How To Make A Small Bathroom Look Bigger
Is your bathroom less ‘cozy' and more ‘cramped'? In an ideal world, we could all add a few sq. ft. to our homes and enjoy all that extra space to stroll around in a fluffy robe and sip an espresso.
But, this isn't an ideal world and sometimes remodeling is out of the question.
And if adding floor space isn't an option, what can you do to turn your tiny bathroom into a beautiful oasis of tranquility (or maybe just make your small bathroom look bigger)?
In this week's blog post, we look at 8 smart ideas and stylish tricks that can make your crowded bathroom feel grand and luxurious.
1. Install a pocket door
A traditional door that swings into the bathroom can take up a lot of usable space and seriously get in the way if there's more than one person using the bathroom at once.
Pretty much the go-to staple during construction, hinged doors have been annoying homeowners since bathrooms became a thing. It's time to think outside of the box and try out a pocket door. Sliding doors work great in bathrooms and you can use all that extra space to your advantage.
2. Use the same tiles on the walls and the floor
This is a clever way to make your small bathroom look bigger and if you're in need of a style update anyway, it's a great chance to make the most of the new design.
Using a tile with the same design on the wall and the floors can create a perception of depth and space – essentially tricking the eye and making it difficult to figure out where each ends and begins.
A natural stone tile or the always-popular white subway tiles, can not only add a touch of class and elegance, but the continuous run of tiles will create an open, spacious feel.
When putting tiles up, don’t forget the layout of them can help give the illusion of a bigger room: installing tiles vertically will add height, horizontally will add length.
3. Get a walk-in shower
Not only do walk-in showers look great, they're also so much easier to keep clean!
Less is more when you have a small space. So instead of trying to squeeze everything in, open up the space.
No matter what design you choose for your walk-in shower, the unobstructed layout will create a seamless transition from the rest of the bathroom into the shower area.
A walk-in shower is also the ideal choice if you're looking to achieve a minimalist, hotel-bathroom style. With its spa-like appeal and the ability to maximize the space, a walk-in shower is an excellent alternative to traditional bathrooms.
4. Create space with wall-mounted units
A lack of floor space doesn't mean you have to give up on storage! The important thing to keep in mind here is to make the most of the available space you have. Getting the storage units off the floor will clear up a lot of space and create the illusion of a larger bathroom.
Wall-mounted furniture is a popular choice for the fuss-free, organized look. Modular wall-mounted cabinets are available in an array of widths, heights and depths. They're a great way to create semi-bespoke furniture to suit your bathroom and your unique style.
Make sure to choose a complementary color that matches the overall color scheme and decor of your bathroom. This will make your bathroom look even bigger than it actually is.
Pro Tip: Many wall-mounted units can even have lighting and outlets built into them, saving you precious wall space.
5. Add mirrors. The bigger, the better.
Adding large mirrors in the bathroom have multiple benefits:
- They reflect light, making the room bright and spacious-looking
- They make the room feel twice as big
- They look awesome
- There are endless styles and colors to choose from
- You get to check yourself out in them
If your bathroom is narrow, install a long mirror along one wall, or you can get light exactly where you need it by putting a huge mirror above your vanity.
6. Add storage with a modern medicine cabinet
Medicine cabinet designs have come a long way. Whether surface mounted or recessed, medicine cabinets are a great option for those who want extra storage and functionality out of their mirror. Today’s cabinet adds functional style to any bathroom. Most come with multiple, adjustable shelves that provide plenty of room for additional grooming and beauty supplies.
Pro Tip: You can get recessed medicine cabinets installed to save an extra bit of space.
7. Carve a niche
In a small bathroom, every bit of extra space counts.
Creating an open niche will not only carve out some wall space that can be used as storage but it could add a lot of depth visually to make the walls look farther away than they actually are.
If you do not like open shelving, you can install an inset cabinet in the niche. This way, you can create a functional storage space without a large piece of furniture sticking out at eye level.
Niches can also be installed behind traditional doors for storage, freeing up wall space within the room.
Do take note that plumbing and other hidden piping work will determine where you can add a niche!
8. Use white, a lot of white.
A bathroom with lots of white – white paint, white tile, white vanity, white basin, white toilet and anything else you can think of – will look bigger. White reflects light instead of absorbing it, which means it'll also brighten up your space.
A lot of bathrooms already have a lot of white fixtures – the sink, toilet and the tub, for instance. Using white for the other surfaces will result in a seamless look that opens up space further and makes it look airy, clean and fresh.
By painting your ceiling weight, you can add extra height. Try white shoe and base molding to add even more height.
Using a lot of white doesn't mean your space has to miss out on character though. Make use of textural elements like pale stone, molding, wood and metal accents to create a rich contrast while retaining the seamless, modern look.
9. Get frameless glass panels for your shower/tub
Shower curtains are not only dated, but they harbor a bunch of nasty bacteria. Instead, install a frameless glass panel to open up the bathroom completely. Glass panels look stylish and are easy to maintain and clean too. They can be hinged to swing or fixed in place, depending on your preference.
These ideas can help make your small bathroom look bigger, giving you the perfect space to relax and unwind in.
Bring your bathroom into a new era – contact the Home by NP team to discuss what you can get out of your space, no matter what size it is.