Unlocking the Secrets to a Spacious, Luminous Bathroom
As an interior designer who has tackled her fair share of tiny bathrooms, I’ve learned a thing or two about maximizing every square inch. Most recently, when we finished renovating the basement bathroom in our home, I received countless questions about how we managed to make the small 6×8 foot space feel so much larger than it actually is.
The truth is, no matter the size of your bathroom, there are clever design tricks you can employ to create the illusion of a more expansive and airy oasis. And the best part? These hacks are completely cosmetic – no need for any heavy construction or knocking down walls. As the team at Room for Tuesday shared, it’s all about strategic paint colors, smart furniture choices, and thoughtful styling.
Embrace Darker Ceilings for Height
One of the most counterintuitive – yet effective – tips I’ve learned is to avoid painting your bathroom ceiling white, even if you have average or lower ceilings. Instead, opt for a color that’s the same as your walls or even a darker shade, like the moody Tricorn Black we used in our previous home’s bathroom.
This might seem like it would make the space feel smaller, but trust me, it has the opposite effect. The darker ceiling creates the illusion of increased height, making the room feel taller and more spacious. As Sarah from Room for Tuesday noted, “Would you believe me if I told you the ceiling shown above is standard height? It wasn’t super tall, although it looks like it – thanks to my painted ceiling trick!”
Choose Vanities and Showers Wisely
When designing a compact bathroom, it’s important to keep the larger elements feeling visually light and airy. For the vanity, opt for one with open storage, like the Silkroad Exclusive 36″ model we used in our basement. This creates the illusion of more space compared to a solid, closed-off vanity.
The same principle applies to your shower – if possible, go for a glass enclosure rather than a full tile surround. Even a partial glass wall can make a big difference. And if you’re using a shower curtain, hang it from floor to ceiling to draw the eye upward and create a more open feel.
Play with Color and Tile Placement
When it comes to paint color, resist the urge to go with bright white, especially if your bathroom lacks natural light. As Sarah shared, “Much like my ceiling point earlier – resist the urge to paint your windowless bathroom white. It will end up looking dingy and dull.” Instead, choose a color with a higher light reflective value (LRV), like the warm beige Kilim Beige we used in our basement.
And don’t forget about the tile! Laying it vertically rather than horizontally can create the illusion of height and make the space feel airier. As Sarah explained, “The upward linear movement will draw your eye up toward the ceiling, making the space seem taller and larger. It’s an easy design trick that just takes a bit of planning.”
Infuse with Personality
Finally, one of the best ways to make a small bathroom feel extraordinary is to infuse it with unique, attention-grabbing elements. This could be anything from striking plumbing fixtures and custom vanities to patterned tile, millwork, wallpaper, or even a bold piece of art.
As Peggi from Penny and Pearl Design shared, “Whether it’s incredible plumbing fixtures, a custom vanity, patterned tile, millwork, wallpaper, beautiful art, or impeccable details – adding attention grabbing elements will automatically gain eyes… rather than the small space itself.”
In our guest bathroom’s water closet, we experimented with a vintage-inspired black toilet seat and brass hardware from Delta to create a high-contrast, one-of-a-kind look. These bold, unexpected choices make the space feel more special and less confined.
Putting It All Together
Ready to see these tricks in action? Take a look at the before and after photos of our previous bathroom and the newly renovated basement space. The difference is truly astounding – the ceiling height appears significantly taller, the room feels brighter and more open, and the overall design is far more thoughtful and intentional.
At ABC Home & Renovation Services in Aberdeen, UK, we understand the challenges of working with small bathrooms. But by employing strategic design choices, we can help transform even the tiniest of spaces into light, airy, and utterly personalized oases. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get started on making your bathroom dreams a reality!
