New York City is known for many things – culture, fashion, food, energy, and of course, small apartments. In a city where every square foot matters, people are learning how to turn small spaces into places that feel calm, stylish, and luxurious. You don’t need a huge home to enjoy a spa-like bathroom or a designer look. With the right choices, even the smallest apartment bathroom can feel bright, open, and relaxing.

Today, many New Yorkers are focusing on smart design, simple layouts, and modern upgrades. These changes help make small apartments feel bigger than they are. 

Here are the top ways to make small bathrooms cozy retreats-no full renovation needed.

1. Floating Vanities Make the Whole Room Feel Bigger

One of the easiest ways to open up a small bathroom is by using a floating vanity. In tiny spaces, traditional vanities take up floor space and make the room feel heavy. A wall-mounted vanity lifts the cabinet off the floor. This small change creates a sense of breathing room and makes the bathroom look more open.

Designers in New York love floating vanities. They add a clean, modern look. They work well with light and dark colors. Plus, they provide ample storage without using too much space.

For many homeowners in the US and Canada, floating vanities from Bathify have become a popular choice. They’re simple, modern, and perfect for small-space living.

2. Slim Faucets Add Style Without Taking Space

In a small apartment bathroom, bulky fixtures can make the sink area feel crowded. Slim, sleek faucets offer a better solution. Their thin shape creates a modern, elegant look and helps the sink area feel less busy.

Slim faucets also pair well with floating vanities and simple mirror designs. Many interior designers prefer single-handle faucets because they take up less space and make the bathroom feel tidy. This small change brings a big improvement in the overall look.

3. LED Mirrors Bring Light and Luxury Into Small Spaces

 

Lighting can change the entire mood of a room, especially a bathroom. Small bathrooms often have weak lighting or shadows that make the room look smaller. LED mirrors help fix that.

An LED mirror gives soft, even light that spreads across your face and the room. It removes shadows and creates a glowing, clean look. Many LED mirrors come with dimming features and anti-fog technology. This makes them perfect for the everyday routines of city life.

Designers say that switching to an LED mirror is one of the easiest ways to make a small bathroom feel expensive. Bathify offers many modern LED mirrors that fit well in small spaces and add a touch of luxury.

4. Light Colors Make the Bathroom Feel Open and Airy

Color plays an important role in how we feel inside a room. Light colours, like white, soft cream, beige, or pale grey, reflect more light. This helps make the bathroom look larger and brighter.

In many NYC apartments, people choose:

• White or light-grey tiles
• Neutral vanities
• Soft lighting around mirrors
• Clean, simple patterns

These choices keep the room feeling calm and fresh. Light colours also combine well with modern fixtures like slim faucets and floating vanities.

5. Glass Shower Doors Instead of Curtains

Shower curtains create a visual barrier that cuts the room in half. This makes the bathroom look smaller. Clear glass shower doors fix this problem instantly.

With clear glass, your eyes move through the whole room without stopping. The shower area becomes part of the open space, and light reaches all corners. Frameless glass doors work best because they look clean and modern.

Many small apartments switch from heavy curtains to clear glass doors for a brighter, more open feel.

6. Smart Storage Keeps the Bathroom Clean and Calm

Clutter is the enemy of small spaces. When bottles, towels, and products are everywhere, even a modern bathroom looks tiny. Designers recommend simple, smart storage options like:

• Small open shelves
• Wall-mounted cabinets
• Under-sink baskets
• Minimalist trays

These solutions keep items organised but easy to reach. When surfaces are clean, the bathroom feels bigger and more peaceful.

7. Soft Lighting Creates a Spa-Like Feel

Small bathrooms don’t need bright, harsh lighting. Soft, warm lighting helps create a calm, spa-like mood. LED mirrors, small wall lights, and under-vanity lights provide a soft glow. They brighten the space without feeling too bright.

Homeowners in NYC are using layered lighting-one light for the ceiling, one for the mirror, and a soft accent light. This combination gives the bathroom depth and warmth.

Small Spaces, Big Luxury

New Yorkers are proving that you don’t need a large apartment to live well. The right design choices can make a small bathroom feel open and bright. Use floating vanities, slim faucets, LED mirrors, light colors, and clear glass for a relaxing space.

Retailers like Bathify offer modern bathroom products that fit perfectly into small spaces. These simple upgrades help turn even the tiniest NYC apartment into a stylish, comfortable retreat. All it takes is thoughtful design, clean lines, and smart use of light.