We often get asked, “How do I make my small bathroom look bigger?”
It’s easy to feel frustrated by a small bathroom, but with clever design, it can become one of the most functional — and even beautiful — spaces in your home. The good news? With the right design tricks, even the tiniest bathroom can feel open, bright, and full of potential. Here are our top tips to help you make the most of your space.
Glow Up Your Bathroom
Good lighting is one of the easiest ways to make a small bathroom feel bigger. Swap out old lighting for LED options. We love the down lights that have an easy twist option, so you can switch between cool white, neutral or warm light – giving you flexibility for both function and mood.
In bathrooms, we typically favour cool white lighting, as it provides crisp, clear illumination that’s ideal for tasks like shaving or makeup.
If possible, bring in natural light too. Skylights or solar tubes are excellent options – and have come a long way in style and function.
Paint: Keep It Light, But Not Cold
Yes, lighter paint colours can make a space feel bigger — but they can also make the space feel cold. This is especially true if your bathroom is positioned on the cooler side of the house.
To balance this, choose warm light tones like milk whites, soft taupes, or earthy neutrals — all of which are making a strong comeback in design. These shades reflect light without feeling sterile.
Timber accents also add warmth and bring in natural texture, without compromising the light, open feel.
Tiles That Trick the Eye
If you’re wanting a fully tiled bathroom, consider using some glossy tiles. These don’t need to be used everywhere, but including selectively will help reflect light and make the room feel brighter.
In addition, fully tiling the wall avoids breaking the space into two, making the room feel taller and more open.
However, if you don’t want to tile the entire room, choose a paint colour that works harmoniously with your tiles. Avoid features that interrupt the wall flow, such as decorative “feature strips,” as these can make the space feel busier and more cluttered.
Want to mix tiles? Keep changes intentional and clearly defined — tile the floor, a full wall, or the entire shower. This helps prevent the room from feeling overstimulating or chaotic.
Smart Door Swaps
If you’re short on space, replacing a traditional swing door for a cavity slider, can give you back valuable floor area. That’s space you no longer need to keep clear for the door to open.
For a seamless look, paint the door the same colour as the bathroom walls. This helps maintain visual flow of the room.
Wall hung fixtures
Keep vanities, toilets and objects off the floor, to improve visual flow rather than being interrupted by objects. This also means being clever with storage, incorporate as much as you can into vanities, recessed mirror cabinets and hidden cupboards.
Mirror mirror on the wall
The larger the mirror, the more it can create the illusion of a larger room. Add lighting around the mirror for a softer, warmer, or dimmable light in your bathroom – especially handy in the middle of the night.
Shower glass
Keep the shower glass plain, and without a frame. This keeps the space feeling open and uninterrupted. Avoid half walls or bulky storage — keep the space open and flowing.
Small bathrooms don’t need to feel small
They just need to function well and be designed right. They are used multiple times a day, so they must be practical for your circumstances.
If you have young children, you might need a bath. For older adults, a walk-in shower may be the best solution. The key is designing for your specific needs.
Final Thoughts: Big Ideas for Small Spaces
Small bathrooms don’t need to feel cramped — with the right design decisions, they can feel spacious, calm, and beautiful. Whether you’re updating lighting, choosing wall-hung fixtures, or rethinking your tile layout, each small change can make a big impact. The key is creating a bathroom that functions for your lifestyle while creating a space you enjoy spending time in.
If you’re planning a renovation or need help designing your small bathroom, get in touch — we’d love to help you create a space that works for you.