A bathroom that is low on square footage does not have to be low on visual appeal, charm, or convenience. In fact, there are even ways to make a tiny space look and feel roomier than it really is. We’ll go over a range of tips and tricks that require various levels of time and money. Try one, some, or all of these to not only refresh your home’s small bathroom, but to also make it look larger.

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1. Lighten up the color scheme.

 

Dark walls can make a space seem to close in on the occupant, so many homeowners and designers prefer to keep things light in a compact bathroom. Pure white may feel stark, so veer toward something with pale undertones of beige, blue, green, mauve, or violet. Repainting the bathroom walls and trim will also refresh the room’s overall ambiance.

 

2. Switch to a clear glass shower barrier.

 

Shower doors made of privacy glass and shower curtains keep the bathing section of the bathroom hidden from sight, which only makes it seem smaller. Switch to a hinged or sliding shower door made of clear glass to instantly make the room look bigger by visually integrating this space that was previously hidden. If you are going for light, bright vibes, a cool hardware finish like chrome or brushed nickel can work nicely.

 

3. Add more light to the space.

 

Another factor that can make a tiny bathroom feel cramped and gloomy is inadequate lighting. If the bathroom has a window, you can make the most of the sunlight by adding a privacy film to the glass and eschewing blinds or curtains. If there is no window, consider the following:

• Replace the ceiling light with one with more bulbs.
• Install wall sconces on either side of the vanity mirror.
• Place a small table lamp on the counter or on a small table.
• Switch to an LED lit vanity mirror and/or shower head.
• Add cozy lighting with high-quality flameless candles.

 

4. Consider a splash guard instead of a full enclosure.

 

Create even more visual connection between the shower and the other parts of the bathroom by choosing a splash panel and open entrance. A splash panel is attached with hinges, U-channels, or clamps and forms a partial barrier. The actual entrance to the shower stays open, though, so extra waterproofing is a must.

 

5. Declutter and minimize.

 

A cluttered space feels even smaller than it really is, so a little bathroom is generally not the place to dabble with maximalism. Instead, clear out all unnecessary items and knick-knacks, give the space a thorough cleaning, and include only a couple well-chosen (and small) accent items.

 

6. Use proportionate fixtures.

Bathroom furniture and appliances should be proportionate to the size of the space in which they are installed. For example, if a large vanity is taking up most of the floor space in your small bathroom, try replacing it with:

• A smaller counterpart
• A more compact floating vanity
• A pedestal sink and wall shelves
• A wall-mounted sink

 

7. Replace opaque items with transparent ones where possible.

 

As discussed already, visual barriers break up a space and can emphasize a bathroom’s “smallness.” Try replacing wooden wall shelves with clear glass shelves mounted on metal shelf clamps that coordinate with the style and finish of the other bathroom hardware.

 

8. Decorate with mirrors.

 

Reflective glass is wonderful for creating a sense of spaciousness, and there are a few ways to put this to use in a bathroom of modest dimensions.

• Choose a large custom vanity mirror
• Add a secondary mirror with black grids to create the effect of a window
• Create a gallery wall of mirrors with different shapes, styles, and frames.

 

9. Create the illusion of height and of width.

 

Finally, there are easy tricks for making walls seem wider and ceilings look higher:

• Have shower glass go up to the ceiling
• Hang curtain rods well above the windows and have the curtains extend to the floor
• Use wall paper with a horizontal or vertical pattern, depending on the desired effect
• Have a mirror go from wall to wall and/or from vanity counter to ceiling
  
  

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Do your plans for improving your small bathroom include the need for frameless shower hardware, new cabinet door hinges, shelf clamps, and more? Browse Glass Simple’s user-friendly site and call our team with any questions at (571)707-7760!