Fixtures
Every element in a small bathroom should earn its keep. Sleek, modern fixtures with clean lines take up less visual space than ornate, traditional styles—though you can certainly find streamlined options in any aesthetic.
* Photo from our Sawtooth Trail home.
For sinks, consider a vessel sink on a narrow vanity or a small pedestal sink if storage isn’t a concern. Corner sinks make use of otherwise wasted space in especially tight bathrooms..
Incorporate Smart Storage Solutions
Storage is the eternal challenge in small bathroom remodels, but creative solutions abound. Medicine cabinets with built-in outlets let you store and charge electric toothbrushes or razors out of sight. Pull-out organizers in vanity drawers maximize every inch. Magnetic strips can hold metal grooming tools on the inside of cabinet doors.
Don’t overlook the space behind the door. Over-the-door organizers, hooks, or towel bars make use of this often-forgotten area. A narrow rolling cart can tuck beside the vanity or toilet and slide out when needed.
Built-in niches—whether in the shower or beside the vanity—provide storage without protruding into the room. They can be functional storage or decorative displays for plants, candles, or artwork. After six decades in business, we’ve learned that well-planned storage is what separates a good bathroom remodel from a great one.
Consider a Pocket or Sliding Door
Traditional swing doors can eat up valuable floor space in a small bathroom. A pocket door that slides into the wall or a barn-style sliding door eliminates this issue entirely.
Pocket doors require wall space with no plumbing or electrical, so they’re not always feasible in every remodel. But when possible, they’re an elegant solution that can free up several square feet. As Sioux Falls home remodeling experts, we can assess your specific situation and determine what door options work best for your layout.
Keep It Clutter-Free
This isn’t exactly a design tip, but it’s essential: a small bathroom can only feel spacious if it’s uncluttered. Designate a home for everything and keep countertops as clear as possible.
Drawer organizers, labeled baskets, and regular decluttering sessions keep your newly remodeled bathroom looking and feeling its best. Sometimes the most effective way to maximize space is simply to own less stuff.
Add Personality Through Details
Small doesn’t mean boring. Once you’ve nailed the space-maximizing fundamentals, add personality through thoughtful details. A statement light fixture, colorful artwork, fun wallpaper, luxurious towels, or unique hardware can infuse character without overwhelming the space.
* Photo from the Old Yankton Road remodel. Check out more of this home here!
Plants bring life to bathrooms and thrive in humid environments. A single statement plant or a small collection on a shelf adds warmth and color. Throughout our years serving Sioux Falls and the surrounding 100-mile radius, we’ve seen homeowners transform practical spaces into personal retreats with just a few thoughtful touches.
Working With Professionals Makes All the Difference
Small bathroom remodels require careful planning and precise execution. Every inch matters, and mistakes can be costly in such a compact space. Working with experienced Sioux Falls home remodeling professionals ensures your design maximizes function without sacrificing style.
At Hjellming Construction, our three generations of family expertise mean we’ve transformed countless small bathrooms into spaces that feel open, luxurious, and perfectly suited to their owners’ needs. From our first meeting through final walk-through, we’re committed to making your remodeling experience as smooth as possible.
Have questions about your specific bathroom situation? Check out our FAQ page for answers to common remodeling questions, or contact us directly to discuss your small bathroom remodel and discover how good design can make any size bathroom work beautifully. We’re proud to serve homeowners throughout Sioux Falls and surrounding areas across South Dakota, and we can’’t wait to hear your vision.