11 Small Bathroom Decorating Ideas to Make It Feel Bigger

Maximising space and creating the illusion of a larger area can be challenging for small bathrooms. However, with the right decorating ideas and strategies, it is possible to make a small bathroom feel bigger and more spacious.

This article will provide a range of practical and creative suggestions to transform your compact bathroom into a visually appealing and functional space.

From utilising natural light and choosing light colours for walls and fixtures to installing mirrors and incorporating vertical storage solutions, these ideas will help you optimise every inch of your small bathroom. Additionally, we will explore the use of sleek and compact fixtures, clear or frosted glass accessories and containers, storage baskets and trays, bold accents and patterns, and smart storage solutions for small items.

So, to make your small bathroom feel bigger, keep reading for some inspiring and insightful tips.

Maximising Natural Light

Maximising natural light in a small bathroom is an effective strategy to create an illusion of spaciousness and enhance the overall ambience of the space. Allowing ample sunlight to enter the room can make the bathroom feel brighter and more inviting.

There are several ways to maximise natural light in a small bathroom. One option is to install a skylight or a larger window to bring in more sunlight. Additionally, using translucent or sheer window coverings can allow light to filter through while still providing privacy.

Another approach is strategically placing mirrors on the walls to reflect natural light and create the illusion of a larger space. Furthermore, using light-coloured paint or tiles on the walls and floors can help to bounce light around the room, making it appear more spacious.

Maximising natural light in a small bathroom can significantly transform the space and make it feel more open and airy.

Choosing Light Colours for Walls and Fixtures

Utilising light shades for both wall paint and fixtures creates an airy and spacious ambience within the bathroom area. Light colours can reflect natural light, making the space feel bigger and brighter. Soft pastel shades like pale blue, mint green, or light grey can create a calming, open atmosphere. These colours have a visually expanding effect, giving the illusion of more space.

Additionally, light-coloured fixtures, such as white or cream-coloured sinks, toilets, and bathtubs, further enhance the feeling of spaciousness. The contrast between the light-coloured walls and fixtures can create a sense of depth and dimension, making the bathroom appear larger than it actually is.

One can transform a small space into a visually open and inviting area by incorporating light colours into the bathroom design.

Installing Mirrors to Create the Illusion of Space

Installing mirrors strategically in the bathroom can create the illusion of a more spacious and expansive environment. Mirrors have long been used as a design element to enlarge a room visually, and the same principle applies to small bathrooms.

Placing mirrors on walls and cabinets can reflect light and create the illusion of depth and space. Mirrors also help to bounce natural and artificial light around the room, making it feel brighter and more open. To maximise the effect, consider installing a large mirror across from a window or a focal point in the bathroom.

Additionally, using mirrored tiles or a mirrored backsplash can add further dimension to the space. With careful placement and consideration, mirrors can effectively make a small bathroom feel larger and more inviting.

Utilising Vertical Storage Solutions

Vertical storage solutions can be an effective way to optimise space and increase storage capacity in a bathroom. When dealing with a small bathroom, utilising every available inch of space is crucial. By using vertical storage solutions, such as tall cabinets or shelves, you can make use of the vertical space in the room.

This allows for storing towels, toiletries, and other bathroom essentials without taking up valuable floor space. Additionally, vertical storage solutions can add depth and visual interest to the room, making it feel larger and more spacious.

Consider installing floating shelves or a ladder shelf to display decorative items or store frequently used items. By thinking vertically, you can maximise storage and create a more functional and visually appealing small bathroom.

Opting for Sleek and Compact Fixtures

One effective strategy for optimising bathroom space is choosing sleek and compact fixtures. These fixtures provide a modern and stylish look to the bathroom and help create an illusion of a larger space.

Here are some examples of sleek and compact fixtures that can be incorporated:

• Wall-mounted toilets: These toilets are attached directly to the wall, saving valuable floor space and giving the bathroom a clean and uncluttered appearance.
• Corner sinks: Installing a corner sink allows for efficient use of space and provides a functional solution in small bathrooms.
• Frameless shower doors: By eliminating bulky frames, frameless shower doors create a seamless and airy look, making the bathroom feel more spacious.
• Floating vanities: These wall-mounted vanities provide storage space while also giving the illusion of a larger floor area.

One can transform a small bathroom into a visually appealing and functional space by opting for such sleek and compact fixtures.

Incorporating Floating Shelves for Added Storage

Incorporating floating shelves into the bathroom design allows for additional storage options without compromising the sleek and compact aesthetic of the space. These shelves are mounted directly onto the wall, creating the illusion of a floating effect. They are a great solution for small bathrooms where floor space is limited.

Floating shelves provide an opportunity to display decorative items or store daily essentials in a practical and organised manner. They help maximise storage capacity using vertical space while keeping the bathroom clutter-free. These shelves come in various materials and styles, allowing for customisation to fit any bathroom decor.

Whether it’s a modern or traditional design, floating shelves can enhance the overall look and feel of the bathroom while providing much-needed storage solutions.

Installing a Pedestal Sink for a Minimalist Look

Installing a pedestal sink in the bathroom creates a streamlined and minimalist aesthetic, with its sleek and slender design taking up less visual space and giving the impression of a clean and uncluttered environment.

This type of sink is popular for small bathrooms because it makes the space feel bigger. The pedestal sink is mounted on a single column, leaving the floor underneath open and creating an illusion of more space. The lack of bulky vanity or storage cabinets further enhances the minimalist look.

Pedestal sinks come in various styles and materials, allowing homeowners to choose one that complements their bathroom decor. Its simple and elegant design, a pedestal sink can transform a small bathroom into a visually appealing and functional space.

Creating the Illusion of Depth with Wallpaper or Tile Patterns

Incorporating wallpaper or tile patterns can effectively create a captivating visual effect that adds depth and dimension to the space. These patterns can create an illusion of depth, making the small bathroom feel larger and more spacious.

Here are three ways to use wallpaper or tile patterns to achieve this effect:

1. Vertical Stripes: Using wallpaper or tiles with vertical stripes can create the illusion of height. The eye is naturally drawn upwards, giving the impression of a taller space.
2. Geometric Patterns: Incorporating geometric patterns can add visual interest and depth to the walls. These patterns can create a sense of movement and dimension, making the bathroom feel more expansive.
3. Trompe-l’oeil Designs: Trompe-l’oeil, meaning ‘deceive the eye’ in French, uses realistic imagery to create an optical illusion. The bathroom can extend beyond its physical boundaries by using wallpaper or tiles with trompe-l’oeil designs, such as a faux window or a hallway.

These wallpaper or tile patterns can transform a small bathroom into a visually appealing and spacious-looking space.

Installing Recessed Lighting for a Clean and Open Feel

Recessed lighting can be incorporated into the design scheme of a small bathroom to create a clean and open feel, illuminating the space and providing a sense of depth and brightness.

The bathroom can be transformed into a more visually appealing and spacious environment by installing recessed lighting fixtures in the ceiling or walls. The recessed lighting fixtures are flush with the surface, eliminating the need for bulky light fixtures that can take up valuable space. This minimalist approach enhances the bathroom’s aesthetic appeal and allows for more efficient use of the available space.

Additionally, recessed lighting can be strategically placed to accentuate certain features or areas in the bathroom, such as a vanity or shower. This creates a focal point and draws attention away from the limited size of the space.

Overall, incorporating recessed lighting in a small bathroom is a practical and effective way to enhance its appearance and create a sense of openness.

Incorporating Visual Interest with Bold Accents and Patterns

To further enhance the illusion of space in a small bathroom, it is crucial to incorporate visual interest with bold accents and patterns. By strategically placing these elements, the bathroom can appear larger and create a sense of depth and dimension.

One effective technique is to use bold wallpaper or tiles with vibrant patterns on a single feature wall. This draws the eye and creates a focal point, diverting attention away from the limited size of the space.

Additionally, adding a contrasting colour to the ceiling can create the illusion of height, making the room feel more spacious.

Another way to incorporate visual interest is using decorative accessories such as bold-coloured towels or artwork with intricate designs. These accents add personality to the bathroom and divert attention from its small size, creating a visually appealing and more expansive feel.

Implementing Smart Storage Solutions for Small Items

Implementing efficient storage solutions is essential in maximising the functionality and organisation of a compact bathroom space. By utilising smart storage techniques, small items can be neatly tucked away, creating a clutter-free environment that gives the illusion of a larger space.

Here are four effective storage solutions to consider:

1. Wall-mounted shelves: These provide additional storage without taking up valuable floor space. Small items like toiletries and towels can be easily accessed and neatly arranged by placing shelves above the toilet or near the sink.
2. Over-the-door organisers: These versatile organisers hang on the back of the bathroom door, utilising unused space. They are perfect for storing hair tools, cleaning supplies, or extra toiletries.
3. Magnetic strips: Installing magnetic strips on the inside of cabinet doors allows for storing metal items such as tweezers, bobby pins, or nail clippers. This keeps them easily accessible and prevents them from getting lost in drawers.
4. Hanging baskets or caddies: These can be hung from the showerhead or attached to the side of the bathtub. They provide a convenient storage solution for shower essentials like shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.

By implementing these smart storage solutions, a small bathroom can be transformed into a well-organised and functional space, making it feel larger and more comfortable.