Make a Small Bathroom Feel Bigger With These Design Choices

Posted on Feb. 9th, 2025

A small bathroom doesn’t have to feel cramped or limiting—with the right design choices, you can maximize space, functionality, and create the illusion of openness. From strategic lighting and smart storage solutions to color palettes and material choices, even minor updates can make a noticeable difference. The key is to utilize every inch efficiently, ensuring that the space is both practical and visually appealing. Whether you’re dealing with a narrow layout, limited storage, or poor lighting, there are plenty of ways to make the room feel more spacious without needing to expand its actual footprint.

Use Light Colors to Open Up the Space

Color has a major impact on how spacious a room feels. Lighter shades like soft whites, warm beiges, and light grays help reflect natural and artificial light, making a small bathroom appear larger. Using a monochromatic color scheme—where the walls, tiles, and fixtures stay within the same color family—creates a seamless, expansive look. Avoid dark, heavy colors, which can absorb light and make walls feel closer together. If you love bold colors, incorporate them through small accents like towels, artwork, or vanity decor rather than large surfaces.

Beyond walls and floors, consider the finish of your materials. Glossy or satin finishes reflect more light, further enhancing the sense of openness. Glossy subway tiles, polished quartz countertops, and mirrored cabinets help bounce light around the room, preventing it from feeling enclosed. Large-format tiles in light shades can also trick the eye into perceiving a bigger space, as fewer grout lines create a more continuous look. Choosing the right colors and finishes is an easy, effective way to make your bathroom feel more open and inviting.

Install a Floating Vanity for an Airy Look

Traditional vanities, especially bulky ones with closed bases, can weigh down a small bathroom and make it feel tight. A floating vanity, which is mounted to the wall and leaves open space underneath, creates an airy, modern aesthetic. This not only makes the floor more visible, giving the illusion of extra square footage, but also allows for additional storage opportunities like baskets or small shelves. Opting for a wall-mounted vanity with clean lines and minimal hardware keeps the space feeling sleek and uncluttered.

When choosing a vanity, consider one with integrated storage to keep essentials tucked away without overwhelming the room. Drawers with built-in dividers, pull-out organizers, and hidden compartments help reduce visual clutter. A vanity with a light wood finish or a neutral color blends effortlessly into the space, rather than making it feel crowded. If possible, choose a narrow-depth vanity that still provides countertop space without extending too far into the room. A well-designed floating vanity maximizes functionality while enhancing the overall openness of the space.

Opt for a Frameless Glass Shower Door

Shower curtains and framed enclosures visually break up the space, making a small bathroom feel even tighter. Swapping them out for a frameless glass shower door instantly creates a more seamless, open look. Clear glass eliminates visual barriers, allowing light to flow freely and making the entire room feel larger. If privacy is a concern, frosted or lightly textured glass provides some coverage while still maintaining an uninterrupted line of sight.

Beyond appearance, a curbless or low-threshold shower can further enhance the feeling of spaciousness. By removing the bulky tub or high shower curb, the floor continues uninterrupted, creating a sleek, modern feel. Large, continuous floor tiles running into the shower area reinforce this effect by minimizing separation. If a full renovation isn’t an option, even a clear, minimalist shower curtain can improve the sense of space compared to heavy, opaque designs. A glass enclosure not only modernizes the bathroom but also helps it feel significantly larger.

Incorporate Vertical Storage Solutions

Storage is often a challenge in small bathrooms, but thinking vertically can make a huge difference. Instead of taking up valuable floor space with bulky cabinets, install floating shelves, wall-mounted cabinets, or recessed niches for a streamlined look. Open shelving above the toilet or next to the vanity provides convenient storage while keeping the room feeling open. Using baskets or decorative bins helps keep smaller items organized while maintaining a tidy appearance.

For even more storage efficiency, utilize the back of doors, the sides of cabinets, or even wall hooks for towels and toiletries. A built-in recessed shelf inside the shower offers a sleek way to store essentials without adding clutter. Medicine cabinets with mirrored fronts and hidden shelving provide extra storage while serving a dual purpose. When designed properly, vertical storage solutions maximize function while maintaining a clean, open feel.

Choose Large Mirrors to Reflect Light

Mirrors are one of the most effective tools for making a small bathroom feel larger. A large, frameless mirror above the vanity reflects both natural and artificial light, helping to brighten the entire room. The larger the mirror, the more depth it creates, giving the illusion of a more expansive space. If possible, extend the mirror across the entire wall above the sink to maximize reflection and visual impact.

Another great option is to incorporate multiple mirrors, such as a full-length version on the back of the door or mirrored cabinetry. Mirrored surfaces bounce light around the room, preventing shadows and adding dimension to even the smallest spaces. A mirror with backlighting or integrated LED lighting enhances brightness without taking up extra wall space. Choosing the right mirror placement can transform a small bathroom into a much more open and inviting environment.

Keep Fixtures Sleek and Minimalist

Oversized or overly decorative fixtures can make a compact bathroom feel crowded and busy. Opt for slim-profile faucets, streamlined hardware, and wall-mounted fixtures to create a clean, uncluttered look. A wall-mounted toilet takes up less floor space while maintaining a modern aesthetic. Choosing a floating or pedestal sink rather than a bulky vanity also helps free up room.

Even small details like low-profile towel bars, minimalist drawer pulls, and compact lighting fixtures contribute to a more spacious feel. The goal is to minimize visual weight while maintaining full functionality. Replacing a clunky light fixture with sleek recessed lighting or a slim LED vanity light enhances the sense of openness. Thoughtfully chosen fixtures ensure that the design remains stylish and practical without overwhelming the space.

Small Changes, Big Impact

Creating a more spacious feel in a small bathroom is all about strategic design choices that maximize light, storage, and visual continuity. From choosing light colors and large mirrors to installing a floating vanity and glass shower doors, every detail contributes to opening up the space. By incorporating vertical storage, sleek fixtures, and a thoughtful layout, you can transform even the tiniest bathroom into a stylish, functional retreat.

If you’re ready to upgrade your bathroom with expert remodeling services, MSA Construction, LLC can help. Our team specializes in bathroom renovations, tile work, and smart design solutions that enhance both form and function. Call us today at (407) 497-4173 to start planning your bathroom transformation!