How to Make a Small Bathroom Look Bigger? 20 Clever Ideas!

Having a small bathroom can feel restrictive, but it doesn’t mean you have to compromise on comfort or style. With a few clever design tweaks, you can transform a compact space into one that feels open, bright, and even luxurious. At Bowers Plumbing & Remodel, we specialize in remodeling bathrooms of all sizes, and we’ve learned that maximizing space isn’t just about square footage—it’s about smart design.

20 Ingenious Small Bathroom Ideas to Make Your Space Look Bigger

Let’s explore 20 innovative ways to make your small bathroom look and feel much bigger.

• Light and Bright Color Schemes

One of the simplest ways to make a small bathroom feel bigger is by using light, neutral color schemes. Light colors reflect more light, which instantly makes a space feel more open and airy. Whites, soft grays, pale blues, and beiges are all great options to visually expand the room.

If you prefer adding a bit more character, go with soft pastel accents that complement the neutral base. Color can be introduced through accessories like towels, rugs, or artwork to avoid overwhelming the space.

• High-Gloss Paint for Extra Light Reflection

A high-gloss paint finish is an often-overlooked trick that can work wonders in small bathrooms. The glossy surface reflects light, making the room feel brighter and more spacious. For walls or ceilings, use high-gloss finishes to bounce natural or artificial light around the space, which helps create the illusion of depth.

To enhance this effect, you can also consider glossy tiles, especially in areas like the backsplash or around the shower.

• Go Bold with Dark Colors

While light colors are generally recommended for small spaces, you can also go the opposite route—dark colors. When used carefully, dark tones like navy blue or charcoal gray can add depth, making the room feel more expansive. The key here is to use dark colors on walls while maintaining plenty of light in the room, whether through natural sources or artificial lighting.

High-gloss dark finishes, as opposed to matte, will also reflect light and prevent the room from feeling boxed in.

• Maximize Natural Light

Natural light is one of the most effective tools to make a small bathroom look bigger. If you have a window, use sheer curtains or frosted glass to ensure you’re getting as much sunlight as possible without sacrificing privacy. If your bathroom is windowless, consider adding a skylight or even a solar tube, which allows natural light to flood into the space without major renovation.

More natural light means fewer shadows and a more open-feeling space. So, keep windows uncovered or use translucent treatments to allow light to fill the room.

• Mirror an Entire Wall

Mirrors are a small bathroom’s best friend. They reflect light and visually expand the space, making it seem like you’ve doubled your bathroom’s size. Instead of hanging a small mirror over the sink, consider mirroring an entire wall. This not only opens up the space visually but also creates a striking, modern design statement.

Position the mirror opposite a window or light source to amplify the effect. A large mirror or multiple smaller ones can work equally well in a tight space.

• Glass Shower Doors for an Open Feel

One of the best ways to make a small bathroom look bigger is by using glass shower doors. Shower curtains create a visual barrier, which can divide an already small room, making it feel even more cramped. Opt for a frameless glass shower door instead. The clear glass will open up the space, maintaining a continuous line of sight, which helps the room feel larger.

If privacy is a concern, consider using frosted or textured glass, which still gives the illusion of openness without compromising on privacy.

• Floating Vanities and Toilets

Choosing floating fixtures, like vanities and toilets, frees up valuable floor space. These types of fixtures are mounted to the wall, giving the illusion of a larger room while also providing easy access for cleaning. The open space underneath makes the bathroom feel less cluttered, allowing for storage baskets or extra shelves if needed.

Floating vanities can also help with storage by incorporating built-in drawers or cabinets while maintaining the room’s sleek, minimal aesthetic.

• Compact, Space-Saving Fixtures

In a small bathroom, every inch matters. Choosing compact fixtures like corner sinks or wall-mounted faucets can free up essential space without sacrificing functionality. Slimline toilets, sinks, and even bathtubs are designed specifically for small spaces and allow you to keep the bathroom’s footprint minimal.

For those who prefer a bath, a Japanese soaking tub can offer a luxurious bathing experience while taking up significantly less space than a traditional tub.

• Install a Shower Niche

Storage can quickly become a challenge in small bathrooms. A great way to add storage without taking up more space is to install a shower niche. Built directly into the wall, a shower niche provides a perfect spot to store shampoo, conditioner, and other essentials without the need for clunky shelves or caddies.

Position the niche at a comfortable height so that it’s both practical and unobtrusive.

• Add Vertical Storage Solutions

When floor space is limited, it’s time to think vertically. Maximize wall space by installing vertical storage solutions like floating shelves, hanging cabinets, or even hooks for towels and robes. Placing shelves over the toilet, around the sink, or above doorways can free up valuable surface space.

Don’t forget to use corner shelving or tall, slim storage cabinets to make the most of every inch of available space.

• Use Large-Format Tiles for a Seamless Look

Large-format tiles can make a small bathroom feel more expansive. Fewer grout lines create a cleaner, more continuous look that draws the eye across the room, rather than breaking up the space into smaller sections. Choose light-colored tiles that reflect light to further enhance the effect.

Using the same tile for both the floor and walls can create a cohesive look, blurring the lines between different areas of the bathroom and making it feel larger.

• Opt for a Sliding or Pocket Door

Traditional swinging doors can take up a significant amount of floor space in a small bathroom. Instead, opt for a sliding barn door or a pocket door that slides into the wall. These doors free up valuable floor space and create a streamlined look. Plus, they add a touch of modern elegance to your bathroom design.

Sliding doors are particularly useful for bathrooms located in tight hallways or adjacent to other small rooms.

• Extend Shower Curtains to the Ceiling

If you prefer using a shower curtain instead of a glass door, there’s a simple trick that can make your bathroom feel bigger—mount the shower curtain rod higher up, closer to the ceiling. This elongates the room by drawing the eye upward, giving the space a feeling of increased height.

Lightweight fabrics and neutral-colored curtains will also contribute to a more open, airy vibe.

• Incorporate a Skylight or Solar Tube

Skylights are an excellent solution for small bathrooms that lack natural light. They allow daylight to stream in from above, brightening the room and creating an open, airy feel. If a skylight is too expensive or structurally difficult to install, solar tubes offer a more affordable alternative. These tubes capture sunlight from the roof and funnel it down into the room, providing natural light without the need for windows.

Natural light is a critical component in making any small space feel larger, and these options are perfect for bathrooms where wall windows aren’t feasible.

• Layer Your Lighting for Added Depth

Proper lighting is essential in small bathrooms. Instead of relying on a single overhead light, create layers of light using different fixtures to eliminate shadows and brighten the room. Combine ambient, task, and accent lighting for maximum effect. For example, install sconces on either side of the mirror to provide even lighting for tasks like shaving or applying makeup, and add LED strip lighting under floating vanities for a modern touch.

Incorporating dimmable lights also allows you to adjust the ambiance based on the time of day, providing a flexible lighting solution for your small space.

• Keep the Floor Clear

In small bathrooms, clutter can make the space feel even more cramped. One way to create the illusion of more space is by keeping the floor clear of obstacles. Opt for wall-mounted fixtures, floating storage, and compact vanities to free up the floor.

Avoid using floor-standing cabinets, baskets, or hampers if possible, as these can create a more crowded feel. Instead, use hooks, shelves, and wall-mounted organizers to keep the bathroom functional and tidy without encroaching on floor space.

• Use Patterns and Texture to Your Advantage

Contrary to popular belief, patterns, and textures can be beneficial in small bathrooms. A carefully chosen patterned floor tile or an accent wall with textured tiles can add visual interest and depth to the room. When done right, these design elements can make the bathroom feel larger and more dynamic.

For example, using vertical stripes or chevron patterns on the walls can create the illusion of height, while horizontal patterns can make the room feel wider.

• Go Monochromatic for a Cohesive Look

A monochromatic color scheme—where you use variations of the same color throughout the bathroom—can help create a seamless, unified look. By keeping the walls, floors, and fixtures in a similar color family, you minimize contrast, which can make the space feel more cohesive and larger.

Choose soft, neutral tones for a clean, calming effect, or go bold with darker hues for a modern, stylish look.

• Get Creative with Storage

In a small bathroom, storage is always a challenge. Instead of cluttering the room with cabinets and shelves, get creative with how you store your items. Install recessed shelves, use over-the-door organizers, or even incorporate a built-in medicine cabinet with a mirrored door for extra storage space.

Hooks and hanging baskets can also be used to store towels, robes, or toiletries without taking up valuable floor space.

• Add a Touch of Greenery

Finally, don’t forget to add a touch of nature to your small bathroom. A few well-placed plants can make any room feel fresher and more vibrant. Opt for plants that thrive in humidity, such as ferns or snake plants, and place them on shelves, windowsills, or in hanging baskets to avoid cluttering the floor.

Not only do plants improve air quality, but they also add a calming, spa-like feel to your bathroom.

Let Bowers Plumbing & Remodel Transform Your Small Bathroom

Maximizing space in a small bathroom doesn’t require major renovations—just smart design choices and careful planning. At Bowers Plumbing & Remodel, we specialize in creating beautiful, functional bathrooms that feel open, airy, and perfectly suited to your lifestyle.

Whether you want a complete remodel or just a few space-saving updates, our expert team is ready to help you turn your small bathroom into a space you’ll love. With our attention to detail and commitment to quality craftsmanship, we ensure that your bathroom not only looks bigger but also functions better.

Get in Touch with Bowers Plumbing & Remodel

Ready to transform your small bathroom into a bigger, brighter space? Contact Bowers Plumbing & Remodel today to schedule a consultation and start your remodeling journey.

• Phone: (253) 993-1959
• Email: [email protected] 

At Bowers Plumbing & Remodel, we’re committed to providing the highest quality plumbing and remodeling services to the Puyallup community. Whether you’re looking to update your bathroom, renovate your kitchen, or tackle other home improvement projects, our team has the expertise to bring your vision to life.