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How to Make a Small Bathroom Look Bigger: 8 Effective Ways

A small bathroom doesn’t have to feel cramped. With the right design choices, you can transform even the tightest space into something bright, open, and luxurious. It’s not about adding square footage – it’s about creating the illusion of it.

At The Original Frameless Shower Doors®, we’ve spent over 30 years helping homeowners rethink what’s possible in compact bathrooms. From our custom frameless glass doors to our layout expertise, we’ve seen firsthand how a few smart changes can completely redefine your space.

Here’s how to make a small bathroom look – and feel – bigger.

1. Choose a Frameless Glass Shower Door

Traditional framed doors and shower curtains can visually divide your bathroom, making it feel smaller. Frameless glass shower doors, on the other hand, open the room up by allowing light to flow freely from wall to wall.

Our SGCC-certified tempered glass is crystal clear and cut to fit precisely, so your shower enclosure blends seamlessly into the rest of your bathroom. The result is more light, more openness, and a clean, uninterrupted look.

If you’re browsing bathroom remodel ideas, upgrading to a frameless door is one of the simplest and most effective transformations you can make.

2. Keep Colors Light and Consistent

Light tones – especially whites, creams, and soft grays – reflect light better and create an airy feel. If you want a bit of warmth, opt for pale beige or sand-colored tile. Keeping your color palette consistent from floor to ceiling helps avoid visual clutter.

A frameless shower door enhances this effect because there’s no heavy metal frame or curtain breaking up the view. The more continuous your sightlines are, the larger your bathroom will appear.

3. Use Large Format Tile

Smaller tiles can make a compact space look busier. Large-format tiles reduce grout lines, which tricks the eye into seeing a smoother, more expansive surface. Rectangular tiles laid horizontally can also make narrow rooms feel wider.

Our clients often pair these with our low-iron glass doors for maximum clarity – no green tint, just pure transparency that keeps every inch of your tile visible.

4. Add More Mirrors

Mirrors double the sense of space and amplify both natural and artificial light. A large mirror above the vanity or even a mirrored wall can instantly make your bathroom feel more open.

For a modern touch, extend the mirror across the entire width of your vanity or pair it with backlighting. When light reflects across clear glass and polished surfaces, it eliminates shadows and enhances depth.

5. Streamline Storage

Clutter is the enemy of spacious design. Opt for built-in shelving, recessed niches, or floating vanities to keep the floor area clear. Open shelving with neatly arranged baskets or glass containers can also make storage look intentional rather than crowded.

Keeping surfaces clean and organized allows your bathroom’s best features – like your glass enclosure or tilework – to take center stage.

6. Maximize Natural Light

wooden sink bathroom with plants on countertops, natural sunlight streaming

If your bathroom has a window, keep treatments minimal. Frosted or textured glass can maintain privacy without blocking sunlight. For bathrooms without windows, use layered lighting: recessed ceiling lights, wall sconces, and under-cabinet strips to mimic natural brightness.

Glass enclosures play a huge role here, too. Clear glass lets every bit of light bounce around, preventing dark corners and opening the visual space.

7. Upgrade Your Hardware and Fixtures

Hardware may seem like a small detail, but it can change the whole tone of the room. Swap bulky fixtures for slim, modern designs in finishes like brushed nickel or matte black.

Matching your shower hardware to your sink and vanity fixtures creates a cohesive, deliberate design. And because our frameless systems are custom-built, we can match your preferred finishes precisely for a polished, unified look.

8. Keep the Design Cohesive

Every detail – from tile and lighting to hardware and glass – should work together to create a seamless flow. Avoid visual breaks, like heavy trims or contrasting grout lines. When everything blends harmoniously, your bathroom feels larger and more balanced.

Our team specializes in contemporary upgrades to brighten your shower. Whether it’s a clear glass pivot door or a full custom enclosure, we tailor each design to amplify space, light, and comfort.

Why Pick Our Frameless Shower Doors

At The Original Frameless Shower Doors®, we don’t just install glass – we redefine bathroom design. For over three decades, we’ve been setting the industry standard for innovation, craftsmanship, and clarity.

What makes our work different:

  • In-House Fabrication: Every panel of glass is cut, polished, and tempered in our Coral Springs facility.
  • Frameless University® Training: Our technicians are trained exclusively through our own program for flawless installations.
  • StayCLEAN® Glass Coating: Keeps surfaces sparkling with minimal upkeep.
  • Lifetime Warranty: All branded glass and hardware are covered for life.

Small bathroom? No problem. Our custom enclosures are designed to make tight spaces feel open, light-filled, and luxurious.

The Bottom Line

You don’t need to knock down walls to make your bathroom feel bigger – you just need to design smarter. Light colors, clear glass, and thoughtful layouts can completely transform how your space looks and feels.

At The Original Frameless Shower Doors®, we’re proud to be the brand that started it all. Every project is built with precision, care, and the craftsmanship that only comes from decades of experience.

If your bathroom feels boxed in, our team can help you open it up – with the kind of design that never goes out of style.

FAQs

Q: Can a frameless shower door work in a small bathroom?

A: Absolutely. Our enclosures are custom-built to fit any space, maximizing openness without compromising functionality.

Q: Will a clear glass shower door affect privacy?

A: You can choose from clear, frosted, or patterned glass. Clear glass enhances space, while frosted glass adds subtle privacy without blocking light.

Q: Do you offer low-iron glass for brighter spaces?

A: Yes. Our low-iron glass eliminates the green tint found in standard glass, keeping your bathroom brighter and color-true.

Q: How long does installation take?

A: Most installations are completed within 7–10 business days after measurement, thanks to our in-house production system.

Q: Can you ship enclosures for DIY installation?

A: We do. We offer nationwide shipping and DIY kits that include the same high-quality materials and hardware used by our professional team.
Want a bathroom that looks twice the size without any demolition? Let our experts help you design with light, glass, and precision. Because when it’s built by us, even a small space feels grand.

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