
If you’re blessed with a small bathroom, there are plenty of bathroom ideas to create the illusion of more space. Interior designer Joanna Gaines shared some small bathroom design tricks - including the wonderfully extravagant idea of installing an antique chandelier.
- See also: Breegan Jane’s bathroom towel color tip
In a YouTube clip, Fixer Upper star Jo talks us through the design choices she made in a very small family bathroom. One thing she has used is a large light fixture to flood the space with light.
‘It was really important to make the space light and airy, because it’s only 45 square feet,’ she begins. ‘One of the biggest things I find in small spaces is there’s not enough lighting.
'so I always encourage people, if you have some room in the budget, add extra lighting.’ In this bathroom, Joanna has also used a vanity light over the bathroom mirror, pale tiles on the floor and a white subway tile in the bath area.
She also introduces different textures, like a white, ruffled shower curtain, so that even though it’s in a neutral color, it adds visual interest and layers.
‘I also did an antique chandelier to add interest, which gives plenty of light,’ Joanna adds. ‘And what does light do? Light makes things feel bigger, so that’s the trick.’
A key thing to note is that the chandelier is a pale cream color, blending in with the wood panelled ceiling above. If the light was gold or black, it could feel much more bulky in the tight space.
Join our newsletter
Get small space home decor ideas, celeb inspiration, DIY tips and more, straight to your inbox!
Ideally, we’d all have luxurious hotel-style bathrooms with large windows, ample storage and a dreamy free-standing tub. But in the meantime, extra lighting will help to visually enlarge our small bathrooms.
You do need some overhead space in your bathroom to install a chandelier safely, and always get advice from a qualified electrician. For more ways to give your bathroom a revamp, head to our bathroom paint ideas piece.
See also: 15 bathroom lighting ideas to brighten your space beautifully
A chandelier in the bathroom is pretty unexpected, and this bold design choice shows confidence in your decorating skills.
Millie joined Real Homes in early 2021 as a homes news writer. When she isn't writing about trends, makeovers and houseplant care, she spends her free time making tweaks to her rented flat in North London. Her next project is a very basic armchair reupholstering job to help create a cosy reading nook in her living room. She loves browsing antique centres, tending to her small front garden, and is never without some fresh flowers at home.
-
Pooky Lights' USA launch has dropped, and we're swooning over the cute lamps — shop our favorites from $150
Pooky Lights' USA launch has dropped — check out our favorite buys from $150
By Danielle Valente Published
-
Melissa Joan Hart's hanging outdoor lights have inspired us to get creative with our backyard ideas this spring
Melissa Joan Hart's hanging outdoor lights gave us inspo for our spring backyard ideas — bring in the festoon look with tips from an interior designer and lighting expert
By Danielle Valente Published
-
Small office lighting ideas — 7 ways design experts glow up WFH spaces
Looking for small office lighting ideas? We've spoken with designers to find out what they do to brighten up this room, plus picked out lovely buys
By Eve Smallman Published
-
How to save on energy in a small space — 6 money-saving tricks from industry experts
This advice won't just save on energy in your small space — it will help you cut costs, too. We spoke to scientists and construction experts to find out how
By Beth Mahoney Published
-
9 small entryway lighting ideas to brighten your home
See the best small entryway lighting ideas to brighten up your home. We found floor lamps, pendant lights, and more to add to your entrance.
By Kate Santos Published
-
These 9 string lights for dorms will give your small space a glow-up it deserves — from $6
Brighten up your college space with these string lights for dorms — as rated by shoppers. See these fun accessories in a variety of colors and styles.
By Joseph Bobowicz Published
-
The sky's the limit with Korniche roof, flat glass, and bi-fold door products
Five reasons to buy Korniche rooftop lanterns, flat glass, and bi-fold doors, plus where to buy these home improvement products
By Sponsored Published
-
How to make a small room look bigger — 6 helpful ways
See our expert tips and tricks for making a small room look bigger. Play with simple design elements to maximize the look of your tiny apartment.
By Kara Thompson Published