10 Space-Expanding Ideas For Small Bathrooms

Do you ever feel like your small bathroom is squeezing the life out of you? Well, you’re not alone. Many of us have been there. This is especially true for residents of cities like South Bend, Indiana, which is home to many tiny houses.

If you are battling with cramped spaces and wondering how to make the most of what you have, we have got you covered! Here are some simple, no-fuss tricks that can help you expand the space in your small bathroom.

  1. Mirror a Wall

This is the oldest trick in the book to make any space instantly appear more spacious. Just put up a large mirror. Mirrors help reflect light around the room and create the illusion of a larger area.

If you want to go all in on this idea, consider opting for a whole mirror wall. A mirror wall can be a game-changer for those with exceptionally compact bathrooms. When an entire wall is covered in mirrors, it creates the illusion that the room continues past the wall. The space feels twice as large, and the cramped feeling of a small bathroom becomes a thing of the past.

  1. Ditch the Tub

We all love bathtubs, but if you’re going for maximum space in your bathroom, it may be time to get rid of the tub. Let’s face it: They’re bulky and take up too much valuable floor space. In places like South Bend, where the average home size is only 1553 square feet, every inch of floor space counts. That’s why a tub-to-shower conversion is becoming a popular choice among homeowners.

If you would like the same for your bathroom, we highly recommend hiring professionals for the job. For high-quality services, opt for South Bend bathroom remodeling by Baths by Bee. These experts come with a BBB accreditation and an exemplary A+ rating, a testament to their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

  1. Utilize the Windowsill

Your bathroom windowsill can be extra storage space in your small bathroom. You can place small potted plants, scented candles, skincare products, and other bathroom accessories on it. If your window sill is in the shower area, you can install hooks underneath it to hang loofahs, shower caps, or small towels.

  1. Glass Shower Doors Is the Way to Go

Unlike shower curtains, which can divide your bathroom and create a visual barrier, a glass door allows a clear line of sight and lets you see the entire space at a glance. The transparency of a glass shower door also lets natural and artificial light flow freely throughout the bathroom, making it feel brighter and airier.

  1. The Color Scheme Matters

Light pastel colors are your best friends for maximizing space. They make the room feel spacious and breathable, creating an open atmosphere that helps reflect light and makes your small bathroom seem larger than it actually is.

However, if you have a windowless bathroom, go the opposite way – paint the whole bathroom black. And choose a high-gloss finish. This bold move may initially seem counterintuitive, but it has a fascinating effect. The glossy black surface helps reflect the light around the room, creating a sense of depth and an illusion of increased space. Here are 130 black bathroom ideas for your inspiration.

  1. Light It Up

No matter what color scheme you choose for your bathroom, it’s only half the work. Your design will only shine if decent lighting complements those carefully selected colors and features.

A well-placed ceiling light fixture can be a game-changer for your bathroom. You can also install a pair of wall-mounted sconces on either side of the mirror for task lighting. For a more minimalist and modern look, consider backlighting the mirror itself. Backlit mirrors create a soft, diffused glow that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Plus, they don’t clutter your walls with additional fixtures.

  1. Use Vertical Space

When floor space is limited, think vertically. Installing tall cabinets that reach the ceiling is a brilliant way to utilize vertical space effectively. These floor-to-ceiling storage solutions offer ample space for towels and toiletries, keeping them neatly organized and out of sight.

Floating shelves are another intelligent choice when it comes to maximizing vertical space. They look aesthetically pleasing and provide valuable storage space for decorative items, plants, or everyday essentials.

  1. Go for Pocket Doors

Traditional swinging doors can eat up a lot of space when they open and close. Pocket doors, on the other hand, slide neatly into the wall, saving you space and adding a touch of modern elegance to your bathroom. They’re a great way to maximize the usable area.

  1. Add a Shower Niche

If you’re redesigning a small bathroom, include a shower niche in your plan. A shower niche is an open shelf or recessed area that provides a dedicated space for storing shower essentials like shampoo, soap, and conditioner.

When you have a niche with its contents on display, it draws the eye into the recessed area, making the walls appear farther away than they actually are. A well-designed shower niche can also become a focal point of your bathroom’s decor. Consider using materials that complement your overall color scheme or add lighting to make the niche stand out.

  1. Declutter

Last but not least, make it a habit to keep your small bathroom tidy. When everything is in its place and well-organized, your bathroom will naturally feel more spacious.

Declutter when you feel like you’re running out of storage space. We often accumulate more than we need, leading to unnecessary clutter. By keeping only the essentials, you can reduce the visual chaos that can make a bathroom feel smaller.

Instead of folding your towels, try rolling them. It saves space on your towel rack and adds a spa-like feel to the bathroom. It’s also a great idea to keep your towels outside the bathroom. Instead of crowding your bathroom with storage for these items, place a shelving unit or cabinet by the entrance. This way, you can conveniently grab your towels and washcloths before entering the bathroom, freeing up valuable space inside.

Conclusion

These ten simple ideas can work wonders to maximize space, enhance functionality, and create a more comfortable atmosphere in your compact bathroom. So, roll up your sleeves, get creative, and watch your small bathroom transform into a space that feels much more spacious.