Ever wonder how professional bathroom remodelers make small bathrooms feel way more spacious? You’re not alone! Many people dream of making their bathrooms feel bigger without tearing down walls. The good news is, you don’t need to call in a demolition crew. With a few clever design tricks, you can create the illusion of more space, and design your own stunning bathroom.

1. Embrace the Magic of Mirrors

Ever walked into a bathroom and felt like it was twice the size? Chances are, mirrors had something to do with it. Mirrors are one of the simplest—and most effective—ways to make your bathroom feel bigger without knocking down any walls. Whether you’re working with bathroom remodelers or tackling a DIY project, mirrors are your secret weapon for creating a space that feels more open, airy, and, well, magical.

Why Mirrors Work So Well in Small Bathrooms

The way mirrors trick your brain into seeing more space is no optical illusion. Mirrors reflect light, both natural and artificial, which helps brighten up the room and make it feel larger. If you have a small bathroom that feels cramped or dark, adding a mirror can instantly improve the overall vibe.

Now, before you go thinking you need to install a dozen mirrors like you’re setting up a funhouse, let’s break it down. The key is placement. A large mirror above the sink is a classic move, but you can also get creative. Think about placing a mirror opposite a window to double the amount of light flooding the room. Or, go all-in and cover an entire wall in a mirror—this trick is often used by bathroom remodelers to make even the tiniest bathrooms feel much more spacious.

Getting Creative with Mirror Shapes and Styles

Mirrors aren’t just functional—they can be pretty stylish, too. In fact, they’re a great way to add some personality to your bathroom without taking up any valuable square footage. One of the best parts about mirrors is that they come in all shapes and sizes, so you can find one that fits your style. Love a modern look? Go for a large frameless mirror with clean lines. Want something more traditional? A round or oval mirror with a vintage frame can add charm while still doing the heavy lifting of expanding your space.

One trend bathroom remodelers often suggest is using multiple smaller mirrors instead of one large one. This can create a unique focal point while still offering the space-expanding benefits of reflective surfaces. You could hang a pair of mirrors above a double vanity, or create a gallery wall of mirrors in different shapes and sizes. It’s a great way to make a statement while keeping the room feeling light and open.

2. Opt for Light, Neutral Colors

If you’ve ever stepped into a dark-colored room and felt like the walls were closing in, you’re not alone. Colors can have a huge impact on how big—or small—a space feels. When it comes to making your bathroom feel bigger, light, neutral colors are your best friends. Whether you’re working with professional bathroom remodelers or giving it a DIY refresh, switching up your color palette can make all the difference.

How Light Colors Open Up a Space

So, what’s the secret? Light colors reflect more natural light than dark ones, creating an illusion of openness. Think about it: rooms painted in soft whites, creams, or pale grays seem to breathe, while darker shades can feel heavy and constricting. If your bathroom is on the smaller side, a fresh coat of light paint can work wonders in making it feel more spacious.

Now, this doesn’t mean you have to go all white-everything. While crisp white walls do the trick, softer neutrals like beige, soft gray, or light pastels work just as well. The key is to stick with lighter tones that bounce light around the room. Plus, they pair well with almost any bathroom style, from modern to traditional. It’s like giving your bathroom a little spa-like upgrade without having to rip anything out.

How to Add Pops of Color Without Shrinking the Space

Just because you’re using light, neutral colors as your base doesn’t mean you have to live in a colorless world. You can still add pops of color in a way that won’t shrink your bathroom. One of the easiest ways to do this is through accessories like towels, rugs, or even a shower curtain. Choose brighter or bolder colors that stand out against the neutral walls.

Bathroom remodelers often suggest going for contrast when decorating. For example, a navy-blue towel set or a rich green plant can add interest without overwhelming the room. The best part? These items are easy to switch out if you ever want to change up your bathroom’s look without committing to a new paint job.

3. Install Floating Shelves

If you’re short on bathroom space, floating shelves might just be your new best friend. They’re one of those small additions that can make a big difference, both functionally and aesthetically. Whether you’re working with bathroom remodelers or doing a quick DIY project, floating shelves are a brilliant way to maximize wall space without crowding the room.

The Space-Saving Magic of Floating Shelves

Floating shelves work wonders in small bathrooms because they don’t take up any floor space. When square footage is limited, every inch matters. By moving storage to the walls, you free up valuable floor space, making the whole room feel less cramped and more open. Plus, because floating shelves don’t have bulky brackets or visible supports, they look sleek and modern—perfect for creating a clean, uncluttered vibe.

Professional bathroom remodelers often recommend floating shelves because they offer a balance of practicality and style. You get to store your bathroom essentials without sacrificing the open, airy feel that’s key to making a small bathroom feel bigger. Even better, floating shelves come in a variety of materials—wood, metal, glass—so you can easily customize them to match your design vision.

Check out our Pinterest Board “Bathroom Design Tips” for inspiration on mirror placement, floating shelves and vanities, and color options.

4. Go for Glass Shower Doors

If you want to instantly make your bathroom feel more spacious, look no further than glass shower doors. It’s a simple switch with a big impact. Whether you’re working with bathroom remodelers or tackling the project yourself, replacing that old shower curtain or frosted glass with clear glass doors can dramatically change the vibe of your bathroom. 

Clear Glass = Clear Views (and More Space!)

Here’s the magic behind glass shower doors: they let your eyes roam freely across the entire room. Unlike a solid shower curtain or frosted door that visually chops up the space, clear glass opens everything up. Suddenly, what used to be a closed-off shower area becomes part of the overall bathroom. It’s like adding square footage without actually expanding the walls.

Professional bathroom remodelers often suggest glass doors for smaller bathrooms because they create an uninterrupted line of sight. You don’t realize how much a simple barrier, like a curtain, can make a room feel cramped until it’s gone. Glass shower doors, on the other hand, make the space feel bigger and brighter—perfect if you’re working with a tight layout.

Customizable to Fit Your Style

For a minimalistic vibe, go with frameless glass doors. They offer a clean, seamless appearance that blends effortlessly into any bathroom style. No clunky metal frames to disrupt the sleek, open feel. Frameless doors are a favorite among bathroom remodelers because they create a high-end, luxury look without taking up extra space.

On the other hand, if you prefer something with a bit more structure, framed glass doors are a great option. They offer the same space-expanding benefits while adding a bit of definition to your shower area. You can choose from different finishes, like chrome or matte black, to match the rest of your bathroom fixtures. It’s all about finding what works best for you.

5. Maximize Vertical Space

When floor space is tight, it’s time to look up! One of the most effective ways to make your bathroom feel bigger is by maximizing vertical space. It’s a clever trick that bathroom remodelers often suggest for small spaces, and it works wonders for keeping your bathroom organized without overcrowding the room.

Think Tall, Not Wide

In a small bathroom, the walls are your best friends. Instead of cluttering countertops or cramming items into cabinets, think tall, not wide. Wall-mounted storage solutions like tall cabinets, floating shelves, or even hanging baskets can free up precious floor space while still offering plenty of storage.

Professional bathroom remodelers often recommend vertical storage options because they draw the eye upward, making the room feel taller and more open. Plus, you get extra storage without taking up any valuable real estate on the floor. Win-win!

You don’t need to install floor-to-ceiling shelves to maximize vertical space—just be strategic. Place a tall shelving unit next to the sink or use a narrow, ladder-style shelf to store towels, toiletries, and other essentials. These options take advantage of vertical space without making your bathroom feel crowded.

6. Choose Large Format Tiles

If you want your small bathroom to feel bigger, large format tiles might be the solution you didn’t know you needed. It sounds counterintuitive, but bigger tiles can actually make a small bathroom appear more spacious. Professional bathroom remodelers know this design trick well, and it’s an easy upgrade that packs a visual punch without much effort. So, why do larger tiles work so well in small spaces? Let’s break it down.

Less Grout, More Flow

One of the key reasons large format tiles make a bathroom feel bigger is simple: fewer grout lines. When you use smaller tiles, you end up with a lot of grout lines criss-crossing the floor and walls, breaking up the visual flow of the room. More grout means more visual clutter, and that’s the last thing you want in a small bathroom.

With large tiles, there are fewer grout lines, which creates a seamless, uninterrupted look. This allows your eyes to glide across the room without being stopped by a bunch of little lines. It might not seem like a big deal, but bathroom remodelers will tell you that small details like this can make a huge difference in how spacious a room feels.

So, when you’re thinking about a bathroom upgrade, consider going big with your tile. Whether on the floor, walls, or even in the shower, large format tiles help keep things looking open and cohesive.

Keep It Balanced

While large format tiles can do wonders for making your bathroom feel bigger, balance is key. Don’t overwhelm the room with overly large tiles if it’s a very small space. Bathroom remodelers often suggest finding a happy medium—big enough to minimize grout lines but not so large that the tiles look out of place.

If you’re unsure, a good rule of thumb is to keep the tile size proportional to the room. In smaller bathrooms, a 12×24 inch tile is usually the sweet spot, while in larger spaces, you can go even bigger.

7. Keep It Minimal with Built-In Storage

When you’re working with a small bathroom, clutter is your worst enemy. The more stuff you have lying around, the more cramped the space will feel. That’s why built-in storage is an absolute lifesaver! By keeping things minimal and integrated into your bathroom’s design, you can free up space and create a cleaner, more open environment. Bathroom remodelers often suggest built-in storage as a smart solution for maximizing both style and function. Let’s dive into why this hack works so well.

Seamless Design, More Space

Built-in storage is all about seamless design. Instead of adding bulky cabinets or standalone shelving units that take up floor space, built-in options are tucked away into the walls or under counters. This creates a sleek, streamlined look that keeps everything tidy and accessible without crowding the room.

Imagine replacing that clunky under-the-sink cabinet with built-in drawers or shelves that slide out with ease. Suddenly, your bathroom feels more spacious and functional, and everything you need is hidden away. Professional bathroom remodelers love using built-in storage because it can be customized to fit your space and needs perfectly. You can go for recessed shelves in the shower, wall-mounted medicine cabinets, or even a built-in vanity to store all your essentials without taking up extra space.

Recessed Niches: Small Detail, Big Difference

One of the best ways to maximize storage while keeping it minimal is by adding recessed niches. These are perfect for shower areas, but they can also work wonders around the vanity or even by the bathtub. A recessed niche is essentially a small shelf built right into the wall, providing storage for bottles, toiletries, or décor without protruding into the room.

Bathroom remodelers often recommend recessed niches for showers to eliminate the need for hanging baskets or bulky shelving. Instead of cluttering your shower with shampoo bottles and soap dishes, a recessed niche keeps everything neatly tucked away while maintaining a sleek, open look.

These niches are a brilliant way to blend storage with design. You can even line them with the same tile as the rest of your bathroom to create a continuous, cohesive feel. The result? A clean, functional bathroom that feels more spacious and organized.

Conclusion

And there you have it—seven smart design hacks to help your small bathroom feel bigger! Whether you’re working with professional bathroom remodelers or tackling a DIY project, these tricks can transform your space into a more open and inviting retreat. Mirrors, light colors, and smart storage solutions are just a few ways to create a sense of spaciousness without breaking the bank. Ready to take the plunge? With these simple hacks, you’ll be amazed at how much bigger your bathroom can feel!

For more bathroom remodel and design tips, be sure to check out our blog!