If you have a small bathroom but don't have the budget to increase the square footage, there are ways to maximize the space so that it appears larger. Specific colors, finishes, materials, tiles, architectural features, and lights help create the illusion of a bigger space with depth. If you are planning to do a remodel, but don't have the space to expand or the option to tear down any walls inside your bathroom, here are 7 tips to help you maximize a small bathroom.

Miss Alice Designs maximazing space in small bathroom-porcelain marble bathroom — Miss Alice Designs

1. Tile to the Ceiling

Nowadays, you'll see tiles from smaller 3 x 6 tiles to large format tiles such as 12 x 24 in small bathrooms. Large format tiles compared to smaller tiles have fewer grout lines which bring a spacious, brighter look. Plus, labor-wise, it's easier for the contractor to install. You can choose a grout color that closely matches the color of the tiles so it gives a seamless design. Use tiles to cover the entire bathroom from floor to ceiling if you can or at least from floor to ceiling in the shower and half of the wall to the floor in the rest of the bathroom. A textured surface on the tiles creates a sense of depth which enhances the spaciousness of the room. Tiles are also easy to clean and care for and with so many options out there today such as porcelain tile that resembles marble, it can provide a contemporary high-end look that can make a small bathroom visually appealing and luxurious.

Miss Alice Designs small space bathroom green shower tiles — *Miss Alice Designs*

2. Wall Hung Vanity & Toilet

A wall-mounted vanity and wall-mounted toilet will create the feeling of more space as it is elevated and keeps the floor area beneath clear. It may require more maintenance since you will now have to regularly clean the floor space underneath the vanity and toilet, but the advantage is it frees up the floor space and makes the space appear larger.

3. Bold Patterns or Neutral Tones

You can go either bold or neutral when it comes to colors. Neutral colors such as white, soft grays, and warm taupe on the walls and floors give the illusion of space. These colors provide a soothing and calming feel that creates a spa-like atmosphere in small bathrooms adding brightness to the room. However, bold colors or bold patterns when contrasted against white can also provide depth in a small space. I've used both white and dark 3x6 ceramic tiles in small bathroom designs with smaller grout lines and they both work to enhance the spaciousness of the room. It's a myth that only lighter colors work in making small bathrooms appear larger.

Miss Alice Designs maximizing space small bathroom -patterned tiles — *Miss Alice Designs*

4. Glass

Replace your shower curtains with glass doors or a glass panel. Glass doors reflect light which opens up the shower area and brightens up the room. It gives the appearance of more space when you can see the whole length and width of the shower clearly.

Miss Alice Designs maximizing space in small bathroom-white bathroom with wood and black accents — *Miss Alice Designs*

5. Wall Niche

If you don't have a lot of floor space and need additional storage, go vertical. Hang floating shelves above the toilet or even better, create a niche in your wall or recessed shelving if you have the budget for it. A niche allows for extra storage and provides a clean, simple, and contemporary look and feel leaving the floor space clear. If the recessed shelves are open, make sure to arrange your towels and bath accessories neatly so it doesn't look cluttered from floor to ceiling.

6. Mirrors

Mirrors are a great and simple way to open up a small space. They have a reflective surface which brightens up a space and allows light to bounce around the room. You can add lighted medicine cabinets which provide a clean and contemporary look or an oversized antique mirror, a round industrial style mirror with a leather hanging strap, or vertical oval mirrors that elongate the height of the room. Materials with a reflective surface (besides mirrors) such as polished tiles or a polished quartz countertop also help trick the eye into making small rooms appear larger than they actually are.

Miss Alice Designs maximizing space small bathroom green tiles with mirror — *Miss Alice Designs*

7. Continuous Floor Material

If you are using marble, porcelain, ceramic, concrete, or stone for your floors, try to keep the material and colors similar for the entire floor. It creates the appearance of one continuous floor throughout the bathroom which gives the illusion of a larger space. If you are planning a remodel and decided on honed marble hexagon tiles for your shower and bathroom floor, the shower curb, baseboard, and threshold should ideally be marble as well to give a seamless look of one continuous material throughout the entire bathroom.

If you want a designer's touch to help guide you in transforming your space and are ready to jump right in, please contact me for a 30-minute discovery call. To schedule your call, click here.

Maximize Space In A Small Bathroom

3. Bold Patterns or Neutral Tones