It’s not easy to design a small bathroom, especially when there isn’t much area and storage space. But with the correct arrangement and some smart design tips, even the smallest bathrooms can feel more open, airy, and big. You can make your bathroom look bigger without really making it bigger by planning ahead and coming up with inventive ideas. Every little thing counts, from picking the appropriate colors and materials to adding features that save space.
Not only are these layout ideas useful, but they also look good, letting you get the most out of your space while making it seem better. The following tips can help you make a small bathroom feel twice as big, whether it’s a little powder room or a small ensuite. Read on to learn 11 little bathroom layout tips that may make your bathroom look twice as big and transform it into a clean, relaxing area.
1. Use a Floating Vanity
A floating vanity is a trendy way to save space that makes the bathroom look bigger by opening up the floor underneath it. By mounting the vanity to the wall and getting rid of the big cabinet base, you free up more floor space, which makes the room look bigger. This simple design tip not only makes things look more basic, but it also makes them simpler to clean and lets air flow better. You may make the floating vanity seem better by picking a model with clean lines, built-in sinks, and light-colored finishes that reflect light from windows or lamps.
If you don’t have a lot of room, think about putting in a slim-profile vanity that works well but still lets you move around. You may also put under-vanity lights on floating vanities to make them look like they’re glowing, which makes the room look bigger and more open. This stylish and useful element really helps tiny bathrooms feel bigger.
2. Install a Pocket Door
In small bathrooms where every inch counts, traditional swinging doors may take up a lot of space. If you replace a regular hinged door with a pocket door, you can get back floor area that would have been restricted. Pocket doors slide right into the wall, making them easy to use and giving the room a cleaner, more streamlined look. They are quite helpful when a swinging door won’t work in the bathroom because of neighboring fixtures or walls.
Pocket doors come in a wide range of styles, including frosted glass and solid wood, so you can easily choose one that fits your design motif. Installing a pocket door takes some work, but it’s worth it because it makes moving around easier and gives you more wall space. You may put storage units, hooks, or even towel racks closer to the entrance because you don’t have to worry about door clearance. This tiny modification can make a big difference in both how well things work and how open they look.
3. Go All White
People have known for a long time that white makes spaces feel bigger. One of the best ways to make a tiny bathroom appear open and breezy is to use an all-white color scheme. The space looks bigger and brighter than it really is because white reflects more light than any other hue. The constant tone helps get rid of strong visual breaks, letting the eye move effortlessly over the area, whether you choose white paint, white tiles, or white cabinets. The seamless effect makes walls look farther away and ceilings look higher, all of which are important for making a place look bigger.
Add varied textures and finishes to an all-white bathroom to make it feel less sterile. For example, use matte tiles, glossy ceramics, or natural stone. You may also make things feel warmer by using soft lighting, chrome fixtures, or white wood accents. This traditional, timeless style makes the bathroom feel much bigger by letting in more light and creating a beautiful background.
4. Add a Large Mirror
Mirrors are great for making tiny bathrooms look bigger. A big mirror reflects light and the space itself, making it look like the room is deeper and more open. Putting a big mirror above the vanity or across from a window will quickly increase the amount of space you can see. The mirror not only makes natural and artificial light brighter, but it also creates depth by breaking up solid walls that may make the area appear small. In tiny rooms, frameless mirrors or mirrors with simple frames work best since they don’t add too much visual weight.
A custom-cut mirror that goes over the whole width of the vanity may give your room a trendy and put-together look. You may also make a room brighter by adding a mirror with built-in LED lights. This serves both function and style. This small design feature has a big effect on how open and welcoming your bathroom seems.
5. Opt for a Clear Glass Shower Door
If you have a small bathroom, using a transparent glass shower door instead of a frosted or solid divider may really make the area look bigger. Clear glass removes visual barriers and lets your eyes move throughout the whole area, making it feel bigger and more connected. If your shower is near a window, transparent glass is better than curtains or doors that obscure light and views. It also provides the area a more contemporary and simple design that makes it more appealing overall. Frameless or semi-frameless versions make the bathroom look less cluttered and less divided.
To retain the open sense of glass doors, you need to take care of them and clean them often. Adding a little color or choosing ultra-clear glass can also help with glare while keeping the glass clear. This solution makes the shower space fit in well with the rest of the room, making it feel big and elegant.
6. Extend Tile to the Ceiling
Tiling all the way up to the ceiling is a clever design choice that makes the walls look taller and attracts the attention up. This vertical expansion makes the ceiling look taller, which makes the room look bigger. Using the same tiles from floor to ceiling also cuts down on visual gaps, making the look more continuous and streamlined. It works really well in little bathrooms where the lines of the building can get too busy.
Choose tiles that are bright in tone or shiny to reflect more light and make the room appear bigger. Ceiling-high tiles help keep the walls dry in the shower and give the room a spa-like look. This floor-to-ceiling style makes a tremendous difference, whether you choose classic subway tiles or large-format panels. Not only does it make the bathroom work better, but it also makes it feel more open and connected, even if it’s not that big.
7. Use Wall-Mounted Fixtures
Faucets, toilets, and even towel racks that are placed on the wall help clear the bathroom floor and make the space feel more open. These floating elements make the floor space bigger and expose more surface area, which might make the room look bigger. Wall-mounted toilets, in particular, are easy to clean and seem sleek and contemporary, which fits with minimalist design ideas. You may save counter space by putting faucets directly on the wall and using slimmer sinks or vanities.
This arrangement is especially useful for small bathrooms where things that stick out might get in the way of mobility. Pick chrome or matte black finishes for a style that is both attractive and understated. You also make more space for extra storage or design features by raising these parts off the floor. Wall-mounted fixtures make a bathroom look and work better, which helps it seem big, tidy, and contemporary.
8. Choose Large Floor Tiles
If you have a tiny bathroom, large-format floor tiles are a smart choice since they cut down on the amount of grout lines, making the surface smoother and more even. Fewer lines equal less visual noise, which makes the room feel bigger and more open. This illusion of space makes the floor look less packed, which makes it easier for your eyes to move about the room. To make a room feel brighter and more open, choose light, neutral hues like beige, soft gray, or white.
Matte coatings might save you from slipping while yet seeming high-end. Big tiles may even make a small bathroom appear bigger if you put them in a diagonal or horizontal pattern. Putting these tiles with walls or fixtures that are the same color might make a place that flows well. Also, having fewer grout lines means less work, which is a practical benefit. By buying big tiles, you not only make the bathroom seem better, but you also make the most of the space it has.
9. Install a Recessed Medicine Cabinet
If you have a tiny bathroom, a recessed medicine cabinet is a great option to increase storage without taking up too much space. By putting the cabinet into the wall, you keep the surface level, which makes the room seem clean and tidy. This design option gives you enough space for amenities while keeping important counter and walking space. The flat, smooth design fits in perfectly with the wall, adding to a minimalist style that makes the space feel more open. A mirrored door will do two things: it will reflect light and make the space look bigger.
Many new recessed cabinets come with extra features that make them even more useful, such as lights within or shelves that can be moved up and down. You would need to do some modest renovation to install one, but the extra room and design are well worth it. A recessed medicine cabinet is a useful and unobtrusive way to store things without taking up too much space. It is excellent for making a bathroom feel bigger and more elegant.
10. Use Vertical Storage
Vertical storage is a must in a tiny bathroom to keep the floor clear and the area looking clean and tidy. You may keep things you need without making the area too crowded by using the height of the room. You may store things vertically without taking up too much room by using tall cabinets, wall-mounted shelves, or units that go over the toilet. To keep the decor of your bathroom consistent, use slender, elegant designs that go with the style of the space. Closed storage hides mess, but open shelves can show off wrapped towels or attractive things.
Vertical storage also makes it easy to get to things you use a lot while making the most of every inch of wall space. This design trick helps drive the eye up, which makes the space feel taller and more open. Use similar baskets or containers to keep things neat and elegant. Overall, vertical storage solutions provide both style and utility. They are quite important for making your small bathroom feel bigger and more organized.
11. Keep the Palette Monochrome
A monotone color palette makes the visual field simpler and lowers contrast, which makes small bathrooms appear bigger. The eye glides effortlessly throughout the room when the walls, flooring, and fixtures are all in the same color family. This design method gives the area a sense of harmony and movement, which is important for making small spaces look bigger. Soft gray, taupe, or pastel blue are some colors that can give a little diversity without breaking up the flow. Add depth and intrigue to the monochromatic palette by using different textures, such as matte and gloss.
Keeping hardware and accessories in colors that go well together keeps the minimalist look. You may also add soft lights in the same color to make the room feel warmer and more consistent. This seamless design cuts down on cluttered patterns and color conflicts, which lets the room breathe. A monochromatic bathroom feels quiet, clean, and open, which makes it seem better and makes it seem like there is more space.
Last Thought
You don’t have to give up comfort or flair when you design a small bathroom. You can make even the smallest rooms feel airy and inviting by choosing the right arrangement, including floating vanities, pocket doors, and vertical storage. Large mirrors, transparent glass, and monochromatic color schemes are some of the things that make the space look bigger.
Recessed storage and tiles that go all the way up to the ceiling offer style and usefulness. You can make the most of your bathroom without spending a lot of money on renovations by using these wise tips. These eleven layout tips can help you convert your little bathroom into a bright, stylish, and bigger-looking space that you’ll love spending time in every day.
FAQs
How can I make my small bathroom look more luxurious?
Use high-quality finishes, a large mirror, and proper lighting to create a luxe feel in a small space.
Is it better to use dark or light colors in a small bathroom?
Light colors are generally better as they reflect light and make the space feel larger and airier.
Do large tiles really make a small bathroom look bigger?
Yes, large tiles reduce grout lines and visual breaks, which helps the bathroom appear more spacious.
What type of vanity is best for small bathrooms?
A floating vanity is ideal as it saves floor space and creates a more open and modern look.
Jeff Guynn is a passionate home décor blog writer with a keen eye for design and a love for transforming spaces into stylish sanctuaries. With years of hands-on experience in interior styling and a knack for spotting emerging trends, Jeff shares practical tips, creative DIY ideas, and inspiration to help readers create beautiful, functional homes. His writing blends expert advice with a relatable voice, making home design approachable for everyone.