Creating an Illusion of Space
When you’re stuck with a tiny bathroom, the task of making it feel bigger can seem daunting. But fear not, my fellow square footage-challenged friends! I’ve got a bag of tricks that can transform even the most cramped of powder rooms into a spa-like oasis.
Let’s start with the foundation – the floors and walls. Tiling can work wonders in creating the illusion of space. “Despite its scale, I wanted to make sure it still felt spacious. One of my tips to make a small bathroom feel larger is to use the same tile on the floor and walls, creating a sense of continuity that makes a small room feel bigger,” says interior decorator Kirsten Blazek [1].
Going for a linear tile pattern that runs horizontally can also stretch out the room visually. “Square tiles can feel bulky, while linear tiles are elongating,” explains Danny Spears, CEO of Captex Construction [1]. And if you must use square tiles, opt for a running bond pattern to keep things feeling open and airy.
Harnessing the Power of Color
The right paint color can make all the difference in how roomy your bathroom feels. “One way to do this is by using light colors,” says real estate broker Gina Knight. “Light colors reflect light, making the space feel brighter and more open.” [1]
But be strategic with your color choices – you don’t want the floor and wall shades to be too similar, which can make the room feel smaller. Instead, “define the space by picking a paint color that stands out against the floor,” suggests Spears [1]. A bold, contrasting hue will visually expand the boundaries of the room.
Creative duo Alice Arterberry and Barret Cooke took this approach in one of their projects, choosing “a bold wall covering and colors to give the room a happy vibe.” [1] The result? A compact bathroom that feels anything but cramped.
Reflective Magic with Mirrors
No small bathroom makeover is complete without the strategic placement of mirrors. “A great way to make smaller bathrooms feel bigger is to swap out large, frameless mirrors for smaller, decorative mirrors with a minimal thin frame,” says Spears. [1] This gives back valuable wall space and creates a more open feel.
But why stop at just one mirror? “I love going to town with mirrors in a bathroom,” says interior designer Samantha Todhunter. “They naturally help reflect the light and add a lovely dose of luxe and glamor.” [2] Hanging multiple mirrors, or even lining an entire wall with them, can double the perceived size of the space.
And don’t forget about mirrored cabinets and furniture – they can further enhance the illusion of spaciousness. “Mirrored wall cabinets are a great way to get storage without visually intruding into the room,” explains Kitesgrove designer Jessica Risko Smith. [2]
Letting the Light In
When it comes to small bathrooms, natural light is your best friend. “The warm and bright light of the sun can not only bring better visibility to space, but can also give it a nice open, airy feel,” says Risko Smith. [2]
If your bathroom is blessed with a window, make the most of it by keeping window treatments simple and breezy. Avoid heavy curtains or blinds that could block precious daylight. And if you’re really feeling ambitious, a strategically placed skylight can work wonders in washing the room with a beautiful glow.
Even if natural light is limited, don’t despair. “If the bathroom does not have a window, a solar tube can be installed to bring in natural light,” suggests Knight. [1] This nifty little device can channel sunlight directly into your space, creating the illusion of a much brighter, more expansive bathroom.
Scaling Down for Maximum Impact
One often overlooked aspect of making a small bathroom feel bigger? The size of your fixtures and fittings. “Using small scale fixtures and fittings like a small bathroom sink, toilets and shower heads can create an illusion of a bigger space,” explains Knight. [1]
Floating vanities are a particularly clever trick, as they allow the flooring to be visible all the way to the walls, creating a more open feel. And don’t forget about storage – keeping essentials tucked away in slim, unobtrusive cabinets and shelves can prevent clutter from weighing down the room.
As Arterberry and Cooke note, “Using a floating vanity can give the illusion of more space by allowing the flooring to be visible all the way to the walls.” [1] It’s all about tricking the eye into perceiving more square footage than is actually there.
Lighting that Lifts
Proper lighting is crucial in any small space, and bathrooms are no exception. “Bathroom sconces can be a nice addition,” says Spears. “It’s a good idea to select simple, linear designs that hug close to the wall.” [1] Flanking the mirror with these streamlined fixtures creates a classic, space-enhancing look.
Pendant lights are another smart option, as their exposed bulbs help distribute light throughout the room. “I tend to gravitate towards fixtures that have a slim, single bulb head to make the space feel fresh and modern,” Spears advises. [1]
And don’t forget about the ceiling – recessed downlights can brighten up the entire bathroom, making it feel airier and more expansive. The key is to layer your lighting, using a combination of wall sconces, pendants, and overhead fixtures to create a balanced, flattering glow.
Tying it All Together
When working with a small bathroom, the little details can make a big difference. Things like rounded edges on fixtures, a focus on texture over bold patterns, and thoughtful organization can all contribute to an overall sense of spaciousness.
As interior designer Betsy Kasha notes, “Mirrors are a practical and aesthetic necessity in any bathroom. They set the tone, and a traditional bathroom would look best with a framed mirror.” [2] The right mirror can be the finishing touch that pulls the whole room together.
Ultimately, the secret to making a tiny bathroom feel bigger lies in a combination of smart design choices, clever visual tricks, and a healthy dose of creativity. By embracing light, scale, and reflective surfaces, you can transform even the most cramped of powder rooms into a spa-like sanctuary. So, roll up your sleeves, my fellow space-challenged decorators, and get ready to work some bathroom-expanding magic!