Interior Design

Bobby Berk's bathroom vanity tip will make your small space feel bigger

The Queer Eye star is amongst the top designers who swear by this space-changing secret

Bathroom unit surrounded by flowery wallpaper
(Image credit: Future / Jon Day Photography)

The question of how to create the illusion space is a popular talking point amongst designers, especially in petite bathrooms and powder rooms. The key, according to experts including Bobby Berk, is found in floating vanities. 

Sharing his space-enhancing bathroom ideas, the Queer Eye star revealed that choosing a floating cabinet can make a significant difference – no matter the size of your space. Here, everything you need to know – and a convenient alternative if new units are not an option. 

Bobby Berk's bathroom vanity tip  

Bathroom unit surrounded by flowery wallpaper

(Image credit: Future / Jon Day Photography)

‘A bulky vanity can take up quite a bit of precious space. So opting for a floating version is a great way to still get storage while feeling a lot less cumbersome,’ Bobby writes in his blog

After investing in a floating vanity tip, Bobby also recommends purchasing a ‘pedestal sink for an even more compact and space-saving solution.’ 

‘No matter how compact your bathroom may be, you can make a big impact,’ he adds. 

Bathroom tiles

(Image credit: Mandarin Stone)

However, Bobby Berk is not alone in his admiration for floating cabinetry. Designer and interior's expert Michelle Ogundehin is also a fan of this interior design tip for accentuating the size of a space.

Michelle has an accessible alternative that offers the same illusion if new bathroom units aren't an option. All you need is some mirrored plinths.

Floating vanity mirror illusion 

Mirrored plinth in a bathroom

(Image credit: ANNA STATHAKI)

Michelle says the secret is to add mirrored plinths to your cabinets to create a similar ‘floating’ effect. 

The expert suggests that introducing a mirrored plinth in your bathroom or kitchen will create the illusion of a larger floor – and ‘when you make the floor look bigger – the whole room looks bigger.’

Her reflective technique creates the same effect as a hanging vanity because the floor appears larger. ‘It is very subtle, but it does have that effect,’ she adds. 

White bathroom with basin and mirrored wall

(Image credit: Paul Massey / Future)

Plus, as Bobby shares, 'reflecting lots of light will add instant size' to your space – meaning mirrored plinths are an effective solution. 

So, if you are looking at how to make a small bathroom look bigger without redesigning your bathroom, Michelle’s mirrored plinth tip is the perfect solution. However, whether you follow Bobby or Michelle’s lead, your bathroom will appear bigger instantaneously.  

Megan Slack
Head of Celebrity Style News

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.