Remodeling a bathroom is often high on a homeowners wish list, but investing today’s hard-earned money on a bathroom might feel frivolous.

Here are some simple ideas for making a small bathroom feel larger without expending money on an extensive bathroom enlargement.

1. Paint the walls in a light color. Pale, cool and soft colors are best for rooms that have small ceilings or tight walls. Do not opt for bright or loud colors, as these tend to make rooms look even smaller than they are. Whites, neutrals and pale pastel tones are ideal, especially for bathrooms.

2. The color of the bathroom floor should also be light. If you have a dark floor and it cannot be replaced, consider covering the dark color with a lighter colored floor mat.

3. Bathroom tiles look best when they are large, because this creates a feeling of space.

4. Provide adequate storage space, because clutter makes small bathrooms appear even smaller.

5. Avoid pedestal sinks because they do not offer any form of storage space. They may look cool, but in small bathrooms they are simply unsuitable.

6. Use only a single large mirror in the bathroom. It will add depth by reflecting light.

7. Use counter-top lamps or wall sconce lighting, skylights or large windows to light the bathroom. These lighting options add the appearance of more space and do not require much space of their own.

8. Your shower screens should be clear rather than an opaque color, because the clear screen gives a feeling of additional space. Fully frameless shower screens are preferable because they do not create any visual barriers in an already tight space.

9. Keep your bathroom as neat and clean as you can, because dirty and cluttered bathrooms tend to look even smaller than they are and this is the opposite of what you are trying to accomplish!

Most of these ideas are highly affordable, especially if you do them yourself. A simple paint job is doable by most of us, and with some simple instructions (which you will find on remodel.net) you can learn to hang a mirror and install a light fixture. Go for it – that new look is there waiting for you.