When it comes to choosing colours for a small bathroom, the options may seem limited. However, careful planning and smart use of colour can make a tiny washroom feel bright, airy and inviting. The key is selecting the right hues and tones to maximize the sense of space.
Use Light, Neutral Tones on Walls and Ceiling
Painting the walls and ceiling in pale, neutral colours is one of the best ways to visually expand a small bathroom. Light tones like off-white, very light grey, and soft beige reflect light around the room, making it appear larger. Dark colours tend to close in space, so avoid deep hues on major surfaces. Aim to make the ceiling the lightest area, as this draws the eye up and creates height. The walls can be slightly darker, in a complementary neutral shade.
Whites with a subtle undertone like Swiss Coffee or Simple White work well for a fresh, clean look. Greys also keep things light while adding a touch of modern style. Try tinting the ceiling Flat White and using Benjamin Moore’s Horizon Line on walls. For beige bathrooms, a tan shade like Natural Choice makes a warm, soothing statement. Just take care not to go too dark – the goal is maintaining an airy, spacious feel.
Add Pops of Colour with Decor and Accessories
Once the background colours are established, you can bring in bolder hues with towels, rugs, shower curtains and other decorative elements. Splashes of colour draw attention, so use them strategically to accentuate areas you want to highlight. For example, a vibrant patterned shower curtain or bold bath mat instantly livens up a neutral space. Just keep the colour in doses – too much risks overwhelming the room.
Some top colour pairings for small bathrooms include:
- Soft blue and white – Timeless and calming
- Sage green and cream – Earthy with a touch of brightness
- Robin’s egg blue and taupe – Crisp and cheerful
- Peach and grey – Fresh and feminine
- Yellow and grey – Uplifting and contemporary
Look for hues that complement the wall and ceiling colours. Colour blocking can also help zones stand out – try a vivid floor rug to define a seating nook or vibrant shower curtain to highlight the tub zone. Just remember to strike a balance so the bold shades don’t overwhelm.
Use Natural Finishes to Expand Space
Along with colour selection, the finishes you choose can influence how large a small bathroom feels. Natural, light-reflecting textures like stone, marble and wood tend to brighten and expand space.
For floors, blond wood, light limestone or travertine tiles keep things fresh and airy. Use large-scale tiles to reduce visual breaks. Glossy finishes also reflect more light. Marble or quartz countertops in white or pale greys paired with chrome or nickel faucets maintain the light, seamless look.
Steer clear of dark finishes like espresso cabinets or black granite counters – these will make walls seem closer. But if you have existing dark finishes you want to keep, painting walls, ceiling and trim extra pale helps compensate.
Here are some finishing ideas to maximize space:
- White subway tile in light grey grout
- Light hardwood flooring
- Quartz countertop in cloud, frost or pearl tones
- Frameless glass shower enclosure
- Wall-mounted fixtures in brushed nickel or chrome
The overall goal is keeping things light, bright, and consistent – too many contrasting finishes can look chaotic and close in space.
Use Mirrors to Optically Expand Space
Hanging mirrors strategically is one of the most effective tricks for visually doubling the sense of space. Mirrors reflect light and imagery, creating the illusion of a larger room.
For small bathrooms, large mirrors work best to maximize the reflective area. Try covering one full wall with a mirror panel, or line up several framed mirrors. Hang them opposite windows so they’ll reflect the daylight. You can also mirror entire sections like the sink area or above the toilet.
Avoid small scattered mirrors – one expansive reflective surface makes more visual impact. Also frame mirrors in the same tone as walls for a seamless look. Lean into metallics like chrome or nickel for jazzier style.
Here are some mirror ideas to expand a tiny bathroom:
- Full wall mirror panel behind sink
- Framed rectangular mirrors lined up over toilet
- Oversized round mirror above freestanding tub
- Mirrored medicine cabinet for function + light reflection
With smart mirror placement, you can make a compact bathroom feel instantly doubled.
Create Spacious Simplicity with Open Storage
Clutterchopping visual space is one of the biggest risks in a small bathroom. Exposed storage solutions like open shelving, wall-mounted cabinets and under-sink rolling drawers can help keep necessities organized while maintaining an airy look.
Floating wall shelves provide display space without closing in walls like traditional cabinets. For a lighter look, choose wire-frame shelves in chrome. Box-style shelves can work too if painted the wall color. Keep things sparse and style with just a few colorful towels or decorative objects.
Wall-mounted cabinets provide closed storage with minimal visual weight. Look for types with thin modern frames. Glass-front cabinets maintain the light, open look while hiding contents. For the sink area, open or glass-front cabinets along with a skirtless sink base prevents heaviness.
Rolling drawer organizers under the sink tidy plumbing and cleaning items. Opt for soft-close, full-extension drawers for easy access. Keeping the undersink area open with just discreet drawers maintains the airy aesthetic.
Maximize Space with Pedestal Sinks and Wall-Mount Fixtures
Choosing space-saving fixtures lets you make the most of limited square footage. When possible, opt for:
- Pedestal sink – Freestanding design takes up less space than a sink in a vanity
- Wall-mount sink – Removes the underlying vanity to open up floor space
- Wall-mount toilet – Elongated bowl maximizes comfort in a small area
- Corner shower – Fits into unused angles
- Wall-mount tub filler – Leaves room below for easier cleaning
Look for slender pedestal sinks, rectangular undermount wall-basins, and low-profile wall-hung toilets. Glass shower enclosures also take up less room than shower curtains.
By optimizing every inch, you can design an elegant, spa-like bath even in a petite footprint.
Use Lighting to Set the Mood
From sunshine to lighting, controlling the illumination in a small bath makes a big impact. Ensure the room gets plenty of natural light through windows, skylights or solatubes. If adding windows isn’t possible, install the highest wattage overhead lighting permitted by code.
For general lighting, stick with surface ceiling fixtures that don’t drop down into the space. LEDs give the most light with minimal energy use. Install fixtures on dimmers to control brightness and ambiance.
Accent lighting adds style and visual interest. Try washdown fixtures over a tub, or wall sconces flanking the mirror. Undercabinet lighting illuminates the sink and countertop work area. Just take care not to overdo accent lighting – keep layers to 2 for a unified look.
Here are some lighting ideas to brighten a tiny bath:
- Skylight or solatube for natural overhead light
- Recessed LED ceiling lights
- Horizontal sconces framing the mirror
- Undercabinet LED strips
- Dimmers on all fixtures to control ambiance
With the right mix of natural and artificial lighting, you can make a small bathroom glow.
Select Easy-Clean Finishes and Fixtures
Maintenance is key in compact bathrooms that see heavy use. Choose durable, easy-clean finishes that simplify upkeep and keep your space looking fresh.
On horizontal surfaces, hard non-porous materials prevent stains and mildew. Quartz or solid surface counters withstand years of wear. Ceramic, porcelain, glass and metal mosaic tile stand up to moisture on walls and floors. Use large grout joints and rounded corners for easy cleaning.
In showers, full-height porcelain tile resists soap scum and water marks. Glass shower doors stay clear with squeegeeing and periodic anti-lime treatment. Slip-resistant porcelain shower floors make standing safer.
For fixtures, look for surface-level designs that prevent gunk buildup underneath. Wall-hung toilets have fewer crevices than floor-mount. Undermount sinks and bevel-edge countertops prevent grim collecting on rims.
Some top low-maintenance materials include:
- Full-height ceramic wall tile
- Porcelain mosaic shower floor
- Quartz or solid surface countertops
- Undermount sinks
- Glass shower enclosures
Choosing easy-clean finishes streamlines cleaning so your petite bath stays sanitary and sparkling.
Design a Spa-Like Retreat with Minimalism
You don’t need tons of space to create a relaxing spa bath. Thoughtful, minimalist design choices keep the room peaceful and clutter-free.
Stick to minimal furnishings like a wall-hung toilet, pedestal sink, and corner shower. Undercabinet rolling drawers tuck away bathroom supplies neatly. Floating shelves with folded towels maintain a clean look.
In materials, lean towards pared-down styles like Japanese-inspired zen baths. Natural finishes like bamboo wallcoverings, stone tile, and light wood bring serene nature indoors. Concrete, limewash and plaster in neutral hues feel fresh and airy.
Display succulents, pebbles, driftwood, or other natural materials in place of busy decor. A few green plants oxygenate the air and echo nature. Leave some blank wall space to avoid visual clutter.
Keep lines and symmetry clean and balanced. Frameless showers and uncurtained windows continue the seamless look. Just a few artful ceramic or glass vessels can embellish without overload.
With a less-is-more approach, you can transform even a tiny bath into a relaxing oasis.
Conclusion
Designing a stylish, spa-like bathroom no matter how small the footprint is definitely possible. Focus on light over dark, minimalism over clutter, and space-saving fixtures over bulky. Keep things light, bright, and airy through smart color and finish choices. Clever storage solutions like open shelves and rolling drawers conceal necessities neatly. The end result can be a sleek, serene bath tailored to your unique style.
| Colour | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Light neutrals like white, beige, light grey | Visually expand space, reflect light to feel airy |
| Pale blues, greens | Feel tranquil and refreshing |
| Wood tones | Warm up space, feel natural |
| Glossy tiles, chrome | Reflect light to feel more spacious |
| Colorful accent towels, rugs | Add pops of color without overwhelming |
