For most of us, the bathroom is one of the smallest rooms in the home. But it's also one of the most practical, so how we design them is key to not only their function but also the overall aesthetic.
So often, people consider those more functional aspects of their bathroom ideas to the detriment of the look and feel – and some of the most common designs can make your bathroom look small.
The good news is that they are relatively easy to avoid – and fix. Here, we've turned to experts to find out the things that will always make your bathroom look small and what to replace them with.
8 things that will always make your bathroom look small
Whether your bathroom is large and spacious or you are tackling a small bathroom, there's no reason that your space should feel more compact than it is. Layout, colors, and materials all have their part to play, so here's how to make the right choices to avoid making your bathroom look small.
1. Schemes that feel too dark
We all know how beautiful an intentionally dark bathroom can look. The trend for bold powder rooms has showcased just how effective a moody scheme can be when designed with the right hues, materials, and finishes. But when a dark bathroom isn't executed well, it can have the opposite effect.
'A bathroom can feel smaller than it is when there’s a lack of natural light, too many visual breaks, or overwhelming decor. Dark, heavy tile from floor to ceiling without relief can make the walls feel like they’re closing in,' says interior designer Marie Flanigan.
'To create a more open and airy feel, opt for lighter tones or a balance of light and dark materials to keep the eye moving. Large mirrors reflect light beautifully, and a glass shower enclosure eliminates visual barriers.'
It's not just a lack of natural light, either – your artificial lighting can also be an issue. 'Poor lighting, especially harsh overhead fixtures without soft ambient layers, can make a bathroom feel dim and enclosed. Layered sconces, natural, and even a statement fixture can transform the way a bathroom feels,' she explains.
2. Too many overwhelming colors
Colorful, personality-filled bathroom designs will always be in style, but how you approach different tones is key to a successful scheme. In contrast, too many hues will make your space feel much smaller than it really is.
'If you have a small bathroom, having lots of different colors in the room just draws attention to its lack of size and small floor space. There are a few tricks you can use to make a bathroom look bigger,' says artist, designer, and color expert Annie Sloan.
If you want a bright, bold space, alternative approaches can give the illusion of greater space, rather than less. 'Color drenching is a great way to make a room look bigger than it is,' says Annie.
'Paint your bathroom in a palette of complementary neutrals to give it a cohesive look. This works well with white sanitaryware and tiles that can look cold and unwelcoming. Another clever trick is to paint the side of your bath in a toning color to your walls, so it blends in rather than stands out.'
3. The wrong bath size
Decorative decisions aren't the only elements that can make your bathroom look smaller. Introducing the wrong size furniture and features is the easiest way to create a cramped and imposing feel in your scheme.
'Choosing a freestanding bath that’s too large for the space you have to play with in your bathroom can overwhelm the space, making it feel cramped and impractical. A bath should enhance the room’s flow, not dominate it,' says Barrie Cutchie, design director at BC Designs.
There's often a misconception that if you can't fit a standard freestanding tub in your bathroom, you have to go without – but that isn't the case. 'Instead, opt for more compact models with footprints under 1500mm. These offer the same luxurious feel without compromising movement or balance in the design.'
'Slimline or back-to-wall freestanding baths can be great alternatives, providing style without sacrificing space. You’ll also need to make sure you have at least 100mm around the bath and any walls to ensure you can access it to clean the sides. This will also make sure the bath doesn’t feel too cramped for the space you have,' he adds.
4. Clutter, clutter, and more clutter
So often, we want to avoid clutter because it looks messy and even cheapens the look of a scheme. But it turns out that messy surfaces can also be the reason your bathroom looks smaller than it actually is.
'Clutter – whether it’s too many accessories, a busy pattern, or simply an overload of toiletries – adds to a cramped feeling. Thoughtful storage solutions like recessed shelving or streamlined cabinetry help keep surfaces clear, allowing the space to breathe,' says Marie.
How you tackle bathroom clutter will depend entirely on the space you're working with. Sally Bettison, design manager at Tissino, agrees with Marie, adding that 'cluttered surfaces instantly make a bathroom feel smaller by creating visual chaos and disrupting the sense of space.'
'A wall-hung vanity with deep drawers and hidden compartments allows you to neatly store larger essentials while keeping smaller items tucked away, maintaining a clean and spacious look,' she suggests.
5. Chunky, oversized brassware
You might not think the finer details in your bathroom would affect the scale, but it turns out that even the smallest features can make your bathroom look smaller when you make the wrong choice.
'The wrong brassware can make a bathroom feel smaller by disrupting visual flow and creating a cluttered look,' says Louise Ashdown, head of design at West One Bathrooms, who notes a few designs to stay away from.
'Chunky, oversized taps, overly ornate designs, or high-contrast finishes like heavy black or overly shiny gold can dominate the space and make it feel cramped, as can exposed brassware with the pipework on the outside of the wall.'
She instead recommends choosing sleeker, more minimalist designs in softer finishes like brushed brass or nickel. 'Wall-mounted or slimline taps – with everything concealed – can also help create a more open, streamlined aesthetic, making the space feel more expansive,' she adds.
6. Small tile designs
Bathroom tiles are a must-have in any space, adding both visual and functional benefits. But choosing the right tiles is key if you want to avoid making your bathroom look smaller.
'The wrong tiles can drastically impact how spacious a bathroom feels. Small, busy patterns can create a cramped, enclosed effect by absorbing light and breaking up the space visually,' says Grazzie Wilson, head of creative at Ca’ Pietra.
'Similarly, using small tiles with too many grout lines can make the walls and floor feel cluttered – this is a big misconception with smaller bathrooms, with many homeowners thinking they must go with smaller tiles,' she adds.
In these cases, large format tiles are a much better choice visually, particularly in lighter colors for a more seamless finish. 'Glossy tiles can work in some cases but should be balanced with soft, neutral tones. Extending tiles from floor to ceiling can also enhance the sense of height, while also being on-trend for 2025.'
7. Oversized vanities
Some things don't just make your bathroom look smaller, but will actually reduce the available footprint. One of the biggest mistakes people make is choosing furniture that is far too large for their space.
'Bulky bathroom vanities that extend too far into the space take up valuable square footage. Consider floating vanities or pedestal sinks to visually free up floor space,' suggests Marie. While a luxurious double vanity might sound like a brilliant choice, it loses its appeal if it overwhelms your space.
Floating vanities have grown in popularity in bathrooms big and small, offering a better visual flow throughout a scheme. Sally agrees, adding: 'If your bathroom is on the smaller side, choose wall hung over other types of vanity unit. It doesn’t break up the flow of tiles on the floor and tricks your eyes into thinking the room is larger.'
8. Lack of texture and softness
Bathrooms have a huge functional aspect to them, so they usually end up being filled with a lot of harsh, solid lines and materials. However, a lack of textural contrast can make your bathroom feel a lot smaller.
'Get rid of hard lines and use fabric in a bathroom to soften the edges and trick the eye into thinking it's bigger,' suggests Annie. There are plenty of ways to bring in softer features, including sink skirts, bathroom rugs, and even window treatments.
For Annie, your shower curtain is a great place to bring in a softer texture. 'If you are handy with a sewing machine, making your shower curtain in a toning fabric like an Olive ticking creates a soft look which helps to make a room look bigger. Just remember to line it with a waterproof shower curtain first.'
Does your space feature any of these things that will always make your bathroom look smaller? There are plenty of easy and affordable ways to fix them if you don't have the budget to replace your tiles or the time to repaint your space. There are also plenty of ways to update a bathroom without buying anything new if you're looking for a way to spruce up your scheme before a remodel.
