Who says a small bathroom can’t feel open and airy? All it takes is a few smart design choices to create the illusion of space. The result? A room you can be proud of that’s comfortable, stylish and functional. And don’t forget, an attractive bathroom is a sure-fire way to increase resale value. Just because you’ve got a small bathroom doesn’t mean you should feel restricted with your options for improvement. It’s all about creating the illusion of more space.
Whether you’re looking for a few budget-friendly tips or making a long-term investment with a full renovation, follow our guide and discover exactly how to make a small bathroom look bigger.
How to make a small bathroom look bigger with quick, affordable wins
Want to enhance your small bathroom but on a budget? We hear you. There are plenty of ways you can create the illusion of space using simple, affordable tricks.
1. Choose Light, Bright Colours to Open Up the Room
Lighter colours on your walls will instantly make your bathroom look larger, reflecting light around the room. Choosing white gives a stylish, yet timeless, finish. Go for an off-white to add a touch of warmth, or contrast with pops of colour.
2. Use Glossy Finishes and Reflective Surfaces
Just as paler hues give the illusion of space, reflective surfaces will bounce light around your bathroom. We’re talking glassy finishes, bright metals, and smooth porcelain to cascade your space in light. Burnished copper fixtures are the perfect way to nail this tip, keeping things fun and modern.
3. Install Large Mirrors to Create the Illusion of Space
When looking for small bathroom ideas, mirrors are your secret weapon. Go bold with an oversized, standout mirror which will feel like it’s doubled the size of your bathroom. For added impact, opt for built-in mirror lights – the latest bathroom trend that’s both stylish and functional.
4. Maximise Natural Light Where Possible
Floor to ceiling windows may not be the best idea when deciding how to make a small bathroom look bigger, but carefully positioned skylights will flood your room with space-enhancing light and maintain privacy. If skylights aren’t an option, add translucent film to your windows so you can banish blinds and keep things airy.
5. Layer Bathroom Lighting for a Spacious Feel
Instead of the usual spotlights in the ceiling, inject interest into your space with layered lighting. This could mean modern, chandelier-style light fixtures, drop lighting that hangs at different lengths, floor lights for a bougie, spa feel, or even wall lighting for a nod to old-time elegance.
6. Keep Surfaces Clear and Declutter Regularly
It’s one of the simplest ways to make a small bathroom look bigger: keep it tidy. But sometimes that’s easier said than done. Clever storage is your friend here. Make the most of cupboards, baskets and drawers to hide away toiletries, rather than having them fill your space on shelves and sink surrounds.
7. Make the Most of Vertical Storage Solutions
Talking of storage… Vertical storage solutions mean layering up the wall, rather than around it. So, you might choose to have your toiletries cupboard above the toilet or under the sink, freeing up larger areas of your walls to make your space appear bigger.
8. Stick to a Simple, Cohesive Colour Palette
Busy, multi-coloured walls seem creative to start with, but they’ll make your room feel even tinier. That’s why sticking to one main colour and two complementary colours is the way to go. Fresh pastels will achieve the illusion of space, but there are loads of different ideas for exploring colour.
9. Keep Accessories Minimal and Stylish
Knowing how to make a small bathroom look bigger is about prioritising your space. So, when it comes to accessories, you have to make a few sacrifices. A fragrance spray here and a plant pot there create focal points in your room, but try not to overstuff by keeping accessories down to two or three.
10. Incorporate Greenery Without Overcrowding
Whether they’re the real deal or not, plants add harmony and can even boost your mood. When you’re working with a small space, though, it’s better to go for plants that will trail, rather than fan out and take up room. String-of-pearls or string-of-hearts are beautiful, delicate options.
11. Maintain a Clean, Tidy Bathroom Routine
Grub and dirt will only make your bathroom appear pokier, so set yourself the challenge of keeping on top of a cleaning routine. Keep surfaces sparkling to bounce light around the room and remember, this is where small bathrooms work in your favour – there’s less of them to clean!
Thinking of investing in bigger enhancements for long-term results?
Are you wanting to invest in your small bathroom? There are some more costly changes you can make that can make a big difference to the overall look and feel of your bathroom. Here are some of our top recommendations.
12. Swap Curtains for Frameless Glass Shower Screens
Baggy shower curtains will eat up precious space in a small bathroom, so opt instead for streamlined, glass shower screens. Not only do they take up less room, but their reflective, mirrored surface will make your space seem larger.
13. Consider a Walk-In Shower or Wet Room Design
One of our favourite small bathroom ideas is to open up your space entirely with a walk-in shower or wet room. Uninterrupted by shower curbs or doors, it achieves a continuous flow across your room which creates a sense of openness.
14. Save Space with Wall-Mounted Fixtures
This tip is perfect for bathrooms that have accessibility features, like walk-in baths, to add a stylish finish and remove bulky barriers to comfort. Attach taps, shower heads, loo-roll holders and towel hooks to the wall to free up space.
15. Choose Compact or Corner Sinks and Toilets
Putting your available space to better use is one of the simplest ways to make a small bathroom feel bigger. So, don’t ignore the potential of corners! Rather than plonking a pot plant there, free up a whole load of space by installing a compact corner sink, toilet or cupboard.
16. Add Recessed Storage to Reduce Clutter
It’ll feel like you’re magicking extra space out of thin air, and it’s why recessed storage is one of the hottest style tips for small bathrooms. Not only does it keep shelves and cupboards from protruding into your room, but it also provides a secret spot to store clutter in the process.
17. Use Large Tiles and Clever Layout Patterns
A bathroom renovation is an investment that will have a huge long-term benefit, making your house more appealing on the market. Think carefully about layout and style: A sink tucked behind the door, a shower over the bathtub, and larger, monotone tiles will open up the space you have.
18. Opt for Continuous Flooring Across the Bathroom
Trick your eyes by installing a continuous floor that sweeps across the room – and drop the temptation to buy a rug! Uninterrupted lines make spaces feel bigger, and shiny, light-reflecting floors work to your advantage too. Go for porcelain, marble, or ceramic to get the look down to a tee.
19. Replace Swinging Doors with Sliding or Pocket Doors
Think how much space your door takes up when it swings into the room. Reclaim that space with a sliding or pocket door for a flush take on small bathroom design. Doors like these look modern, effortlessly increase space, and make your room more accessible. It’s a win-win.
20. Use Vertical and Horizontal Lines to Shape the Space
Lines create the illusion of continuous space, so incorporate them in your small bathroom designs to make your room appear larger. Whether you go for vertical or horizontal doesn’t matter – just don’t go for both, as this can have the opposite effect!
Deciding how to make a small bathroom look bigger doesn’t have to be a headache. These creative tips are all about making your room feel bigger, from budget-friendly design hacks to renovation investments.
Making a few changes here and there can transform your cramped bathroom into a comfortable, stylish space you enjoy spending time in, and that’s the most important thing!