Quick answer: To make a small bathroom feel bigger, add vertical storage, use large mirrors and larger tiles, install sliding doors and indirect lighting, keep colors light and simple, and choose a floating (wall-mount) vanity to free up floor space.
Bathrooms come in all shapes and sizes, but even small ones can be maximized with the right storage and styling. Looking for fresh ways to make the most of your bathroom? Here are some tips for maximizing space in a small bathroom.
How do you add storage to a small bathroom?
Small bathrooms offer tons of opportunities to get creative with storage. There are lots of great, ergonomic shelving options that can open up your bathroom and maximize storage. Create vertical storage above door or shower frames, where you can keep extra towels, toiletries, and more. Mount a shelf above the toilet—you could even find one with a built-in towel rack. Think about the highs and lows: lower storage pieces won't impede your lighting, and tall shelves help you use space you won't have much use for otherwise.
Can mirrors make a small bathroom feel bigger?
Mirrors are one of the easiest ways to expand the feel of a room. You can use multiple tall mirrors to create height, or install oversized mirrors to increase depth and light in your small bathroom. Mirrors can also have simple but bold frames to spice up the interior. Browse our mirror collection for options in every size.
Do sliding doors save bathroom space?
Sliding doors increase wall space in small rooms and better aid movement in cramped bathrooms. If it's not possible to fit a sliding or recessed door into your design, make sure your bathroom door swings outward to keep that wall space open.
How should you use color in a small bathroom?
Here are some quick tips for using color to create an expansive feel:
- Whites and neutrals add a bigger, brighter feel.
- Clashing colors create too much movement in a small space—stick to a complementary and simple palette.
- Adding a glossy sheen to a dark paint color can increase the effectiveness of bathroom lights.
- Add small pops of color like bright towels, window and door frames, or accessories such as towel racks and toothbrush holders.
Why should you avoid lots of small elements?
Having lots of small details, décor, and fixtures can actually make a room feel smaller. Dress up the design with large, simple patterns rather than tiny, ornate details.
Do larger tiles make a small bathroom look bigger?
Using larger tiles in a smaller bathroom may seem counterintuitive, but it actually gives your room the feeling of being larger. You can also place the tiles on a diagonal and lay fewer grout lines. Floor-to-ceiling wall tiles can add cleanliness and height to the space. Explore our tile selection to find large-format options.
What lighting works in a small bathroom?
If your bathroom doesn't have much natural light and you don't have the means or space to install larger windows, you can use recessed lighting. Recessed lighting still brightens the space without taking up any real estate on the walls or ceiling.
Why choose a floating vanity for a small bathroom?
Floating or wall-mount vanities are another great way to maximize space. Since the vanity doesn't rest on the floor, you can use the design to maximize storage and free up floor space. ANVE has a range of wall mount vanities to fit any size bathroom.
ANVE Kitchen & Bath has bathroom vanities, tubs, faucets, toilets, and accessories in a range of styles and sizes perfect for any bathroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best vanity for a small bathroom?
A floating or wall-mount vanity is ideal because it doesn't rest on the floor, which frees up floor space and makes the room feel larger while still offering storage.
Should I use small or large tiles in a small bathroom?
Larger tiles make a small bathroom feel bigger because they create fewer grout lines and a cleaner look. Laying them on a diagonal or running floor-to-ceiling adds even more height and openness.
What colors make a small bathroom look bigger?
Whites and neutrals add a brighter, more open feel. Keep to a simple, complementary palette and add only small pops of color through towels or accessories.
