Genius ways to make a small bathroom seem bigger

In a perfect world, we’d all have palace-sized powder rooms with magically refilling products that make our skin glow and our bodies shine. But alas, a tiny bathroom is a reality for a lot of us. Here are seven tricks to make yours feel a little more spacious:

Keep the palette light

White and other pale tones feel expansive to the eye; darker colors do the opposite. Likewise, small, busy patterns feel like they’re closing in on you (something no one understood in the ’70s, apparently). Go for airy, monochromatic white to really open the space visually.

Swap a shower curtain for a door

An uninterrupted space gives the illusion that there’s more of it. You may be tempted to get frosted glass for the privacy and lower maintenance, but completely clear glass will have the biggest impact. If you can get away with just a partial barrier, even better.

White tiles & white grout

Black grout with subway tile may be trendy, but all those visible divisions can have a crowding effect. For maximum space-boosting, white on white is the way to go.

Make use of vertical space

Since the toilet already occupies part of the floor (and isn’t going anywhere), the wall above it is a prime spot for open shelving. Just be sure to always close the lid so nothing falls in.

Add creative lighting

Don’t rely solely on the super-bright overhead light, which can overexpose small spaces. Vanity-style sconces make even the smallest room feel more inviting (and come in extra handy when you’re putting on makeup).

Limit storage

If your bulky cabinet is filled with expired medication and random mini shampoos, it’s time to downsize. Figure out what you actually use on a near-daily basis and get appropriately sized fixtures. Everything else can be stored elsewhere or tossed.

Make use of mirrors

One over the sink is a given, but think about finding an oversized version that takes up a good percentage of the wall. In addition to instantly expanding the room, at least visually, it’ll also reflect any light (especially useful if you’re lucky enough to have a window).