Small bathrooms are common in many homes throughout Fairfax County and Prince William County. But with the right design choices, even the smallest bathroom can feel spacious and luxurious. Here are proven strategies from America's Best Contractor to maximize your bathroom's visual and functional space.
Use Light Colors Throughout
Light colors reflect more light and make spaces feel larger. This applies to walls, flooring, and fixtures.
Best choices:
- Soft whites and off-whites
- Light grays and greiges
- Pale blues and greens
- Soft neutrals
- Larger windows or skylights
- Frosted glass for privacy without blocking light
- Sun tunnels for bathrooms without exterior walls
- Full-length mirrors on doors
- Mirrored medicine cabinets
- Decorative mirrors on adjacent walls
- Use built-in niches in showers for products
- Install medicine cabinets rather than open shelving
- Keep countertops clear with drawer organizers
- Use matching containers for toiletries
- Install floor-to-ceiling tile
- Use tall, narrow cabinets
- Hang shelving higher on walls
- Consider a statement pendant light
Avoid dark colors on walls and floors, as they absorb light and make rooms feel smaller.
Install a Floating Vanity
Traditional vanities with bulky bases visually cut the room in half. A floating (wall-mounted) vanity creates the illusion of more floor space by allowing you to see the floor beneath it.
Bonus: The space underneath a floating vanity can be used for baskets or decorative storage.
Choose a Frameless Glass Shower
Shower curtains and framed glass doors create visual barriers that segment the room. A frameless glass shower enclosure allows the eye to travel through the entire space, making the bathroom appear larger.
Pro tip: Use clear glass rather than frosted to maximize the open feeling.
Maximize Natural Light
Natural light makes any space feel larger and more welcoming. Consider these options:
Use Large-Format Tiles
Contrary to intuition, larger tiles with fewer grout lines make bathrooms feel bigger. Small mosaic tiles create busy patterns that visually shrink spaces.
Recommendation: Use 12x24 inch tiles or larger on floors and walls. Keep grout color close to tile color for a seamless look.
Add Strategic Mirrors
Mirrors reflect light and create the illusion of depth. A large mirror above the vanity is essential, but consider these additional options:
Minimize Visual Clutter
Clutter makes any space feel cramped. In small bathrooms, organization is essential:
Consider a Pocket Door
Standard swing doors require clear floor space to operate, wasting valuable square footage. Pocket doors slide into the wall, freeing up that space.
Use Vertical Space Wisely
Draw the eye upward to create a sense of height:
Ready to Transform Your Small Bathroom?
At America's Best Contractor, we specialize in bathroom remodeling projects throughout Northern Virginia. Whether you're working with 25 square feet or 250, we can help you create a bathroom that feels spacious, functional, and beautiful.
Contact us today for a free design consultation and discover how we can maximize your bathroom's potential.