50 Small Bathroom Ideas That Will Make Your Space Seem Bigger

A small bathroom is certainly a challenge. Between fitting all of the fixtures in, making sure it's functional and leaving enough space to move about, it can seem almost impossible to have it all. But the good news is it is possible with some creativity, design ingenuity, and simple fixes.

Not only can you have everything you desire in your small bathroom, you can also use the size to your advantage if you're big on style. According to HGTV, these rooms are the perfect opportunity to splurge on design and decor. Less square footage amounts to less investment, so it's more of an incentive to go for that extravagant tile or vanity you've been eyeing.

Ahead, you'll find 50 ideas to give your small bathroom the appearance of being bigger than it is. Whether you're remodeling it, building it from scratch, or just making cosmetic updates, any of the following solutions will give you the inspiration you need.

If you want to infuse a bit of color into the walls or even the vanity, consider keeping the floor tiles a lighter color. It will visually expand the walking space in a small bathroom.

Natural accents such as wood, seagrass, and bamboo add warmth to any space. A small bathroom is the perfect opportunity to infuse some of these elements, giving it a spa-like feel.

Use your vertical space to your advantage. Hang floating shelves to give you additional storage without sacrificing any square footage.

If you prefer to hang a mirror but need a spot for your everyday essentials, consider installing a ledge just above your sink. Similar to floating shelves, this gives you additional storage without actually sacrificing any space.

There's no need for a large vanity in a small bathroom. Opt for a pedestal or console sink instead. The slimmer fixture will take up little space and give the illusion of a bigger room.

A sink placed in the corner may seem like an odd idea but, in a very small bathroom, it's a life saver. Install the sink in an easy-to-access corner of the bathroom and watch the space open up.

Rolling the extra bath and hand towels not only looks like you've walked into the spa, it also saves space in your small bathroom. Use a basket or an open shelf to display them for easy access.

Hiding visual clutter is crucial in a small room. Keep toiletries, extra toilet paper, or towels in baskets to keep the design look as minimal as possible.

Small bathrooms usually equal small showers. Give yourself some extra room while scrubbing yourself by installing a recessed niche to hold products such as your shampoo and body wash.

In lieu of a traditional shower curtain and rod, which visually divides the bathroom, choose a glass shower door. This opens the whole space, making it appear much larger.

By installing tile that extends throughout the whole bathroom, including the shower, it gives a cohesiveness to the space. It tricks the eye into making the room seem bigger than it is.

Whether in use or not, laying a bathtub tray down gives an elegant feel to the bathroom and provides additional storage space for salts, scrubs, and soaps.

If the bathroom is particularly tiny, then consider alternatives to a regular door. A sliding barn or pocket door makes a significant difference in how big the room feels.

A vanity with no handles or knobs means there are less things to bump into or get snagged on your clothes. Not only that, choosing a vanity without hardware gives a seamless, contemporary look to a small bathroom.

Tying a room together makes it seem bigger than it is. Use cohesiveness to your advantage and match all of the fixtures from the faucet to the toilet-paper holder in your favorite finish.

Lighting is an important element in making a room seem bigger and brighter. Install task lighting above the sink (or wherever you need) to shed a little extra light in the bathroom.

Mirrors reflect light and expand a space using illusion. So, go as big as possible when it comes to picking out a bathroom mirror to hang.

We know that mirrors create an illusion of a bigger space. Consider creating a mirrored backsplash behind the sink, or even putting a mirror on an entire wall.

A petite bathroom is the perfect place to show off a unique style on a small scale. Use the opportunity to add an accent wall in your favorite color or pattern and create a jewel-box space.

Smaller square footage means you can have high-quality accents, such as tile, on a budget. Take advantage of that and opt for a design you really want that you may otherwise have been unable to afford.

While it contradicts the notion that light colors are best for enlarging the feel of a space, don't completely write off a dark palette. By darkening a small bathroom, you can create depth, and give a different (yet still effective) type of an illusion.

By placing the rod and the curtain as close to the ceiling as possible, you create the illusion of the bathroom being much taller and more grandiose than it actually is.

Plants add life no matter where they're placed. Use a small bathroom to show off your green thumb and give it an airy look and feel.

Corral your everyday items onto a small tray to keep things looking tidy in a tiny bathroom. It also lends a layer of elegance to the space.

Keeping a small bathroom as clutter free as possible will go a long way in maximizing the size of it. Store a hamper for dirty clothes or towels and get in the habit of putting things away as soon as you're done using them.