The Tiny house Blog

How to Make a Small Bathroom Look Bigger

Updated on:
May 11, 2024
How to Make a Small Bathroom Look Bigger

Image Source: Canva

You've got a small bathroom and you're wondering how to make it look bigger, right? Let's break it down. Have you considered the impact of natural light and the strategic placement of mirrors? What about the power of choosing lighter, neutral paint colors and implementing floating features or wall storage solutions?

Clear shower doors and multifunctional furniture can also make a big difference. And don't forget about the effect of vertical elements. Now, are you intrigued to know more about these techniques and how they can transform your tiny bathroom into a seemingly spacious sanctuary?

Maximizing Natural Light

To make your small bathroom appear larger, it's crucial to maximize the natural light coming in, as it not only brightens the space but also creates an illusion of more room. Start by assessing your current window situation. If possible, consider enlarging your existing window or, if it's feasible, adding a new one. However, remember that privacy is important in bathrooms, so opt for frosted or obscured glass.

If structural changes aren't an option, don't worry. There are still plenty of ways to enhance natural light. Light, neutral colors for your walls and floor can help reflect sunlight, making the room seem brighter and larger. Avoid dark or bold colors as they absorb light, reducing the perceived size of the room.

Window treatments are another aspect to consider. Heavy, dark curtains can block light; instead, choose lightweight, translucent options that provide privacy while still allowing light to filter in. Remember, maximizing natural light isn't just about the quantity but also the quality. So, keep your windows clean to allow the most light in.

Follow these tips, and you'll be well on your way to a brighter, larger-looking bathroom.

Strategic Mirror Placement

When it comes to creating a sense of spaciousness in your small bathroom, strategic placement of mirrors can have a huge impact. Not only do they reflect light, making the room brighter, but they also create an optical illusion of more space.

First, consider a large mirror over your sink or vanity. It's a standard placement that doubles the light and gives the illusion of depth. If you've got a narrow bathroom, placing a mirror on the longest wall can make it appear wider.

You're not limited to one mirror, though. Using multiple smaller mirrors can break up the space and make it feel larger. For example, a trio of vertical mirrors can elongate the room's look, especially if you've got high ceilings.

For an extra touch of magic, try a mirror opposite a window. The reflection will mimic another window, creating a lighter, airier room. Just ensure the view reflected is appealing.

Utilizing Wall Space

Beyond smart mirror use, you can also maximize your bathroom's potential by making the most of your wall space. Vertical storage solutions are a game-changer for small bathrooms. Hanging shelves or spice racks, for instance, can hold toiletries and other necessities without eating up precious counter space.

You might also consider installing a wall-mounted sink or toilet. Not only do these fixtures save floor space, but they also create the illusion of a more open room by revealing more of the floor area.

Another handy trick is to use hooks instead of towel bars. They're smaller, they can go anywhere, and they let you hang towels and robes vertically, freeing up more wall area.

Don't forget the space above the door either. A simple shelf there can store extra towels or toilet paper, keeping them out of sight but still within easy reach.

Lastly, consider a tall, narrow cabinet or set of shelves. It'll use the full height of your wall and provide plenty of storage without taking up much floor space. Just remember not to clutter it too much. Keep items neat and tidy to maintain that open, airy feel.

Choosing the Right Paint Color

Selecting the right paint color can dramatically transform your small bathroom, making it appear larger and more spacious. Opt for light, soft hues such as pastels, neutrals, or whites. These colors reflect light and give the illusion of more space, compared to darker shades that absorb light and shrink your room visually.

Don't overlook the value of a monochromatic color scheme. Using varying shades of the same color creates depth and continuity, which can trick the eye into perceiving more space. For example, if you choose a light blue, use it in varying intensities for the walls, trim, and even the ceiling.

Lastly, consider the sheen of your paint. Glossy finishes reflect light and help boost the sense of space, but they also highlight imperfections. If your walls are less than perfect, a semi-gloss or satin finish might be a better choice.

Image Source: Canva

Implementing Floating Features

After settling on the perfect paint color, you'll want to consider the use of floating features to further enhance the illusion of space in your small bathroom. Floating features, such as vanity units and shelves, can create a feeling of openness and make a room appear larger.

Start by installing a floating vanity. This is a sink unit that's mounted directly to the wall, not touching the floor. The space beneath it creates an unbroken line of sight, giving the impression of a more spacious area. You can also add a floating shelf or two for extra storage. They're practical, but they also keep your essentials off the floor, minimizing clutter and maximizing space.

Consider using a wall-mounted toilet. This feature frees up floor space, creating a smooth, clean look. Plus, the hidden cistern saves even more space and adds a sleek, modern touch.

Lastly, remember to keep your floating features in the same color palette as your walls to maintain a cohesive look. This will further enhance the sense of space, making your bathroom look not only larger, but also stylish and well-planned.

Opting for Clear Shower Doors

Switching out your opaque shower curtain or frosted glass for clear shower doors can significantly open up your small bathroom, making it seem larger and more spacious. This simple swap can create a visual flow that extends the perceived depth of your bathroom. Unlike a curtain or frosted door that creates a visual barrier, clear glass allows your eyes to travel further, giving the illusion of more space.

Additionally, clear shower doors allow more light to flow freely throughout the room. More light equals a more open and airy feel, making your bathroom appear larger. This is especially beneficial if your bathroom has limited natural light.

You might worry about privacy, but there's no need. You can opt for a partially frosted design that maintains privacy in the shower area while still providing the spacious effect.

Don't forget maintenance. Clear glass doors may show water spots or soap scum more readily. However, a quick daily squeegee can help maintain its transparency and continue to provide that open, spacious look.

Incorporating Multifunctional Furniture

In the quest to make your small bathroom appear larger, incorporating multifunctional furniture becomes a game-changer. This isn't about cramming more pieces into your limited space, but rather selecting items that serve double duty.

Consider a vanity with plenty of storage under the sink. You'll not only have a place to wash up, but also somewhere to stash your toiletries and towels. Or, what about a mirror cabinet? You'll have the benefit of a reflective surface to bounce light around and make the room feel larger, as well as hidden storage behind it.

Bathroom stools or benches with storage inside can also be very handy. You can sit on them while getting ready, and use them to keep bath essentials. Similarly, a wall-mounted shelf can serve as a display space and a towel rack.

Just remember, each piece of furniture you choose should make a significant contribution to your bathroom's functionality and appearance. Don't clutter the space with unnecessary items. It's about choosing smart, versatile pieces that work hard for you. So, embrace multifunctional furniture and see how it can transform your small bathroom into a spacious sanctuary.

Emphasizing Vertical Elements

Harnessing the power of vertical elements can dramatically change the perception of your small bathroom's size. Vertical lines draw the eyes upward, creating an illusion of height and space. So, how can you emphasize these elements?

Start by considering the walls. A striped wallpaper or vertically laid tiles can create a strong visual upward drag. Be mindful of colors, though, as darker shades might make the room feel confined. Stick to lighter, softer hues for a more spacious feel.

Next, look at storage solutions. A tall, narrow cabinet or shelving unit extends the eye upwards and utilizes unused vertical space. Plus, it adds extra storage without gobbling up valuable floor space.

Another trick is to hang your shower curtain or glass door all the way to the ceiling. This not only elongates the room visually but also adds an elegant touch.

Conclusion

In conclusion, you can make your small bathroom look bigger with a few strategic changes. Maximize natural light, use mirrors strategically, and pick light, neutral paint colors.

Utilize wall space with vertical storage and floating features. Opt for clear shower doors and multifunctional furniture. Emphasize vertical elements to enhance the illusion of space.

Remember, keeping things tidy and playing with lighting can also make a huge difference. With these tips, your small bathroom can feel spacious and inviting.

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