Small bathrooms might feel like a design challenge, but they can also be a canvas for creative solutions. With the right tricks, even the tiniest of spaces can be transformed into a functional, stylish, and surprisingly spacious oasis. For many of us, the bathroom is more than just a utilitarian space—it’s where we start and end our days. A cluttered, cramped bathroom can feel overwhelming, while a clean, airy one can set a calm and soothing tone.
Let’s dive into 13 practical and creative ways to make your small bathroom feel bigger without knocking down a single wall.
1. Embrace Light Colors to Open Up the Space
There’s a reason designers swear by light color palettes for small spaces. Soft shades like white, cream, or pastel blue reflect light, making your bathroom feel airy and open. Dark colors, while dramatic, can make the walls seem to close in, creating a cave-like effect.
If an all-white bathroom feels too stark for your taste, don’t worry. Mix in textures or subtle patterns—think marbled tiles or beadboard walls—to keep things interesting. Or add a pop of color through accessories like towels or a small piece of art.
Why it works: Light shades don’t just brighten the space; they create a calming atmosphere that tricks your brain into perceiving more room.
2. Let Mirrors Do the Heavy Lifting
Mirrors are your best friend in a small bathroom. A large mirror, especially one that spans the length of the vanity or an entire wall, reflects light and visually doubles the space.
Want to make an even bigger impact? Install a frameless mirror or one with minimal edging. A backlit mirror can also add a soft, diffused glow, perfect for creating a modern yet cozy vibe.
Pro Tip: If possible, position the mirror opposite a window to bounce natural light around the room. Even artificial light reflecting off the mirror can make the space feel brighter and more inviting.
3. Go for Glass Shower Doors Instead of Curtains
Say goodbye to that floral shower curtain and hello to clear glass doors. Shower curtains create a visual barrier that makes the room feel smaller, while clear glass opens up the space and lets your eyes take in the entire room.
For an even cleaner look, opt for a frameless glass shower door. If you’re worried about privacy, frosted or textured glass provides a middle ground while still maintaining an open feel.
Pro Tip: Keep the shower area clutter-free with built-in niches for shampoo bottles and soap. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference.
4. Use Vertical Space to Your Advantage
When floor space is limited, go vertical. The walls in your small bathroom are prime real estate for storage and décor. Think tall shelving units, wall-mounted cabinets, or even a ladder rack for hanging towels.
To add personality, consider a feature wall with vertical elements like shiplap, beadboard, or vertical tiles. These patterns draw the eye upward, making the ceiling seem higher.
Pro Tip: For a cohesive look, match the color of your shelves or cabinets to the wall. This reduces visual clutter and keeps the focus on the open space.
5. Put in an Extra-Large Sink
This might sound counterintuitive—why would a bigger sink help in a small bathroom? Here’s the trick: an extra-large sink, especially one with an integrated countertop, serves double duty. It provides ample space for washing up and eliminates the need for extra counter space.
For instance, a trough-style sink can stretch across the width of your bathroom, leaving plenty of room on either side for toiletries or even decorative items. A rectangular wall-mounted sink is another great option; it makes the most of vertical space and leaves the area below open for storage or just to keep the room feeling airy.
Pro Tip: Choose a sink with clean lines and a simple design to avoid overwhelming the space. Bonus points if you pair it with a sleek faucet to keep the look modern and streamlined.
6. Let Natural Light In
Natural light is a game-changer for any small room, and bathrooms are no exception. A well-lit bathroom instantly feels more open and inviting, so if you have a window, let it shine! Opt for sheer window treatments or frosted glass to maintain privacy while still allowing sunlight to flood the room.
If your bathroom doesn’t have a window, don’t despair. Consider installing a skylight if possible—it not only brings in light but also creates an illusion of height. Alternatively, add light-enhancing elements like mirrors to bounce whatever light you do have around the space.
Why it matters: Natural light not only makes your bathroom feel bigger but also brings a sense of calm and serenity to your daily routine.
7. Install Sconces on the Mirror
Lighting plays a huge role in how spacious a room feels, and adding sconces directly on the mirror is a clever way to maximize both light and style. When sconces are mounted on the mirror, the reflective surface amplifies their glow, creating a soft, even illumination that feels luxurious.
This trick is particularly helpful for tasks like applying makeup or shaving, where focused lighting is essential. Look for sconces with slim profiles and finishes that complement your bathroom fixtures.
Pro Tip: Install dimmer switches for your sconces to adjust the mood of the room, from bright and functional in the morning to soft and relaxing in the evening.
8. Install Built-Ins
If your small bathroom is always battling clutter, you’re going to love this one. Built-ins are the ultimate space-savers. Think recessed shelves in the shower to hold shampoo and soap, or a built-in medicine cabinet that doesn’t jut out into the room.
You can even get creative with these—add a built-in bench in the shower or a small niche by the sink for extra storage. They don’t just save space; they also make your bathroom look custom-designed and thoughtfully put together.
Pro Tip: For a polished look, tile the back of your built-ins with a fun pattern or a pop of color. It’s a small detail that adds big personality.
9. Choose a Wall-Mounted Faucet
Wall-mounted faucets are like the unsung heroes of small bathroom design. By moving the faucet off the counter and onto the wall, you instantly create more usable counter space. It’s also a great way to add a touch of elegance without going overboard.
Pair one with a vessel sink for a look that’s modern and clean, or stick with an undermount sink for something more classic. Either way, a wall-mounted faucet makes your bathroom feel more open.
Pro Tip: Cleaning around the sink becomes so much easier. No more water pooling around the base of the faucet!
10. Add a Corner Vanity
Corners are often the most underutilized spaces in a bathroom, which is why a corner vanity is such a genius idea. It’s compact, it’s functional, and it keeps the middle of the room open so you can move around more freely.
A corner vanity can include both a sink and some storage, making it perfect for small bathrooms where you’re short on space but still need a place to stash your essentials. Look for one with a curved design to soften the edges and prevent the space from feeling too boxy.
Pro Tip: Pair your corner vanity with a custom mirror that wraps around the corner. It’ll bounce light in all directions and make the whole room feel bigger.
11. Try Monochrome Materials
When your bathroom is small, your eye naturally takes in the entire space at once. Too many colors or patterns can make it feel visually cluttered. By keeping the walls, floors, and even fixtures in the same color family, you trick the eye into seeing the space as larger than it really is. It’s all about creating flow and avoiding hard breaks in the design.
For example, imagine a bathroom with soft, light gray walls, a matching gray vanity, and polished gray tiles. The consistency eliminates distractions, giving the space a streamlined, spacious vibe.
Pro Tip: Light, neutral tones like whites, grays, and beiges tend to work best for small bathrooms. They reflect light and make the space feel brighter. If you’re a fan of darker colors, use them sparingly as accents rather than the main event.
12. Use Large Tiles
When designing a small bathroom, one of the most common misconceptions is that small tiles are better because they “fit” the space. The truth? Large tiles are your secret weapon for making the room feel bigger.
Small tiles create a grid-like pattern with lots of grout lines that break up the space and make it feel busy. Large tiles, on the other hand, create a smoother, uninterrupted surface. This not only makes the room look less cluttered but also draws the eye outward, making the walls and floors appear more expansive.
How you lay your tiles can also make a difference. Installing them in a horizontal pattern can make the room look wider, while vertical placement can add height. And if you’re feeling bold, try a diagonal layout—it adds a sense of movement and makes the space feel dynamic.
Pro Tip: If your bathroom is on the darker side, opt for tiles with a glossy finish. They’ll reflect light, making the room feel brighter and more open.
13. Keep the Floor Clear
In a small bathroom, the floor is precious real estate. The more of it you can see, the more spacious the room will feel. Keeping the floor clear isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s also about functionality and creating a sense of flow.
One of the easiest ways to free up floor space is by opting for wall-mounted fixtures. Instead of bulky cabinets or shelving units that sit on the floor, consider built-in storage or wall-mounted shelves. A recessed shelf in the shower or next to the vanity can hold all your essentials without taking up any floor space.
Pro Tip: When choosing rugs or mats, stick to one small piece that doesn’t overwhelm the room. A bath mat in a color that blends with the floor will keep the space looking cohesive.
Finishing Notes
Looking for more ideas and inspiration to elevate your home? At Home Designing, we specialize in turning houses into dream spaces. From practical tips like these to visionary design concepts, we’re here to help you create a home that reflects your style and meets your needs. Explore our collection of articles, mood boards, and design ideas to spark your creativity and transform every corner of your home into something extraordinary
