How to Make Your Small Bathroom Look Bigger – Fast & Smart Remodel Tips from Total Bath Systems

Let’s face it—small bathrooms can feel more like closets than relaxing retreats. And if you're living in a condo, you know the space struggle is real. But here's the good news: with the right design choices and a trusted local remodeling company like Total Bath Systems in Plainville, CT, your bathroom can go from tight and tired to open and inviting—in as little as a day or two.

✨ Visual Tricks That Instantly Make Your Bathroom Feel Bigger

Even without changing the footprint, your bathroom can look and feel much more spacious. Here's how:

Light, Neutral Colors - Lighter tones (like soft whites, pale greys, or beiges) reflect natural and artificial light, which gives your bathroom a brighter, more airy feel. Dark colors absorb light and can make walls feel like they’re closing in.

Acrylic Shower Panels in narrow bath

Clear Glass Shower Doors - Unlike traditional curtains or frosted doors, clear glass creates visual continuity, letting your eye travel through the space without interruption. Bonus: it showcases beautiful shower tile or stylish acrylic walls! Check out these examples from Kholer.

Wall-Mounted or Floating Vanity - These open up floor space underneath, which makes the room appear larger and offers easier cleaning. It’s a minimalist look that doesn’t skimp on storage. Check out this stylish floating vanity from Total Bath Systems partner Home Depot.

Oversized Mirrors - A large mirror reflects light and images, creating the illusion of more space. Plus, it visually doubles the depth of the room when placed opposite a light source or window.

Vertical Storage Solution - Tall cabinets or over-the-toilet shelves make use of height instead of floor area, helping to declutter and streamline the look of the room.

Large-Format Tiles - Larger tiles create fewer grout lines, which reduces visual clutter. This gives the illusion of a more continuous and expansive space.

Recessed Shower Caddies & Niches - Built into the wall, they provide storage without adding bulky baskets or shelves that intrude into your limited shower space.

Each of these ideas is a game-changer in small bathrooms, especially in condos, where maximizing every inch is crucial.

TBS instals shower panels in just one day image

Focus on the Bath and Shower Area: The Game-Changer

Total Bath Systems specializes in bath-to-shower conversions, tub upgrades, and custom wall surrounds that not only modernize your bathroom—but open it up like magic.

Here’s what they offer:

• 🚿 Walk-in Showers with sleek glass panels

• 🛁 Space-saving tubs with built-in shelves

• 🧼 One-piece wall surrounds—easy to clean and visually seamless

• ✨ Modern fixtures in brushed nickel, chrome, and oil-rubbed bronze

Imagine stepping into a modern, bright shower that looks and feels twice the size. And yes—it can be done in just a day or two with Total Bath Systems!

🏢 Special Tips for Condo Bathrooms

Condo bathrooms often have extra restrictions—shared plumbing, limited remodeling flexibility, and of course, smaller square footage. Here’s how Total Bath Systems helps:

Pre-fab solutions that fit snugly into existing layouts

Minimal construction noise and fast completion to keep neighbors happy

One-day bath-to-shower conversions that don’t require major plumbing changes

Space-smart vanities and fixtures tailored to fit tight dimensions

Real-World Example: Small Bathroom Floor Plan Fix

Let’s say you’ve got a standard 5' x 8' condo bathroom.

Small 5x8 bathroom layout

Old layout:

• Full tub across the back wall

• Small vanity crammed next to the toilet

• Shower curtain dividing the space visually

New layout from Total Bath Systems:

• Remove tub, add sleek walk-in shower with clear glass door

• Install floating vanity for more floor visibility

• Add vertical shelving above toilet for hidden storage

This kind of redesign visually opens up the room and improves flow without changing the footprint.

A stylish walk-in shower with no threshold, bordered glass, and a frameless glass door.

🧠 Pro Tips from Total Bath Systems: Make It Feel Bigger With These Moves

1. Go Frameless with Your Shower Doors

→ No frame = less visual clutter. Your eye can travel across the room without stopping, making it feel bigger.

2. Install Recessed Lighting

→ Overhead fixtures can be bulky and cast shadows. Recessed lighting brightens evenly and makes ceilings feel higher.

3. Use the Same Tile on Floor and Shower Walls

→ Creates a continuous look that makes the space feel unified and expansive.

4. Pick a Wall-Hung Toilet

→ Yes, it's a thing! It opens up the floor, adds modern appeal, and makes cleaning a breeze.

5. Add Backlit or LED Mirrors

→ These double the function: ambient lighting + visual expansion. No clunky vanity lights required.

6. Use Pocket or Sliding Doors

→ Replace a swinging door with a pocket or barn-style door to save space and create smoother flow.

7. Limit Décor and Accessories

→ Over-decorating adds visual noise. Stick to clean lines and intentional pieces to create a minimalist, open vibe.

Why Plainville, CT Homeowners Trust Total Bath Systems

TBS guy image4

Total Bath Systems isn’t just another remodeling company—they’re a local owned business known for fast, clean, and affordable bathroom makeovers. Whether it’s a quick one-day upgrade or a full bathroom overhaul, they’ve got the team and tools to deliver.

✅ Fast turnarounds (1-2 day remodels!)

✅ Licensed, experienced, and locally trusted

✅ Tons of 5-star reviews

✅ Special focus on small-space designs

✅ Friendly financing options available

👉 Visit their website for galleries, reviews, and booking info!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can Total Bath Systems remodel condo bathrooms?

Yes! They specialize in small and awkward spaces, including condos and apartment bathrooms.

Q: How long does a typical remodel take?

Many of their bath and shower upgrades can be completed in 1-2 days!

Q: Is there a free estimate available?

Yes! You can request a free, no-pressure quote right from their website.

Q: Are the materials durable and easy to clean?

Absolutely. Total Bath Systems uses high-quality, non-porous surfaces that resist mold, mildew, and grime from partners like Kholer, Samuel Mueller and HealthCraft.

Ready to Open Up Your Bathroom?

Your bathroom doesn’t need a sledgehammer—it needs strategy. And Total Bath Systems in Plainville, CT has the tools, team, and expertise to do it fast. Whether it’s upgrading a condo space or refreshing your forever home, you’ll feel the difference from day one.

👉 Get started with your free estimate now

📞 Or call (860) 410-6950 for a friendly chat!

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Chuck was a very good salesman explained everything clearly and very helpful.

Marlene T.

Brandon was very knowledgeable, professional and made the process very easy to get our new bathroom installation setup. I highly recommend using him.

Matt L.

To be fair I did not have an installation done - strictly because I won’t decide under pressure - the option was to save almost 5k by committing immediately at the time of consultation (I still had 2 other vendors coming the same day to consult). But 5 stars for Brandon- he was on top of his game!

N. P.

Brandon was great during our consultation- very clear and friendly, provided honest feedback, and he never pressured us into buying anything.

Nicole T.

Walter was the most professional representative ever. His knowledge and presentation was exceptional. He was extremely courteous and responsive to all our questions. Highly recommended!

Vincent R.
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As a Home Deport Certified Partner & Installer, we believe that quality in materials and labor are the keys to a successful bath shower remodel.

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