6 Ways to Make a Small Bathroom Look Bigger

Tiny bathrooms are a unique design challenge that can puzzle even the most experienced homeowner.

The goal is to make it feel stylish and comfortable rather than cramped or cluttered. The question is how to make a small bathroom look bigger without changing the dimensions of the room. Is there a way to maximize the space without compromising on your style?

Well, here are six tips to make your small bathroom look bigger while staying true to you!

1. Choose Light and Bright Paint

Colors that are light and bright make a room feel larger. A bright white bathroom will feel clean and timeless. However, if you want to stray away from neutral colors, consider staying on the lighter spectrum so the space feels airy.

If you had your heart set on a dark paint color, then be bold and go for it — just choose semi-gloss or high-gloss to reflect the light. Most homeowners utilize satin or semi-gloss paint in their bathroom, but a high-gloss finish will provide you with a shiny look that doesn’t suck out the light. 

2. Layer Your Lighting

When possible, emphasize the natural light in the room. Use windows and skylights to make the room feel bright and open. Natural lighting creates the illusion of a larger space, so be keep windows clear of obstructions. 

When adding artificial light to the bathroom, you should consider four types. Implement task lighting so your reflection remains shadow-free when putting on makeup or shaving. Ambient light bounces off the ceiling and is extremely flattering to your complexion. Some people may want this source of light to boost confidence, while others may find it unnecessary. Accent lighting gives dimension to a room, while decorative lighting is more for show. 

To make a small bathroom look bigger, find lighting that can be multifunctional in the room. For example, mirrors with backlights are one way to gain task lighting without taking up additional wall space. 

3. Focus Your Design

Your home should reflect your style, but how can you make a small bathroom look bigger without the design seeming too busy? The key is minimalism. Focus on one or two elements in the room and allow them to shine. If you try to cram too many details into a small space, the result looks overloaded.

To create a cohesive look, use the same materials throughout the bathroom. Look for similar colors to create an effortless feel. Consistency will help to make the space feel purposeful and well designed. Without a clear plan, your design could quickly be overrun in a small area.

Choose your materials with care and remain practical — a silver bathroom tray will tarnish from the moisture and air. Consider using bamboo or wicker accents that encourage positive airflow and have low heat retention. 

4. Get Crafty With Storage

Storage can completely change the flow of a small bathroom. Stands take up precious floor space and give the appearance of a smaller room. Utilize hooks, wall shelves and a medicine cabinet to gain storage without losing space on the floor.

If you have an abundance of products to fit, try using baskets, boxes or containers to reduce the clutter on shelves. Clutter is known to cause anxiety because it provides a constant distraction that can feel overwhelming. Keep the mess out of sight and out of mind so you don’t need to tidy up every time guests come around.

Look for dead spaces where you could squeeze in some extra storage. The back of the door, next to the toilet and under the sink are all potential storage opportunities.

5. Create a Layout That Flows

An odd configuration can make a bathroom feel cramped and awkward. Choose a layout that creates a natural flow in the room. If possible, start by aligning all of your appliances on one side of the room — this will help create a clear line of sight and provide the illusion of more space. It will also save you money since all of the plumbing will be on one wall.

Keep the large items farthest from the door for easy accessibility and a streamlined design. You should choose products that fit the space — bulky pieces will make the room feel smaller. If practical, choose a shower and tub combo maximize the space.  Install a glass enclosure to provide a sense of depth where a traditional curtain would have cut off the flow.

6. Utilize Mirrors

It’s essential to know how to update a space if you are on a small budget. Have you asked yourself how to make a bathroom look bigger without changing the paint colors, fixtures or appliances? Well, the answer is with mirrors!

Mirrors reflect light — making a room look larger and brighter. To amplify the space, choose large mirrors that will provide an elegant and unobstructed reflection. Consider making a wall of mirrors in your tiny bathroom to create the greatest effect. The idea is to make the mirrors look natural and blend into the environment.

Maximize Every Small Space

Most properties list a price per square footage, but what use is the extra space if you aren’t utilizing it? Consider applying these six tips to other areas of your home for the same appearance benefits. For additional assistance, talk to an interior designer for in-depth insight into your unique space.

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The Best Plants for the Bedroom Are Nature’s Air Purifiers

Brighten your bedside and cleanse your space, all while you sleep

Indoor plants are an all-natural way to remove toxic agents such as benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde from your air.

In addition to looking great, the best plants for bedroom air-purifying tend to be easy to care for. “Air-purifying plants can help absorb and trap toxins while releasing oxygen to generate cleaner air, making for a more healthy and fresh sleeping environment throughout the bedroom,” says Andres Montoya, an indoor and outdoor landscaping expert who works on hospitality projects. “Most indoor plants are relatively easy to take care of and are adaptable to common indoor elements like low light and indoor temperatures.” Whether you have bright light in your bedroom or slumber in a shadier corner, the following are the best bedroom plants with varying condition requirements that require little care. 

Flamingo plant

If you need houseplants for your bedroom, look no further than the Flamingo plant—a.k.a. an anthurium—which helps to eliminate carbon dioxide and provide copious oxygen with its greenery. And what better location to display these green and pink treasures than in the space where you spend several hours every day and night? “The Flamingo plant requires a good acidic well-drained soil and does not like direct sunlight and produces beautiful and durable flowers throughout the year,” Andres says.

Anthurium Scherzerianum (Flamingo Lily)

$68 AT THE SILL

Lady palm

The Lady palm (also commonly known as the Bamboo palm) grows in an attractive, even pattern, and new leaf stalks sprout from its bottom. This is one of the best plants for bedroom placement because they grow best in bright, indirect light near a window or skylight commonly found in sleeping quarters. Each leaf stalk can grow up to 18 inches long so the green leaves will grace an empty bedroom corner easily. “The Lady palm is very tolerant to low light conditions, and this plant does not require too much water—its care is very easy,” Andres says.

Bamboo Palm

$200 AT BLOOMSCAPE

Pothos

Originating from the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific, the pothos would be seen covering the forest floor in its natural habitat. This is a great hanging plant—get creative with a hanging basket and let the leaves grow downwards. “The Ivy pothos is a very strong plant and can easily adapt to different environments,” Andres says. “From indirect light conditions to direct sun, this plant can grow in different types of substrate like soil, wood, and water. The Ivy pothos is also considered a top air-purifying plant which can remove toxins from the air.”

Golden Pothos

$15 AT ETSY

Monstera deliciosa

The popular Monstera deliciosa is native to South America and thrives in indirect light (it typically grows under the shade of trees), so it’s ideal if your bedroom is lacking direct sun. According to Andres, it’s also a winner for bedrooms on the petite side as it “produces big leaves in small spaces.” The Sill sells a small or medium potted Monstera deliciosa, also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant. 

Large Monstera Deliciosa

$27 AT ETSY

Phalaenopsis orchid

Your bedside table will get a beautiful focal point with the Phalaenopsis orchid. “This is one of the most beautiful orchids, well adapted to indoor spaces and indirect sunlight,” Andres says. “It flowers once per year for approximately three months: Flowering starts in the months with the lowest temperatures, and they are adapted to live in shady places.”

Large Phalaenopsis Orchid

$75 $64 AT PLANTS.COM

Echeveria 

If you’re looking to up the air quality in your bedroom, Echeveria succulents are worth considering to create serene oxygenated green vibes. “This plant is from the group of succulent plants very near to the cactus plant. They are drought-tolerant plants that like well-drained soil,” Andres says. “Echeveria plants like the sunlight, but only require exposure a few hours a day to sufficiently keep it healthy and growing with brilliant colors.”

Blue Rose Echeveria Succulent

$10 AT ETSY

Peace lily

Peace lilies are another one of the most attractive bedroom plants. You can prop them up on your windowsill, and they’re able to filter out many harmful toxins. The moisture given off by these houseplants boosts the humidity in the room and suppresses airborne microbes that can lead to allergies. If you suffer from dry nasal passages, the Peace lily helps to rid the bedroom of indoor air pollutants that cause dryness. For a good night’s sleep, the Peace lily will not only help create clean air, it’s also a low-maintenance plant that only needs to be watered weekly.

Peace Lily

$26 AT AMAZON

Spider plant

Spider plants have made a huge comeback in recent years, after being commonplace in bedrooms throughout the ’70s. Their sprawling, striped leaves spread out from the center, creating a bountiful green mass. Studies have shown that the plant removes 90% of cancer-causing chemical formaldehyde from the air (if that doesn’t make you sleep better, what will?). It also absorbs odors and fumes to help keep the oxygen level high and promote better sleeping. These plants also produce baby Spider plants, so you can grow and propagate new plants for your bedroom.

Variegated Spider Plant

$19 AT ROOTED

Snake plant

Another great air purifier, the snake plant (also known as Dracaena trifasciata) is also one of the best indoor plants for beginners. However, beware if you have pets—this one can be toxic if ingested by your furry friend.

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Downsizing vs. Rightsizing - Know the Difference Before Making a Move

The Very Good Reason Why Nobody Should Be “Downsizing”

When my husband and I started searching for a home last year, we both assumed we’d upgrade to a space with more square footage. But when we found a home we loved — one we could envision our family in — there was a catch. The new house was 400 square feet smaller than the house we were selling (and a lot more expensive).

We ended up downsizing, and with no regrets. We love the flow and layout of the space so much that it almost seems bigger — and it’s definitely more functional. But that’s not to say our decision is the right direction for everyone.

If you’re considering a move into a smaller house, Bruce Cram, a sales representative at Re/Max, wants to make the case against the term downsizing, which might have a negative connotation. Instead, he argues home buyers should be “right-sizing,” or finding the right-sized space for their needs.

While growing families or people who work remotely might need more space, empty nesters and super-practical folks might be looking for the opposite. Many people, Cram says, owe these realizations to the pandemic. Spending more time in personal spaces prompted more critical thinking about what you actually need. “The new normal has opened up the way we think about our homes, and rethinking your home may also mean right-sizing,” he says.

There’s no precise formula for figuring out how much space is “right” for you. But Cram says answering a few questions can help you make an informed decision about your next home — one that, hopefully, helps you enjoy your space and your life more.

What’s your motivation?

What would you change about your current home if you could? Answering this question is key to understanding the life you want to live in your new house. For example, if you’re going to be working from home for the long haul, more space (ideally, a home with an office) might make sense for you. But if you find yourself with space you don’t use and you want less clutter, then a home with a smaller footprint might make more sense.

What stage of life are you in? 

Another factor to consider: What stage of life are you in, and how is your life going to change in the next few years? Do you want to get a pet or have a kid? Do you plan to look for roommates or potentially move in with a partner? Then more space might be a good move. But if your kids are older or you’re ending a relationship, then you may consider a smaller home. 

What’s your lifestyle like? 

You don’t just sleep in your house — your space should also accommodate living, or the things you like to do. If entertaining or hosting overnight guests are top priorities for you, that’ll affect how much space you opt for. If you love to cook, then a bigger kitchen (which adds more square footage), would be appealing. And if you love to travel? Well, think about fewer square feet so you can dish out more for cool Airbnbs! 

How many bedrooms do you need? 

They don’t always add up to tons of square footage, but how many bedrooms you need should also drive your decision. You may be a family of four, in which case, a minimum of two bedrooms would do. If sharing a bedroom is not ideal, then you might look for a three-bedroom home, and so on.

Where do you want to live? 

When we moved, we specifically targeted a walkable area near Lake Michigan. Because those houses are in demand, they also cost more — which meant we could afford less square footage. If you have a specific location in mind, you may not get to be as picky about size. Cram suggests making a look of your top wants and needs, and understanding that the more you want, the more your house will cost — and the more you may have to settle on fewer square feet.

Remember: Your home should be a place you can relax in. Rather than fixating on square feet, focus on finding a perfect match for your own individual needs. The right framework (and some right-sizing) can help you decide. 

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So Many People Moved for Their Pets in the Past Year - Would You?

Here’s how to re-create it in whatever home you buy.

When you’re shopping around for a new home, you don’t just have to take your own likes and dislikes into consideration—your pet’s interests matter, too. We want our four-legged friends to be able to get around the house (or yard) with total ease, which can narrow down the options. According to a survey of 1,600 homeowners from Homes.com, 68 percent of people who weren’t already living in a pet-friendly place said they have moved for the sole purpose of accommodating their furry pals in the past year. And more than half of the respondents admitted they’ve dropped plans to purchase a property because it wasn’t a good fit for their companions. 

So what if you stumble across your dream house—top-notch range, walk-in closet, tiled shower—but it’s not necessarily 100 percent compatible with your dog or cat? Before you walk away in search of more square footage, hardwood floors, or a mudroom, remember that these small renovations can make everyone feel a little more at home.

The Discreet Doggie Door

Swap the usual plastic flap for a hand-welded steel door with one operable panel at the bottom. Designer Sherry Hart created this stylish option that features surface bolts that allow the owners to lock or unlock the door and leave it open so their pets can exit the wet bar–slash–laundry room and run out to the pool when they please.  

The Claw-Friendly Climbing Wall

In an effort to accommodate their Bengal cat Miss Cleo’s adventurous nature and love of heights, Caitlin Mociun and Tammer Hijazi constructed a system in their living room made from IKEA Lack shelves and sheepskin throws. Bonus: If she ever tires of climbing down the road, the platforms can be used for books.  

The Low-Maintenance Yard

You don’t need a palatial grass-covered backyard in order for your pups to enjoy being outdoors. Leave the greenery to the walls like Whitney Leigh Morris did at her tiny bungalow and embrace easy-to-hose-down gravel that’s urine-proof instead. Her lower-energy pooches spend their days lounging on the stain-resistant couch anyway.

Subscribe to Domino Magazine. Photos courtesy of Domino.

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5 Questions to Ask Yourself If Decluttering Is a Struggle

In The Afrominimalist's Guide to Living with Less, author Christine Platt explores what our past can teach us about letting go.

So much of who we are and how we behave or respond to certain situations is rooted in our childhood.

Whether it's always looking for a deal, our innate response to stock our pantries because we grew up with food scarcity, or even conforming to gender roles, the behaviors and experiences from our childhood often inform our adult spending habits. What we watched, were told, and learned from our caregivers and community often has a profound impact on our relationship with money and how we spend it.

Often, we are unaware of how these experiences impact our lives on even the smallest levels. One of the stories I like to share that underscores just how deeply our childhood influences our adult behaviors involves one of my friends and her dear husband, who has an affinity for using a lot of dish soap when he washes the dishes. To protect their identity, even though there is no shame in any of our childhood stories-we did not choose our caregivers-let's call this wonderful couple Mary and Brian.

One day, as Mary and I engaged in conversation about the husbands we loved but who annoyed us so much, she shared, "I just walked past the kitchen and Brian is in there washing dishes. Girl, the bubbles are literally overflowing out of the sink! I just don't know why he has to use so much dish soap and make such a mess!"

Ever the friend who equally complained about such trivial matters, I laughed. "Well, at least he's doing the dishes!"

"Seriously," Mary said. "He's been doing this ever since we got married. It's so annoying and unnecessary."

Upon realizing this was a true sore spot for her, I inquired, "Well, have you ever asked him why he does that?"

A few days later, she told me that she did indeed ask Brian about his obsession with dish soap bubbles and was moved to discover why. Although he was now successful and quite wealthy, Brian had grown up poor. Raised by his grandmother in the Deep South, most of their household items were purchased at dollar stores and, even then, had to be used in moderation.

Whenever Brian washed the dishes, his grandmother only let him use minuscule amounts of dish soap, just enough to clean the dishes and never enough to make bubbles. So, now that he is an adult, he buys the best dish soap and enjoys making as many bubbles as he wants. Whereas my friend Mary sees a mess, Brian finds fulfillment in bubbles overflowing out of the sink, and enjoys an experience he longed for but never got to delight in as a child.

As you begin the self-discovery of learning about why you have more than you need, think about how your childhood experiences may have knowingly or unknowingly influenced your behaviors.

Think about what your caregivers determined were necessities and how they went about both acquiring and managing them. Consider how they prioritized their spending to meet your family's needs versus fulfilling their personal wants. Reflect on how your circumstances with abundance or scarcity may be influencing your current decisions.

5 Questions to Ask Yourself:

What Did I Learn About Spending and Saving as a Child?

1. Was money-spending and saving-talked about openly in your home? If so, was the discussion healthy or a source of contention?

2. Did you receive an allowance? If so, did you have to "earn it" or was it given freely?

3. How did your family celebrate milestones and key achievements? Were you rewarded with money, gifts, or non-tangible affirmations?

4. What did your family do for fun? Which experiences were considered regular activities, and which were considered "a treat"?

5. Can you identify unmet needs and desires from your childhood? If so, how have they shown up in adulthood and/or in what ways do you find yourself seeking to resolve them?

Credit: Simon & Schuster

Adapted from THE AFROMINIMALIST'S GUIDE TO LIVING WITH LESS by Christine Platt. Copyright © 2021 Simon & Schuster, Inc. Reprinted by permission of Tiller Press, a Division of Simon & Schuster, Inc.

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