A small bathroom can often feel cramped and claustrophobic, but there are some simple ways you can transform it into a more spacious and inviting space. By utilizing clever design techniques, you can create the illusion of making your small bathroom feel larger than it actually is.
Use a Smaller Scale Floor Tile
Smaller tiles create more grout lines, which can visually expand the floor area. The grout lines act as visual breaks that trick the eye into perceiving the floor as larger and more expansive than it actually is. This optical illusion can make the bathroom feel less confined and more open. Also, if you use a patterned tile, seeing more of the pattern vs less if the tile is larger, will make the floor appear larger as well.
Opt for Light Colors
One of the simplest ways to make a small bathroom feel larger is by using lighter colors. Light hues such as white, soft pastels, or light neutrals reflect more light, making the space feel brighter and more open. Dark colors, on the other hand, tend to absorb light and can make the room feel smaller and more confined. Don’t get me wrong, I love a dark & moody bathroom, but if you’re looking to make your bathroom feel larger, going lighter will definitely make a difference. Painting the walls and ceiling in light shades can instantly make your bathroom feel more spacious and airy.
Image via Dominique Delaney
Let in Natural Light
Natural light can make even the smallest of bathrooms feel bright and airy. If possible, maximize natural light by keeping windows unobstructed and using sheer window treatments that allow light to filter through. If privacy is a concern, consider installing frosted glass windows or skylights to bring in natural light without sacrificing privacy. In addition to making the space feel larger, natural light can help illuminate the space and create ideal lighting for putting on your make up!
Image via Studio McGee
Create Visual Continuity
Creating visual continuity throughout the bathroom can help unify the space and make it feel larger. You can do this in 2 simple ways– (1) Choose a vanity that is open below like a floating vanity or one with legs to allow the flooring to extend underneath to the wall. (2) Choose flooring and wall tiles that extend seamlessly from one area to another to eliminate visual breaks and create a sense of flow. If you have a walk-in shower, use the same floor tile in the vanity & shower area. Avoid using too many contrasting colors or patterns, as this can visually chop up the space and make it feel smaller. Instead, opt for a cohesive color palette and subtle textures to create a harmonious and visually expansive environment.
Image via Veranda Homes
Use Mirrors Strategically
Mirrors are a powerful tool for creating the illusion of space in a small bathroom. Placing a large mirror on one wall can visually double the size of the room by reflecting light and creating depth. Consider installing a larger scale mirror with height to maximize the reflective surface area. Additionally, mirrors can help bounce natural light around the room, further enhancing the sense of space.
Image via ArchDigest
Incorporate Glass Elements
Glass shower doors or panels can make a small bathroom feel more open and expansive compared to traditional shower curtains. By allowing light to pass through, glass enclosures visually extend the sightline, making the room appear larger. Frameless glass shower enclosures are particularly effective as they eliminate visual barriers and create a seamless transition between the shower area and the rest of the bathroom.
By utilizing these simple tips, you can make even the smallest bathroom feel larger and more spacious. With a little creativity and attention to detail, you can make the most of your limited space and create a bathroom that feels both stylish and spacious.
