Making a small bathroom feel bigger can be done with clever design tricks. By using the right colors, you can create a sense of increased space and openness.
Light-toned paint shades, for example, reflect natural light and make the room feel brighter and more spacious. Other tips include incorporating mirrors, opting for open shelving or storage solutions, and choosing a cohesive color scheme. With professional guidance on colors, contrasts, and harmonies for the ideal bathroom atmosphere, bathroom color schemes can be chosen with ease.”
Paint the Walls
A fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to make a small bathroom feel bigger. Light colors are a great choice because they reflect light, making the room look brighter and larger.
If your budget allows, consider painting the ceiling a matching color as well. This creates a monochromatic look that makes the space feel cohesive and bigger. If you’re hesitant to go too light, try a moody shade like charcoal linen for a modern update that feels energizing and expansive.
Likewise, installing new tile can also make a big difference in how your bathroom looks. Tile that is white or lighter in color can make your bathroom appear bigger and brighter than darker patterned tiles. Opt for a herringbone pattern or even a large format square tile to give your bathroom a more spacious look.
Install Mirrors
Installing a mirror in your small bathroom will reflect light and create a sense of space. If possible, hang it vertically rather than horizontally, as this will eliminate any dividing lines on the wall and make your bathroom feel wider.
If you don’t have the room for a full-length mirror, opt for one or two framed mirrors with a small gap between each. These will also help bounce natural and artificial light around the room to brighten it up.
Once you’ve chosen where you want to place your mirror, hold it up (or have someone else do so) and mark the position of each fixing point with a pencil. If there are no studs in that spot, you can use special expandable or hollow wall anchors instead, which should be easy to screw into place with a standard drill and a hammer. Fit any plastic washers that are included and firmly screw the mirror to the wall.
Opt for Open Shelving or Storage Solutions
Many bathroom designs use closed cabinetry but these can look heavy in small spaces and eat up valuable floor space. Opting for open shelving will give you a lighter feel while still giving you the storage that your bath design needs.
Shelves can be made of simple floating wood units or of slender freestanding cabinets. Aim to keep these shelves topped with pretty items that you want on display. A pretty apothecary jar, a set of stacked towels or decorative baskets are great options.
Another alternative to cabinets is a pullout compartment beneath the basin that houses hairspray, skincare products and other bathroom essentials. This clever hack optimizes small bathrooms without compromising on style.
Choose a Cohesive Color Scheme
It’s always a good idea to choose a single color that runs through the room, allowing your furnishings and other décor items to work as accent pieces in a way that feels intentional. If you’re unsure about what shade will look best in your space, request paint swatches from your local paint store and experiment with them in the bathroom under different lighting conditions. Similarly, fabric and tile samples can help you see how certain colors will work together.
Keep in mind that dark shades absorb light, while lighter hues reflect it. This simple trick can make any small bathroom feel bigger when applied consistently throughout the space.
A monochromatic color scheme can create a sense of depth, while also making the space appear bigger and more open. Opt for a neutral palette, or try a warm gray like greige that pairs well with white sanitaryware and other fixtures. Add in a few gold or brass accents to bring elegance and dimension to the room.