In some houses, a bathroom is an oasis — a spa-like place to relax and get ready. But in many homes, the bathroom just feels cramped. It’s a tight space that you get in and out of as quickly as possible. Sound familiar? If you’re like most people, you’d love a bigger bathroom, but tearing down walls just isn’t an option. The good news is that you don’t need a full renovation to make the most of your space. In this article, we share 7 ways to make a small bathroom look bigger. Follow these 7 tips and your bathroom will feel more spacious and luxurious — all without ripping out any walls.

1.   Declutter

The first tip on our list of ways to make a small bathroom look bigger is also the easiest: declutter.

Any space looks smaller when it is full of stuff. But by simply clearing off surfaces, you can create a more spacious feel without altering the floorplan.

Sort through your toiletries and any other items that are laying out. If you use something regularly, try to store it neatly in the vanity drawers. But if it’s not an item you use often, stow it away in a closet or ditch it altogether. The extra breathing room is worth a lot more than that six-month old bottle of shampoo.

2.   Get creative with storage

For those things that you do want to keep in your bathroom, get creative with storage.

Organization is the key here. Structure your vanity (or if necessary buy a new one) so that toiletries can be neatly tucked away. Consider installing a shelving unit over the toilet or over the door for extra room. A wheeled cart can work as a mobile linen closet. Try using hooks on the back of the door for towels and put bathing necessities in a shower caddy.

Check out this list for more smart storage ideas.

3.   Let in some light

A brighter room looks bigger. Try to get in as much natural light as possible.

Make the most of windows and skylights. If your bathroom allows it, ditch your curtains. Keep your windows clean with regular washing. If necessary, consider hiring a contractor to install a bigger window.

But if you can’t get more natural light into your bathroom, choose your lighting fixtures and light bulbs carefully. Avoid large overhangs that make your ceiling feel smaller. Instead go for lights that can stay flat against the ceiling.

Choose bright bulbs and multiple lighting sources that avoid shadows. Shadows can shrink the size of your bathroom and besides, getting ready is hard when you can’t see yourself properly.

4.   Use mirrors

Every bathroom needs mirrors. These common fixtures help you get ready and they make the room seem bigger by reflecting light.

Think beyond the standard mirror over the vanity here. For maximum effect, consider mirroring an entire wall. This adds extra depth to your space and can look classy. But be mindful of what you’re reflecting. Pointing your mirror at a less desirable spot, like your toilet, can make your bathroom feel uninviting. If you aren’t a fan of your walls being lined with mirrors, go with thin, tall mirrors to add height to your bathroom. Mirrors with rounded corners can also help your bathroom feel more inviting. A mirror with a backlight can give you an additional light source when natural light isn’t an option.

5.   Pick your wall color carefully

Interior designers know wall color can shrink or expand your bathroom.

Lighter colors are recommended, because they make your space feel bigger and more airy. But that doesn’t mean you have to go for white paint every time. There are many pastels and neutral hues that can bring your bathroom to life.

When you paint your bathroom, you should match the color of your ceiling and walls. Light ceilings and dark walls make your bathroom look shorter. When you stick with one color, you extend your ceiling and avoid shortening the feel of your bathroom.

Check out some of the best bathroom paint colors here.

6.   Ditch the shower curtain

One of the easiest ways to make a small bathroom look bigger is to ditch the shower curtain.

A shower curtain makes your bathroom feel closed off. It shrinks the space by creating an unnecessary wall.

Instead, replace your curtain with a frameless glass panel door. Glass will allow you to get more natural light and doesn’t close off the space. It’ll keep your floor dry and look great. Your glass door doesn’t have to be fully transparent either. A frosted glass door will give you privacy without compromising on light.

7.   Swap in a sliding door

Doors take up a lot of space when opened. To reclaim a few square feet, swap your swinging door for a sliding door.

A pocket sliding door can give you privacy without cutting into valuable floor space.

Check out this list for some design inspiration.

Still Want More Space?

In this article we’ve shared 7 ways to make a small bathroom look bigger. But sometimes you just want more space.

Maybe you’re hoping for a double vanity or a luxurious shower. Perhaps you want to redo your layout or want to turn a half bath into a full.

That’s where a general contractor comes in. A professional like VADA Contracting can help you design a space that doesn’t just look bigger, but is more functional and appealing. The best way to get started is with a free consultation. Remember, a good contractor will help you plan out your vision, long before work on the bathroom begins.