10 Clever Ways to Make a Small Bathroom Look Bigger
Introduction
Tiny bathroom? No problem. With the right design choices, even the smallest space can feel airy, open, and beautifully functional. Whether you’re working with a powder room or a full bath that feels a little too snug, the good news is there are plenty of visual tricks and practical ideas to help. From choosing the right lighting to playing with mirrors and color palettes, this article will walk you through design tips that make a big difference — all based on real inspiration photos.
How Can You Make a Small Bathroom Feel Bigger?
It all comes down to space perception and smart design. Think about how mirrors reflect light, how floating vanities open up floor space, and how monochromatic color schemes make walls seem farther apart. Use every inch wisely — vertical space, corners, and even decor choices should all serve a function. A clutter-free, well-lit, and thoughtfully decorated space can make your tiny bathroom feel twice its actual size.
Key principles include:
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Light colors and good lighting to open up the space
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Mirrors to reflect and extend the visual area
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Minimalist or floating furniture
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Smart storage that hides clutter
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Vertical design elements to draw the eye upward
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Cohesive color palettes and limited patterns
Let’s Dive into 10 Examples that Make a Small Bathroom Look Bigger
1. Embrace Natural Elements to Add Warmth and Flow to your Small Bathroom
This cozy bathroom features a live-edge wood vanity paired with natural textures and soft lighting. The warm tones and minimalist decor help eliminate visual clutter, allowing the eye to flow naturally.
What makes it feel bigger:
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The wall-mounted bowl sink frees up counter space.
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Natural light from the window brightens the room.
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The rustic tones keep the space cohesive and calm.
How to recreate this:
Look for a wood slab or live-edge vanity paired with a simple round vessel sink. Keep decor minimal—perhaps a small vase with fresh greenery, woven baskets for soap and towels, and light-colored walls to maximize the sense of openness.
2. Go Minimal with Monochrome and Floating Fixtures
A small bathroom goes big with simplicity. Here, white shiplap walls meet a floating wood shelf and a black round mirror. Two simple art prints give height without overwhelming the room.
What makes it feel bigger:
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Floating shelf vanity keeps the floor visible.
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A black-framed mirror adds contrast and depth.
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The monochromatic color scheme avoids visual noise.
How to recreate this:
Use peel-and-stick shiplap or paint vertical lines for height. Choose a black-rimmed round mirror and install a rustic floating shelf instead of a bulky vanity. Add just two pieces of tall vertical art for balance.
3. Use Large-Scale Art with Light Tones in your Small Bathroom
This space proves that even bold art can make a bathroom feel bigger if you scale it correctly. The oversized floral canvas draws attention upward, elongating the wall.
What makes it feel bigger:
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Oversized art adds height and drama.
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Soft neutral tones on the walls and floor.
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Wall-mounted toilet and vanity create floor space.
How to recreate this:
Opt for one large canvas print rather than multiple small pieces. Keep the floor and walls in matching light tones (beige or taupe) and choose floating or wall-mounted fixtures wherever possible.
4. Try a Dark, Dramatic Back Wall
This moody, floral mural makes a bold statement without overwhelming the space. It’s confined to the back wall, creating depth like a visual window.
What makes it feel bigger:
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The mural draws the eye back, expanding visual space.
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The glass shower walls keep the room open.
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Floor-mounted toilet keeps lines sleek.
How to recreate this:
Install a bold peel-and-stick mural on just one wall — preferably behind a shower or vanity. Use glass partitions instead of opaque shower curtains. Keep fixtures streamlined in white or black.
5. Max Out Personality with Gallery Walls
This artistic, colorful bathroom is bursting with personality. The gallery wall pulls your gaze up and around, making the tiny space feel fun and expansive.
What makes it feel bigger:
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Floor-to-ceiling art draws the eye vertically.
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Eclectic style distracts from the small footprint.
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Patterned tiles break monotony without crowding the space.
How to recreate this:
Choose a bold wall color like terracotta or orange. Mix and match art in varying sizes — use affordable prints, postcards, or handmade tiles. Keep fixtures small and walls packed with vertical personality.
6. Reflect Light with High-Gloss Surfaces
This glamorous setup uses mirrors, glossy surfaces, and metallic finishes to reflect light and double the visual space.
What makes it feel bigger:
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Mirror-on-mirror illusion visually expands the space.
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Metallics bounce light around the room.
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Open shelves reduce bulk and display essentials.
How to recreate this:
Use a large framed mirror above the vanity, and style it with glass or gold-accented trays. Keep open shelves neat with minimal products. Swap dull surfaces for something reflective, like a glossy countertop or lacquered cabinet.
7. Mix Pattern and Simplicity for Balance
This space combines patterned floor tiles with simple, traditional cabinetry for a classic look. The light wood and neutral colors help soften the contrast.
What makes it feel bigger:
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Bright lighting and neutral tones.
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Floor pattern adds character without closing the space.
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Slim sconces and mirrors emphasize vertical space.
How to recreate this:
Use patterned vinyl floor tiles to add interest. Pair with light oak or beige vanities and white countertops. Install minimal sconces and mirrors with light wood frames to keep the palette cohesive.
8. Add a Statement Small Bathroom Wall in Soft Marble Tones
This blush and gold design blends glam and softness with a marble-inspired backdrop. It’s feminine, fresh, and surprisingly expansive.
What makes it feel bigger:
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Light marble tones extend space visually.
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Gold accents reflect light and feel luxe.
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White surfaces keep everything airy.
How to recreate this:
Use faux-marble peel-and-stick wallpaper or tiles behind your vanity. Accent with rose gold or brushed gold accessories. Keep the counter simple with white and pale pink decor.
9. Choose Round Mirrors and Linear Tile
This design keeps things simple and modern. The black round mirror softens the space, while the white subway tile stretches the room horizontally.
What makes it feel bigger:
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Horizontal tiles widen the walls.
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Round mirror adds contrast and shape.
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Wood vanity warms up the monochrome palette.
How to recreate this:
Use white subway tiles for your backsplash or full wall. Mount a round black mirror and install a rustic wood vanity or counter. Keep everything else minimal for a clean, modern look.
10. Style a Vanity Tray with Elegant Details
Small changes matter! This image shows how a well-styled tray with uniform bottles and fresh florals can make a bathroom look polished and spacious.
What makes it feel bigger:
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Clear counters look less cluttered.
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Matching bottles and a tray feel intentional.
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Flowers bring life and softness.
How to recreate this:
Pick a gold or mirrored tray and fill it with matching soap dispensers, lotion bottles, and a vase of fresh flowers. Keep the rest of your vanity surface clear and coordinated.
Conclusion
Even the smallest bathroom can be transformed with the right design tricks. Whether you’re into modern minimalism or dramatic decor, these ideas show how to visually expand your space without a major renovation. A well-placed mirror, smart storage, and cohesive colors can work wonders.
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