10 Small Bathroom Ideas That Make a Big Impact
Updated: Oct. 14, 2023
There are some simple things you can do to make your small bathroom feel bigger—including some tricks that take just a couple minutes. Try these 10 small bathroom ideas that will make a big impact in a tight space.
Less is More
When it comes to making spaces look bigger, less is more. Wish Sotheby’s International Realty says,”If you don’t really need maximum storage, consider using a smaller vanity to leave a bit more open space, rather than fitting in the biggest unit you can.” Leaving some negative space makes a small bathroom feel less cramped.
Use a Frameless Shower Door
Frameless glass shower doors make a small bathroom feel more open and airy, as they remove the visual obstruction of a traditional shower door. However, keep in mind, this only works if the door is clear glass. Scott McGillivray, a real estate investor, says textured glass will make the space feel like it has an extra wall.
Try White
“One of the easiest ways to give your room a spacious look is to use lots of white—white tile, white paint, a white vanity and so on,” Yanic Simard of the design website Houzz told Forbes. “This noncolor-color naturally recedes, making the space look bigger. It also reflects any available light, rather than absorbing it.” If you have to stick with a color on the walls, bring in as much white as you can with towels, accessories and art.
Use a Pocket Door
Traditional doors can take up a lot of valuable space in small bathrooms. McGillivray suggests installing a pocket door, which slides right into the wall. “If this isn’t possible, consider a sliding door as an alternative.”
Hide the Bathmat
According to Zillow, having a bath mat on the floor all the time makes your bathroom appear smaller. “Put your bath mats away when you’re not using them to expose the flooring and make the space appear larger.”
Bonus: This stone bath mat keeps floors as dry as can be.
Try Open Shelving
Instead of having bulky cabinets, try open shelving. The Allison Ziefert Real Estate Group suggests this can be as easy as simply removing cabinet doors. “Display towels, soaps, and canisters in a pleasing way—they can be both decorative and functional.”
Use a Floating Vanity or Pedestal Sink
When it comes to small bathroom ideas to make the space appear bigger, ditch the bulky vanity that takes up valuable space and replace it with a floating vanity or pedestal sink. You’ll give up some storage space, but you probably don’t need all of that stuff hiding behind those vanity doors anyway.
Go Big with Mirrors
Adding a big mirror is an easy way to make your small bathroom appear larger. McGillivray notes mirrors are not only a necessity in bathrooms, they also reflect light and open up spaces, so choose a mirror on the larger end of the spectrum. “If you have room for one that’s full length go for it, and over the vanity consider taking it all the way up to the ceiling,” he says.
Raise the Bar
In small bathrooms, raise your shower curtain bar all the way up to the ceiling. According to Zillow, it will draw your eyes up and make the ceiling seem taller, making your small bathroom appear larger. This trick also works for window treatments.
Watch the Clutter
“Resist the urge to decorate with potpourri bowls or fake floral arrangements that attract dust and add clutter to your sink space,” according to realtor.com. “Sleek-looking canisters for your cotton balls and swabs, along with one piece of eye-catching artwork, are all you need in a small bathroom.” You can also hang a narrow shelf above the toilet for a few storage canisters. Check out these 20 bathroom storage hacks.
Originally Published: October 21, 2020
