They Removed the Framed Shower and the Small Bathroom Took On a Custom Look
Small bathrooms often feel tighter than their actual dimensions because bulky cabinetry, framed shower doors, and deep fixtures compete for every inch of space. This bathroom already had everything it needed, but dated finishes and heavy visual elements made the room feel far smaller than it really was.
Instead of expanding the footprint, Reddit user u/Middle-Safety-4104 rebuilt the room with a floating custom vanity, frameless glass shower, concealed plumbing, and integrated lighting. The layout remained almost identical, yet the finished bathroom now feels brighter, cleaner, and far more spacious.
Builder-Grade Fixtures Filled Every Wall
Natural oak cabinets filled much of the wall above and below the vanity, while a mirrored medicine cabinet projected into the room. The upper storage cabinet, raised vanity, and framed shower enclosure created several heavy focal points inside a limited footprint.
White countertops, brown floor tile, and brushed nickel fixtures completed a builder-grade look common in bathrooms from the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Narrow Walkway Ended at a Framed Shower
From the entrance, the bathroom felt long and confined. The shower frame closed off the far end of the room, while the vanity occupied much of the remaining walkway.
Every major fixture sat directly on the floor, leaving very little open space beneath them.
Raised Shower Base and Framed Glass Closed Off the Space
Opening the shower door revealed a raised curb, framed frosted-glass enclosure, molded wall panels, and aging floor tile around the drain. The shower felt separated from the rest of the bathroom, while the aluminum frame interrupted views across the room.
Chrome fixtures, a recessed soap niche, and the lowered ceiling above the enclosure reflected standard builder-grade construction. Together, these elements made the shower feel smaller and more enclosed than its actual footprint.
Floating Vanity Changed the Entire Vanity Wall
Custom cabinetry replaced the original oak vanity with clean slab-front drawers finished in light oak veneer. Lifting the cabinet above the floor exposes more tile beneath, allowing the room to feel more open without adding square footage.
A wall-mounted faucet frees additional countertop space while reinforcing the clean architectural design.
Hidden Lighting Added Depth Without Extra Fixtures
The traditional vanity light disappeared in favor of a backlit LED mirror that washes light across the wall. Matching LED strips beneath the vanity and upper cabinet introduce soft ambient lighting while keeping the ceiling visually uncluttered.
The custom wall cabinet provides generous storage without overwhelming the narrow room.
Integrated Lighting Elevated Every Surface
Warm LED lighting beneath the floating vanity, wall cabinet, and backlit mirror gives the bathroom depth after dark without relying on bright overhead fixtures. The concealed lighting highlights the clean lines of the custom cabinetry while making the room feel larger once the sun goes down.
Black fixtures, light oak cabinetry, and large porcelain tile maintain a restrained palette, while the checkerboard shower floor and illuminated niche provide the only decorative accents.
Before and After Reveal How Every Upgrade Works Together
Viewed side by side, the transformation extends beyond individual fixtures. Heavy oak cabinetry gives way to custom millwork, exposed plumbing disappears into the wall, and layered lighting replaces standard builder-grade fixtures.
Rather than depending on one dramatic feature, the finished bathroom combines dozens of smaller design decisions into a space that feels cohesive, brighter, and far more refined than the original.
All image credits go to Reddit user u/Middle-Safety-4104.