I’ve lived with my fair share of small bathrooms. It can be tricky to design a space that feels open and functional. Luckily, no matter the size of your bathroom- it’s easy to squeeze the maximum amount of function from it… making it appear larger than it actually is. I’m sharing design strategies from my own renovations and client projects, showing you how to make a small bathroom look bigger with the right lighting, fixtures, and finishes. Bathrooms are hardworking spaces, and when square footage is limited, every design choice matters. With the right paint colors and a few clever styling tricks, you can create a space that feels open, airy, and intentional. Here are some of my favorite designer hacks to maximize style and function in a small bath.
If you’re renovating or are about to dive into your bathroom makeover, be sure to read my 20 Bathroom Remodeling Tips… Before You Begin Your Renovation! These will come in handy as you’re planning and getting started.
What Makes a Small Bathroom Feel Larger
Before we talk solutions, here’s what I’ve learned: space feels larger when…
- Light can move freely (both natural & artificial).
- There aren’t visual breaks or contrast that “cut up” the room, making it feel segmented.
- The eye can see the floor & wall edges uninterrupted.
- Storage is smart, so surfaces stay organized and uncluttered.
- Height is emphasized (drawing your eye upward).
My Design Tricks to Open Up a Small Bathroom
Here are my best designer tips, from finish choices to fixtures, that help “stretch the room” visually and functionally…
1. Paint the Ceiling for Height
If your bathroom has an average height (or lower) ceiling… do NOT paint the ceiling white. It may seem counterintuitive, but painting the ceiling the same color as the walls (like our basement bath) or an even a darker color, like in our previous bathroom (pictured above) will visually elongate the ceiling height, making it seem taller. Would you believe me if I told you the ceiling shown above is slightly lower than standard height? This trick completely changes the perception of the room’s height.
2. Keep Things Open
When designing a small space, keep the larger pieces feeling visually lighter. Installing a vanity with open storage is a good way to make a small bathroom feel bigger, while also providing function. Bulky cabinetry and heavy vanities can overwhelm and crowd the bath. Choose a lighter color vanity and one with open storage.
Similarly, when designing the shower, select shower glass instead of a fully tiled enclosure. Even a partially open shower design or a floor-to-ceiling curtain will help the room feel more open. If you do plan to use a shower curtain, make sure it hangs from floor to ceiling (here is my tutorial for an extra long shower curtain). Leave the curtain open when the shower is not in use. The bottom line? Keep things open and airy to make the room feel larger!
3. Choose Paint Colors Thoughtfully
Does your small bathroom get any natural light? If so, that’s amazing and you can be a bit more creative with your paint color. I know everyone’s inclination is to grab bright white paint, but it doesn’t work well in small spaces. Instead of stark white in a windowless bathroom, go for a mid-range hue with a higher light reflective value (LRV). It bounces light while adding warmth and depth. You can also try a percentage of your preferred paint color. Check out this post on how paint color percentages work and when to use them!
4. Install Tile Vertically
Install tile in a vertical pattern to draw the eye upward. This subtle shift makes ceilings appear taller and gives the illusion of more space. Vertical subway tile is a classic, timeless option that works with nearly any aesthetic.
5. Add Bold Details
Small bathrooms are the perfect place to experiment. Play with dramatic finishes, bold hardware, patterned wallpaper, or custom millwork. By giving the eye something special to land on, you take the focus off the room’s size.
FAQ
Floating vanities or vanities with open storage, recessed niches, and slim open shelving are all great options that keep things functional without closing the room in.
Absolutely! Layered lighting- overhead, vanity, and even accent lighting, can brighten dark corners and instantly expand the feel of the room.
Paint! A fresh coat on walls and ceiling is a quick, affordable change that can completely change how the space feels.
100%! Wallpaper adds character and creates a focal point that makes the size less noticeable.
Opt for glass panels instead of solid walls, or hang a shower curtain floor-to-ceiling to visually elongate the room.
Yes, it really can… vertical tile patterns draw the eye upward, instantly giving the illusion of height.
Related Posts
If you’re looking for more ideas to improve your bathroom, I’m going to link some reader favorites for you below:
- How to Style a Bathroom That Feels Like a Boutique Hotel
- Standard Bathroom Dimensions To Know Before Renovating
- Why an Exhaust Fan & Light Combo Is the Best Choice for Bathroom Renovations
- How to Properly Light a Bathroom for Function and Design
- Stocking a Guest Bathroom: Essentials for Visitors
- Bathtub Refinishing Process & Reglazing A Tub White
- Classic Bathroom Plumbing Fixtures from Wayfair
- The Best Classic White Bath Towels for Any Budget
- Tips for Making a Cold Bathroom Feel Cozy
- How to Plan and Design a Shower Niche
Have you used or implemented any of these design tricks in your small bathroom? If you have any questions at all, let me know in the comment section below! I’d be happy to help. Small spaces can be challenging (especially high functioning bathrooms), but they also force us to get more creative… and because of that, I honestly think they’re the most fun to design.
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