Wall-hung vanities can make bathroom floor space appear bigger, like this one from Ronbow.

If you wish a bathroom in your home could be a little larger without adding more square footage, here are a few design tips to make your bath look and feel more spacious. 

Pedestal or wall-hung vanity: Replacing wall-to-wall box cabinetry that goes down to the floor with a delicate free-standing pedestal or a sleek wall-hung vanity will make the bathroom floor space appear larger. Being able to see the flooring continue underneath the vanity, as well as seeing space around the sides of the vanity, will give the illusion of a larger room. Remove extra wall shelves and accessories that cut into the space. With these steps, of course, you may need to reorganize a nearby linen closet to accommodate for lost storage space in the bathroom!

Select a fresh color palate: Clean neutrals, fresh whites, and soft “cool” colors can make your bathroom look more spacious. Strong colors on the walls will shrink your space.

This small bathroom design uses a bright and clean color palate, 12x12 tiles with matching grout, a pedestal sink, and simple decor.

Keep it clean: Stick to a clean, minimalist style when choosing fixtures and finishes. Reduce décor in the room, such as only one piece of art instead of several small ones. Store toiletries away instead of on tub and sink surrounds and other surfaces.

More light: Adding more lighting to the bathroom, such as recessed cans and wall sconces, will brighten and therefore open up the space.

Glass and mirrors: Glass accent tiles particularly in a linear pattern and a large mirror will help pick up light in the room. Better yet, use a mirrored medicine cabinet that’s fully recessed into the wall (try Robern cabinets) for extra storage without taking up extra floor or wall space. Always choose clear glass instead of frosted glass, especially for the shower door, to keep the bathroom more open.

Pale glass tiles in a linear mosaic make this tub area look and feel lighter, larger, and more airy.

Choose the right tiles: Stick with large scale floor tiles instead of busy mosaics. Try rectangular tiles like 12” x 24” and run them length-wise down the bathroom so the space appears to continue. Choose grout colors that match the tiles if you are using small tiles, as lots of contrasting grout lines can visually shrink the bathroom’s floor space.

Large rectangular floor tiles continue beneath these wall-hung vanities to give the illusion of a larger room.