How to Make a Small Bathroom Feel Bigger: Smart Remodeling Tips for Spokane Homes

June 13, 2025

Small bathrooms are one of the most common remodeling challenges in Spokane, Washington and North Idaho homes—especially in older houses built before today’s open-concept design era. But just because your bathroom is small doesn’t mean it can’t feel open, functional, and even luxurious.


At The Building Company, we specialize in remodeling small bathrooms to work better for everyday life. Whether it’s a guest bath in South Hill or a tiny ensuite in Hayden, here’s how we help make small spaces feel bigger—without blowing up your budget or your floorplan.

1. Open Up the Visual Space

The first rule of small space design: trick the eye.

We use these techniques to make tight bathrooms feel more open:

  • Large format tile to reduce grout lines and visual clutter
  • Lighter colors on walls and floors to reflect light
  • Floating vanities to expose more floor space
  • Frameless glass shower doors to remove visual blocks
  • Mirrors that bounce light and visually double the space

These changes don’t increase square footage—but they can completely transform how the space feels.

2. Improve Layout (Even Slightly)

Sometimes small changes to layout make a big difference:

  • Swapping a tub for a curbless walk-in shower
  • Replacing a swinging door with a pocket or barn-style door
  • Relocating plumbing to open wall space or create better flow

We always assess whether minor shifts in layout could give you major usability improvements—without tearing your house apart.

3. Go Vertical with Storage

In a small bathroom, you can’t afford to waste space. We help homeowners:

  • Install recessed niches in showers and walls
  • Add tall cabinets or open shelving over the toilet
  • Use medicine cabinets with hidden storage

These features give you what you need without crowding the space.

4. Choose Fixtures that Scale

Oversized vanities, deep tubs, or bulky lighting can overwhelm a small space. We recommend:

  • Wall-mounted faucets to free up counter space
  • Compact toilets and vanities that still look stylish
  • Slim-profile lighting to keep the space bright without bulk

Everything in a small bath has to earn its place. We help you make those calls.

5. Use Texture and Contrast Wisely

Want to keep things visually interesting without making the space feel smaller? Try this:

  • Contrast light walls with dark hardware or accent tile
  • Use vertical patterns like stacked tile or beadboard to draw the eye upward
  • Choose a single bold element—like a mirror or sconce—and keep everything else clean and minimal

Done right, these touches add character without crowding.

Smart Design Starts with Smart Planning

Small bathrooms require big thinking. And that’s where we come in. At The Building Company, our process starts with thoughtful design—not demolition.

We’ll help you:

  • Prioritize what matters most in a limited footprint
  • Make smart material and fixture choices
  • Maximize comfort and efficiency
  • Avoid the mistakes that make small bathrooms feel even smaller

Whether your bathroom just feels tight or actually is tight—we’ll help you reimagine the possibilities.

Let’s Talk About Your Bathroom Remodel

If you’re working with a small bathroom and big goals, let’s start the conversation.

📱 Call or text: 509-890-0222

📧 Email: info@pnwbuild.com

🔗 Inquire online: www.pnwbuild.com/contact

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