If your bathroom feels more cramped than calming, you’re not alone. Many homes have compact bathrooms that can feel tight and awkward, but with the right design choices, you can easily transform your space into one that feels open, airy and more functional. Here’s how to make a small bathroom feel bigger using clever, practical design tips that really work.
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Table of Content:
Choose Light Tiles and Colours
Go Big with Tiles
Use Mirrors to Add Depth
Opt for Floating Fixtures
Use Glass Shower Panels
Choose Consistent Flooring
Let in Natural Light
Use Vertical Space
Stick to a Simple Colour Scheme
Choose Light Tiles and Colours
Light colours instantly make a space feel larger. Opt for pale tiles, paint and accessories in shades like white, soft grey, beige or pastel tones. These reflect more light and give the illusion of space. Glossy finishes can also help bounce light around the room, creating a more open feel.
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For more tips on tile selection, check out our How to Choose Tiles by Room: A Room-by-Room Guide to find the best option for your space.
Go Big with Tiles
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It might seem counterintuitive, but large-format tiles can actually make a small bathroom feel bigger. Fewer grout lines create a seamless look that visually expands the space. Floor-to-ceiling tiles on walls also draw the eye upward, making the room appear taller.
Use Mirrors to Add Depth
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A well-placed mirror can do wonders in a small bathroom. Large mirrors reflect both natural and artificial light, making the room feel brighter and more spacious. Consider a mirrored cabinet for added storage and style.
Opt for Floating Fixtures
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Wall-mounted toilets, vanities and basins free up floor space and help the room feel less cluttered. The visible floor area underneath these fixtures adds a sense of openness and flow.
Keep the Floor Clear
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The more visible your floor is, the bigger your bathroom will feel. Use slimline storage units, corner shelves and hooks to keep toiletries off the ground and surfaces tidy. A tidy space always feels roomier.
Use Glass Shower Panels
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Swap out shower curtains or bulky enclosures for clear glass panels. They open up the space visually, allowing your eye to travel across the room without interruption. Frameless panels are ideal for creating a sleek, modern look.
Choose Consistent Flooring
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Using the same flooring throughout the bathroom, including inside the shower, can make the space look larger. Continuous flooring draws the eye through the room without any visual stops.
Let in Natural Light
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If possible, maximise natural light. Frosted windows, skylights or solar tubes can brighten your bathroom without compromising privacy. More light = more space, even if it’s just an illusion.
Use Vertical Space
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When floor space is limited, think vertically. Install tall, narrow cabinets or open shelves above the toilet or door. These storage solutions free up space below while keeping essentials within reach.
Stick to a Simple Colour Scheme
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Too many colours or patterns can overwhelm a small space. Stick to a cohesive palette for your tiles, walls and fixtures to maintain a sense of calm and continuity throughout.
For advice on choosing the right grout colour, read our guide “lesson/tip: how to choose the right grout colour”
You don’t need to knock down walls to make your bathroom feel bigger. Smart design choices, from light colours and large tiles to floating fixtures and clever storage, can completely transform your space.
Ready to upgrade your small bathroom? Visit tiletoria for a wide range of space-enhancing tiles and accessories to help you bring your vision to life.