10 Must-Have Accessories for a Stylish and Functional Bathroom

7 Small Bathroom Design Tricks That Make a Big Impact

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Choose Light and Neutral Colors

3. Use Mirrors to Open Up the Space

4. Opt for Smart Storage Solutions

5. Install Space-Saving Fixtures

6. Maximize Vertical Space

7. Add Glass and Clear Elements

8. Don’t Forget Lighting

9. What Readers Are Saying

10. Conclusion: Big Style in Small Spaces

11. FAQs

Small bathrooms can feel like one of the most frustrating spaces in the home to design. You need them to function efficiently, but you also want them to look stylish. The good news? A small bathroom doesn’t have to feel cramped or dull.

With over 10 years of interior design experience, I’ve seen firsthand how simple choices can make a tiny bathroom feel bigger, brighter, and more luxurious. In this article, I’ll share 7 small bathroom design tricks that make a big impact—practical tips I’ve used with clients to turn limited square footage into spaces that feel both smart and beautiful.

1. Choose Light and Neutral Colors

Color sets the tone of a space, and in small bathrooms, lighter shades make a world of difference. Whites, soft grays, and pale pastels reflect more light, instantly making the room feel open.

Example from my work: One client had a dark, outdated bathroom with maroon walls. By switching to a crisp off-white paint and pairing it with pale gray tiles, the room felt twice the size—even though we didn’t change the layout.

Pro Tip: Keep big surfaces (walls, floors, cabinetry) light, then add contrast through accessories like towels, rugs, or framed art.

2. Use Mirrors to Open Up the Space

Mirrors aren’t just functional—they’re design tools. They bounce light around the room and create the illusion of depth.

Ideas that work:

• A large frameless mirror above the vanity.

• A round mirror for a softer, modern touch.

• Mirrored cabinets that double as storage.

Personal insight: I once recommended a full-width mirror for a narrow bathroom. The client told me later that guests thought the room had doubled in size.

3. Opt for Smart Storage Solutions

Clutter can make a small bathroom feel even smaller. The right storage accessories keep everything tidy without overwhelming the room.

• Floating shelves above the toilet for extra towels.

• Slim rolling carts for toiletries.

• Built-in niches in the shower for shampoo and soap.

Example: A family with two kids struggled with a small bathroom. By adding a slim vertical cabinet between the sink and shower, they gained hidden storage without losing valuable floor space.

4. Install Space-Saving Fixtures

Traditional fixtures often take up more space than necessary. Compact or wall-mounted versions are ideal for small bathrooms.

• Floating vanities free up floor space and make the room feel bigger.

• Wall-mounted toilets create a cleaner look.

• Corner sinks are perfect for awkward layouts.

Pro Tip: Always measure carefully before replacing fixtures. A client once swapped a bulky vanity for a floating model, gaining both storage underneath and a lighter overall feel.

5. Maximize Vertical Space

When square footage is tight, think upward. Vertical storage and design elements draw the eye up, creating the perception of height.

• Tall cabinets or shelving units.

• Vertical tile patterns.

• Wall-mounted towel racks.

Personal example: In a city apartment bathroom with just 35 square feet, we installed tall shelving above the door. It became the perfect spot for extra linens—completely out of the way but easy to access.

6. Add Glass and Clear Elements

Visual barriers make small rooms feel boxed in. Glass, acrylic, or clear finishes let the eye travel further.

• Frameless glass shower doors instead of curtains.

• Clear acrylic stools for seating or storage.

• Glass shelving for toiletries.

From experience: A client swapped her heavy shower curtain for a frameless glass panel. She said it instantly made her bathroom feel brighter, cleaner, and more modern.

7. Don’t Forget Lighting

Good lighting is one of the most overlooked design tricks in small bathrooms. It enhances both functionality and atmosphere.

Best approaches:

• Install sconces at eye level for grooming tasks.

• Add LED strips under vanities for a modern touch.

• Consider dimmable lights for spa-like relaxation.

Pro Tip: In a remodel, I once added a skylight to a tiny bathroom. The natural light transformed the space into the client’s favorite room in the house.

What Readers Are Saying

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “These tips worked wonders for our guest bathroom. Adding a mirror and light paint color made it look so much bigger!” – Angela R.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Loved the storage ideas. The slim rolling cart was exactly what I needed for my small apartment bathroom.” – Victor L.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I switched to a floating vanity after reading this, and it completely changed the feel of the space. Highly recommend!” – Samantha K.

Conclusion: Big Style in Small Spaces

Designing a small bathroom doesn’t mean sacrificing style or function. With the right choices—light colors, mirrors, smart storage, glass features, and thoughtful lighting—you can make a compact space feel surprisingly spacious.

As a designer who’s helped countless homeowners rethink small bathrooms, I can confidently say: small details truly make the biggest difference.

Ready to update your own bathroom? Start with just one of these tricks. Even a simple change, like a new mirror or brighter paint, can transform your space more than you’d expect.

FAQs

1. Can I make a small bathroom look bigger without a remodel?
Yes—paint, mirrors, lighting, and accessories can all make a noticeable difference without changing the layout.

2. What colors should I avoid in small bathrooms?
Dark, heavy shades can make the room feel smaller. If you love dark tones, use them as accents rather than for walls or floors.

3. Are floating vanities worth it in small bathrooms?
Absolutely. They create the illusion of more space and make cleaning easier, while still offering storage.