Smart Ways to Make a Small Bathroom Feel Bigger During a Remodel

/ Core Remodeling Services, Inc./

(Bathroom Remodeling Tips for Worcester County & Northeastern CT Homes)

Small bathrooms are incredibly common in homes throughout Worcester, Shrewsbury, Northborough, Grafton, Westborough, Holden, Charlton, Sturbridge, Bellingham, Harvard, and many surrounding towns. While these compact spaces often suffer from tight layouts or outdated fixtures, the right remodel can completely transform both their function and feel.

At Core Remodeling Services, Inc., we remodel bathrooms of every size — and small spaces are where great design truly shines. Here’s how to make the most of a compact bathroom during a remodel.

Start With a Purpose-Driven Design Plan

Clarify the Bathroom’s True Needs

Before we begin design, we guide homeowners through a discovery process that identifies:

  • The biggest challenges (storage, lighting, layout, outdated finishes)

  • Who uses the bathroom each day

  • Must-have features such as upgraded vanities, improved lighting, or a larger shower

This ensures the remodel supports how your family lives.

Measure With Precision

In smaller bathrooms found in towns like Worcester, Auburn, Milford, Bellingham, and Harvard, every inch counts. Detailed measurements allow us to choose fixtures, storage solutions, and layouts that maximize usable space.

Optimize Your Layout for Maximum Usability

Use Vertical Space Strategically

Homes in Hopkinton, Westborough, Sudbury, Northborough, and Harvard often benefit from taller design elements such as:

  • Floor-to-ceiling linen towers

  • Shelving above the toilet

  • Stacked upper cabinetry

Vertical storage frees up the floor while keeping essentials organized.

Make Corners Work Harder

Corner sinks, angled showers, and triangular shelving can dramatically improve flow in compact or older homes throughout Grafton, Sutton, Holden, Uxbridge, and Bellingham.

Select Fixtures That Add Openness and Function

Floating & Wall-Mounted Fixtures

Floating vanities and wall-mounted toilets make a room feel larger and easier to clean. These are great upgrades for small bathrooms in Harvard, Milford, Worcester, and Shrewsbury.

Choose Compact Bathing Solutions

Modern shower–tub combos or compact soaking tubs can provide versatility without overwhelming the space.

Maximize the Impact of Mirrors

A recessed mirrored medicine cabinet adds storage while brightening and visually expanding the room — perfect for homes in Bellingham, Boylston, Berlin, and Ashland.

Design Storage That Works Hard Without Adding Bulk

Drawer Systems & Built-In Organization

Pull-out drawers, built-in dividers, and internal organizers ensure every inch is used efficiently.

Hooks Over Bars

Hooks save more space than towel bars and hold multiple towels easily.

Baskets, Bins, and Open Shelving

These elements control clutter and keep small bathrooms feeling tidy and open.

Use Materials and Colors That Enhance Space

Bright, Soft Color Palettes

Light neutrals — whites, creams, pale greys, and soft blues — visually expand the room and pair well with the modern aesthetic many homeowners in Westborough, Shrewsbury, and Harvard prefer.

Reflective, Seamless Surfaces

Large-format tiles, high-gloss finishes, and oversized mirrors minimize visual breaks and create flow.

Lighting Strategies That Transform the Room

Maximize Natural Light

Even small windows or skylights dramatically enhance a compact bathroom.

Layer Your Lighting

We design lighting in three layers:

  • Ambient (overhead)

  • Task (mirror and vanity)

  • Accent (niche or under-vanity lighting)

This removes shadows and makes the space feel larger.

Design Tricks That Make Any Small Bathroom Feel Bigger

Frameless Glass Enclosures

Frameless shower doors allow the entire room to remain visible, eliminating bulky visual barriers.

Slim, Floating Vanities

A slim-profile floating vanity is ideal for tight bathrooms in ranches, colonials, and split-level homes throughout Worcester County and Northeastern CT.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I add storage in a small bathroom?
Use vertical cabinetry, recessed shelving, drawer systems, and multifunctional fixtures.

Can a bathtub fit in a small bathroom?
Yes. Compact tubs and shower-tub combinations work well in tight spaces.

How do I make a small bathroom look larger?
Light colors, frameless glass, strong lighting, mirrors, and floating fixtures all help expand the feel of the room.

Do I need a professional contractor?
For plumbing, electrical, layout changes, and waterproofing, a licensed design-build professional (like Core) ensures long-lasting quality and a smooth process.

⭐ Work With Core Remodeling Services, Inc. — Your Trusted Bathroom Remodeling Experts

If your small bathroom feels outdated, cramped, or inefficient, our team can help. With our CORE Proven Process, expert design guidance, and 5-Year Transferable Warranty, we deliver bathrooms that feel bigger, function better, and stand the test of time.

We proudly serve homeowners in Worcester, Bellingham, Harvard, Shrewsbury, Grafton, Westborough, Holden, Charlton, Sturbridge, and the entire Worcester County region.

Ready to Transform Your Bathroom?

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Let’s design a bathroom that fits your home — and your lifestyle.

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