You don’t have to add square footage to an existing bathroom to make the space work better and seem larger. Just keep the following ideas and areas of improvement in mind. Some of these are mostly cosmetic; others require more extensive remodeling strategies.

1. Light it right. Install adequate lighting to eliminate shadowy corners. Create an illusion of height by focusing low-wattage indirect lighting on the ceiling.

2. Shrink the fixtures. Trade large fixtures for smaller ones. Replace a tub with a corner shower, or take out a bulky vanity and put in a sleek pedestal sink (though this will cost you some storage space).

3. Streamline the design. Use no more than two dominant horizontal lines. The top of wainscoting, for instance, establishes one line. Aligning the tops of doors, windows, mirrors, and tub/shower enclosures establishes the second line.

4. Cut visual and physical clutter. Don’t mix a lot of materials: Stick with one, such as tile for floors, walls, and countertops. Keep wallpaper patterns light and small in scale. Stay away from frilly curtains and furry mats. Get rid of any clutter.

5. Fool the eye. Use large mirrors to make walls look like windows.