Many people wish to have a larger bathroom, but it may not be possible without major home renovations. However, if your bathroom is small, you can still make a bathroom look bigger with a few modifications or remodeling. By making some changes, you can create an illusion of a larger bathroom without having to move walls or expand the space.
Make Your Bathroom Look Bigger with the Magic of a Large Mirror
By reflecting more light and creating an illusion of more space, mirrors are an essential tool in making a bathroom appear larger. If you already have a mirror in your bathroom, you may want to consider increasing its size to enhance the effect. This will not only brighten up your space but also make it feel more open and spacious.
With today’s easy-to-install options, you can super-size your bathroom mirror to up to 5 feet long and 3 feet high with just a cordless drill, drill bits, and a few screws. Installing a large mirror can make a significant impact on the appearance of your bathroom without breaking the bank, as do-it-yourself installation costs for this type of mirror are typically below $100. So, if you want to create the illusion of a larger space in your bathroom, consider installing a larger mirror as a budget-friendly option.
Another way to increase the illusion of more space in your bathroom is to add two mirrors where two walls meet, creating an L-shaped configuration. This arrangement can reflect even more light back into the room, making it brighter and more inviting. By bouncing light around the space, you can make it feel larger and more open without any major renovations. So, consider adding an L-shaped mirror configuration to your bathroom to create a more spacious and airy atmosphere.
When it comes to creating the illusion of more space in your bathroom, frameless mirrors can be an excellent choice. These mirrors not only provide a sleek and modern look but also make your bathroom feel larger and more open. If you opt for a frameless mirror, make sure to screw it into the studs to support its weight properly. Additionally, consider choosing a mirror with a tarnish-resistant coating to protect it against the high-moisture conditions of your bathroom. With these simple considerations, you can add a frameless mirror to your bathroom and create a bright, spacious, and elegant space.
Increase Natural Light in Your Small Bathroom
When it comes to brightening up a small bathroom, natural light is always the best option. However, windows and skylights that could potentially provide natural light may be covered with curtains or painted over, making it difficult to achieve that airy feel. Luckily, cleaning windows and skylights is an easy and inexpensive way to let in more light. For skylights covered in moss or dirt, they can be cleaned from the roof using a scrub brush, warm water, and a mild detergent. By doing so, you can create a brighter, more inviting space that feels more spacious and welcoming.
Simple Tips to Follow
- Ensure that blinds and curtains are in good working order by repairing any damage to allow for easy opening and closing.
- Consider installing frosted privacy glass as a more permanent solution to privacy concerns.
- Regularly clean window screens with a soft brush and water to remove any cobwebs or dirt that may impede the flow of natural light.
Replace Your Bathroom Vanity Cabinet for a More Spacious Look and Feel
While bathroom vanity cabinets can provide valuable storage space, they can also take up valuable real estate in small bathrooms. The cabinet’s bulk can make the bathroom feel cramped and cluttered, defeating the purpose of having storage space in the first place.
To maximize space in a small bathroom, consider replacing your traditional vanity cabinet with a cantilevered countertop or a pedestal sink. Pedestal sinks are an affordable and easy-to-install alternative, ranging from $150 to $400. However, keep in mind that the trade-off for more floor space is less countertop space.
Installing a medicine cabinet is a smart way to recover some of the lost storage space when you replace your vanity cabinet with a pedestal sink or cantilevered countertop. These cabinets can be easily installed and are designed to fit flush with the wall, making them virtually invisible.
Simple Tips:
- The area beneath the vanity cabinet may require filling, and it is often preferable to refloor the entire bathroom.
- Employ a pry bar to remove the cabinet from the wall carefully.
- Before removing the sink, remember to shut off the water supply.
Less is More: Thinning Out Decorations
Decorative accessories such as small rugs can add warmth and personality to a small bathroom. However, they can also contribute to clutter and make the space feel cramped. Consider removing extraneous items from the bathroom to create a more open and organized atmosphere.
The best part about decluttering is that it doesn’t cost anything and you will notice an immediate improvement. It’s also not a permanent change, so you can always replace your favourite items in the bathroom whenever you feel like it.
Additional Tips:
- Consider having only one of each decorative item instead of multiple items.
- Evaluate if each item has any functional value, and if not, ask yourself if it brings you joy.
- If the item doesn’t serve a purpose or doesn’t make you happy, consider discarding it or relocating it to another area of the house.
A Cohesive Look: Make Your Bathroom Look Bigger by Minimizing Colour Contrasts and Dividing Lines
Eliminate sharp colour contrasts and division lines to create the illusion of a larger bathroom space. Whenever possible, soften or blend the edges between different elements.
- To make a small bathroom feel more spacious, minimize dividing lines and sharp contrasts between colours.
- Instead, aim to blur or erase lines between items wherever possible.
- This will create a more cohesive and open feel to the space.
- Consider using similar colours and materials throughout the bathroom to further reduce contrast.
- If you do use multiple colours, try to use them in a subtle, tonal way rather than creating bold contrasts.
- Pay attention to the edges and borders of items in the bathroom and try to soften them.
- Use lighting strategically to create a sense of flow and continuity in the space.
Make Your Bathroom Look Bigger With Clear Frameless Shower Enclosures
In a full bathroom, the shower or bathtub/shower combination is the biggest item that takes up the most space. To enhance the sense of spaciousness, the enclosure should be considered. Though removing the enclosure may not be feasible, there is an alternative option that can help make the enclosure appear less bulky. Opting for a glass shower enclosure instead of a framed enclosure can create a lighter and more open feel.
Frameless enclosures for showers and tubs are constructed with thick tempered glass, which is held together at the corners. The absence of frames on the glass makes the enclosure appear invisible.
Learn more about frameless shower costs.
Remember:
- When choosing a shower door, make sure to check the specifications to determine if it is left- or right-opening.
- Bypass doors slide, while pivot doors open like traditional doors as they are hinged.
- If you are unsure about installing a shower door yourself, it is best to consult with a contractor or bathroom design professional.
Using Similar Materials Can Make Your Bathroom Look More Open and Airy
A small bathroom with an array of contrasting materials can create a cluttered and overwhelming atmosphere. For instance, if your bathroom has a combination of striated marble tile, glass mosaic, painted drywall, and ceramic tile, the diverse materials can create an overwhelming visual effect.
To avoid a cramped feel in a small bathroom, it’s important to limit the variety of dissimilar materials used. You can achieve a more cohesive look by replacing some of the materials with similar ones. For example, you can remove the tile wainscot in the bathroom (not in the shower or tub) and install a wall system of drywall and baseboards. Consider replacing a ceramic tile countertop with a quartz one that matches the look of the shower/tub surround for a more harmonious feel.
A Few Tips:
- If the tile cannot be removed, consider painting over the tile.
- When looking at colours, choose lighter colours for a more airy feeling.
- If replacing floor tile, use a larger format tile.
The Ultimate Solution
Finally, if you’re looking to make your bathroom look bigger, consider seeking the expertise of a reputable bathroom renovation company. With their assistance, you can create a stunning design that doesn’t rely on any extravagant features, yet still gives the illusion of a more spacious bathroom. The designers who work for these companies have ample experience and can provide valuable input to help you achieve your desired look.
Consider inquiring with the company’s assistant about a full bathroom renovation, which may come with a higher price tag but could ultimately be a worthwhile investment.
