Very few homeowners are lucky enough to have palatial bathrooms. That doesn’t mean you must suffer in a small space, though. These designer tips will help your tiny bathroom to feel larger, airier, and more functional.
5 Tips for Making a Small Bathroom Better
1. Don’t confine yourself in the shower
Shower doors are best suited to large bathrooms. If you have a small space, skip the door and opt for a glass panel or a shower curtain. A glass panel sitting only by the shower head allows you to move freely about the tub or shower while preventing water from escaping. Similarly, a shower curtain helps contain water while offering more elbow room. The fact that they both slide back and forth (or don’t move at all) instead of swinging out helps free up your floor plan.
2. Go big (with your pattern)
Petite patterns can feel overwhelming if you are already operating in a tiny space. Surprisingly, large-scale patterns can help to make the room feel more open, tricking the eye into thinking there is more depth to the space. A large repeating pattern is ideal. Plus, these wallpapers or tiles help add character to the space without requiring much décor or accessories.
3. Branch out from the traditional vanity
A small bathroom doesn’t equal a tiny pedestal sink; you have options. For example, a floating vanity is a great space-saving solution. A floating vanity provides room to store items underneath it (as well as in it). It also gives the illusion of depth, making your space feel larger and more open. You can also extend your vanity countertop down the wall and above your toilet. It creates a functional shelf to hold smaller items without impacting toilet placement. If you are going for a pedestal, newer models that feature a shelf beneath instead of the traditional singular column are best.
4. Get creative with your sink
Every bathroom needs a sink, making it one design feature you can’t omit. Nevertheless, standard sinks have gotten an upgrade over time, making them both aesthetically appealing and enhancing their functionality for small spaces. Corner sinks are particularly helpful as they have a small footprint on the layout. Another slim sink is a trough sink. Long and narrow, these low-profile options don’t cut into room space and give your bathroom a sleek look.
5. Use lights and mirrors to your advantage
Lights and mirrors are two other bathroom necessities that you can use to your advantage. Playing with wall-mounted lights, like scones, and properly positioned mirrors can help make your bathroom appear more open and airy. When light is reflected around the room, your space instantly feels larger. One way to maximize this trick is by installing a large mirror instead of a small over-vanity one. In fact, creating a mirror wall in which one entire wall surface is covered in a mirror is the ideal stand-in for a missing window and its natural light, making your room feel downright expansive.
A few intentional design tricks implemented thoughtfully can do wonders to improve your small bathroom’s functionality and aesthetic.








