How to make a small bathroom look bigger

white vanity cabinet in a small bathroom

In an average home, the bathroom is usually one of the smallest rooms in the home. This leaves very little scope for decorating or remodeling your small space. Whether you want to create a new bathroom design, or create the illusion of more space, here are the best small bathroom ideas that you can use.

BUILD MORE STORAGE SPACE

One of the most common reasons why a bathroom looks small is too much bathroom clutter. When you have items taking up every surface, this can make it feel like the room is closing in on you. Bathrooms are one of those home features that never have enough storage space. Between your morning makeup routine and nightly shower, your bathroom serves many functions in a limited area. So how do you make the most out of your compact space?

One of the first things you can do for your family bathroom or ensuite is declutter your tiny space. This is one of the easiest ways to save space as it doesn't require any physical changes to your bathroom structure. Consider how often you use everything in your bathroom and remove any items that are needlessly taking up space.

After you have decluttered your small bathroom, you can also build more storage options. A built-in small vanity unit, fitted against a wall, creates exceptionally clean lines, and makes the room feel bigger. Interior designers suggest that when you match your bathroom vanity units or cupboards to the same neutral colours as the wall tiles or floor, you can create an illusion of a larger space.

Bathroom features such as mirror cabinets can act as a practical and versatile storage solution for your bathroom. In addition, mirrors can be used effectively to bounce light around the room and create the appearance of more space.

Neutral Colours

This is one of the most well-known tips - light colours automatically make a room appear larger than it is, which is exactly what a small bathroom wants. A pastel or white bathroom can easily transform compact spaces and make even the smallest rooms feel like a relaxing spa.

Picking the right colour scheme for your bathroom renovation is particularly important, as it takes up a sizeable percentage of the “wow” factor of the overall finished product. One trick that can do just that is a warm two-tone scheme. Using a neutral, warm colour can provide multiple of benefits for your awkward spaces, such as an enlarging of space and creating a positive atmosphere.

Wall Hung Vanity

A wall hung vanity, which is sometimes known as a floating vanity, allows for storage whilst still having some flooring making an appearance. A floating vanity offers the illusion of more space, making the smaller bathroom feel bigger. They open the room and free up the floor underneath the cabinet.

OPEN YOUR FLOOR SPACE

Bathroom vanities with a streamlined look that show more floor under and around your unit can create the appearance of more space. When you open up your floor space you can instantly change the feel of a room. This is a common practice for those wanting a more modern looking powder room or tiny bathroom.

If you have a pedestal sink, you could consider swapping it for a floating sink or wall hung vanity unit to expand the open space of the entire room.

Square Set Ceiling

When it comes to ceilings, if you want to achieve the appearance of a larger bathroom use a square set cornice instead of a decorative cornice. A cluttered looking ceiling in a small bathroom will draw the eye to it and make the space feel more confined.

LIGHT UP YOUR SMALL BATHROOM

When there’s just one solitary light bulb hanging from the centre of the ceiling, this can create a dark, dingy feel. Natural light is best, so if your windowsill is cluttered move everything to let light in. If you have dark cabinets or wall tiles it can negate the airy feel of natural light and make all the space of your bathroom feel confined. With bright soft colours, or glossy ceramic tiles you can help light transform your tiny bathroom.

You can also incorporate soft LED lighting effects, by placing lights over a sink or under a bath panel, for instance, or using ceiling downlights to create a high-tech light and open feel.

DITCH THE SHOWER CURTAIN

Nothing divides a tiny bathroom more than an opaque shower curtain. Install a glass shower door divide and a frameless shower unit instead to maximise the feeling of light and space. When you ditch the shower curtain for a clear glass door you can instantly transform a small room and make a small space feel more modern.

For even more shower tips for your small bathrooms, you can build a shower niche in your walk-in shower to reduce clutter in and around the shower. For a narrow bathroom with little to no storage space, this is an efficient way to make the room feel bigger and gain more storage options.

USE SIMILAR MATERIALS THROUGHOUT THE BATHROOM

Having a wide variety of dissimilar materials in the bathroom can be chaotic, leading to the feeling that the bathroom is cramped and busy. Consider toning down the visual noise by switching out some of the materials for similar materials.

If you have a wood floor in your small bathroom you could install light wood cabinets to create a more natural flow. Try to match your materials in your compact bathroom, even your concrete floors could match the benchtop of your vanity unit.

OTHER SMALL BATHROOM IDEAS YOU SHOULD KNOW

Whether you are transforming your entire bathroom or just want a small facelift, there are some easy go-to tips that you can follow to transform your bathroom design. Here are some more quick modern bathroom ideas for you to make small spaces feel luxurious:

  • If a tile cannot be removed, consider painting over the tile.
  • If replacing floor tile, use a larger format tile.
  • When looking at colours, choose lighter colours for a more open feel.
  • Avoid patterned tiles that can make smaller rooms look cluttered.
  • Install wall tiles across the entire wall from top to bottom for more flow.
  • Use a large mirror or glass wall tiles to reflect light around a compact bathroom.
  • Install a wall hung toilet for the appearance of saving space.
  • Use a sliding door or pocket doors to reduce wasted space.
  • Create a focal point such as a freestanding tub.
white corin square basin in bathroom

TRANSFORM YOUR TINY BATHROOM TODAY

Transform your smaller bathrooms and become your own interior designer by using our Smart Designer today. You can add a new decorative feature or just play with colour schemes to see what would best suit your tiny bathroom. With just a few simple steps you can change your own small bathroom from a cluttered room into a luxury bathroom you won't want to leave.