What colors make a small bathroom look bigger?

Light, neutral colors are your best bet for making a small bathroom appear larger. White, soft grays, and warm beiges reflect light effectively and create an open, airy feeling that visually expands the space.

Pure white remains the top choice for small bathrooms because it maximizes light reflection and creates a clean, seamless look. Consider using white or off-white for your walls, ceiling, and even larger fixtures like your vanity or bathtub. This monochromatic approach eliminates visual breaks that can make a space feel choppy and smaller.

Soft, cool tones like pale blues, light grays, and subtle greens can also work beautifully while adding a touch of personality. These colors recede visually, making walls appear farther away. Warm neutrals like cream, ivory, or light taupe create a cozy yet spacious feeling and work particularly well in Ottawa homes where natural light can be limited during winter months.

Avoid dark colors on large surfaces like walls or floors, as they absorb light and make boundaries more defined. However, you can use darker colors strategically as accents - perhaps in accessories, a single accent wall, or smaller fixtures. This adds depth without overwhelming the space.

Consider your lighting and finishes when choosing colors. In Ottawa's climate, where bathrooms may lack abundant natural light, pair your light color scheme with good artificial lighting and glossy or semi-gloss paint finishes that reflect more light than matte options.

For a cohesive look that maximizes space, consider extending your chosen light color from walls to ceiling, or use an even lighter shade on the ceiling to draw the eye upward and create the illusion of height.