Small HDB Bathroom Design Ideas

angelaabelleja06
Dec 8, 2025
3 min read

Living in Singapore means learning to maximise every square metre, and the HDB bathroom is no exception. Whether you’re upgrading an older flat or styling your new BTO bathroom, small spaces can still feel luxurious, modern, and incredibly functional with the right design choices.

In many homes, the bathroom is a daily sanctuary where you refresh, reset, and relax. With a clever layout, thoughtful material choices, and strategic tiling, your compact HDB or BTO toilet can look and feel much bigger than it really is.

Here are the most effective small HDB bathroom design ideas to help you transform your space without compromising comfort or style.

Go for Light, Space-Opening Tiles in Your HDB Bathroom

A HDB bathroom in Singapore with glass screen

Tile Selection is everything in a small HDB bathroom renovation. Light-coloured tiles such as whites, greys, and soft beige reflect more light, making the room feel open and airy.

For an elegant effect, chose:

Large-format tiles to reduce grout lines and visual clutter
Glossy wall tiles to amplify brightness
Matte floor tiles to improve slip-resistance

The simple switch alone can visually double the space.

Use Vertical Lines to Add Height

Vertical design tricks help make a compact HDB bathroom feel taller. Consider:

Vertical tile stacking
Slim, tall mirrors
Shower niches built upwards
Vertical lighting features

The subtle changes guide the eye upward, instantly expanding the sense of height in your toilet design HDB.

Install a Floating Vanity for More Floor Space

A floating vanity gives the illusion of a larger floor area, keeps the bathroom modern, and makes cleaning easier.

Pair it with under-glow LED lights for a soft, hotel inspired touch, perfect for a stylish BTO bathroom.

Choose Smart Storage Over Bulky Cabinets

A HDB bathroom in Singapore with recessed niches in the shower area

Small bedrooms often feel cramped not because of the size, but because of clutter.

Upgrade your toilet renovation with smart storage options such as:

Recessed niches in the shower area
Built-in shelves
Slim mirrored cabinets
Corner shelves
Wall-mounted towel bars

These solutions keep essentials organised without taking up precise space.

Use Glass Shower Screens Instead of Curtains

A HDB bathroom in Singapore with a glass shower screen

A glass shower screen, especially frameless, makes your bathroom feel larger because it does not visually divide the space.

In older flats undergoing an HDB bathroom renovation, replacing half-height walls or curtains with clear glass instantly modernises the entire look.

Go Minimalist With Colours and Fixtures

A minimalist approach, with simple colours, clean lines, and uncluttered surfaces, works beautifully in compact layouts.

For a modern, timeless look:

Stick to two to three colours maximum
Use thin profile fissure
Choose slim, elongated tiles
Avoid overly patterned walls in small areas

This ensures your HDB bathroom design stays elegant and spacious.

Add Warmth With Wood or Stone Elements

A HDB bathroom in Singapore with a small stone shelves

While light tiles open the room, warm accents add character. Wood-look porcelain, small stone shelves, or rattan baskets elevate your BTO toilet without overwhelming the space.

It is the perfect balance of style and practicality.

Upgrade Your Lighting for a Brighter Bathroom

Good lighting is essential in small bathrooms.

A BTO bathroom in Singapore with wall scornces

Consider:

Hidden LED strip lighting
Warm yet bright ceiling lights
Backlit mirrors
Wall sconces to reduce shadows

Proper lighting can transform the entire mood and functionality of your bathroom.

Conclusion

A small HDB or BTO bathroom does not mean small design potential. With the right tiles, colours, layout, and fixtures, you can turn any compact space into a modern, airy, and visually spacious retreat. Whether you’re planning a simple update of a full HDB bathroom renovation, smart design choices make all the difference.