12 Design Tips to Make a Small Bathroom Better

Having a big bathroom is not always possible but with the right interior design elements and the best space-saving tricks, a small bathroom can be just as luxurious. Here are 12 of Prestige Bathroom Installations best tips for making a small full bath or half bath seem more spacious.

These bathroom design ideas run from simple little changes that you can make in a matter of minutes to DIY projects and renovation plans. Find the one that best fits your situation, space, and budget.

Creating Illusions of More Space

A room does not need a lot of square feet to feel spacious. There are several spatial perception tricks that you can implement to give the illusion of a larger bathroom.

Some of these tricks work especially well in a half bath because you probably spend less time in that room so you sense the actual spaceless. However, they can also work very well in a full bath and make you feel more comfortable during your morning routine.

1. The Large Mirror Trick

Placing large mirrors in a small bathroom gives the illusion that it is bigger than it really is (this is a commonly used trick in restaurants and hotels). Examples of smart mirror placements are a floor-to-ceiling mirror behind the toilet or a rectangular wall-to-wall mirror above the dresser and sink.

2. Large Graphic Patterns

Graphic wallpaper or painting a simple large pattern on the walls can make the space seem more continuous. Stick to a maximum of two colors though, because too many colors can make the space look busier which in turn makes it feel smaller – the opposite of what you want to achieve.

3. Match the Floor, Walls, and Ceiling

Having the same material from the floor to the ceiling not only makes the space seem more continuous but also creates calmness because it is the same color. If you cannot use the same treatment on the ceiling as on the floor and walls then at least paint it the same color for a clean transition. Using a clever installation of bathroom tiles can achieve stunning results when done right.

4. Play with All Light and Neutral Colors

Light neutral colors like white, cream, light gray and light brown all transition well into each other and create a calming effect. You can make the room more colorful but still subtle with pastels or adding bright color accents with an accessory like a vase or shampoo bottles.

The Simple Replacements

Looking for a quick fix for your small bathroom? These 4 tips instantly solve many of the problems in a small bathroom like lack of storage space, tight fits and unnecessary use of space.

All you need is a few minutes to replace a few common elements. Remember that clutter makes any space seem smaller so keep everything as organized as possible and stored away whenever you can.

How much time you spend on tip number 8 depends on what you already have installed. In some cases, you will have to replace the shower door completely while in other cases this might only be a matter of removing the glass stickers.

5. A Shower Curtain Instead of a Shower Door

Opening up the shower door takes up space so choose an open shower concept instead. If you are worried about water splashing all over the bathroom then choose a walk-in shower and place in-floor drainage that marks off the shower space.

6. Storage Space on the Door

There are plenty of storage solutions that you can hang on the door like a towel rail, floating racks or bags, and pockets. This is one of the best, quickest and most affordable ways of adding storage space to a small bathroom.

7. Remove all Clutter

The less stuff you keep in the bathroom, the neater the room will look and the more space you free up for extra mobility. Keep as few items as possible in a small bathroom and yes, this might mean keeping the towels, laundry basket and toilet paper stock in another room of the house.

8. Clear Glass Shower Walls

Leave the shower as clear glass so don’t apply plastic stickers and don’t install tempered glass or tinted glass doors. Having a clear glass shower door creates more continuity in the space and allows for more light reflection which also makes a room seem bigger.

The Big Space-Saving Bathroom Elements

These final tips are best implemented when you are just moving into a new house or planning on doing some renovation. If you are good with plumbing or construction then you might be able to make this a DIY project but if you are in any doubt then having a professional bathroom fitter come in is always the safer bet.

Some of these architectural implementations are more costly than others but remember that you will be enjoying the results for many years to come. You will feel relieved when you get a beautiful and functional bathroom.

9. Corner Sink

A corner sink is unique, space-efficient and modern. It makes use of what is often lost space in a completely functional manner while also being an interesting design detail that adds class to the room.

10. Let in More Natural Light

You can let in more natural light by either fitting in a larger window or a skylight but when this is not possible create a clever lighting plan with different kinds of lighting fixtures. A brighter space makes any room seem bigger, whether artificial or natural daylight.

11. Recess All Storage Space

This may require remodeling but it is a good design idea to implement when you are just moving into a new house or renovating. Having all your cabinets and shelves in line with the walls gives you more floor space and so more freedom of movement.

12. Wall-Mounted Faucets

A tap and cold and hot water knobs that are installed against the wall instead of on the sink allows you to have a more narrow sink. This works especially well in a narrow half bath where you can also have a floating sink.