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A small bathroom doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style. A compact space can still be both beautiful and practical. Whether you have a powder room, a small ensuite, or a tiny main bathroom, there are ways to make the room feel bigger and look great.
Instead of feeling cramped, your bathroom can become one of the best-looking rooms in your home. The key is to make the most of every inch and use design tricks that help the space feel bigger. Here are over 20+ simple ideas to help your small bathroom look larger, more open, and more stylish.
20+ Small Bathroom Ideas
1. Use Your Wall Space
Save floor space by using your walls for storage. You can hang shelves, towel bars, or cabinets higher up. You might also add a medicine cabinet with lights or a tall, narrow cabinet. Wall-mounted storage (like this) keeps the floor clear and makes the room feel more open. This gives you a cleaner, more organized space to enjoy every day.
2. Use Vertical Stripes
Did you know that vertical lines can make your bathroom look taller? Try painting stripes on the walls, choosing a striped shower curtain, or using vertically striped tiles. These lines draw the eye upward, making the ceiling seem higher and the room feel bigger. Soft, pale colors give a calm effect, while bold stripes add excitement. This simple trick can really change how your bathroom feels.
3. Install Built-In Storage
Adding built-ins to your bathroom is a great way to save space and keep the room looking tidy. You can use recessed cabinets, shower niches, or custom vanities to make the most of small areas.
Built-ins mean you don’t need bulky furniture, so your bathroom feels more open and less crowded. They help you store things without taking up extra space.
4. Add a Corner Vanity
Homeowners often miss the potential of corners. If you have extra space, consider adding a corner vanity with a sink and storage. This works well in small or oddly shaped bathrooms. A curved-front vanity can soften sharp angles, while a floating vanity keeps the floor open. Placing the vanity in the corner also frees up wall space for shelves and extra storage.
5. Hide the Plumbing
Exposed pipes and plumbing can make a bathroom feel messy. Try hiding them with cabinets, wall panels, or furniture. You can use tiles or waterproof panels that match your bathroom’s style. This will help the space look clean and complete, and it lets your other design choices stand out.
6. Use High-Gloss Paint
High-gloss paint reflects light, making a room look brighter and more open. It is easy to clean and works well in rooms that tend to stay damp. Try a bright and shiny color like white, pale blue, or soft gray. The glossy finish helps light move around the room, adding a feeling of depth and space.
7. Choose a Light Color Scheme
Light colors can make small spaces feel more open and fresh. Consider using white, cream, light gray, or pale pastels, as these shades reflect both natural and artificial light. A light color scheme helps blur the lines between walls, floors, and ceilings, creating the impression of more space. You can also add some texture or a subtle pattern to keep things visually interesting.
8. Add Portable Storage
Movable storage makes it easy to stay flexible. Try using rolling carts, freestanding shelves, or stackable bins, since you can move them around when you need to clean. Look for pieces that fit well in your space. Over-the-toilet cabinets and slim storage towers work nicely in small areas. Ladder shelves also give you extra storage without drawing too much attention.
9. Use a Large Mirror
Mirrors reflect light and make a room feel deeper. Hanging a large mirror on one wall can make your bathroom look twice as big. If possible, choose a floor-to-ceiling mirror. Frameless or slim-edged mirrors work well with most decor styles. Mirrors also reflect other design features or windows, which helps the space feel more open.
10. Add Personal Touches
Even a small update can make a room feel special. Try adding monogrammed towels, a shower curtain, or a mirror with your initials. Choose classic fonts and subtle designs. These touches add personality and help your space feel like your own retreat. It’s an easy way to make a plain room feel more thoughtful.
11. Choose a Freestanding Tub
A small freestanding tub adds a touch of luxury to your bathroom. These tubs look great and offer comfort. Place the tub so you can move around it easily. Some models even include built-in storage. A freestanding tub can be a beautiful centerpiece that makes your bathroom feel special.
12. Try a Floating Sink
A wall-mounted or floating sink opens up more floor space, making the room look bigger. You can also use the space underneath for storage or to tuck in a small stool.
Choose a sink that has built-in towel bars or shelves to make the most of your space. A floating sink works especially well in modern, stylish bathrooms.
13. Take Inspiration From Nature
Natural elements can help you feel calm and make your bathroom seem more open. Try adding wood, stone, or greenery to bring a bit of nature inside. Wood adds warmth, and stones or pebbles give texture. Pick moisture-resistant materials like teak or bamboo. You can also add small plants that do well in bathrooms, such as aloe vera or pothos. With these simple changes, your bathroom can feel like a relaxing spa.
14. Use the Windows
Try to let in as much natural light as you can. Instead of heavy curtains, choose frosted glass or light shades to keep your privacy while still letting sunlight in. Top-down blinds or sheer cafe curtains also work well. If you don’t need privacy, you can leave the windows uncovered. Natural light helps any bathroom feel larger and more inviting. A bright space is always more enjoyable, no matter how big or small it is.
15. Try a Mini Slipper Tub
A miniature slipper tub lets you enjoy the comfort of a full tub, even in a small space. It’s higher-end supports your head and neck, and its elegant shape adds style. You can choose a vintage clawfoot design for a classic look or a modern version for a clean, simple feel. Adding a mini tub can turn a small bathroom into a relaxing retreat.
16. Use Your Toilet as a Surface
Don’t neglect the space above your toilet tank. Try placing a tray with a candle, tissues, or a plant there. You can also store small items, such as wipes or hand lotion, in decorative jars. Choose items that look neat and match each other to avoid clutter. This way, you add both function and style without taking up extra room.
17. Keep Toilet Paper in Bins
People often think toilet paper should be hidden away. Try keeping extra rolls in a stylish bin or basket. Woven baskets, ceramic jars, or metal containers can match your decor and keep supplies close while keeping them out of sight. This simple idea saves space and keeps your bathroom tidy.
18. Lighten the Space
Good lighting makes a big difference in a small bathroom. Try using multiple types of light. Combine overhead lights with vanity or sconce lights, and add some accent lighting. You might also use LED strips under the sink or behind the mirror. A brighter bathroom will feel more open and spacious.
19. Make Shelving Matter
Shelves can be useful for both storage and decoration. Try adding open shelves above the toilet or next to the sink. Use a mix of closed bins and open areas to reduce clutter. Glass shelves give a modern, airy look, while wood brings warmth. Placing shelves higher on the wall draws the eye upward and makes the ceiling seem taller.
20. Pick a Patterned Floor
Using different floor patterns can help your bathroom look bigger. Try diagonal tiles, geometric designs, or even soft textures. Large tiles create fewer grout lines, making the floor look more seamless. Patterns are also great for hiding odd angles or uneven shapes. Adding color to the floor brings personality to the space and makes the design feel more lively and thoughtful.
21. Try an Accent Wall
Give your bathroom a fresh look by adding a feature wall. You could use a bold paint color, playful wallpaper, or a unique tile design. An accent wall draws attention and adds depth without making the room feel crowded. Pick the wall behind the sink or the one you notice first when you enter. Choose a color or pattern that stands out but still matches the rest of the space. With the right accent wall, even a small bathroom can look bigger and more stylish.
Frequently Asked Questions
What colors make a small bathroom look bigger?
Light colors like white, cream, pale gray, and pastels can make a room feel bigger. These shades reflect light and create an airy atmosphere. Using high-gloss finishes helps too, since they reflect even more light. On the other hand, dark colors tend to make a space feel smaller and more closed in.
How can I add storage without making it feel cramped?
Use vertical space by adding wall-mounted cabinets, floating shelves, or storage units above the toilet. Try multi-purpose items like mirrors with hidden shelves or vanities with drawers. Recessed niches and medicine cabinets give you extra storage without sticking out.
Shower or bathtub for a small bathroom?
Glass doors on walk-in showers usually take up less space and blend into the room. If you prefer soaking, consider a compact freestanding or corner tub. Make your choice based on your lifestyle and what other bathrooms in your home offer.
What lighting works best in small bathrooms?
Use different types of lighting together. Overhead lights, vanity lights, and LED strips can make your bathroom brighter and warmer. Backlit mirrors and lights under the vanity help reduce shadows. Let in natural light with sheer curtains or frosted glass.
How do I make a small bathroom feel luxurious?
Choose quality over quantity. Try adding a feature that stands out, such as a stylish tub or a bold tile wall. Use soft towels, keep the counters clean, and add sleek storage. A heated floor, rainfall showerhead, or monogrammed towels can make a small bathroom feel more luxurious.
Read also: 20 Small Bedroom Decor Ideas to Maximize Your Space
My name is Mostarefa. I am a content creator and editor of ideasformyhome.com. I am an expert in home improvement. In this blog, I write about home improvement ideas, trending home decor ideas, and cleaning & organizing tips.