10 inspired ways to brighten up a small windowless bathroom

Mark Villanueva Mark Villanueva
Visite a nossa Alfama, não é em Lisboa, mas também tem cantos encantadores, Alfama Home Vintage Alfama Home Vintage Country style bathroom
Loading admin actions …

We all want a hand on designing and building our own homes, unfortunately however, not all of us can afford it. Most of us just have to make do with what our budgets can allow. That means that gorgeous house with a wonderful terrace and lush garden will most likely have a couple of drawbacks--like a small windowless bathroom that dulls what should have been a relaxing time in the bath.

Fortunately, there are more than a few ways on how to light up a windowless bathroom to help spruce up that glum space and add character to it. And all you need is a little creativity--and maybe a few tips from us.

1. Shiny reflective surfaces

If you have the space, consider hanging a mirrors or any number of reflective surfaces on the walls. A gallery of small mirrors curated like artwork on the walls can add a lot of character to a small bathroom.

However, try to avoid hanging mirrors directly across from each other as it might result to an unsettling infinity mirror effect and you definitely don't want that while you're in the bath.

2. Bring in some plants

With the right type of plant, you can decorate just about any space and instantly make it feel more homey, including a bathroom with no windows. Nature always finds a way, as you can seek out plants whose natural habitat is the shadowy forest floor because these can survive with very little light.

Heartleaf Philodendron, ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia), Red Aglaonema, Boston Fern, and the Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) are all great examples of low-light tolerant flora. Avoid succulents, however, as these are heavily dependent on sunlight.

homify tip: Treat your bathroom plants to a day out at least once a week by placing them in a room that has more light.

3. Proper lighting

If you're strapped for space, you might want to consider mounted wall lights to add some much needed brightness without taking up counter or floor space. However, do make sure that each one is placed properly to maximise the light.

Bright sconces are best at about eye level, as they emit light directly on the face from the sides and not above.

4. Add a stylish accent piece

Worried about the cost of completely renovating that windowless bathroom? You might not have to. A well-placed and stylish accent piece (like a stool, tiny chair, or unusual accessory) can add a world of difference when it comes to the room's personality and aesthetics.

Low-profile pieces with open spaces underneath can also make your bathroom seem larger.

5. A clean, light color

Taking a nice light color palette and painting the walls, floor and ceiling can dramatically increase the size of your space. If you want something more dramatic, you can add in a some glossy tiles to expand the room with some shiny surfaces.

Be sure to check out our extensive list of professional tilers.

6. Enhance the colors and patterns

If you can do it, you might want to wrap your tiny bathroom with a bold wallpaper to add some life to your space via patterns and color. Walls that grab your attention will make you forget about that absent window.

Just avoid really dark shades as they can make your room look cluttered.

7. Transparent dividers

A tiny room does not need more solid walls, even if the purpose is privacy. Instead, you should explore other alternatives like textured glass, glass bricks, vertical blade screens or metal mesh curtains to properly divide the space. These options will add a sparkling clean look while allowing your light to reflect off surfaces or to pass through.

8. Light accessories

Add some shine by utilizing subtle reflections from fixtures, sconces and vanity with mirrored or stainless steel surfaces.

Industrial and steampunk design styles are currently trendy, which means metals are the new go-to material in bathroom design. All of those stainless steel, polished aluminum, brass or copper bathroom fixtures you've always been eyeing will definitely add some much needed shine during bath time.

9. Distract them

Try to move the focus away from the lack of light in your bathroom by shifting their attention to the colors, artwork, lighting and accessories. Bright sunny wall graphics, elegant decals, framed photos or artwork, unique lighting fixtures--these are all great accent pieces that will grab and hold attention.

Speaking of elegant accent pieces, you should check out these fabulous ideas for a Stylish Living Room.

10. Keep it clean

One of the best ways to make your tiny bathroom seem bigger and brighter is by minimizing clutter. Keep it spick and span by removing damp towels, drying your shower screen and basin after use and ensuring that everything is well kempt.

Another thing to take not of is to make sure that you spray it regularly with a cheerful scent or add some scented candles to do away with those musty odors.

Need help with your home project?
Get in touch!

Highlights from our magazine