6 Ways to Make a Small Bathroom Appear Larger

In nearly everyone's home, there's one room, in particular, that is smaller than the rest, and that's the bathroom. There's a way around that though, or at least to make it appear to be larger than it is, and that's by using a little visual deception, and a lot of creativity. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Wall Color Is Key

The color you pick can give the appearance of a large or small room. Colors that work best in small spaces are ones that the light will shine back from. These include soft whites, pastels, and neutrals. Adding color can be done with paint, tiles, or wallpaper. If you use either of the last two options, avoid patterns as much as possible, and use them only waist-high.

When painting the bathroom, paint the trim and ceiling the same color. This technique will trick your eyes into seeing the bathroom as larger than it is by creating an unbroken line for the eyes to travel. If you really love color and the thought of using only pastels and neutral tones isn't thrilling you, keep in mind that you can add brighter colors when you choose your accessories, such as towels shower curtains.

Mirror Mirror on the Wall

Mirrors are often used by magicians in their magic tricks, and they're just as helpful in tricking the eye when used to make a small space look bigger. Don't just place them willy-nilly, though. Hanging them in just the right place will be what makes them most effective.

The first place that you need to pay attention to for mirror placement is of course over the vanity. Whether you have a single or double sink setup, using one large mirror that reaches all the way to the ceiling is best. The other important area to add a mirror is right across from the window. This will not only give the appearance of having two windows in the room, but it will also make it feel as if the room is much longer than it actually is.

Transparency Is a Good Thing

Being transparent in a bathroom may not sound like such a good idea, but as long as the windows are already treated for privacy, the transparency will indeed add to the openness and spacious look of the bathroom. Some ways to accomplish this include taking down any curtains, including shower curtains, and replacing them with materials that allow what's behind them to show through.

For the windows, this means a valance or half curtain. This will let in more light and give you a way to add in any decorative style choices you've made. As for the shower, installing clear glass doors will make the bathroom appear larger by allowing you to see past any covering and into the space behind it.

Be Less Vain

The average vanity is 21 inches deep, so purchasing a smaller vanity that is 17 or 18 inches deep will make the room look and feel larger. Although it's only a difference of 3 or 4 inches and may not really add any space, it will add more visually by exposing more of the floor.

If storage is something that isn't important in this bathroom, the vanity may be removed altogether and a pedestal sink can be added. Using a pedestal sink allows for more floor and wall to be seen, and an expanded view means a larger look.

Light It Up

Not only is having good lighting a definite must in a bathroom, but it's also a great way to brighten up a tiny room and make it look bigger. Not just brighten in the way of light, but also in the fixture itself that's giving light. Using a unique light fixture that draws your eye up to the ceiling is one way to accomplish this. Another way is with wall sconces on either side of the sink or vanity. When shopping for light fixtures, look for ones that recess into the ceiling or that fit up close to it. Ones that hang too low will add to the small room feel.

Be More Open

Removing cabinet and closet doors in a bathroom is a great way to create more visual space and therefore make the bathroom appear bigger. When you remove the doors and hardware, paint the shelves the same color as the walls, or consider replacing them with glass so that they will add even more of an open look. Keep items like toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, and other bathroom necessities out of sight by using baskets that match your decor.