A few smart design choices can create the illusion of space in a small bathroom. From the use of mirrors and lighting to layout tweaks, there are plenty of ways to make a small bathroom feel larger and more comfortable.
Whether working with a tiny guest bathroom or your home’s main bathroom, these design tricks can help you maximize every inch of space.
Optimize Lighting for an Open Feel
Lighting affects our perception of space. A proper lighting arrangement reduces shadows and highlights room edges. As a result, it creates an illusion that makes the boundaries less defined, which makes it feel like the space is bigger than it actually is.
So, proper lighting plays a vital role when upgrading small spaces like bathrooms.
- Use Bright, Even Lighting: Aim for bright, even lighting that fills the space without casting shadows. Consider overhead lighting combined with wall-mounted sconces on each side of the mirror to illuminate your face and reduce shadows.
- Add LED Lights Under Cabinets: Installing LED lights under cabinets or floating shelves creates a subtle glow that can make the room feel larger and lighter.
- Natural Light: If your bathroom has a window, make the most of it. Use sheer or light-colored curtains to let in as much natural light as possible. Natural light adds depth to a small space, making it feel more expansive.
Read also: Creating a spa-like bathroom.
Incorporate Mirrors to Reflect Light and Space
Mirrors are a classic trick for visually expanding a room. So, a mirror in a small bathroom can make it seem more spacious.
- Install a large mirror above the vanity: A large mirror above the sink can reflect light and space, creating the illusion of a bigger space. Consider a wall-to-wall mirror to maximize the effect.
- Consider mirrored cabinets: Mirrored medicine cabinets add storage without taking up extra space. They also reflect light, enhancing the overall brightness.
- Position mirrors strategically: For bathrooms with a window, place a mirror opposite it to reflect natural light throughout the space. This can give the illusion of an additional light source and create a more open feel.
Read also: What is the correct order to renovate a house?
Choose a Light, Neutral Color Palette
The colors you choose play a big role in how spacious your bathroom feels. Light colors create a sense of openness and make a small space feel bigger, while darker colors tend to close a space in.
- Opt for Soft Neutrals: Whites, light grays, and soft beige tones work well in small bathrooms. These colors reflect light better, adding a sense of airiness.
- Consider a Monochromatic Scheme: A monochromatic color palette, where walls, floors, and fixtures are similar shades, helps create a seamless look that feels larger. For example, matching the wall color to the tile color can create an uninterrupted flow that visually expands the space.
Read also: How do you know if a renovation is worth it?
Maximize Vertical Space with Shelving and Storage
Vertical storage solutions keep essentials organized without making the room feel cluttered.
- Install Floating Shelves: Floating shelves above the toilet or next to the vanity offer storage for towels and toiletries without using floor space. Keep the shelves simple and uncluttered to avoid a cramped look.
- Use Hooks and Towel Bars: Wall hooks and towel bars are perfect for hanging towels and robes. They save space compared to large towel racks, and they can be installed on the back of the door or along the walls.
- Add a Tall Cabinet: If you have a corner with unused space, a tall, narrow cabinet can add ample storage without taking up much room. Opt for open shelving if possible to avoid a bulky look.
Read also: How do you save money on home remodeling?
Install a Frameless Shower Door or Shower Curtain
The type of shower enclosure you choose has a huge impact on how open or closed a small bathroom feels.
- Frameless Glass Shower Doors: Frameless glass doors open up sight lines, making the entire bathroom appear larger. Clear glass allows light to flow through the space without any visual barriers.
- Choose a Minimalist Shower Curtain: If glass doors aren’t an option, choose a light-colored or translucent shower curtain. Look for a curtain that can be pushed completely to one side when not in use to maximize the space visually.
- Curved Shower Rod: A curved shower rod can add a bit of extra elbow room in the shower without taking up more floor space, making it a good choice for small bathrooms.
Read also: The average cost of kitchen renovation in Rhode Island.
Opt for Compact Fixtures
In small bathrooms, every inch counts, so choose fixtures that fit the space without overwhelming it.
- Compact Toilets and Sinks: There are many toilets and sinks designed specifically for small spaces. Wall-mounted toilets and sinks save floor space, giving a cleaner look and making it easier to clean.
- Pedestal or Floating Vanity: A pedestal sink or floating vanity creates open floor space below, which can make the room feel larger. Floating vanities also provide storage while keeping the floor open, which adds to the feeling of spaciousness.
- Consider a Corner Sink: If your bathroom layout allows a corner sink, it is a smart option for tight spaces. It frees up valuable floor space and reduces crowding around the toilet or shower.
Read also: When should you DIY and hire a pro for home renovation projects?
Create a Visual Flow with Tile Choices
Tile selection can have a big impact on the overall look and feel of a small bathroom.
- Use Large, Light-Colored Tiles: Large tiles can trick the eye into seeing a more expansive space, and light colors help keep things bright. Avoid small tiles, as too many grout lines can make the floor look busier and smaller.
- Install Floor-to-Ceiling Tile in the Shower: Floor-to-ceiling tiles in the shower area can create a cohesive look, which reduces visual clutter and makes the space feel taller.
- Consider a Continuous Floor Tile: Using the same tile on the floor can create a seamless look, minimizing any breaks in the layout and enhancing a sense of spaciousness.
Read also: Kitchen remodel ideas on a budget
Declutter and Use Minimalist Decor
When it comes to decor in small bathrooms, it’s better to have fewer decorations.
- Limit Countertop Items: Keep the countertop clear to make the space feel open. Store daily items in cabinets or on shelves, and display only a few decorative items.
- Choose Minimalist Accessories: Simple, streamlined fixtures and accessories, like faucets and towel racks, reduce visual clutter. Choose clean lines and avoid overly ornate pieces.
- Use Transparent Containers: For items you want to keep visible, like cotton balls or soap, opt for clear containers. This reduces visual bulk and keeps the decor light and airy.
Read also: How do you choose the right flooring for your home?
Add Plants for a Fresh, Spacious Vibe
Decorating with greenery can give your bathroom a nice makeover. Snake, Spider, ZZ, and Air Plants, Aloe Vera, PE Lily, Frangipani, Outro are some of the many examples that can make a small bathroom feel inviting and fresh.
- Choose Small, Air-Purifying Plants: Small plants like ferns, pothos, or succulents are ideal for bathrooms, as they can thrive in humid environments. A hanging plant or small potted plant on a shelf can add a pop of color without taking up much space.
- Consider Vertical Planters: Vertical wall planters are perfect for small spaces. They allow you to add a bit of nature without sacrificing precious counter or floor space.
Read also: The impact of a well-renovated home on selling potential.
Conclusion
Bathroom is one of the most high traffic and used area in any homes. So making it inviting and comfortable is our top priority.
A small bathroom doesn’t have to feel cramped. You can create a space that feels open, airy, and inviting using these simple tricks that I mentioned in this post.
From smart lighting and reflective surfaces to compact fixtures and strategic storage, these design tricks can help make any small bathroom appear larger. Also, try the greenery ideas that can give you a nice feeling and make your bathroom inviting and fresh.
So, whether you’re gearing up for a remodel or looking to refresh your bathroom’s look, these simple and affordable ideas can transform your space into a more comfortable and stylish retreat.
