5 Design Tips That Can Make Your Small Bathroom Look Bigger

  • Author: Fazal Umer
  • Posted On: January 12, 2026
  • Updated On: January 12, 2026

Your bathroom space deserves better than just plain walls and cramped, dull additions. With a smart choice of lighting, finishes, and layout, you can maximize your limited space, making it appear stylish and spacious without breaking the bank. Take a look at some clever design tips that can make your small bathroom look bigger.

Let There Be Light

The magic is to allow as much natural light as possible. If your luxurious bathroom has a window, consider using sheer curtains or clear glass for privacy while allowing maximum natural light penetration. If yours lacks a window, use light bulbs that give a daylight effect or install a skylight. 

You should also consider a unique artificial lighting design that combines wall sconces and soft ceiling lights. Be strategic with bathroom mirrors or a mirrored wall to ensure you reflect both artificial and natural light, opening up the space. You can position your mirror to face the light source. Always settle for mirrors with slim, elegant frames to minimize bulk

Pay Attention to Your Tiling Format

One stylish tip for opening up your small bathroom is to embrace floor-to-ceiling tile. It helps lengthen the room while drawing the eye up. You can decide to use large format tiles, mosaics, subway tile, or other wall tile options to suit your preference. 

Most people prefer the large format tiles due to their fewer grout lines, which makes the walls and floor appear more seamless and creates an illusion of more space. You definitely need this guide to help plan a bathroom remodel and get the most out of your space. 

Focus on Neutral Colors 

Sometimes, all you need to brighten up the small space and make it look bigger is to use light, neutral colors. Repainting your bathroom walls can be the best starting point. You can never go wrong with shades like soft grey, natural white, and taupe, as they are always timeless. 

Consider using bathroom accessories, such as colored bathmats or a black towel rail, to introduce contrast and add glamor. This will ensure the room doesn’t feel too flat. While at it, avoid using too many textures and patterns, as it creates visual vertigo.

Get Creative With Storage

Clutter is always the enemy of having an expansive and tidy bathroom. Clear countertops by organizing your essentials in decorative trays or baskets. You can install open shelves next to your mirror or the area above the toilet to keep your baskets organized. Embrace hidden storage to maintain a sleek profile by installing a vanity or recessed cabinets.

Give Fixtures and Hardware an Update

Replace bulky bathroom fixtures and accessories, and see how things turn out. Have a compact basin in place instead of that old vanity basin. You can blend it with a stylish, modern tapware in matte black, brass, or brushed nickel for a polished and seamless finish. 

Polish the entire look with wall-mounted spouts and slimline mixers to save visual space. You can go a bit extra to make the design more functional and light by swapping bulky bars with heated towel rails. Always go for fittings and fixtures that feature a consistent finish or shape to create a wholesome look.

You no longer have to deal with a bathroom that feels crowded or tight. These simple tips can give you a transformative, airy, and spacious bathroom design you love. Strive to minimize clutter, maximize light, and invest in quality fixtures and accessories.

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Author: Fazal Umer

Fazal is a dedicated industry expert in the field of civil engineering. As an Editor at ConstructionHow, he leverages his experience as a civil engineer to enrich the readers looking to learn a thing or two in detail in the respective field. Over the years he has provided written verdicts to publications and exhibited a deep-seated value in providing informative pieces on infrastructure, construction, and design.

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