15 Ways to Make a Small Bathroom Big

Replacing a traditional vanity cabinet with a console will help make a small bathroom appear larger.  This Petaluma Single Sink from Pottery Barn features turned legs, a painted white finish, and Carrara marble top. At Pottery Barn; from $299.

Related: The Best Bathroom Vanities for Storage and Style

Organization is a “must” in the small bathroom. These chunky woven tote baskets from Crate and Barrel, are not only beautiful but practical, as each is accented with gray faux-leather trim.  At Crate & Barrel; in sets of three ($49.95) or separately ($12.95-$24.95).

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Lighting can make a big difference in a small bathroom.  Consider wall sconces, like this Regency-inspired Pilmico design from Restoration Hardware, to provide soft, even and adjustable illumination.  Made of brass with polished nickel finish, it features an adjustable swing-arm. At Restoration Hardware; $479.

Glass containers, like these Apothecary Jars from Restoration Hardware, will look light and airy in a small bathroom. Featuring a cast-pewter base and lid, their snug-fitting tops will keep contents free of moisture and dust. At Restoration Hardware; $39-$85 each.

Sometimes replacing a larger vanity with a smaller one can open the space in a small bathroom. This petite vanity from Fairmont Designs features starburst-pattern wood grain and its legs make it appear taller.  It also comes with a matching mirror. At gracioushome.com; $1,500.00. 

If you have a single fixture above your vanity mirror, you can do a lot to improve illumination and style by replacing it. This World Imports’ 3-Light Bath Bar, from Home Depot, features tea-stained glass, matching crystals and silver and bronze finish. At Home Depot; $160.38.

This over-the-toilet shelving unit from Home Styles is a great space-saver for any bath, but especially the small bathroom. The open shelving is designed for small spaces, and the gray powder colored metal frame suits almost any color scheme. At Meijer; $188.99.

The Dottingham Double Glass Bathroom Shelf, shown here from Allied Brass, not only offers decorative shelf storage, but a towel rack, too—making it ideal for the small bathroom.  Crafted of solid brass, it comes in standard or premium hand-polished finishes.  At Kitchensource.com; from $172.22.

If your bathroom is small and dated, dress it up with a new ceiling mounted light fixture.  The enhanced overhead illumination will make even a small bathroom appear larger. The Newbury, shown here from School House Electric, features colorful stripes to complement any design. At Schoolhouseelectric.com; $95.

These steel cubes are Italian-designed and feature a rust-resistant, galvanized finish, making them ideal for use in humid environments like bathrooms. Mount them on the wall, as shown, or stack them to create a free-standing storage solution for a small bathroom. At Container Store; starting at $49.

Bathrooms require cabinets that are compact, like this glass-fronted wall cabinet from Elegant Home Fashions’ Madison Avenue collection.  At only 7″ deep it is the perfect wall-mounted cabinet for the small bathroom. At Bellacor.com; $89.95.

The Rönnskär shelf unit from Ikea takes up very little floor space, making it perfect for the small bathroom. Designed for corners, this shelf makes the most of an often wasted space. Fill the shelves with towels, bathroom essentials and decorative storage baskets. At Ikea; $39.99.

There may be a lot of space going to waste in your shower. Installing floating shelves or recessed storage is one idea for the handy DIYer, but a simple over the shower rack works well, too. This simplehuman stainless steel shower caddy is designed to be more stable than wire models. At Bed Bath & Beyond; $29.99.

If there’s no room in the bathroom for a storage console or shelving unit, store your essentials on the door. This Wildon Home Lynbar over the door basket storage rack is made of woven rattan and a black metal frame that fits over most doors. It is the perfect stylish solution for storing towels or toiletries. At Wayfair; $54.99.

When it comes to saving space, medicine cabinets are a no-brainer. If you live in an older space, yours might be on the small side. Boost your storage with a framed lit medicine cabinet from Restoration Hardware. An interior double plug can accommodate electrical devices and the tempered glass shelves are adjustable. At Restoration Hardware; $315-669.