6 Ways to Maximize Bathroom Space

In the bathroom, someone always has an issue with space — usually, there’s just not enough. So, for those of us who can’t build large bathrooms the size of a bedroom that includes all the dreamy spa-like features we want, including a large bathroom vanity and floor space for days, how can you improve it? In this article, we’ll cover the best ways to maximize the space in your bathroom, including the tips and tools that can help you along the way.

There are several considerations here, and you will need to take the time to figure out what will work best for your space. For starters, check out our Bathroom Design Trends section to get space-saving and maximizing ideas to set your creative brain in motion.

Now, onto the tips.

Table of Contents

Expand Floor Space Visually
How to Utilize Bathroom Wall Space?
Vanity Selection
Color Considerations
Showers and Tubs
What About an Accent Wall? Any other concerns?
Finding the Balance
Resources

Expand Floor Space Visually

When it comes to maximizing space, the floor is a big focus. You only have so much of it, so you’ll want to use it well. Choosing larger tiles is one of the best ways to put the floor to work. When you use small tiles, the space shrinks. Using oversized tiles gives the impression of more space and can add a unique design feature. Limit your grout lines, too, because those can detract from the space and attract unwanted attention.

Floors are a big area where you can make many improvements, whether you’re looking for extra space, more style, or even an upgraded design. When you’re going for space, go big on tile selection.

How to Utilize Bathroom Wall Space?

The first tip for wall space — use it! Too often, we see complaints of people lacking space in their bathroom, only to find their walls bare, save the medicine cabinet or vanity mirror they have hanging or perhaps an occasional towel bar. Wall space is one of your best friends in a bathroom—modern shelving units and fixtures have revolutionized how you can use wall space in the bathroom without having to take up any more room than you want.

Related: Bathroom Organization Tips

Vanity Selection

This is one of the biggest pieces in the bathroom unless you’ve chosen a small, space-saving design that will fit your needs. (Spoiler alert: that’s our tip here—size matters). Fortunately, several modern vanities come in small footprints, so they don’t take up any unnecessary space.

Another option is to upgrade the vanity to a floating style—these mount to the wall instead of the floor, giving the illusion of more space, if nothing else. They may also add space, but even making it look larger is a big benefit.

So, we did say that size matters, but not in the way that you think. That’s right—you CAN install a larger vanity, and in some cases, it might be the one thing that does open up the space. It’s all about finding the right balance. A larger-scale vanity can make the space seem bigger when installed properly.

30 Inch Single Sink Wall Mounted Bathroom Vanity in Navy Blue

Color Considerations

One thing many people don’t think about when they are trying to open up a space is the room’s color. Whether you realize it or not, dark colors and bright, bold choices can close it in. You could have two bathrooms with the same layout, furnishings, and square footage, yet it could look like two completely different-sized rooms because one has white subway tiles and the other is painted dark blue.

If you’re limited on space and want to save the budget, start with a fresh color that opens up the space and then go from there. According to some designers, the caveat here is that a saturated dark color could open up the space if you choose the right lighting—it’s all about finding balance.

Related: Lighting Tips for Your Home

Showers and Tubs

If you are limited on space, choosing a dam-less entry could be a great way to carry the floor through the entire space and include the shower as part of the room, giving the impression that there is more square footage than there actually is. In the case of tubs, this might not be an option. However, you can consider smaller tub designs or choose a unique layout to enhance your “more space” feel.

Glass doors are also preferred to frosted, opaque, or other doors or standard shower curtains—again, they open up the space and carry the room through the shower or tub instead of cutting it off there. This is often a space that eats up a lot of bathroom floor area, so any way you can incorporate it will make a big difference.

What About an Accent Wall? Any other concerns?

If you have one, choose a wall that will allow you to make a floor-to-ceiling pattern of tiles, paint, wallpaper, or other materials to create an ongoing flow. This avoids chopping up the room with tile here and paints there and all the fixtures that need to be mounted.

Speaking of mounting fixtures, choose low-profile mounts to save space on your walls and ceilings and again create the illusion of more space. In the bathroom, a lot of renovating for space is about making it seem bigger, even if it’s not.

Check out this great guide from HGTV on making the most of your storage in the bathroom for even more space saving ideas.

Finding the Balance

As mentioned throughout this article, it comes down to finding the balance. We’re assuming here, of course, that you can’t MAKE more space appear, so you have to create the illusion that there is more. The fixtures and furnishings you choose, the flooring, and even the lighting can change the feel of the space dramatically.

Perhaps your best option will be to work with a dedicated bathroom designer that can help you create the perfect space, no matter what square footage you’re actually working with.

My name is Julia Ritzenthaler, Founder and President of Unique Vanities, started in 2005. I started this business as an extension of our residential remodeling business, which focused on the design and build of custom cabinetry and architectural trim. I also worked as a financial advisor for 10 years at Ameriprise Financial, helping clients make sound money decisions, including budgeting for home improvement expenses. This expertise led me to start Unique Vanities, which offers a handpicked selection of high quality bathroom vanities, sinks, mirrors and more. You can find me most days sitting in Starbucks, my second office, or in my car driving my daughter across Dallas to gymnastics training.