Our master bathroom is tiny, what can we do to make it feel bigger?

Small master bathrooms can feel significantly larger with the right design choices and strategic renovations. The key is maximizing light, creating visual flow, and choosing space-enhancing materials and fixtures.

Lighting and mirrors are your most powerful tools for creating the illusion of space. Replace any small vanity mirror with a large wall-to-wall mirror, or consider mirrored medicine cabinets that provide storage while reflecting light. Add multiple light sources - overhead recessed lights, vanity lighting, and even LED strip lighting under floating vanities. Natural light is invaluable, so if possible, enlarge existing windows or add a skylight during renovation.

Visual tricks with tile and color can dramatically open up the space. Use large-format tiles (12"x24" or larger) on both floors and walls to minimize grout lines and create continuity. Light, neutral colors like whites, soft grays, and warm beiges reflect more light than dark colors. Consider running floor tiles up the wall partway, or using the same tile throughout to blur boundaries between surfaces.

Smart fixture choices maximize both function and visual space. Wall-mounted vanities create the illusion of more floor space and make cleaning easier. Choose a pedestal sink or narrow vanity if storage isn't critical. Replace a standard tub with a sleek walk-in shower using clear glass panels - this eliminates the visual barrier of a shower curtain and can actually provide more usable space. Corner fixtures and compact toilets designed for small spaces can free up precious square footage.

In Ottawa's older homes, many master bathrooms were designed when space wasn't prioritized. Structural modifications like removing a non-load-bearing wall to borrow space from an adjacent closet or bedroom can provide dramatic results, though this requires permits and professional assessment. Even smaller changes like relocating plumbing fixtures to create better flow can make a substantial difference.

Storage solutions prevent clutter that makes small spaces feel cramped. Built-in niches in shower walls, medicine cabinets, and vanities with drawers rather than doors maximize every inch. Floating shelves and wall-mounted storage keep the floor clear.

For a comprehensive small bathroom makeover in Ottawa, expect to invest $15,000-$30,000 depending on the extent of changes and fixture quality. Want to explore specific solutions for your master bathroom layout? We offer free consultations to help you maximize your space potential.

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Find a Licensed Contractor

Ottawa Bathrooms connects you with vetted, licensed renovation contractors from the Ottawa Construction Network:

• Montgomery Construction ✓
• CMA Restoration Group inc ✓
• Davinci Tiling ✓