How To Make A Small Bathroom Feel Bigger
Small bathrooms can be frustrating. You want them to feel calm and functional, but they often end up cramped and cluttered.
Whether it’s an en-suite, cloakroom, or compact family bathroom, limited space doesn’t have to mean limited style. With the right layout, lighting, and materials, even the smallest room can feel open, airy, and luxurious.
In this guide, I’ll share how to make a small bathroom feel bigger, not by adding square metres, but by designing with intention.
In a hurry? Here’s my key takeaway:
🚿 Good design can’t add space, but it can completely change how a bathroom feels. Light, layout, and materials are your most powerful tools.
Read on to learn more…
You May Also Like:
10 Magnificent Minimalist Bathrooms | Ideas And Inspiration
Start With the Layout
Layout is the foundation of every successful bathroom design. Before choosing tiles or fixtures, look at how the space actually works. The goal is flow and a layout that feels balanced and easy to move through.
If possible, keep the floor as visible as you can. Floating vanities, wall-hung toilets, and open shower screens give the illusion of more room. Replacing a swinging door with a pocket or sliding door can instantly free up usable space.
Think carefully about sightlines. When you walk in, the first thing you see should be something beautiful, not the side of a toilet or a cluttered vanity.
Even in small spaces, zoning can make a big difference. Use subtle changes in tile direction, a shower screen, or lighting levels to define areas without dividing them. It gives structure and makes the room feel purposeful, not just compact.
💡 Designer tip: Keep the layout simple and open. The eye should travel through the room without interruption.
You May Also Like:
Small Ensuite Size Guidelines | Info & Advice
Light Is Everything
Lighting can transform how a space feels, especially in a small bathroom. Natural light is ideal, but even artificial light can create a sense of openness when layered correctly.
Use a mix of ceiling lights for general illumination, mirror lighting for tasks, and soft accent lighting for atmosphere. Avoid harsh shadows or overly cool tones that make a small room feel flat and cold.
Mirrors with integrated LED lighting provide clear, shadow-free illumination and help bounce light around the room.
If privacy allows, use frosted or reeded glass to bring in daylight without compromising seclusion. Even a small skylight can make a dramatic difference.
Colour and Materials
Colour has one of the strongest effects on how large a bathroom feels. Pale, neutral tones like soft whites, warm greys, and light beiges make walls recede visually. These colours reflect light rather than absorb it.
For a seamless look, use the same tile across floors and walls to create visual continuity. Large-format tiles with minimal grout lines make the space appear broader. Gloss or satin finishes help reflect light beautifully.
💡 Top tip: Don’t go completely white. Layering subtle tones adds warmth and stops the space from feeling clinical. A hint of texture or contrast gives depth and interest.
Smart Storage Solutions
Clutter is the enemy of spaciousness. The more you can hide, the bigger the room feels. Clever storage keeps the bathroom functional without overwhelming it visually.
Built-in niches, recessed shelves, and mirrored cabinets are all space-savers. Use vertical storage to take advantage of height rather than floor area. In compact spaces, every centimetre counts.
Avoid open shelving filled with products; it instantly makes the room feel smaller. Instead, display just a few carefully chosen pieces and keep everything else behind doors.
💡 Designer tip: Plan storage early in the design phase. Hidden drawers and recessed cabinets can be built seamlessly into walls and vanities.
Use Mirrors Strategically
Mirrors are one of the simplest and most effective ways to create the illusion of space. A large, well-placed mirror can visually double the size of a bathroom.
Position mirrors to reflect natural light or architectural features. Full-wall mirrors or mirrored cabinets above the vanity expand both light and depth.
Choose frameless mirrors for a cleaner look; they blend seamlessly into tiled walls and make the space feel continuous.
Play With Visual Height (Vertical Design Tricks)
When floor space is limited, make use of vertical space. Drawing the eye upward instantly makes a small bathroom feel taller and more generous.
Use full-height tiles or wall panelling to elongate the walls. Tall mirrors or vertical lighting create the same effect, adding a sense of height and elegance. Even something as simple as hanging a towel rail higher or running tiles to the ceiling can shift how the proportions feel.
💡 Designer tip: Choose a shower screen that goes floor to ceiling. The continuous glass line makes the room feel taller and prevents the ceiling from feeling “lowered.”
Textures, Glass, and Reflection
Light and texture work hand in hand. In small spaces, glass and reflective materials are your allies. A clear shower screen keeps sightlines open, while glossy tiles, polished metals, and subtle sheen surfaces bounce light around.
Use reflection strategically, but avoid overdoing it. Too much shine can feel harsh. Mixing matte and gloss finishes adds balance and sophistication.
💡 Pro tip: Choose one or two metal finishes and repeat them throughout for cohesion. Too many finishes make a compact room feel busy.
Declutter and Simplify
Sometimes, the best way to make a bathroom feel bigger is simply to remove things. Edit what you keep on display. Fewer, larger decorative pieces have more impact than lots of small ones.
Keep toiletries, cleaning products, and spare towels stored neatly out of sight. A clean, uncluttered surface instantly makes the space feel calm and spacious.
💡 Designer tip: Design with restraint. Every item should earn its place, visually and functionally.
Common Mistakes That Make Small Bathrooms Feel Smaller
A few simple choices can make a small bathroom feel smaller than it is. Here’s what to watch for:
- Too many finishes: Mixing several tile types or metal tones breaks visual flow. Stick to a concise, cohesive palette.
- Overly busy decor: Patterned towels, cluttered shelves, and heavy accessories overwhelm small spaces.
- Poor lighting layers: Relying on one central ceiling light creates shadows and flatness.
- Dark corners: Every area should feel illuminated and purposeful — even the shower.
- Ignoring scale: Oversized furniture or fittings can dominate the space. Opt for slim, proportionate designs.
You May Also Like:
Bathroom Layout Mistakes You Only Notice After Living With Them
Final Thoughts…
You don’t need a large bathroom to create a sense of luxury. The trick is in the design: thoughtful layout, good lighting, clever storage, and cohesive materials. When those elements work together, even a small bathroom can feel open, elegant, and beautifully composed.
Good design isn’t about how much space you have. It’s about how that space makes you feel.
FAQs
How can I make my small bathroom look more luxurious?
Focus on simplicity and materials. Use high-quality finishes like brushed brass or marble-effect tiles, add layered lighting, and keep surfaces clear. A frameless shower screen and statement mirror can make even the smallest bathroom feel high-end.
What colour makes a small bathroom look bigger?
Light, neutral tones such as soft white, warm beige, and pale grey work best. They reflect light and make walls feel farther apart. For contrast, add darker accents through fixtures or accessories — it gives depth without shrinking the room.
Are large tiles better for small bathrooms?
Yes. Large-format tiles reduce grout lines and create a more seamless look, which visually expands the space. Just keep the colour light and the finish slightly reflective to maximise the effect.
How do I create storage in a small bathroom?
Think vertical. Use mirrored cabinets, built-in niches, or floating vanities with drawers. Recessed shelves in the shower or beside the basin keep everything within reach without cluttering surfaces.
What’s the easiest way to make a small bathroom feel bigger?
Improve lighting and declutter. Replace opaque shower screens with clear glass, add a large mirror, and make sure your lighting feels layered and soft. These changes alone can completely transform the sense of space.
DISCOVER MORE
- Bathroom Refresh vs Remodel | How To Know What Your Space Really Needs
- Smart Bathrooms | Innovative Tech That Improves Your Daily Life
- Bathroom Ventilation 101 | Prevent Mould, Manage Humidity & Protect Your Space
Michael R
Michael is a KBB designer from the UK. He's been designing and project managing new Kitchen, Bedroom and Bathroom installations for over eight years now, and before that, he was an electrician and part of a KBB fitting team. He created The Bathroom Blueprint in early 2020.
