Most people dream of having a spacious bathroom with luxurious amenities. However, with hall bathrooms on the first floor of your home, you may not have the space for a large bathroom. According to Houzz, 26% of homeowners remodel non-primary bathrooms, making them the second-most-frequently updated rooms. If you have a small hall bathroom at home, you might be wondering how you can renovate it to make it seem bigger. Here are a few tips you can consider for your hall bathroom remodel; and with Philadelphia recently ranked among Zillow’s Top 10 Hottest Housing Markets for 2026, there’s never been a better time to invest in your home.
Use Large Mirrors — Including Smart Ones
Installing large mirrors in your bathroom can make it look bigger than it is. A mirror placed on the wall opposite a window will reflect light and give the impression that the room is bigger and brighter. Mirrors can also be used to visually expand the space by putting them next to or across from each other. In 2026, we’re also seeing growing demand for smart mirrors with built-in LED lighting and defogging functions. These combine the space-expanding effect of a large mirror with layered task lighting, making them one of the most efficient upgrades you can make in a small hall bath.
Use Warmer, Nature-Inspired Colors
The brighter the color of your bathroom, the bigger it will appear. While classic white walls remain a reliable choice for making a space look airy and open, recent bathroom color trends are shifting toward warm neutrals — think soft clay, warm sand, muted beige, and mushroom tones — that feel both contemporary and spacious. These earthy shades reflect light effectively while adding warmth that all-white palettes can lack. Painting your walls in a cohesive warm neutral during your hall bathroom remodel creates a seamless look that makes your space feel open and inviting.
Incorporate Layered, Bright Lighting
Bigger and brighter lighting can make any space seem larger, even if it’s a small hall bathroom. There may not be a ton of natural light available in your hall bathroom, so adding brand-new lighting fixtures can ensure each inch of the bathroom is lit up. In 2026, layered lighting is the approach top designers recommend, with combined ambient, task, and accent lights so you can tailor both function and mood. Consider dimmable sconces alongside overhead lighting, or hidden LED strips under a floating vanity. By showcasing every part of the bathroom and reducing shadows, a well-planned lighting scheme makes even a tight space feel more open and bright.
Choose Floating Vanities and Space-Smart Storage
Having smarter shelving installed in your bathroom and organizing the clutter can make your small bathroom look bigger. One of the standout remodeling trends in the Greater Philadelphia area is the floating vanity. Wall-mounted cabinets expose more floor space, allow light to move freely, and make the room appear larger. Wood-faced floating vanities paired with quartz countertops are among the most requested upgrades we’re seeing in Montgomery County bathrooms right now. You can also create extra space by removing unnecessary items and choosing vanities with deep, soft-close drawers that keep necessities out of sight and off the countertop.
Why Homeowners Choose Harth
A small bathroom renovation might seem straightforward, but the details matter more than ever when you’re working with limited square footage. Every decision, from vanity placement to lighting layout, affects how the finished space looks and feels.
At Harth, we’ve helped homeowners across Montgomery County, Bucks County, and the greater Philadelphia area transform their bathrooms into spaces that feel open, functional, and beautifully designed. Our process starts with listening, and from there, our team handles design, material selection, and construction under one roof so you’re never left coordinating between separate contractors or chasing down timelines.
Whether you’re updating a hall bath to add value before a sale or simply want a more comfortable space for your family, we’d love to help you plan your next project. Contact us to start a conversation about your bathroom remodel.