Space-Savvy Strategies for Square Footage-Challenged Bathrooms
Having a tiny bathroom can feel like a constant challenge. Where do I put all my toiletries? How can I make this closet-sized space feel less…claustrophobic? Well, fear not, my space-starved friends. I’m here to share some of my favorite tricks to make even the most microscopic bathroom feel bigger, brighter, and oh-so-much more inviting.
As someone who’s lived with my fair share of petite powder rooms, I’ve learned a thing or two about making the most of limited square footage. And the best part? These strategies are mostly cosmetic – no need to start knocking down walls or calling in the construction crew. With a few strategic design moves and a healthy dose of creativity, you can transform your cramped bathroom into an oasis of spa-like serenity.
Reach for the Sky (Ceiling)
One of the quickest ways to make a small bathroom feel more spacious? Don’t go for the obvious choice and paint that ceiling bright white. Hear me out on this one. While a crisp white ceiling might seem like the logical move, it can actually make the room feel shorter and more closed-in. Instead, try painting the ceiling the same color as your walls, or even a shade or two darker. This simple trick creates the illusion of a taller, airier space.
I learned this one firsthand when renovating our previous bathroom. The ceiling was nothing special – standard height, no skylights or anything fancy. But by painting it a rich, inky black (Tricorn Black by Sherwin-Williams, to be exact), it instantly made the room feel bigger, brighter, and more intentionally designed. [1] It’s like giving your small bathroom some vertical real estate it didn’t have before.
Lighten the Load (Visually)
Another way to make a tiny bathroom feel more spacious? Opt for lighter, more open fixtures and furnishings. Bulky vanities and clunky tubs can quickly make a cramped space feel even more claustrophobic. Instead, look for visually streamlined alternatives that won’t weigh the room down.
For our recent basement bathroom renovation, I chose a vanity with a partially open bottom – the Silkroad Exclusive 36″ model from Lowe’s. [2] This allowed me to see the floor underneath, creating an airier, less heavy-handed feel. And in the shower, I went for a partial glass enclosure rather than a fully tiled surround. The transparency helps the space flow together seamlessly, making it feel larger than it actually is.
The same principle applies to your shower curtain, too. Rather than letting a short curtain cut the room in half, hang it from floor to ceiling. [3] This elongates the vertical space and gives the illusion of a much taller, more expansive room.
Reflect on This
If you’re blessed with any natural light in your small bathroom, make the most of it by strategically placing mirrors. Reflective surfaces bounce rays around the room, creating the impression of more square footage. But don’t just settle for a basic vanity mirror – take it up a notch.
Consider mirroring an entire wall, like the designers at Architectural Digest did in this stunning space. [4] The mirrored surface reflects the pattern and light, making the room feel infinitely larger. Or, for a more budget-friendly approach, flank your vanity mirror with sconces or even hang a second, smaller mirror nearby. The more reflective surfaces, the better.
And don’t forget about those shower doors! Swapping out a solid enclosure for clear or frosted glass can work wonders, allowing light to flow through and create a more open feel. [5]
Tile Time
When it comes to small bathrooms, your flooring and wall tile choices can make a big difference in how the space is perceived. Steer clear of bulky, oversized tiles – those can make a tiny room feel even tinier. Instead, opt for slim, linear options that draw the eye upward.
I used a classic Carrara marble subway tile in our basement bathroom, installing it in a vertical pattern to elongate the walls. [6] The long, lean lines create the illusion of height, while the light, reflective quality of the marble bounces brightness around the room.
And don’t be afraid to carry that tile all the way up to the ceiling. Continuous, uninterrupted coverage from floor to ceiling can make the space feel larger and more seamless. [7]
Elevate the Ordinary
Small bathrooms may be short on square footage, but that’s no reason to skimp on style. In fact, I’d argue that these diminutive spaces are the perfect canvas for making a big design statement.
Rather than playing it safe with a plain Jane palette, get creative with bold colors, patterns, and textures. In our previous home, I embraced a moody, high-contrast look with inky black walls and brass fixtures. [8] The drama of it all drew the eye away from the room’s compact dimensions, making it feel like a jewel box of sorts.
And don’t be afraid to have some fun, either. Our current basement bathroom features a vintage-inspired black toilet seat and brass hardware – little details that pack a punch and make the space feel extra special. [9] When you infuse personality into a small bathroom, it automatically feels less like an afterthought and more like a destination.
So there you have it, my friends – a toolkit of tricks to transform your teeny-tiny bathroom into a spacious, spa-worthy retreat. With a little creativity and a whole lot of reflection (literally and figuratively), you can make the most of even the most square footage-challenged powder room. Happy decorating!
References
[1] Knowledge from https://www.thriftydecorchick.com/2019/10/this-simple-trick-will-make-your.html
[2] Knowledge from https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/bathroom/make-small-bathroom-feel-bigger/
[3] Knowledge from https://www.thriftydecorchick.com/2019/10/this-simple-trick-will-make-your.html
[4] Knowledge from https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/small-bathroom-ideas-for-a-brighter-breezier-space
[5] Knowledge from https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/bathroom/make-small-bathroom-feel-bigger/
[6] Knowledge from https://www.bhg.com/bathroom/small/make-a-small-bath-look-larger/
[7] Knowledge from https://www.forbes.com/home-improvement/bathroom/make-small-bathroom-feel-bigger/
[8] Knowledge from https://www.bhg.com/bathroom/small/make-a-small-bath-look-larger/
[9] Knowledge from https://www.bhg.com/bathroom/small/make-a-small-bath-look-larger/