10 Smart Design Tricks to Instantly Make a Small Bathroom Feel Bigger

What you can do to maximize every inch of your small bathroom

If you’ve ever tried to brush your teeth in a tiny bathroom and felt like you needed a strategy just to turn around, you’re not alone. A lot of homes in Grand Rapids come with bathrooms that are—let’s be honest—on the “cozy” side.

Here’s the bright side: a small bathroom doesn’t need to feel tight or crowded. With thoughtful design touches, you can transform a compact space into one that feels airy, open, and even a bit indulgent—no wall-demolition required.

Here are 10 simple yet game-changing ways to open up your bathroom space:

1. Lighten Up with Neutral Colors

Color works wonders in small spaces. Stick with light shades—think soft whites, gentle grays, or pale pastels—that reflect light and make the room feel airy. Imagine your bathroom taking a deep breath and relaxing. Bring character to the space with vibrant towels, a statement-making vanity, or playful decorative touches.

2. Swap Curtains for Clear Glass

Bulky shower curtains and frosted doors cut the room in half visually. A frameless glass shower door lets your eye travel across the space, instantly making it feel larger. Plus, it gives your bathroom a clean, modern look and is easier to keep spotless.

3. Choose Large-Format Tiles

Small tiles can make a tiny bathroom feel busy. Bigger tiles minimize grout lines, giving the surface a sleek and continuous appearance. If you want an extra trick, try vertical patterns—they naturally draw the eye upward, making ceilings look taller.

4. Add a Statement Mirror

Mirrors aren’t just for checking your hair. By reflecting light, they make the area feel larger and more open. A large mirror—or even a second one—can double the sense of openness. Position it opposite a window or light source to reflect and spread light throughout the space.

5. Elevate Your Vanity

Wall-mounted sinks and floating vanities free up valuable floor space, giving the bathroom a more open and airy feel. The bonus? Cleaning underneath is so much easier. Pair it with a wall-mounted faucet for a clean, streamlined finish.

6. Get Serious About Storage

Clutter shrinks a room faster than anything else. Recessed niches, custom shelving, and smart vertical storage ensure everything stays organized while maximizing every inch of space. Clear counters = instant breathing room.

7. Layer Your Lighting

Beyond brightness, lighting defines the mood. Combine different types of light: overhead for general brightness, task lights for mirrors, and accent lighting for a soft glow. Even LED strips under a vanity can add depth and dimension, making your bathroom feel bigger.

8. Let the Sunlight In

When you’ve got a window, invite the daylight to brighten your space. If not, skylights or solar tubes can flood the room with daylight. Natural light always makes a space feel more open and welcoming than artificial bulbs alone.

9. Draw the Eye Upward

Vertical details—whether it’s stripes, shiplap, or even tall shelving—make walls feel taller. It’s an easy trick to add height, texture, and character without crowding the space.

10. Try Tile Drenching

Want a modern, high-end look? Use identical tiles to wrap both the walls and the floor. It creates a seamless flow and removes visual breaks, making the bathroom feel larger and more cohesive.

Turn Your Bathroom into a Retreat You’ll Love Spending Time In

Who says a small bathroom has to feel cramped or chaotic? With thoughtful design and smart updates, even the tiniest bathrooms can feel airy, organized, and welcoming.

At Grand Rapids Remodeling Pros, we specialize in making every inch count. From simple refreshes to full-scale remodels, our team knows how to turn tight spaces into beautiful, functional retreats that fit your lifestyle.

Don’t settle for a bathroom that feels too small. Reach out to us today or visit our website to start your transformation—and finally step into a bathroom that feels roomy, relaxing, and truly yours.