7 Expert Ways to Make a Small Bathroom Feel Bigger

Small bathrooms may not be ideal, but they’re often unavoidable. If you have a lot of products or linens, you might find your bathroom constantly getting cluttered. Your cabinets are full, and you feel like you’ve tried everything to keep things neat. However, there are still more tricks you can try to maximize your space. Whether you live in an apartment with little space or a home that sacrifices bathrooms to make more living spaces, there are ways to improve your surroundings. Here are seven organizational tips for making your small bathroom one of your favorite places.

1. Choose Light Colored Cabinets

 Cabinets are a staple of many bathrooms, storing extra toiletries, towels and cleaning supplies. When you’re trying to make the most of your compact space, you might have inserted cabinets along the wall. While they’re functional, darker cabinets can make your small room look tinier than it actually is. The color of your cabinetry can make a big difference in how large your bathroom looks. Light colors, like whites, creams and pastels, can make a space seem larger, especially if you have a window. While darker colors absorb light, paler options reflect it around your room.

If you already have a lighter color on your walls, consider painting your cabinets the same. It will create a camouflage effect, making the room look less cluttered.

2. Choose Similar Fixtures

Part of creating an illusion of more space is to choose a proportionate toilet, shower, tub and sink. Choosing smaller yet comfortable options gives you and your guests more floor and wall space. The more blank space your bathroom has, the bigger it will feel. Try to avoid adding clutter by stacking items on top of these items. Having a minimalistic set-up will make the room breathable.

3. Choose Low-Profile Fixtures

Part of creating an illusion of more space is to choose a proportionate toilet, shower, tub and sink. Choosing smaller yet comfortable options gives you and your guests more floor and wall space. The more blank space your bathroom has, the bigger it will feel.

Try to avoid adding clutter by stacking items on top of these items. Having a minimalistic set-up will make the room breathable.

4. Minimize Decor

You might design your bathroom with nice plants, pictures and knick-knacks in mind. While decor is fun and attractive, these items can make your small bathroom look cluttered and unorganized. To decorate while making the most out of the room, choose one larger picture, clock or statue that you can accent with towels and a few other decor pieces. If you like having flowers in your bathroom, try using dried flowers so you don’t have to worry about replacing them or sweeping up fallen petals.

Put your stems in the microwave or oven to create a long lasting decor piece.

5. Utilize Outside Storage

The less you have to store in the bathroom, the better. Remember, there’s no rule that you have to keep soaps, towels and hygiene products in one particular room.

When you store your items in a hall closet, bedroom drawer or cabinet instead, you won’t take up as much precious floor and wall space in a small bathroom. For the items you do keep in your bathroom, try not to overstuff your storage to the point that doors bulge or shelves overflow. One way to manage this system is to give everyone a small set of towels and toiletries that they take in and out of the bathroom, instead of trying to store everything together.

6. Focus on “Taller,” Not “Wider”

If you need storage in your bathroom or want to incorporate artwork, consider taller options. It makes the ceiling seem higher than it actually is, creating the illusion of more space. Wider, stockier options can make a small room look even smaller. 

Try to choose thinner cabinets that have enough space for you to hang items like towels and baskets. Consider lining up your shelves to “climb” up your wall instead of putting them side-by-side. 

7. Create A Focal Point

Small rooms often benefit from a focal point – something large that centers your attention. For your living room, it might be a mirror, picture, television or fireplace. Dining rooms often have a table or bar. For the bathroom, it’s often the bathtub or shower. 

Decorate it with an attractive curtain and you easily set the theme or color palette for your space. If you have a half bathroom or unattractive bathing area, consider making the toilet your focal point. It is what most people will be looking for first. Consider getting a vertical storage shelf that goes over your toilet to draw more attention.

You can make almost anything a focal point if it’s prominent enough to immediately catch your eye.

Make Your Bathroom Feel Larger

Small bathrooms don’t have to be a nuisance. With these simple tricks, you can make your space feel larger and more comfortable than before