Wanting to make your small bathroom look larger but struggling with limited square footage in the bathroom? This usually comes hand in hand with little natural light. And together, these factors really make it challenging to decorate your bathroom. Even if you add stunning decor, it can feel cramped and take away from the end goal of making your bathroom a design statement.
That’s where our design tips will come in handy. We’ve examined small bathroom designs in homes across the world, and have put together the most effective tricks to make them feel bigger than they actually are.
These small bathroom ideas will go beyond making the most of the available space. They’ll prove that bold design elements can be right at home — in even the tiniest rooms!
Whether you’ve got a powder room, half-bath, or just a little tiny (sometimes windowless) bathroom, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for tips to make a big splash in a pint-size space. Dare we say, your small bath may just be your next favorite room.
1. Use a Neutral Color Palette
A light and bright color scheme can instantly make any space feel bigger — including your super compact bathroom. Classics are whites and beiges, but you can also play around with color. For example, a soft mint green for the walls and light oakwood for the flooring. This visually expands the space, especially when you make an effort to increase the level of natural light. Stay tuned to learn more about this.
2. Or Consider a Dark Color Scheme
Wait, what? A dark color, and the illusion of more space? You heard that right! We love a bathroom painted in classic black. As opposed to the famous concept that dark colors can visually constrict a space, dark colors can actually add depth to your bathroom. This tricks the eye into thinking there’s more square footage. We’re here for that night-sky effect bouncing around any level of light your space has.
3. Keep Everything the Same Color
Whether you go dark or light, you want to stick to a single color for your small bathroom. This is because lots of different colors can make the space feel cluttered. In contrast, a uniform color throughout the space can make your small bathroom look bigger .
4. Allow Plenty of Natural Light
The bathroom is perhaps one of the first places you visit in the morning. And if you’re welcomed by plenty of natural light here, you’re off to a good start for the day! Plus, allowing natural light in the bathroom enhances the feeling of openness. If you already have a window, consider pairing it with easy-to-fold blinds. And if you don’t — no worries. You can make do with artificial lighting; see below for more.
5. Choose Functional and Space-Savvy Lights
If both space and natural light are limited, you can rely on functional and space-saving fixtures. For example, wall sconces mounted on the mirror, paired with cove lights installed behind the mirror, are functional options. These create the right ambiance without taking up additional space. Remember, you want to avoid overhead lighting if the ceilings are low. If you’ve got a space crunch, a vanity mirror with lights is another great option.
6. Use Transparent Partitions
If you’re starting your bathroom design from scratch, consider skipping the shower curtain entirely (as this can make the space feel even more cramped). Instead, opt for a glass shower partition. This lets you see through, creating the illusion of more space and make your small bathroom look larger. That, while still serving the purpose of keeping the water from splashing all over the bathroom.
7. Choose Open Shelves
Create an illusion of more space by incorporating open shelving into your small bathroom. Replacing some closed cabinetry with airy shelves can help lighten the visual load. Display items like towels, soaps, and glass jars on these shelves, as these can also double as decor. For practical storage, use woven baskets or decorative bins. These can hold personal items, cleaning supplies, and laundry.
8. Take on Tiles
Tiles are an incredibly durable choice for bathrooms because most options are water-resistant. They’re also easy to clean. For smaller bathroom walls, it’s a good idea to use ceramic tiles that are small. One-by-four and two-by-six floor tiles can be less expensive options for bathroom walls.
9. Keep the Floor Clear to Make Bathroom Look Large
Having items on the floor, such as storage containers, can make your small bathroom feel even more cramped. Instead, you want to keep the floor clear. Opt for a pedestal or floating vanity to free up space and reduce the feeling of congestion. The floating shelves we talked about before will also serve the purpose and make small bathroom look larger.
10. Create an Impact with Patterns
You may have heard patterns can make a room feel busy. That’s true, but largely generic. Some patterns, such as stripes, can actually make a small space feel bigger. When you use vertical stripes for your bathroom wall, they guide the eye upwards. In turn, this makes low ceilings feel taller. In contrast, if your bathroom is long and/or narrow, you need to work with horizontal lines. These give the impression of more width.
11. Buy a Statement Mirror
If there’s one bathroom you definitely need in small bathroom design, it’s a statement mirror. You may be thinking a dainty mirror will enlarge the space, while a massive mirror will overwhelm it. But it’s actually quite the opposite. Installing a large mirror above the sink can reflect plenty of natural light. This makes the space feel open and airy — thus make small bathroom look bigger.
12. Install a Hanging Toilet
When space is constricted in a small bathroom, a great way to open up the room is to install a wall-mounted toilet. The area beneath the hanging toilet isn’t going to be utilized, sure. But being able to see the floor underneath (instead of a bulky, porcelain throne) can create the illusion of more space.
13. Skip the Bathtub to Create Bigger Bathroom
As much as we love the idea of soaking in the tub after a long day, a small space simply can’t afford a tub. This is because a freestanding one takes up too much space. And, let’s face it, the tubs tucked into walls aren’t large enough to comfortably use. Instead, consider a stand-up shower — with or without a partition.
14. Opt for a Patterned Floor
A beige color palette, paired with a double-mirror vanity, makes sure the space feels open. A special mention for the herringbone flooring that creates the illusion of a larger and warmer bathroom.
15. Invest in Luxe Finishes
A small space doesn’t mean you have to skimp on luxury. In fact, even the smallest of bathrooms can make for a high-end interior. This is especially true for the powder room because it is mainly used by guests. Plus, its compact size will keep the budget in order. Think a statement mirror, high-end gold hardware, and a stunning ceiling design adding opulence.
16. Don’t Forget a Shower Niche
If you’re decorating a small space, don’t forget to add a shower niche. This is a practical and stylish way to maximize space, providing a convenient spot to store shampoo, conditioner, soap, and other shower essentials. You know what that means — no more cluttered shower caddies! You want to carefully consider the size and placement of your niche, as this can enhance the overall look of your shower.
17. Think About a Corner Sink
Tackling a tiny bathroom requires creative solutions. While traditional vanities are common, consider a corner sink to maximize your space. We mean, it’s OK to break a few rules! These stylish ceramic options offer a unique and practical approach. They free up valuable floor space and add a fresh perspective to your small bathroom and make it look larger.
18. Mix Old and New for an Updated Look
Small bathrooms don’t have to be boring — and one of the easiest ways to add a punch of interest is by mixing old and new. Consider pressing an antique dresser into service as a vanity. Pair this with modern vessel sinks and vintage-inspired faucets. This beautifully connects old and new. A metal basket below plus narrow matching built-ins provide plenty of space for essentials, all without overwhelming the space.
19. Create a Focal Point
Finally, one clever trick to make a small bathroom feel larger is to create a focal point. This draws the eye to a specific area and diverts attention from its small size. Here’s a quick summary of our top ideas:
- Bold Tile. A striking tile pattern can become the star of the show. You can consider adding it to a single wall to prevent the space from feeling busy.
- Statement Artwork. A captivating piece of art can instantly elevate your bathroom and become the focal point. You can choose any type of artwork that resonates with your personality, from abstract art to written words.
- Luxurious Fixtures. An eye-catching faucet or showerhead can serve as a focal point, too! This is especially true if it has a unique finish.
- Mirrors. A decorative (or oversized) mirror can not only make the room appear larger but also become a focal point. Bonus points if you have them framed beautifully.
What to Not Do When Making a Small Bathroom Look Bigger
When there are right choices, there are wrong ones, too. If you have a small bathroom, you want to avoid a cluttered color palette. We mean, too many colors. Whether you opt for light or dark, be sure to stick to a limited color scheme.
Bulky vanities are also a big no, as they can take up way too much visual estate. If you opt for open shelving, make sure you don’t overload it with essentials/accessories. Also, a dimly lit ambiance may work for large bathrooms. But smaller ones really need light to visually open them up.
