5 Ways to Make a Small Bathroom Look Bigger

When you’re in your bathroom, instead of feeling like taking a relaxing bath, do you feel like the walls are closing in on you? Small bathrooms are one of the main problems expressed by homeowners. This issue often starts with the house layout, but in cases where the room is spacious, it can feel very cramped due to poor lighting or bad organization. 

Fortunately, size doesn’t dictate function and design! You can change how your bathroom feels and functions with smart design choices and a few visual tricks. 

If you are wondering how to make a small bathroom look bigger, you’re in the right place! Here are five trusted ways to optimize your space and bring new life to your bathroom.

1: Use Strategic Lighting and Light Colors

One of the simplest and most effective ways to make a small bathroom feel bigger is by brightening things up, literally. Layered lighting is a great way to create the visual effect of a wider space. A combination of overhead lighting, vanity task lighting, and even accent or ambient lighting can eliminate shadows and give us the sense of openness we’re looking for.

If your bathroom has natural light, make the most of it. Consider maximizing it with a skylight or a larger window placed strategically to bring in the most light possible without compromising privacy.

The colors in your bathroom also impact its brightness. Light, neutral colors like soft whites, creams, and cool pastels reflect more natural and artificial light, instantly making the room feel more spacious and airy. Dark shades are beautiful and can add drama, but they often close in a small space, making it feel more confined than cozy.

If you’re planning a small bathroom remodel, upgrading your paint and lighting is a relatively easy but high-impact way to completely change how the room feels without knocking down a single wall.

2: Go Big With the Mirror

In interior design, mirrors are one of the most powerful tools for creating the illusion of space. An oversized mirror can instantly make a tight room feel bigger by reflecting light and offering a broader view of the space. That’s why you need one in your small bathroom. 

A great option is to install a large mirror above the vanity that extends horizontally across the wall. This creates a visual depth that makes the room appear wider than it is. Don’t forget to consider what the mirror is reflecting. Placing it in front of a window can maximize your natural light and make the room feel more open. 

You can also add mirrors to your bathroom’s other elements, such as mirrored cabinets. They provide essential storage while enhancing light reflection, helping your bathroom feel clean and modern. 

Mirrors are an impactful design choice, especially when paired with other elements of a small bathroom remodel. Designers love this trick, and we often use it in our bathroom renovations throughout Arizona.

3: Choose the Right Vanity and Fixtures

In a small bathroom, every inch counts, especially on the floor. One of the most effective ways to open up your space is by choosing vanities and fixtures that free up visual and physical room. For example, floating vanities and wall-mounted sinks expose more floor area, giving the illusion of more space while keeping functionality.

Finishes matter too. Light-reflecting materials like chrome, glass, or polished nickel can brighten the space and feel less heavy than darker, matte options. Even simple things like swapping out a bulky faucet for something sleeker can make a surprising difference.

A bathroom renovation is the perfect opportunity to rethink your layout and fixtures. Updating an oversized or outdated vanity can dramatically change the look and usability of your bathroom.

4: Glass Shower Doors Are Your Best Option

One common challenge when designing small bathrooms is creating a space that feels open when it must include a division for the shower. Elements like a shower curtain or frosted enclosure create a visual barrier that cuts off part of the room, making everything look smaller. 

Clear glass shower doors are a fantastic solution to overcome this issue. They create a seamless look that extends the eye and opens up the entire space. Glass enclosures help the shower feel like a natural extension of the room, instead of a walled-off corner. 

Our preferred option for opening up small bathrooms is curbless walk-in showers. They enhance accessibility and contribute to a cleaner, more open sensation. There are no steps or thresholds, just smooth, continuous flooring that increases the illusion of spaciousness.

As a trusted bathroom contractor in Flagstaff, we’ve found that homeowners love this upgrade for aesthetic and practical reasons. It’s a smart, stylish solution that works beautifully. 

5: Keep It Minimal and Clutter-Free

Even the most beautifully designed small bathroom can feel chaotic if overwhelmed with clutter. An organized, minimalist look helps the space feel more serene and appear significantly larger.

Choose slim and smart storage options. Built-in solutions like recessed niches in the shower, vertical shelving units, or wall-mounted cabinets can provide plenty of storage without encroaching on floor space. These features help keep daily essentials within reach while keeping a clean, open atmosphere.

When remodeling your bathroom, less is more. Avoid overly busy patterns or excessive decor that can make the room feel cramped. Instead, opt for larger format tiles rather than small ones. Fewer grout lines mean a more continuous visual flow, which naturally expands the perception of space.

These subtle but intentional choices can make all the difference, ensuring your space is as functional as it is beautiful.

Ready to Remodel Your Small Bathroom?  

Even the smallest bathrooms can become a beautiful open room with the right design approach. All the small changes mentioned before can lead to big transformations without taking down any walls. 

As a trusted bathroom contractor in Flagstaff and serving all of Northern Arizona and the Verde Valley, Outlook Construction & Remodeling specializes in turning compact bathrooms into beautiful, functional spaces that feel twice their size. 

If you’re planning a small bathroom remodel or a full bathroom makeover, our team is here to guide you through every step, with expert advice, custom solutions, and respect for your time and vision. Contact us to schedule a consultation or request a quote. Let’s bring new life to your bathroom!