• Create a display of bath items in one corner of the vanity.towels, soap, sponges and bathoil on vanity image by David Smith from Fotolia.com
  
  Small bathrooms, out of necessity, usually have small vanities. Still, just because your vanity is lacking in size doesn't mean it has to lack in style. There are plenty of simple things you can do to dress it up and give it maximum impact, even if there's a minimum amount of space.
  
  

Group Items

• Instead of spreading out all of your bath items across the counter, contain them in one space. Group them onto a pretty tray, and set the tray neatly in one corner of the small vanity. This will create instant visual impact while also saving space. Choose items of varying heights, shapes and textures for added interest, such as a tall glass cylinder full of decorative soaps, a natural sponge and a rolled-up guest hand towel.
  
  

Add Height

• Add tall, slender items to the small bathroom vanity. Height draws the eye upward, which creates the illusion of more space. Try placing some thin tapered candles in silver candle holders. A tall silk topiary can add a fresh touch of green to the room. Long incense sticks slipped into a vertical holder will add a spalike feel and fragrance to the vanity and room.
  
  

Reflect the Light

• Mirrors make small spaces feel larger, according to Apartment Therapy. Place a mirror above the vanity. Use a large, frameless mirror that reaches down to the vanity and up to the light fixture (or almost to the ceiling, if the fixture is not wall-mounted) for maximum effect. In addition, if one side of the vanity is up against a wall, place a mirror in that space as well. This will surround the vanity with reflected light and make it look larger, as well as more decorative.
  
  

Highlight the Hardware

• Dress up your small bathroom vanity by highlighting the hardware and sink instead of decorating it with objects. Install a distinctive porcelain sink (perhaps even a hand-painted sink) rather than the standard white one. Or, choose an elaborate faucet system in place of the usual faucet. If the vanity has a cabinet, consider replacing the standard cabinet knobs with custom ones, perhaps to match your custom sink.