How to Decorate a Small Bathroom That Has an Enclosed Shower Stall

Install clear glass in your enclosed shower stall, as opposed to frosted or etched glass. Clear glass gives the illusion of an open, unobstructed space.

Let in as much natural light as possible. Don’t block windows with curtains. Use frosted glass or apply a frosted glass contact paper to your clear windows. Natural light gives your small bathroom a warm, cheerful glow.

Paint your walls in a satin finish, and use a solid color to keep it from getting visually busy. Light colors contribute to an open feel, while darker colors make the space feel cozier. A satin finish makes cleanup a breeze, and satin has just enough sheen to bounce light around the room without creating a harsh glare.

Lay a floor with large tiles, using a simple design or pattern. Busy patterns in small bathrooms add to the visual clutter that makes them feel like a tighter spot.

Install a dimmer. Bathrooms benefit from both strong task lighting over the vanity and ambient lighting to create a soothing atmosphere. Because additional fixtures and sconces can be difficult to add to a small bathroom, let the one you have do double duty with a dimmer so it can provide either ambient or task lighting at your whim. If you can install an additional fixture, go with a recessed light above the shower.

Select tall, slender elements, such as a pedestal sink and an elongated commode. This gives a touch of elegance to the room and limits the amount of floor space occupied.

Hang a large mirror. To carry the sleek glass and clean-lined look of your stall shower through the room, use an unframed mirror or one with a very simple frame. Mirrors also bounce light around to give the illusion of space.

Minimize storage so you need to keep only what is absolutely necessary in the room. The less clutter you have in a small bathroom, the better.

Use open shelving. Cabinet doors give a sense of the walls closing in on you in small spaces. Being able to see the wall behind the shelves makes the room feel bigger. A glass shelving unit further lends to the sleek, minimalist look created by your stall shower.

Keep accessories to a minimum. A slender vase with a single blossom on a clear counter makes a more striking display than a basket full of decorative soap or a tray of assorted lotions.