Small Bathroom Design: 10 Designer - Approved Ways to Make It Feel Bigger
- Elad Mor
- Jan 9
- 3 min read
Designing a small bathroom comes with unique challenges. Limited square footage, tight layouts, and storage needs often make the space feel cramped, but with thoughtful design, even the smallest bathroom can feel open, functional, and elevated.
At SEAM.design, we approach small bathrooms with the same level of intention as large-scale renovations. The key is precision: every material choice, layout decision, and detail matters.
Here are 10 designer-approved ways to make a small bathroom feel bigger—without adding square footage.
1. Use Large-Format Tile to Minimize Visual Breaks
Smaller tiles create more grout lines, which can visually clutter a compact space. Large-format tiles, on the other hand, create a more seamless look.
Designer tip: Use the same tile on both the floor and shower walls to visually expand the space and create continuity.
2. Choose a Wall-Mounted Vanity
Floating vanities expose more floor area, which instantly makes a bathroom feel more open.
Why it works:
Improves sightlines
Makes cleaning easier
Creates a lighter, modern feel
Pair it with integrated drawers to maintain storage without bulk.
3. Install a Frameless Glass Shower
A bulky shower enclosure can visually “cut” the room in half. Frameless glass allows the eye to travel uninterrupted across the space.
Bonus: Clear glass also showcases beautiful tile work, turning the shower into a design feature rather than a barrier.
4. Stick to a Light, Neutral Color Palette
Light colors reflect more light and help small bathrooms feel brighter and airier.
Popular designer favorites include:
Soft whites
Warm beiges
Pale greiges
Muted stone tones
That said, neutral doesn’t mean boring—texture and material variation add depth without visual heaviness.
5. Use Mirrors Strategically (Bigger Is Better)
Mirrors reflect light and visually double the size of a room.
Smart approaches:
Oversized mirror above the vanity
Wall-to-wall mirror
Medicine cabinets with mirrored fronts
Avoid mirrors that are too small—they can make the space feel fragmented.
6. Build Storage Into the Walls
In small bathrooms, storage should feel intentional, not added on.
Consider:
Recessed shower niches
Built-in medicine cabinets
Slim wall niches for towels or accessories
Integrated storage keeps surfaces clean and clutter-free, which is essential in compact spaces.
7. Opt for a Curbless or Low-Threshold Shower
Removing a traditional shower curb creates a continuous floor plane, making the bathroom feel larger and more modern.
Design note: This approach requires early planning for proper drainage and waterproofing, but the payoff is worth it.
8. Layer Lighting Instead of Relying on One Fixture
Poor lighting can make even a well-designed bathroom feel small and uninviting.
A layered lighting plan should include:
Recessed ceiling lights
Vanity lighting at eye level
Optional accent or niche lighting
Balanced lighting eliminates shadows and visually opens up the space.
9. Keep Hardware and Fixtures Minimal
Oversized or ornate fixtures can overwhelm a small bathroom.
Designer recommendation:
Sleek faucets
Minimal shower hardware
Consistent metal finishes
Reducing visual noise helps the room feel calmer and more spacious.
10. Maintain Material Consistency Throughout the Space
Too many materials in a small bathroom can feel chaotic.
To create cohesion:
Limit finishes to 2–3 materials
Repeat the same tones across tile, vanity, and hardware
Align grout lines with fixtures when possible
Consistency allows the design to feel intentional and expansive.
Final Thoughts
A small bathroom doesn’t need to feel cramped or compromised. With smart design decisions, thoughtful planning, and attention to detail, it can feel just as refined and functional as a larger space.
At SEAM.design, we specialize in designing bathrooms that balance beauty and practicality, no matter the square footage.
Considering a bathroom renovation? Thoughtful design from the start makes all the difference.
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