6 Ways to Make Your Small Bathroom Feel Larger in Houston, TX

A bathroom is so much more than just a spot for washing up and hygiene. It can be a retreat that’s both relaxing and spa-like, offering you a place to refresh, both at the start and end to your day. However, if your bathroom is cramped and small, achieving peace and relaxation in the space can be difficult. There are a handful of ways you can create the “illusion” of space in a small bathroom, and below we’ll outline six of our favorite ways to make the space feel bigger.

  1. Lighting Will Always Make a Space Feel Larger

    Regardless of the square footage, a poorly lit bathroom will always feel small. If you’re fortunate enough to have a skylight or window(s) in your bathroom, take advantage of this natural light source.

    However, if you don’t have natural light, consider adding lights from multiple sources. Overhead lighting or sconces on each side of a mirror can help. Just remember that even the lightbulb you choose can help to make the space feel smaller or larger. Choose bulbs that give off white light, like LED or halogen bulbs.

  2. Use mirrors - the larger the better

    Mirrors can create an illusion of space by reflecting light in an otherwise small area. Mirrors trick our eyes into thinking we’re looking into the distance when we’re actually just seeing a reflection. Not only is it a must in a bathroom, but it serves as a window for the light to reflect off, giving the illusion of space. The larger the mirror, the more light it’ll reflect. And a taller mirror will help ceilings feel higher.

  3. Opt for white or light colors

    White and light colors are your friend! A bright and airy bathroom will always look larger than one with bold colors. White reflects light, and also seamlessly fades into the background, creating an illusion of a bigger space. Keeping most everything white – tile, paint, flooring, can create an unbroken visual plane, making the room look and feel larger.  

    If you’re worried all white will feel boring, perhaps consider a marble or marble-look tile that has enough variation to add interest, while still keeping in the white color scheme.

  4. Consider a pedestal sink

    Pedestal sinks are often the natural choice for a small bathroom or powder bath because they can really open up the surrounding space. Since they’re tall and thin in nature, they help to make the room look larger with the untouched space on either side of it.

    However, the downside to pedestal sinks is they lack storage. Recoup some of the lost space by installing a mirrored medicine cabinet that’s flush with the walls or use shelving.

  5. Use wall niches

    A wall niche is a recessed shelf that’s literally built in to your wall, or most commonly, a shower. Using wall niches is a great alternative to open shelving, because they pull back and create more space. Visually speaking, they create the illusion of pushing the walls back a few inches, especially when used in the shower to hold shampoo bottles or soap.

    Wall niches not only provide extra storage without taking up more of the footprint, but they can also add interest to a bathroom design.

  6. Remodel your bathroom

    Sometimes the best fix for a smaller bathroom is to simply make it larger. Ready for an upgrade in your Houston-area bathroom? Considering a renovation that’s a little more involved than repainting some walls or adding a larger mirror? We can help!


Here at ALE Renovations, we’d love to help you embark on a remodeling journey. If you’re in Houston, contact us today, and we can discuss how to make your dream bathroom a reality.