I remember cramming toiletries onto a tiny vanity and feeling boxed in. Swapping a bulky cabinet for a floating vanity and one oversized mirror changed everything. These ideas are what I used (and what guests always comment on). Most are budget-friendly. A few are splurges that pay off in perceived space.
Quick context: This list leans modern-minimalist with some coastal and Scandinavian touches. Budget ranges from under $25 to $200. Use these in small bathrooms, powder rooms, or compact en suites. The focus is on light, vertical lines, and decluttered styling—a 2025 trend I keep seeing at West Elm and Target.
What You'll Need to Get This Look
Textiles & Soft Goods:
- Linen blend shower curtain, white 72×72 (~$35-60)
- Chunky cotton hand towels, set of 4, cream (~$25-40)
- Round woven jute bath mat, 24-inch (~$30-55)
Wall Decor & Storage:
- Large round mirror, 36-inch (~$80-140)
- Set of 2 floating shelves, white oak 24-inch (~$45-80)
- Slim vertical linen cabinet, 12-inch width (~$90-160)
Lighting:
- Warm LED vanity light bar, 18-inch (~$30-70)
- Battery-operated puck lights, dimmable pack of 4 (~$20-35)
Plants & Accessories:
- Artificial fiddle leaf fig tree, 6ft (~$60-120)
- Hanging glass vase for single stem, set of 2 (~$18-30)
Hardware & Small Finds:
- Matte black towel bars, 18-inch (~$20-40)
- Clear acrylic countertop organizer (~$20-35)
- Peel-and-stick vertical stripe wallpaper, neutral (~$30-80)
- Heated towel rack, wall-mounted small (~$100-220)
(Note: similar items available at Target, HomeGoods, and IKEA for in-person shoppers.)
Oversized Mirror to Brighten Small Bathrooms
Style/Vibe: Modern Minimalist
Budget: $$ (under $150)
Best For: Powder rooms, vanities
A single large mirror adds immediate depth. I swapped my two small mirrors for a 36-inch round and the bathroom felt twice as open. I paired this round mirror with streamlined lighting. The mirror reflects light and hides clutter. Styling tip: leave at least 2-3 inches of wall showing around the mirror for balance. Mistake to avoid: hanging the mirror too high—aim for center at eye level (about 57–60 inches). Mixing reflective surfaces with matte textures keeps the look warm.
Floor-to-Ceiling Vertical Stripes (Peel-and-Stick)
Style/Vibe: Coastal / Scandinavian
Budget: $ (under $80)
Best For: Small bathrooms, feature walls
I used neutral vertical stripes on the wall behind my vanity. The stripes draw the eye up, creating height. I chose a subtle sand-and-ivory peel-and-stick from Amazon so I could test placement. Use stripes no wider than 6 inches for subtlety. Tip: match grout tone to stripes for a seamless look. Mistake: using bold color contrast in a tiny room—it can feel boxy. Vertical lines + light fixtures = airy, modern vibe.
Floating Vanities to Free Up Floor Space
Style/Vibe: Modern Transitional
Budget: $$$ ($150-400)
Best For: Small ensuites, powder rooms
I installed a floating vanity with an open shelf. The visible floor underneath tricks the eye into thinking the room is larger. I kept the bottom organized—one woven basket and one stack of white towels. Use a narrow vanity (24–30 inches) if space is tight. Avoid cluttering the open shelf; one or two storage vessels keep it purposeful. Pair with a slim matte black towel bar for contrast.
Large-Format Tile for Fewer Grout Lines
Style/Vibe: Minimalist / Spa-like
Budget: $$ (under $200)
Best For: Shower walls, floors
Large tiles reduce visual clutter from grout lines. I swapped small subway tiles for 12×24 porcelain and the shower looked cleaner and bigger. Choose light tones and match grout to tile color for continuity. Styling tip: use a frameless glass door to avoid breaking the sight line. Mistake: choosing very high-contrast grout—it creates a grid that shrinks the room.
Recessed Shelving and Niches for Clutter-Free Surfaces
Style/Vibe: Modern Farmhouse
Budget: $$ (under $150)
Best For: Shower niches, vanity walls
I had my plumber add a recessed niche in the shower. It cleared bottles off the edge and made the space feel edited. A shelf recess above the toilet holds a candle and a small tray. Keep items grouped in 2s or 3s and choose uniform containers. Mistake: overfilling niches—leave breathing room so they read as design, not storage.
Clear Glass Shower Doors and Minimal Framing
Style/Vibe: Spa-like / Contemporary
Budget: $$ (under $300)
Best For: Any size shower
I replaced a heavy shower curtain with a frameless glass door. The open sight line feels generous. If a full frameless door isn’t possible, choose glass with slim black or brushed nickel hardware. Styling tip: keep a continuous floor material into the shower when possible. Mistake: a highly patterned shower curtain—it fragments space.
Tall Narrow Storage for Vertical Impact
Style/Vibe: Scandinavian
Budget: $ (under $150)
Best For: Between fixtures, corners
I use a 12-inch slim linen cabinet to keep towels vertical, not stacked all over. Vertical storage frees floor space and gives the eye a strong upward line. Use baskets for hidden storage and label if needed. Mistake: choosing deep, low cabinets that eat visual floor area.
Layered Lighting: Vanity, Overhead, and Accent
Style/Vibe: Modern Minimalist
Budget: $$ (under $120)
Best For: All bathrooms
Good lighting equals perceived space. I added a warm LED vanity bar, recessed overhead, and a small under-shelf strip. Layering prevents shadows and expands the feel of the room. Tip: pick bulbs at 2700–3000K for warm, flattering light. Mistake: relying only on a single overhead fixture—it flattens faces and space.
Neutral Palette with One Low-Contrast Accent
Style/Vibe: Coastal / Minimalist
Budget: $ (under $100)
Best For: Small baths, powder rooms
I keep walls and major fixtures in warm neutrals, then introduce one muted accent color in towels or a vase. Low-contrast accents keep the eye moving instead of stopping. Use odd-numbered groupings (3 towels, 1 plant) for balance. Mistake: high-contrast accents in many places—they create visual clutter.
Heated Towel Rail as Vertical Focal Point
Style/Vibe: Modern Farmhouse
Budget: $$$ (over $150)
Best For: Cold climates, small guest baths
I installed a slim heated towel rail. It draws the eye upward and adds a luxe feel. It heats towels and acts as a subtle design element in matte black. Mistake: choosing a bulky towel cabinet instead—rails are slimmer and visually lighter.
Shopping Tips for These Looks
- Buy quality microfiber or linen shower curtains: Linen blend shower curtain 72×72. They last and hang well.
- Invest in one large mirror: Large round mirror 36-inch reflects the most light.
- One tall plant beats many small ones: Artificial fiddle leaf fig 6ft.
- Use peel-and-stick for renters: Vertical stripe peel-and-stick wallpaper.
- Match grout to tile for continuity: when buying tile, search size and color together (e.g., 12×24+porcelain+matte).
- Choose clear organizers to reduce visual clutter: Clear acrylic countertop organizer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I make a small bathroom look bigger on a budget?
A: Start with light paint, a large mirror, and clear shower doors. Try this large round mirror and linen shower curtain.
Q: Real plants or faux?
A: Both work. I use a real snake plant for low light and a faux fiddle leaf fig for height: artificial fiddle leaf fig 6ft.
Q: Is a floating vanity worth it?
A: Yes—visually it opens the floor. Pick a narrow width (24–30 inches) if space is limited. See floating shelves/vanity options.
Q: What color palette makes bathrooms look larger?
A: Warm whites, pale greys, and soft beiges. Add one low-contrast accent (muted teal, soft sage) in towels or art.
A few stats I keep in mind: Houzz’s 2023 Bathroom Trends found improved storage and lighting among top homeowner priorities (Houzz). NKBA reports that thoughtful lighting plans significantly increase perceived space in small bathrooms (NKBA). Zillow notes bathroom updates often improve resale appeal, especially when they improve usable space (Zillow).
Start with one small swap—hang a larger mirror or add a slim cabinet. I’d love to hear: which bathroom in your home needs this most?