Updating a bathroom can range from a simple aesthetic refresh to a full bathroom remodel. The bathroom is at its best when form meets function and you’re experiencing an enjoyable atmosphere. Over time, a small bathroom layout can feel cramped and lackluster. This is especially true if some elements of your space are working to actually diminish the size of the room, rather than expand it.
If your next bathroom project goals are to transform your small bathroom layout and make the bathroom look bigger, we can help. Our expert design team has experience with bathrooms of all shapes and sizes. Learn how to make a small bathroom look bigger without changing the entire layout by exploring these five updates.
How to Make a Small Bathroom Look Bigger
Without taking on a full remodeling project, there are five key areas of your bathroom that you can update to make the bathroom look bigger. We’ll explore each of them in detail and explain how they can enhance the size of your space.
- Updated Shower Enclosure
- Tile
- Shelving & Storage
- Paint
- Decor
How to Make a Small Bathroom Look Bigger by Updating the Shower Enclosure
Consider adding a clear glass frameless shower enclosure. The part of the bathroom that’s likely taking up the most space is the shower, or bathtub/shower combination. Because of their size and necessary connections, there’s only so many changes you can make without embarking on a full bathroom remodeling project.
A clear glass enclosure naturally makes the bathroom look bigger because the eye can travel further. If you have enough space, you could also consider a doorless shower. If this update has been on your mind, it’s important to consider a few things: would the door open on a sliding track, or pivot? If the door pivots, will it open to the left or to the right? The bathroom remodeling experts at Metropolitan Bath & Tile can help you understand your options for this project.
How to Make a Small Bathroom Look Bigger With Tile
Tile refresh is a go-to for homeowners looking to spruce up their bathroom. New tile can add an entirely new look with a wide variety of color, pattern, and size options. How to make a small bathroom look bigger with tile begins with placement. Placing tile all the way up to the ceiling can play a major role in making the bathroom look bigger. When the eye has multiple “stopping points” or gaps between different materials, the space can appear less cohesive.
In addition to floor to ceiling tile placement, size and color matter too. Use the showroom displays at Metropolitan Bath & Tile to picture how smaller tile patterns and larger ones might look in your space. Lighter colors will provide a more airy feeling in your space. This is especially important if you’re already lacking in natural light.
How to Make a Small Bathroom Look Bigger With Shelving & Storage
Bathrooms need storage! Easy access to daily necessities is important. But bulky storage options in a small bathroom layout can crowd the space. Have you considered recessed shelving? Hidden storage can eliminate the need for free-standing storage units.
Replacing the vanity cabinet with a pedestal sink can also make a bathroom look bigger. Before you make this leap, consider where those stored items will go. There’s a trade-off here to be mindful of: pedestal sinks give you more floor space and can make your area look bigger, but your countertop space will shrink. If a larger remodel project is in your future, there are many small bathroom remodeling ideas that can maximize storage and space.
How to Make a Small Bathroom Look Bigger by Updating the Paint
New paint is a popular route when it comes to updating a bathroom with a fresh new look. Picking bathroom colors requires a lot of consideration. Your overall aesthetic vision is very important to keep in mind here.
For a small bathroom layout, paint can play a large role in opening up the space. What colors make a small bathroom look bigger? Lighter colors will make your bathroom look larger. Consider the existing natural light in your small bathroom, as well as your fixtures and accents. With bright, light-colored accents, your wall color could go a few shades darker. But if natural light is unavailable, and your other accent colors already add dark tones, opt for a lighter color on the wall.
Another tip for how to make a small bathroom look bigger with paint is to decrease the amount of color contrasts in your space. For example, wainscot that’s painted a different color from the wall causes the eyes to pause. Too many frequent pauses can make the space appear smaller.
How to Make a Small Bathroom Look Bigger With Decor Choices
If updating the shower enclosure, tile or paint just isn’t in your plan yet, you can also play with decor to make a small bathroom look bigger. The mantra to remember: less is more. There is a fine line between decorative accessories and clutter in a small bathroom layout. Be mindful of how many trinkets are on the sink, how many pieces of artwork are on the wall or if you have competing throw rugs on the floor.
Another decor update that increases the size of your space is a mirror. Larger mirrors add the illusion of more space, and they also reflect more light back into the room. Similar to shower doors, frameless mirrors add a feeling of more space.
Make a Small Bathroom Look Bigger With the Help of Local Experts
If you have a vision — great! If your vision is still up for discussion and exploration, lean on a team of design experts to help you hone your vision and make it an actionable plan. The Metropolitan Bath & Tile team of design experts employs a specific bathroom remodeling process. As long as you bring the starting vision, it’s a team effort from that point forward.
Guiding our customers through the bathroom remodeling process with ease has always been our top priority. At Metropolitan Bath & Tile, we’ll work with you every step of the way, providing expertise and answering questions. We guarantee that our prices will equal or be less than any other qualified contractor’s price on the same project.
Submit a request for a free estimate, or visit one of our bathroom showrooms today.
