How to Make a Small Bathroom Look Bigger: Design Tricks That Add Space

Even smaller bathrooms can feel spacious with the right layout, finishes, and lighting. Whether you’re planning a full bathroom renovation or a quick update, there are simple ways to make a small bathroom look bigger and brighter. Here’s how to use interior design, including light, colour, bathroom tiles and smart design to create the illusion of open space without changing your floor plan.

1. Start With Light: Natural and Artificial

Light changes everything. If you have a window or skylight, let as much natural light in as possible. Avoid heavy blinds or frosted glass that block it out. For windowless bathrooms, good lighting design and lighting fixtures can make just as much difference. Combine soft ceiling lights with wall sconces or LED mirror lighting to eliminate dark corners and open up the room feel.

LED mirrors add an instant feeling of open space!

A mirror cabinet with built-in lights is a great way to bounce brightness around while adding extra storage. The goal is to make the space feel open and easy to move through, even if it’s compact.

2. Choose a Floating Vanity

Nothing opens up floor space like a floating vanity. Mounted to the wall, it creates a visual gap beneath that tricks the eye into thinking the room is larger. It’s also easier to clean underneath and gives your small bathroom design a modern, airy look.

If you prefer something more classic, opt for a wall-hung vanity in a light timber or matte white finish to reflect light and match your colour scheme. For small powder rooms, consider a narrow vanity or corner unit that doesn’t dominate the layout.

A floating vanity is an easy way to make a small bathroom appear larger than it is.

3. Reflect Light With Mirrors and Glass

Mirrors are the easiest way to make a small bathroom feel bigger. Go for a large mirror that runs the length of your vanity or a shaving cabinet with storage behind it. Both options help to reflect light and add depth.

When it comes to showers, swap your shower curtain for a frameless glass shower door. Clear glass keeps sightlines open, creating a more seamless look that extends the sense of space across the entire room. Frosted or patterned screens tend to break up the view, making the area feel smaller.

4. Stick to Light Colours and Simple Finishes

Colour affects how spacious your bathroom feels. Light, neutral tones make walls recede and bounce light around, while dark or highly patterned finishes can close the space in. White tiles, beige tiles, and soft greys are ideal, especially when paired with large format floor tiles and minimal grout lines.

Large tiles in neutral colours create the illusion of space in the bathroom.

Keep a consistent colour scheme from floor to ceiling. Matching the wall and floor tiles creates a seamless look that draws the eye upward and makes ceilings appear higher. For texture, use finishes like matte porcelain or light marble that feel soft rather than glossy or heavy.

5. Go Frameless and Floor-to-Ceiling

A frameless glass shower screen helps open up the area and lets light flow throughout the space. If you can, take tiles all the way from the floor to the ceiling. This continuous line visually stretches the room and removes horizontal breaks that interrupt the flow.

You can also use floor-to-ceiling shelving or recessed shower niches instead of bulky racks. Open designs reduce clutter and add visual height while keeping everyday items within reach.

6. Simplify Your Storage

Too many small items make a tight bathroom feel even smaller. Think vertically. Add open shelving above the toilet, in the shower or next to the mirror, and use baskets or trays to keep things organised. Choose cabinetry with clean lines and integrated handles to avoid visual bulk.

A mirrored medicine cabinet or a vanity with deep drawers gives you hidden storage while maintaining a sleek profile. Keeping your countertops clear instantly makes your bathroom feel tidier and more open.

7. Upgrade Fixtures and Hardware

Swapping out bulky fixtures can make a big difference. Replace an old vanity basin with a compact basin, and match it with modern tapware in brushed nickel, matte black, or brass for a polished finish. Slimline mixers and wall-mounted spouts take up less visual space while adding a premium touch.

Wall spouts are a great way to save counter space, like the Alma Mira wall spout

Installing heated towel rails instead of bulky bars also keeps the design light and functional. If you’re doing a DIY or full bathroom remodel, choose fittings that share a consistent shape or finish to tie everything together.

8. Pick the Right Tiles and Layout

Tile size and layout play a big role in the perception of space. Large format tiles reduce the number of grout lines, which helps create a smoother surface and less visual clutter. Lay floor tiles diagonally or lengthwise to elongate the room. On the walls, a vertical pattern will draw the eye upward and enhance the sense of height.

If you love texture, subway tiles in soft tones can work well too – just avoid strong contrast in grout colour, as it can chop up the walls. Pair them with simple countertops in stone or quartz for a calm, balanced look.

9. Keep the Floor Clear

One of the easiest ways to make a small space feel bigger is by freeing up the floor. Use wall-mounted toilets and vanities to keep everything lifted. Even a small gap beneath furniture can make the entire room appear more open. Keep the flooring consistent from wall to wall without thresholds or raised edges.

If you have a tiny bathroom or powder room, every centimetre counts. Avoid bulky bath mats or floor baskets and go for wall hooks or recessed shelving instead.

FAQs

How do I choose the right mirror for a small bathroom?

Go as large as your wall allows. A wide bathroom mirror or a mirrored shaving cabinet instantly expands the room by reflecting light. Round mirrors can soften sharp angles, while rectangular ones work well above vanities with clean lines.

Should I install a bath in a small bathroom?

If you have the space, a small bathtub can work beautifully. Look for corner or freestanding designs under 1500mm to maintain balance between comfort and function. For tighter layouts, consider a combined bath and shower with a frameless glass screen to keep it feeling open.

Can lighting really make a small bathroom look bigger?

Yes. Good lighting can completely change how a small bathroom feels. Layer ceiling, wall, and mirror lighting to eliminate shadows. For a modern upgrade, add LED strips under vanities or behind mirrors to highlight depth and give the illusion of a floating glow.

Are wall-mounted fixtures better for small bathrooms?

Definitely. Wall-mounted toilets, wall-hung basins, and floating vanities all free up floor space and make cleaning easier. The more visible floor you have, the larger the bathroom will appear.

What finishes work best for fixtures in a small bathroom?

Stick with cohesive finishes to create flow. Brushed nickel and matte black tapware reflect just enough light without feeling harsh, while brushed brass adds warmth to pale tile schemes. Matching your towel rails and tapware finishes keeps the look balanced and intentional.

How can I add storage without cluttering my bathroom?

Use vertical space. Recessed shower niches, mirrored cabinets, and narrow bathroom shelves give you storage without bulk. You can also add built-in drawers under your floating vanity to keep everyday items tucked away.

Is it better to use matte or gloss tiles in a small bathroom?

Both can work. Gloss tiles help bounce light around, while matte finishes create a soft, calming texture. What matters most is consistency—using one finish across walls and floors helps create a seamless look that feels bigger.

What’s a quick upgrade to make a small bathroom feel modern?

Replace your old basin with a small basin or swap dated fittings for sleek modern tapware. Add a frameless shower screen and a large mirror to open up the space instantly.

How to Make a Small Bathroom Look Bigger: Design Tricks That Add Space and Light