Small bathrooms often present the greatest renovation challenges in historic homes. These compact spaces, sometimes barely larger than closets in century-old houses, can feel impossibly constrained when trying to incorporate modern conveniences while honoring architectural integrity.
But here’s what I’ve learned after 14 years of historic home renovations: these tiny rooms hold remarkable potential. With thoughtful design choices that respect both period aesthetics and practical needs, even the most diminutive bathroom can be transformed into a functional, beautiful space. Let’s explore 18 small bathroom makeover approaches that balance historical sensitivity with contemporary functionality.
1. The Timeless Power of White: Period-Appropriate Brightness
White isn’t just a modern minimalist choice—it has deep historical roots in bathroom design. In Victorian and early 20th-century homes, white subway tile and porcelain fixtures were prized for their sanitary properties during an era newly conscious of hygiene. This historical precedent makes white an authentic choice for period renovations while simultaneously maximizing light reflection to visually expand your small bathroom makeover.
For historical accuracy with modern appeal, consider warmer whites like ivory or cream in older homes rather than stark contemporary whites. These softer tones complement original woodwork while still brightening the space. In Craftsman or Arts & Crafts bathrooms, pair white tile with period-appropriate colored trim tiles for authentic character.
“White bathrooms weren’t just fashionable in historic homes—they were considered the height of modern sanitation. Today, they serve the dual purpose of period authenticity and space enhancement.”
The magic of white extends beyond walls to your choice of tile, where material selection becomes crucial for both historical accuracy and visual expansion.
2. Reflective Surfaces: Historical Materials with Modern Impact
Many homeowners mistakenly believe dark, heavily patterned Victorian-style tiles are the only authentic choice for period bathrooms. In reality, highly reflective subway tiles and penny tiles in light colors were extremely common in homes built between 1890-1940. These authentic materials bounce light beautifully, making them perfect candidates for a small bathroom makeover in a historic home.
Consider the historical context of your home’s construction date when selecting reflective materials. For 1920s bathrooms, classic 3×6 white subway tile with light gray grout offers period-perfect reflectivity. In Art Deco inspired spaces, glossy black and white tiles in geometric patterns provide authentic shine. For earlier Victorian homes, small hexagonal or penny tiles in white or light colors with dark grout lines balance historical accuracy with brightness.
As the craftsman family who created the original fixtures in your bathroom understood, the relationship between light and materials dramatically affects spatial perception.
3. Wall-Mounted Fixtures: A Return to Historical Precedent
Wall-mounted sinks aren’t just a modern space-saving trend—they’re actually a return to historical bathroom design. In many early bathrooms (1890s-1930s), pedestal and wall-hung sinks were the norm, with exposed plumbing often considered a feature rather than something to hide. This makes wall-mounted fixtures both historically appropriate and practical for your small bathroom makeover.
When selecting a wall-mounted sink for a historic renovation, look for designs that complement your home’s period. For Victorian-era homes, consider porcelain console sinks with elegant brackets. Craftsman bathrooms benefit from simpler designs with clean lines but substantial presence. Early modernist homes (1930s-40s) can support more streamlined wall-mounted options with minimal detailing. In all cases, exposed plumbing can be enhanced with period-appropriate finishes like polished nickel or oil-rubbed bronze.
The historical authenticity of wall-mounted fixtures naturally leads us to another period-appropriate space-saving solution: the corner shower.
4. Corner Showers: Adapting Historical Spaces for Modern Needs
Corner showers represent a thoughtful compromise between historical preservation and modern convenience. Many historic homes originally featured clawfoot tubs or had no shower at all. When adding shower functionality during a small bathroom makeover, corner installations minimize disruption to original layouts while maximizing available space.
The key to integrating a corner shower into a historic bathroom is thoughtful material selection. Use tile patterns consistent with your home’s era—subway tile for early 20th century homes, penny tile for Victorian spaces. Consider a partial wall rather than full enclosure when possible, topped with period-appropriate trim. This approach maintains sightlines across the bathroom while creating a dedicated shower area. For hardware, select fixtures with traditional cross handles or lever designs rather than contemporary minimalist options.
The craftsman approach to bathroom design has always emphasized efficient use of space, which brings us to another historically-sensitive solution: sliding shower doors.
5. Sliding Solutions: Historical Precedent in Modern Application
While sliding glass shower doors weren’t common in historic bathrooms, the principle of space-efficient sliding mechanisms has deep roots in architectural history. Pocket doors, sliding cabinet panels, and other space-saving elements were widely used in compact historic homes. Applying this traditional space-saving approach to shower enclosures honors the spirit of historical design innovation in your small bathroom makeover.
For maximum historical sensitivity, consider shower doors with hardware and framing that complements your home’s period. Oil-rubbed bronze or brushed nickel frames can echo original door hardware throughout the house. When possible, incorporate traditional details like beveled glass edges or subtle etched patterns that reference historical glass treatments. These thoughtful touches maintain period character while embracing modern space-saving functionality.
The careful balance between historical elements and open space continues with our approach to vanities and storage solutions.
6. Open Storage: Historical Utility Meets Modern Airiness
Contrary to popular belief, built-in vanities with cabinet doors weren’t common in many historic bathrooms until the mid-20th century. Earlier bathrooms often featured pedestal sinks with separate furniture pieces for storage or open shelving. Embracing open shelving in your small bathroom makeover not only creates visual spaciousness but can actually be more historically accurate for many period homes.
For authentic period character, consider wall-mounted shelves with brackets that reflect your home’s architectural style—simple mission-style brackets for Craftsman homes, more ornate supports for Victorian spaces. Materials should complement original elements: quarter-sawn oak shelving for Arts & Crafts bathrooms, marble shelves for early 20th century classical revival homes. Display period-appropriate items like wrapped soaps, apothecary jars, or folded linens to enhance the historical aesthetic.
The vertical dimension has always been valuable in historic architecture, where builders made efficient use of every available inch.
7. Vertical Storage Solutions: Historic Precedent for Modern Problems
Tall, narrow storage has historical precedent in many period bathrooms and hallways. Medicine cabinets, linen cupboards, and built-in storage columns were common space-saving features in historic homes. Incorporating vertical storage in your small bathroom makeover draws on these traditional solutions while addressing contemporary storage needs.
When adding vertical storage, respect the architectural details of your period home. For Victorian or Edwardian bathrooms, consider tall cabinets with glass-fronted upper sections and solid lower doors, mimicking traditional linen presses. In Craftsman bathrooms, built-in recessed cabinets with simple frame-and-panel doors maintain period authenticity. For Art Deco or early modern bathrooms, streamlined tall cabinets with geometric details honor the original aesthetic while providing essential storage.
- For Victorian/Edwardian: Tall cabinets with curved details, possibly with glass-fronted upper sections
- For Craftsman/Mission: Recessed cabinets with simple, substantial hardware
- For Art Deco: Streamlined storage with geometric inlays or stepped profiles
- For Mid-Century: Clean-lined vertical storage with minimal ornamentation
Just as historic architects used mirrors strategically to enhance limited spaces, we can apply this traditional technique in contemporary renovations.
8. Strategic Mirror Placement: A Time-Honored Spatial Illusion
The use of mirrors to visually expand spaces has been employed since the 17th century in European architecture and became particularly popular during the Victorian and Edwardian periods. Incorporating a large mirror in your small bathroom makeover continues this historical tradition while dramatically enhancing the sense of space.
For period-appropriate mirror integration, consider the typical styles of your home’s era. Victorian bathrooms often featured ornate framed mirrors, while Craftsman spaces used simpler wood frames with straight lines or subtle curves. Art Deco bathrooms embraced mirrors with geometric details or stepped frames. Rather than contemporary frameless mirrors, choose a style that complements your home’s architectural details. Position mirrors to reflect windows when possible—a technique used in historic homes to maximize natural light.
The thoughtful use of glass continues beyond mirrors into shower enclosures, where transparency creates continuity in limited spaces.
9. Clear Glass Enclosures: Modern Function with Historical Sensitivity
While clear glass shower enclosures weren’t available in most historic periods, the principle of maintaining visual continuity in small spaces was well understood by traditional builders. When incorporating a glass shower enclosure in your small bathroom makeover, the key is selecting hardware and framing details that reference your home’s architectural period.
For maximum historical sensitivity, choose shower door frames that echo original window frames or door hardware in your home. In Victorian renovations, consider minimal framing with period-appropriate hardware finishes like polished brass or nickel. For Craftsman bathrooms, bronze-finished frames with simple, substantial hardware maintain Arts & Crafts character. The glass itself should be clear to maximize sightlines, but can include subtle period-inspired details like a simple border etching that references traditional glass treatments.
Maintaining visual order was essential in historic interiors, where even utilitarian spaces followed principles of balance and harmony.
10. Decluttering with Historical Sensibility: Order in Small Spaces
Contrary to the popular image of Victorian clutter, historical bathrooms—particularly in the reform movements of the early 20th century—often emphasized clean, uncluttered surfaces for both practical hygiene and visual simplicity. Embracing this historical approach to order creates breathing room in your small bathroom makeover while remaining true to period design principles.
Apply historical organizing concepts by limiting countertop items to a few carefully chosen pieces that serve both function and aesthetic purpose. Consider period-appropriate containers like glass apothecary jars for cotton balls, porcelain cups for toothbrushes, or small trays for soap. These authentic solutions keep necessities at hand while maintaining visual calm. Remember that in many historic periods, bathrooms were designed with built-in niches and compartments specifically to minimize clutter on limited surfaces.
While maintaining historical accuracy, we can still introduce thoughtful color through carefully selected accessories.
11. Strategic Color: Historical Palettes in Modern Application
Historical bathrooms weren’t always white and clinical. Many period bathrooms incorporated carefully chosen color accents through tile borders, painted walls, or textiles. In your small bathroom makeover, introducing color through removable elements allows you to honor historical precedent while maintaining the spaciousness of a lighter overall palette.
Research color schemes authentic to your home’s period for historically sensitive choices. For Victorian bathrooms, consider accessories in deep jewel tones like burgundy, forest green, or navy blue. Arts & Crafts bathrooms benefit from nature-inspired hues like mossy green, earthy brown, or muted blue. Art Deco spaces can incorporate bold geometric patterns in black, gold, and rich colors. Introduce these period-appropriate colors through towels, artwork, or small accessories rather than permanent elements to maintain flexibility.
The functional elements of bathrooms have evolved significantly, but we can integrate modern innovations while respecting historical character.
12. Updated Fixtures: Modern Function with Period Aesthetics
Integrating modern toilet technology with historical aesthetics represents one of the most practical compromises in a small bathroom makeover. Dual-flush toilets with period-inspired designs offer water efficiency while maintaining visual harmony with your home’s architectural character.
Look for toilets with traditional profiles that echo your home’s era—higher tanks with pull chains for Victorian spaces, simpler lines for Craftsman homes, or streamlined shapes for Art Deco bathrooms. Many manufacturers now offer historically inspired designs with modern internal mechanisms. For ultimate space efficiency without sacrificing character, consider wall-hung toilets with period-appropriate flush plates and exposed plumbing in finishes that complement original hardware throughout your home.
Just as historic builders understood the importance of appropriate lighting, thoughtful illumination remains essential in contemporary renovations.
13. Period-Appropriate Lighting: Historical Character with Modern Function
Recessed lighting, while not historically accurate for most period homes, can be thoughtfully integrated into a small bathroom makeover when combined with period-appropriate decorative fixtures. This layered approach provides functional illumination while maintaining historical character.
The key is to make recessed lights visually recessive while highlighting authentic period fixtures. Install simple white recessed lights that blend with ceiling color, then incorporate wall sconces, pendant lights, or ceiling fixtures authentic to your home’s era as the visual focus. For Victorian bathrooms, consider sconces with glass shades and ornate backplates. Craftsman spaces benefit from simple fixtures with amber or art glass. Art Deco bathrooms can feature chrome fixtures with geometric details and frosted glass shades.
The careful coordination of metallic elements creates cohesion in historical interiors, where finishes were selected with intentional harmony.
14. Hardware Cohesion: Historical Accuracy Through Consistent Finishes
In historic homes, hardware finishes weren’t randomly mixed—they typically followed the prevailing styles of the period. Maintaining consistent hardware finishes in your small bathroom makeover not only creates visual cohesion but also enhances historical authenticity.
Research the typical hardware finishes used during your home’s construction period. Victorian bathrooms often featured polished brass or nickel. Craftsman homes typically used oil-rubbed bronze or copper with a patina. Art Deco spaces embraced chrome and nickel. Early modernist bathrooms featured chrome or aluminum. Apply your chosen historically accurate finish consistently across faucets, towel bars, cabinet hardware, and light fixtures. This cohesion creates a sense of intentional design that makes the small space feel more harmonious.
While maintaining historical accuracy, we can still incorporate natural elements that enhance wellbeing in compact spaces.
15. Botanical Elements: Historical Precedent for Natural Touches
The inclusion of plants in bathrooms has historical precedent, particularly during the Victorian era when ferns and other humidity-loving plants were popular interior elements. Incorporating appropriate greenery in your small bathroom makeover connects to this tradition while bringing life and texture to the space.
Select plants that would have been available during your home’s period for maximum historical sensitivity. Ferns, aspidistra (cast iron plant), and small palms were common in Victorian and Edwardian bathrooms. For Arts & Crafts spaces, native plants in handcrafted pottery complement the natural aesthetic. Position plants thoughtfully to enhance rather than crowd the limited space—perhaps a small Boston fern on a high shelf or a trailing ivy on a window ledge. These living elements add dimension without consuming valuable surface area.
The multi-functional use of space has always been essential in historic architecture, where rooms often served multiple purposes.
16. Multi-Functional Elements: Historical Efficiency for Modern Spaces
Multi-purpose furniture has deep historical roots—consider the washstand that served as both vanity and storage, or the linen press that provided both linen storage and a surface for toiletries. Incorporating dual-function pieces in your small bathroom makeover honors this tradition of efficient design while maximizing limited space.
Look for storage ottomans with details appropriate to your home’s period—turned legs and tufted upholstery for Victorian spaces, simpler lines and natural materials for Craftsman bathrooms, or streamlined shapes with geometric details for Art Deco rooms. These pieces can provide seating, storage, and a place to set items while dressing. Position them where they won’t impede traffic flow, perhaps in a corner or under a window. The thoughtful integration of multi-purpose elements reflects the practical ingenuity that characterized many historic homes.
Historical builders understood the value of utilizing every available space, including the often-overlooked area above the toilet.
17. Above-Toilet Solutions: Adapting Historical Storage Concepts
While the space above the toilet is a distinctly modern concern (as toilets evolved from earlier forms), the concept of utilizing wall space efficiently has deep historical precedent. In your small bathroom makeover, applying traditional storage concepts to this area maintains period character while maximizing functionality.
Rather than using contemporary over-toilet shelving units, consider adaptations of historical storage forms. For Victorian-inspired spaces, a small wall-mounted cabinet with glass doors echoes traditional medicine cabinets. In Craftsman bathrooms, simple open shelving with period-appropriate brackets honors Arts & Crafts utility. For Art Deco renovations, stepped shelving or a cabinet with geometric details maintains the era’s aesthetic. These thoughtful adaptations provide essential storage while contributing to the bathroom’s historical character.
Finally, we can refresh cabinetry with historically sensitive approaches that honor original craftsmanship.
18. Cabinet Refinishing: Historical Techniques for Contemporary Refresh
Painted cabinetry has historical precedent in many period bathrooms, particularly from the 1920s-1940s when painted wood became increasingly popular. Refreshing cabinets with a new paint finish in your small bathroom makeover can transform the space while maintaining historical sensitivity.
Research paint colors authentic to your home’s period rather than defaulting to contemporary trends. For 1920s-1930s bathrooms, consider soft greens, blues, or ivory. Arts & Crafts cabinets might feature earthy greens or warm neutrals. Use historically appropriate paint finishes—a satin or semi-gloss rather than the flat finishes popular in contemporary design. When possible, maintain original cabinet hardware or replace it with period-appropriate alternatives. This approach respects the original character while creating a fresh, updated appearance.
Conclusion: Honoring the Past While Embracing the Present
A successful small bathroom makeover in a historic home balances respect for architectural heritage with the practical needs of modern living. By understanding the historical context of your home and making thoughtful design choices, you can create a bathroom that feels spacious and functional without sacrificing period character.
Remember that even the most authentic historic homes have evolved over time. Each generation has made thoughtful updates while respecting the underlying architectural integrity. Your renovation continues this tradition—honoring the craftsmanship of the past while addressing contemporary needs. With these 18 approaches, your small bathroom can become a space that bridges time periods beautifully, proving that historical sensitivity and practical functionality can coexist even in the most compact spaces.
