Available square footage in your home sometimes only allows for a tiny bathroom, but how can you make a small bathroom look bigger? Small spaces, wherever they are, can make things feel cramped but the good news is, the right design can help!
Even if you don’t have the ability to add more square footage, there are some design tricks that can make your space look and feel bigger. We’re going to walk you through a few of those today so you can see which ideas could work well in your own bathroom remodel.
9 Design Ideas to Make a Small Bathroom Look Bigger
There’s an old saying that claims ‘good things come in small packages’. If the ‘small package’ is a tiny bathroom, however, you might not always agree with that statement! Here are some ways you can make a small bathroom look bigger without adding to its square footage.
1. Choose light colors for walls, countertops, cabinets, and tile.
Lighter colors, like white and cream, have a way of making even the smallest of spaces appear larger than they really are. Their brightness can also make the room cheerful but relaxing, the perfect combination if you’re going for the look and feel of a small spa-like bathroom.
2. Use reflective surfaces to make a small bathroom look bigger.
Have you ever walked into a room filled with mirrors? The reflection of the space around you in the mirrors can make the room appear like it goes on forever! Using reflective materials like glossy wall tiles can have the same effect. And, of course, mirrors can be used as well, both for their design aspects and functional attributes.
3. Use a backlit mirror above the vanity.
Speaking of mirrors, the size and features of the mirror you choose matters. With a backlit mirror hung above the vanity, for example, the entire area is bathed in light. Light itself is a critical element of making your small bathroom look bigger. But using light behind the mirror can even save space if you don’t have enough room for light fixtures on the wall.
4. Enclose your shower with glass.
Not every tiny bathroom has space for a walk-in shower. But if yours does, consider enclosing it with glass walls and a glass door. Being able to see through the glass creates the feeling of added space and openness.
5. Save space with pocket doors.
Traditional interior doors that open in or out can take up a considerable amount of space when opening or closing them. Installing a pocket door instead can make the room appear larger and keep the available space open and free.
6. Custom storage solutions make a clutter-free bathroom.
If you’re trying to maximize the square footage you have, it’s essential to keep both the countertop and floor free of clutter. Custom storage options can do exactly that since they’re created to fit the space exactly. Keeping linens, soap, and other bathroom accessories tucked neatly out of sight can go a long way toward making your small bathroom look more spacious.
7. Make a small bathroom look bigger with built-in shower niches.
We already mentioned making the room clutter-free … that applies to your shower, too! Simply adding a built-in shower niche provides an easily accessible space for storing soap, shampoo, and other bathing necessities. If your shower is tile-lined, it’s also a great place to elevate the design by lining the shower niche with accent tiles.
8. Utilize a pedestal sink or floating vanity.
Sinks with a full vanity underneath can take up a lot of space in a small bathroom. Consider a pedestal sink instead if you already have storage in another part of the room. If you still prefer the look of an under-sink vanity, choose a floating one to keep the floor space clear and create the illusion of more space than is actually there.
9. Use uninterrupted tile designs.
Many bathrooms have tile flooring and a different tile installed in the walk-in shower. To make a small bathroom look bigger, however, it can be helpful to continue the same tile design that’s on the floor into the shower area. The uninterrupted lines give added depth and will make the room feel more spacious.
Make a Small Bathroom Look Bigger With Expert Design From the Orange County Home Remodeling Pros
Sea Pointe Design & Remodel has been meeting the remodeling needs of Orange County residents for over 35 years. From small bathrooms to spacious master suites and everything in between, our expert designers and builders know what it takes to design and build a space you’ll love!
To see examples of our completed work, check out our online portfolio of bath projects. Or, to learn more about remodeling and get inspired for your own project, be sure to register for one of our upcoming remodeling webinars. Our design experts will walk you through some of the challenges of remodeling so you can avoid major pitfalls and end up with exactly what you want and need.
Then, when you’re ready to start planning your own bathroom remodel, simply give us a call at (949) 861-3400 or fill out the form below to schedule your complimentary design consultation.