How to Make a Bathroom Look Bigger
A small bathroom can feel tight and crowded. But with the right choices, it can look and feel more open. You don’t need to knock down walls or spend a fortune. Small changes in design, color, and storage can make a big difference.
In this guide, we’ll cover simple and practical ways to make any bathroom look bigger. From color schemes to mirrors, each idea is easy to try. By the end, you’ll have plenty of options that fit your style and budget.
Start with Color
Color sets the tone of a room. Lighter shades usually make spaces feel larger, while darker tones can make them feel closed in.
Stick to Light Shades
White, cream, light gray, or pale blue work well. They reflect more light, which makes walls look like they are further apart. Painting both the walls and ceiling in the same light color can create a sense of height.
Use One Color Across Surfaces
Too many colors break up the room. A single shade or close shades for walls, floors, and tiles can make the space look smoother. The eye moves around the room without stopping, which creates the illusion of more space.
Add Small Pops of Color
If you want variety, add color in towels, rugs, or art. This way, the base stays light, but you still get personality in the room.
Lighting Matters
Dark corners make a room feel smaller. Bright and layered lighting can open things up.
Maximize Natural Light
Keep window coverings thin. Use frosted glass or light curtains instead of heavy drapes. If privacy is an issue, try blinds that let light in while keeping views out.
Add Layers of Light
One ceiling bulb isn’t enough. Add wall sconces, under-cabinet lighting, or even a backlit mirror. Spreading light from different angles reduces shadows.
Use Mirrors with Light
Mirrors bounce light around the room. Placing one opposite a window or a light source doubles the effect.
Mirrors and Reflections
Mirrors are one of the best tricks for making a bathroom feel bigger.
Go Large
A wide mirror above the sink can almost double the sense of space. If possible, extend it across the full wall.
Try Mirror Cabinets
These combine storage and reflection. They hide clutter and make the wall look longer.
Use Multiple Mirrors
In some bathrooms, two or three mirrors on different walls work well. They reflect each other and create depth.
Smart Storage
Clutter shrinks a room. A tidy bathroom feels open, even if the space is small.
Use Vertical Space
Tall cabinets or shelves take up less floor space. Store less-used items higher up, and keep daily items within easy reach.
Floating Vanities
A vanity mounted to the wall leaves floor space visible. This creates the illusion of more room while still offering storage.
Recessed Shelving
If walls allow, build storage into them. Recessed shelves in the shower or above the toilet don’t stick out into the room.
Baskets and Trays
Use baskets under the sink or trays on the counter to keep things grouped. It looks more organized and less busy.
Fixtures and Fittings
The type and size of fixtures matter. Oversized toilets or sinks can crowd the room.
Compact Toilets and Sinks
Choose models with slim profiles. Wall-hung toilets save floor space and look neat.
Frameless Glass Showers
Shower curtains and bulky frames break up space. Clear glass showers let the eye move across the room without stopping.
Sliding Doors
If possible, use sliding shower doors instead of ones that swing out. This saves space and makes the layout more practical.
Floor and Tile Choices
Flooring and tile design also play a big role in how large the bathroom feels.
Larger Tiles
Small tiles with lots of grout lines can feel busy. Large tiles create smoother surfaces that look more spacious.
Diagonal Patterns
Laying tiles on a diagonal draws the eye across the room, which makes it feel wider.
Light-Colored Flooring
Just like walls, light floors reflect more light. This keeps the whole space open.
Extend Floor into the Shower
Using the same tile across the floor and shower makes the room look seamless and larger.
Doors and Entryways
Sometimes the door takes up more space than you think.
Pocket Doors
These slide into the wall instead of swinging. They free up floor space.
Outward-Swinging Doors
If pocket doors aren’t possible, try reversing the door so it swings out instead of into the bathroom.
Keep It Simple
Less is often more in a small bathroom. Too many decorations or bulky furniture pieces can crowd the space.
Limit Accessories
Pick a few nice items instead of many small ones. One framed print may work better than three.
Clear Counters
Keep the sink area clear of bottles and gadgets. Store them in cabinets instead.
Minimal Patterns
Bold prints can be fun, but in small bathrooms, they may feel heavy. If you love patterns, keep them to one wall or one set of tiles.
Plants and Natural Touches
A touch of nature can make a room feel fresh.
Small Plants
Put a small plant on a shelf or windowsill. Plants with hanging leaves can add depth without taking floor space.
Natural Materials
Wood accents, wicker baskets, or stone soap dishes bring warmth. Keep them light-toned to maintain openness.
Tricks with Height
Height can change how you see space.
Raise the Shower Curtain
Hang it closer to the ceiling. This makes walls look taller.
Vertical Lines
Tiles or wallpapers with vertical stripes create a sense of height.
Tall Mirrors
Mirrors that stretch up add both light and height.
Example Layout Ideas
Here are a few layout tips that can work in small bathrooms:
Layout 1: Single Wall Storage
- Vanity with storage below
- Wall shelves above toilet
- Large mirror above sink
Layout 2: Open Floor Look
- Floating vanity
- Frameless glass shower
- Wall-mounted toilet
Layout 3: Narrow Room
- Long wall mirror
- Slim storage tower
- Sliding shower door
Quick Fixes on a Budget
Not every update has to be expensive. Some small changes still make a big difference.
- Change old light bulbs to brighter LED ones.
- Add peel-and-stick wallpaper in light colors.
- Replace dark shower curtain with a clear one.
- Swap bulky cabinet hardware for sleek handles.
- Use matching containers for bathroom items.
What to Avoid
Some choices can make a small bathroom feel even smaller.
- Dark wall colors in a windowless room.
- Heavy curtains or shower drapes.
- Too many small decor pieces.
- Overstuffed shelves.
- Large floor rugs that break up space.
Balancing Style and Function
Making a bathroom look bigger isn’t just about looks. It should still work well day to day.
Keep storage practical. Choose items you actually use. Think about how the space feels when you get ready in the morning. The goal is comfort, not just design tricks.
Final Thoughts
A small bathroom doesn’t have to feel cramped. With the right colors, light, mirrors, and storage, you can make it feel open and airy. The key is keeping things simple and avoiding clutter.
