In this post, I’ll share 22 small bathroom ideas that will help you make your space look and feel bigger!
Got a small bathroom and unsure how to make it look bigger? I totally understand!
I’m dealing with a tiny bathroom myself, and I know how easily it can feel cramped and confined. But don’t worry – there’s plenty you can do to create a more open and airy vibe!
In this post, I’m excited to share 22 small bathroom ideas that will help you make your space feel larger and more inviting.
So, let’s jump into these small bathroom ideas and see how we can make the most of your small bathroom!
22 Small Bathroom Ideas to Make it Look Bigger
1. Keep it Uncluttered
I know it might sound obvious, but it’s super important, especially in small bathrooms!
When a space is cluttered, it can feel really cramped and confined, making it even harder to create that open, airy vibe.
So, take a moment to declutter and sort through what you really need and what can go.
One spot that often ends up piled high with stuff is the bathroom counter. It’s so easy to toss everything there, isn’t it?
To help keep it tidy, try using stylish trays or cute baskets to organize your essentials. Not only will it keep things under control, but it’ll also look great!
A little organization goes a long way in making your small bathroom feel much bigger and more inviting.
2. Let as Much Natural Light in as Possible
Making the most of what you have is a great way to make your small bathroom feel bigger. And one of the easiest ways to do that is by letting in as much natural light as possible!
It might sound simple, but keeping your windows uncluttered is key. Consider using sheer curtains. They let in lots of light while still keeping things private.
And don’t forget to keep those windows clean! It’s one of those obvious things that can easily slip your mind.
Plus, make sure there’s nothing blocking the light outside, like furniture or decor. The more natural light you can let in, the more open and spacious your bathroom will feel.
3. Improve Your Lighting
Natural light is the best, no doubt about it! But if your bathroom doesn’t get much sunshine, then good lighting becomes even more important.
Here are some easy ways to improve your lighting and make your bathroom feel brighter and more inviting:
- Layer Your Lighting: Instead of relying on just one overhead light, try to add layers. Use a combination of ambient lighting (like ceiling fixtures), task lighting (like sconces by the mirror), and accent lighting (like decorative LED strips under cabinets) to create a well-lit space.
- Choose Bright Lighting: Go for bright, white bulbs that mimic natural daylight. This helps create a more open feel and can make the space feel less cramped.
- Dimmable Switches: Installing dimmer switches allows you to adjust the lighting to your preference, which can make the space feel more flexible and dynamic.
- Keep Light Fixtures Simple: Choose fixtures that are sleek and unobtrusive, as bulky lights can overwhelm the space and make it feel smaller.
With these tips, you’ll be able to make the most of your bathroom lighting!
4. Add a Large Mirror
When it comes to choosing a mirror for your small bathroom ideas, bigger really is better! A large mirror can do wonders by reflecting light and making the space feel much larger.
So instead of picking a tiny mirror, go for a big one above your vanity, and you’ll be amazed at the difference it makes.
You can also add some mirrored accents, like trays, soap dispensers, or even decorative containers. These little touches not only help reflect light but also give your bathroom an elegant vibe.
5. Use Transparent Shower Curtains
Not everyone has the option to install a glass shower door, and that’s totally okay! A fantastic alternative is using transparent shower curtains.
They let light filter through, which helps brighten up your bathroom and create a welcoming vibe.
Plus, transparent shower curtains give your space a super open look, making it feel much bigger than it actually is.
And here’s a tip: I don’t know about you, but I find that having shower curtains hanging outside the bathtub can look pretty cluttered. I always keep mine inside the bathtub instead, and it really helps create a tidier look. Give it a try!
6. Lift Shower Curtains Higher
Speaking of shower curtains, here’s a simple tip: try hanging the curtain rod higher than usual!
When you do this, it draws your eyes upward and makes your ceilings look taller. It’s a neat trick that can really give your bathroom (or any room) a more spacious feel.
And this trick isn’t just for shower curtains. It works for window treatments too!
So, whether you’re in the bathroom or any other room, consider that higher placement to help create an airy, open vibe. You might be surprised at how much of a difference it makes!
7. Use a Stylish Shower Caddy
I don’t know about you, but it always seems like out of nowhere, I end up with a million bottles in the shower! It can get so cluttered, and it feels really confined.
That’s why having a small shower caddy is super important. It helps keep everything organized and lets you only keep the bottles that you actually use.
Another tip that I’ve found helpful is to stick to bottles in the same color or color group.
When there are lots of different colors, it can make things feel even more chaotic and cluttered. So, give it a try and see how it works for you!
8. Mount Floating Shelves
My all-time favorite space saver has to be floating shelves! And when it comes to small bathroom ideas, it’s super important to make the most of vertical space.
This way, you can keep the floor clear, which helps the room feel more open and spacious.
Floating shelves or narrow shelving units, like corner shelves, are perfect for this!
They fit snugly into those awkward corners, making great use of any space you have. Plus, they add a nice touch of design to the room.
9. Go for Clear Furniture Pieces
Another great way to make your small bathroom feel more open and spacious is by using clear furniture pieces!
Think about incorporating things like glass or acrylic floating shelves, a clear stool, or even transparent containers. These options are fantastic because they keep the space feeling light and airy.
Visually, they don’t add any weight to the room, which helps it feel bigger than it is.
Plus, they’re super functional! You’ll get the extra storage and seating you need without the bulky look.
10. Keep Decor to a Minimum
You can absolutely decorate your bathroom with things you love! However, in a small bathroom, it’s often true that less is more.
We want to avoid that cramped, cluttered feeling, right? So, it’s a good idea to keep your decor simple.
Before adding anything, it can be really helpful to ask yourself a couple of questions:
Do I really need this item? Will it make me happy? These questions can help you decide what to keep and what to let go of.
By being thoughtful about your decor, you can create a space that feels warm and inviting without being overwhelming.
11. White on White for an Airy Feel
When it comes to choosing colors for your small bathroom, you can’t go wrong with all white! Whether it’s white paint on the walls or white furniture, it really helps to create a light, airy atmosphere.
Sure, some people might think an all-white look feels a bit clinical, but it’s true that it makes the space look larger and more open.
If you’re renting, definitely check with your landlord about painting the walls. Some places allow it as long as you paint them back to the original color when you move out.
To add some personality and warmth, consider mixing in textures like wood or metal. These elements can really liven up the space and create a nice contrast against all that white.
12. Hang a Piece of Artwork
We’ve talked about keeping decor to a minimum, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still add some nice touches to your small bathroom!
Hanging a piece of artwork can be a fantastic way to introduce personality and style while also being functional.
A well-placed artwork can act as a focal point, drawing the eye away from the fact that the bathroom is small – it’s a nice little trick!
13. Hide the Bathmat
Having a bathmat in the bathroom is definitely a must, but it can also make a small space feel even smaller.
Instead of leaving it on the floor all the time, why not take it up when you don’t need it?
By exposing the floor, you’ll create a more open look, which can really help make your bathroom feel bigger.
It’s such an easy switch, but it can be surprisingly effective!
14. Keep Walls in one Color
Earlier, we talked about how great white can be for making a small bathroom look bigger, but I totally get it if an all-white bathroom just isn’t your style.
If that’s the case, consider going for light tones like beige or soft grays.
Painting all the walls in these colors can still create that open, airy feel you’re after while adding a bit of warmth and character.
These shades can make your space feel light and inviting without being too stark.
15. Incorporate Wall-Mounted Fixtures
If you’re tired of everything being tossed on the bathroom counter or scattered around, why not consider hanging some items up?
Using towel racks to hang your towels is a great way to keep things organized. Plus, wall-mounted soap dispensers and toilet paper holders can really help too!
By getting these essentials off the counter and onto the walls, you’ll free up valuable floor space and make your bathroom look much more put together and clean.
16. Use Peel and Stick Wallpaper
Peel and stick wallpaper is a fantastic option if you’re renting! It’s super easy to apply and remove, making it perfect if you want to add some style to your space without committing to anything permanent.
If you’re looking to make your bathroom feel bigger, consider choosing wallpaper with vertical patterns or stripes.
They can really help elongate the walls and create the illusion of height, which is a great trick in small spaces!
Just a quick heads-up: make sure the wallpaper is made from vinyl, and avoid using it around the bathtub or shower area to prevent any issues.
17. Change out the Hardware
You might not think that hardware can make a big difference in your bathroom, but believe me, it really can! Some bathroom hardware can look pretty bulky, which adds to the cluttered feel.
Instead, opting for sleek and minimalist hardware can create a more airy vibe and help your space feel larger.
Also, consider choosing hardware in lighter finishes, like chrome or brushed nickel.
These finishes reflect light better than darker ones, which can really brighten up the room and give it a more spacious feel.
18. Create an Accent Wall
Creating an accent wall is such a great idea! When you paint one wall a different color, it adds contrast that breaks up the space, making your bathroom feel larger and more inviting.
Plus, it adds depth and interest to the room, which is really nice.
Don’t be afraid to go for a darker color either! A bold choice can really make the space pop and create a cozy yet stylish vibe.
19. Try Contact Paper
Earlier, we talked about how an all-white bathroom can create a light, airy feel, and that definitely includes the furniture too. But if you’re renting, painting your vanity might not be an option.
That’s where contact paper comes in! It’s one of the best ways to transform your vanity or bathroom countertop without any permanent changes.
It’s super easy to apply and just as easy to remove when you’re ready for a change.
You can choose lighter colors for the contact paper, which will help make your bathroom feel really open and spacious.
20. Choose Reflective Surfaces
If you want to make your bathroom feel more spacious, using reflective surfaces is a great choice!
High-gloss paint finishes can really add a nice shine, but just keep in mind they can look a bit dramatic. So think it through before committing haha.
You might also consider glass or metallic light fixtures to bring in a touch of elegance. A mirrored medicine cabinet can be a stylish way to add storage while reflecting light.
Also, small accents like mirrored trays can be a nice addition too. They can really help catch light and make the space feel bigger and brighter.
21. Don’t Skip on Greenery
Bringing in some greenery is one of the best ways to add color and freshness to your bathroom!
Plants can really brighten up the space and make it feel more inviting. A great idea is to hang them up, so they don’t take up any floor or counter space.
For your bathroom, consider low-maintenance plants that thrive in humid conditions, like spider plants or pothos. They’re super easy to care for and can really liven up the room.
22. Use Colorful Towels
Using colorful towels is a fantastic way to draw attention away from the fact that your bathroom is small, especially in an all-white space.
They can serve as focal points and add some fun energy to your bathroom!
We’ve reached the end of this post, and I hope you’re feeling inspired! With these small bathroom ideas, you’re now ready to transform your space into something bigger, brighter, and better. Remember, sometimes just a few simple additions or swaps can make a world of difference in how your bathroom looks and feels.
This post showed you small bathroom ideas to make it look bigger
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