6 Genius Hacks to Make Your Bathroom Look Bigger, From Real Estate Experts

Real estate experts share six brilliant tips to maximize space in small bathrooms and leave a better impression on potential buyers

Key Points:

  • Real estate experts shares six simple hacks that can make your small bathroom look bigger without major renovations
  • Switch out your accessories and textiles for lighter-colored versions, use transparent containers, and install a clear shower curtain to maximize space
  • Experts recommend some extensive renovations that can open up a small bathroom, potentially leading to quicker home sales

Bathrooms in the home tend to be quite small, so optimizing the layout of the room to improve both its spaciousness and functionality is an absolute must – particularly when trying to sell a home. However, making a bathroom look more spacious, particularly in urban areas, can be quite a challenge.

That’s where Palm Paradise Realty Group, a professional concierge real estate service, comes in. They have helped clients optimize hundreds of bathrooms, and now they are sharing the tips and tricks of the trade to make your bathroom look bigger than it really is to leave a lasting first impression on potential home buyers.

1. Use Light-Colored Accessories And Textiles

Dark towels, shower curtains, and rugs absorb light and make the room feel smaller, so switching them out for lighter, neutral-colored items helps to reflect light and create a more open feel in a small bathroom. Colors like white, beige, soft blue, or light gray can make a significant difference. 

“Not only do these colors visually expand the space. They create a cleaner, brighter atmosphere,” says a spokesperson for Palm Paradise Realty Group.

2. Add Floating Shelves For Storage

Floating shelves are a practical and stylish way to create extra storage without taking up any floor space. They can be easily installed above your toilet, next to your vanity, or even in the shower to hold towels, toiletries, and decorative items. By keeping items off countertops and floors, these shelves help reduce clutter and create a more open, streamlined look in your bathroom.

3. Install An Illuminated Or Larger Mirror

A larger mirror instantly gives the illusion of space by reflecting more light and tricking the eye into thinking the room is twice as big. An illuminated mirror adds another light source, which is especially helpful in bathrooms with little or no natural light. 

“Placing a large mirror strategically across from a window or light fixture can amplify the brightness and openness of the space,” Palm Paradise Realty Group says.

4. Maximize Vertical Space with Tall Cabinets

Install tall, narrow cabinets or a floor-to-ceiling linen closet to make the most of vertical space. This addition provides ample storage without taking up much floor area, making the bathroom feel less cluttered and more spacious. 

Palm Paradise Realty Group points out that a well-designed storage solution can be a strong selling point, as it demonstrates efficient use of space to potential buyers and helps them envision how they could keep the bathroom organized. Opt for cabinets with mirrored or light-colored doors to further enhance the illusion of space.

5. Upgrade Your Lighting Fixtures

Replacing outdated light fixtures with brighter, more modern alternatives is a quick and effective way to enhance your bathroom’s overall look and feel. LED lighting is a great option because it provides bright, white light, which helps make the room feel larger. Wall sconces or overhead vanity lights add focused illumination, making everyday tasks easier while brightening the entire room.

6. Install a Glass Shower Enclosure

Replace shower curtains or frosted glass with a clear glass shower enclosure. This creates an unobstructed view across the entire room, making it feel more open and less cramped.

“Opaque or frosted shower doors make the space feel smaller than it is by blocking the view and separating the room into smaller parts,” explains Palm Paradise Realty Group. “A frameless glass shower enclosure allows light to pass through, giving the illusion of a larger, more cohesive space. This modern touch can significantly enhance the perceived value of the bathroom for potential buyers.”

A spokesperson for Palm Paradise Realty Group commented:

“If you want to make more significant changes to appeal to potential buyers, opt for wall-mounted fixtures, such as a floating vanity. Lifting things off the floor immediately frees up valuable space and creates a more open, streamlined look. Wall-hung toilets, for example, save floor space. 

“Another great renovation is replacing a bathtub with a walk-in shower. Bathtubs take up a significant amount of room, and by switching to a sleek walk-in shower with clear glass doors, you can open up the room both visually and physically. This can be especially appealing to buyers looking for a modern, spacious feel.

“Additionally, we recommend installing recessed shelving or niches within the walls. These built-in storage spaces keep essentials like toiletries and towels neatly tucked away without taking up external space, which can make a significant difference in how spacious the bathroom appears to potential buyers during viewings.”