When it comes to rooms in the home, the bathroom is often an area we wish could be a bit roomier. If you’re not looking to add on more square footage, there are some design techniques that can help create an airier, more expansive feel. Try these tips for adding in the illusion of more space without any major construction.

1. Opt for a Lighter Color Palette

Light colors, especially whites and pastels, reflect light and make any space feel more open. Consider painting the walls a lighter hue, swapping out darker tiles for light marble or adding in a soft colored vanity and countertop. Mirrored surfaces can also help reflect light, further enhancing the sense of space. And if you’re in love with deeper shades, consider an accent wall placed the farthest from the point of entry to increase the sight line and draw the eye farther into the space.

2. Maximize Natural Light

If possible, ensure that your bathroom gets plenty of natural light. Keep window areas unobstructed or consider using sheer window treatments that provide privacy while letting the light filter through. If your bathroom lacks windows, think about installing a skylight or solar tube.

3. Choose the Right Mirror

A well-placed mirror can do wonders. Larger mirrors not only create the illusion of depth but also bounce light around the room. If you can, consider an expansive mirror that spans the width of the vanity or even the entire wall. For a modern, clean look, circular mirrors or those with a small, thin frame can add an instant touch of updated style. Backlit mirrors, which are equally trending also create more illusion of depth.

4. Reduce Clutter

Keeping countertops as clear as possible can be a struggle, but can make a big impact on the space’s style. The first step is to purge any unnecessary items from the space. Then, use storage solutions like wall-mounted cabinets, floating vanities, or built-in shelves to keep your essentials organized and out of sight. Look for organizers specially designed for unique items like heated hair appliances and makeup products.

5. Shy Away from Shower Curtains

Swap out shower curtains for clear glass doors. This will create an uninterrupted view, making the bathroom seem larger. If privacy is a concern, choose frosted or textured glass.

6. Use Continuous Flooring

If you have a separate shower stall, using the same flooring throughout the entire bathroom can make the space look unified and more expansive. Large-format tiles laid vertically can also help to enhance the feeling of space.

7. Select Floating Vanities and Toilets

Floating features create the illusion of more floor space, lending a breezy and uncluttered feel to the bathroom. As an added bonus, they also make a bathroom much easier to clean! Just be sure your plumbing and walls can support such an arrangement.

8. Streamline with Recessed Shelving

Instead of protruding fixtures or bulky cabinets, opt for recessed shelving. This can be particularly effective in the shower, where shower niches can neatly store shampoo bottles and soaps.

9. Scale Down the Fixtures

Do you really need that oversized sink or chunky faucet? Consider sleek, minimalist fixtures that don’t dominate the space. For families who don’t often use a tub, switching to a walk-in shower can be a way to add some extra space.

10. Vertical Lines Draw the Eye Upwards

Vertical lines, whether in the form of tall cabinets, vertical tiles, or artwork, can make the bathroom feel taller. This visual trick pulls the eyes upwards, making the room seem grander.

11. Consider Pocket Doors

In small bathrooms, a door can be a major obstacle for layout enhancements. A pocket door offers a novel solution and more homes are adopting this clever use of space.

12. Create a Wet Room

A wet room is trending not only because of its accessible nature (there are no lips or steps to get into a shower unit) but also because of the endless design possibilities it provides. By installing a floor that is designed to handle water, you can reconfigure a shower and stand-alone tub to fit both pieces into spaces that normally wouldn’t be able to accommodate both.

Making a bathroom feel larger doesn’t always require knocking down walls or a complete remodel. With some design savvy and strategic choices, you can create an airy oasis in your home, no matter its actual size. By reimagining your space,  you can help transform your bathroom into a luxurious retreat.