Small Bathroom Remodel projects don’t have to break the bank or sacrifice style. Whether you’re working with a compact powder room or a tight family bath, the size of the space shouldn’t limit your creativity. With thoughtful updates, even the smallest bathrooms can feel more spacious, function more efficiently, and look absolutely stunning.
You can expect almost everything a professional would do, and even some of their top budget renovation tricks for taking advantage of every spare square inch in your tiny bathroom. More than a few are easy! From a simple weekend update to a more elaborate DIY project, we hope you can see, it doesn’t take a fortune to make your dream bathroom a reality.
Related : 25 Small Laundry Room Decor Ideas That Transform Tiny Spaces
Layout Changes that Increase Useable Space
1. New Walk in Shower instead of old bathtub.
Most dramatic change made to small bathroom renovations, is by replacing the old bathtub with aThis one change creates 30% more floor space instantly, and gives the illusion of a bathroom that is twice as large.
A subway-tiled walk-in shower replaces the decades-old tub, and immediately gives this remodeled bathroom a fresh appearance. The fixed glass panel with seamless hardware defines the separate space while not compromising the overall visual in the room.
Key Benefits:
- The most efficient way to immediately open up floor space.
- Modernise the look of the entire room instantly.
- Make daily routines more accessible.
- Costless than increasing square footage.
2. Install a Corner Sink to Add Floor Space
Replacing a bulky vanity with a corner sink helps this home feel less cluttered. This tip is especially helpful in powder rooms where built-in places to store bathroom items (especially ones you do not want to see) are minimal at best.
3. Install Floating Vanities to Enhance Floor Space
Wall-mounted vanities provide the bonus of not allowing any floor space to be hidden. A floating vanity offers the highest visual appeal of all the ideas – floor space is displayed creating openness in even the smallest bathroom. However, floating vanities can be a little less accessible for those who are elderly, or have limited mobility.
Color and Paint Strategies for Bigger Feel
4. Paint Walls in Light, Expanding Colors
Light neutrals and whites act as reflectors of light to creates the illusion of size; wherein, an all white space will allow an aged space to appear very bright and brand new for under $100.
The wall tiles were painted using a couple coats of white paint which made them look like new wall tiles, showing that you don’t always need to spend a lot of money on new tiles for amazing impact.
5. Add a Single Dark Accent Wall Purposefully
Although light will expand space, a single dark accent wall can provide sophistication by incorporating depth instead of squishing a space to make it feel overwhelmed.
The navy blue shiplap walls take the drama level up a notch, while the antique brass handles stick out against the dark color in the room creating interest without making it feel cramped.
6. Use Hand Painted Wall Patterns
Create customized wallpaper effects with paint! Buffalo-check or vertical stripes. Your space can easily exhibit personality and achieve these looks, while spending little to no money.
The blue buffalo check pattern on the walls was a much cheaper solution versus wallpaper. Please note that I used painter’s tape and a level to achieve all of the crisp clean straight lines.
Budget-Friendly Flooring Solutions
7. Use Peel-and-Stick Vinyl Flooring
Instead of ripping out the existing tile, cover it with peel-and-stick vinyl tiles since it is a budget-conscious option that offers an updated look without leaving the tiles bare. When installed properly, new peel-and-stick vinyl comes in newer styles that are very durable and water-resistant compared to older models. If you have the option, do opt for vinyl over paper-backed peel-and-stick for this project!
8. Replace White Subway Tile with Dark Grout
Refresh existing white subway tile with dark grout lines which will highlight and define the grid while also making the tile design feel modern.
9. Use Large-Format Floor Tiles
Large format charcoal-colored floor tiles set at a grid display, give visual contrast, and help spaces feel bigger than they are, especially if you reduce grout joints.
Smart Storage Solutions That Clear Clutter
10. Create Wall Storage Niches
Add custom storage for your bathroom by adding a small niche beside your sink. This is ideal for sinks that have no counter space or storage solutions!
Pro tips: ALWAYS check for electrical wires and plumbing piping before cutting into drywall so you don’t end up making a costly mistake with your remodel.
You May Also Like : 12+ Stair Handrail Ideas That’ll Make Your Staircase Pop
11. Open Shelving Above the Toilet.
Open Shelving can provide both everyday storage and display space above the toilet made from reclaimed floorboards and installed to wall with some brackets.
12. Use Rolling Storage Carts.
When wall space is limited, try finding a slim profile rolling cart that fits into the working space between the toilet and the vanity. The neat thing about these types of units is versatility with many shelf levels, and they are also easy to roll away when you’re finished.
Vanity Updates That Save Big Money
13. Repurposing Kitchen Cabinet as a Vanity
An IKEA kitchen base cabinet is a better solution for storage, provided it is installed against the wall and topped with a butcher block counter or marble remnant.
Kitchen cabinets are typically less expensive than bathroom vanities and they offer more sizing options that are beneficial for fitting in tricky spaces.
14. Paint and Update Existing Vanities
Instead of replacing the outdated vanity, consider painting and adding new hardware. This can be a cheap alternative, saving you anywhere from $500-$1,500 compared to buying new.
Before :
After :
The salvage vanity was painted black, new faucet and hardware added, and all was an update that saved money and looked entirely custom!
15. Add Glass Shelving to Pedestal Sinks
A pedestal sink is perfect for vintage style homes, but no storage. Upon adding glass shelving mounted with brackets and a new medicine cabinet, you can have useful and extra space on how to store necessary bathroom items.
The glass mounted shelf in the image above added more functionality to the small
Strathmore model bathroom which did not have drawer storage.
Lighting and Mirror Transformations
16. Use Oversized Round Mirrors
Instead of rectilinear mirrors, consider selecting round mirrors that both enhance the design and wear for a modern take on the light being reflected in the space.
Larger mirrors reflect more light, and larger mirrors create the illusion of space, and as a result are extremely cost-effective updates.
17. Upgrade Vanity Light with Modern Sconces
Replace dated light fixtures on your vanity with modern sconces or vanity bars that are often more flattering and provide more even light for daily use
18. Install Recessed Medicine Cabinets
Recessed medicine cabinets are both space-efficient and stylish and provide hidden storage space while maintaining clean, uninterrupted lines on the wall.
Fixture Updates for Modern Appeal
19. Install Modern Bronze Faucets
A new bronze faucet adds a whole new feel to dated sink, and single handle lever taps are easier to operate and clean than traditional two handle taps – which can be a pain!
The warm metal finish works particularly well with the bathroom’s cool finishes, and gives a mini-update that also works in other areas with bronze fixtures.Upgrade to Water-Efficient Toilets
20. Upgrade to Water-Efficient Toilets
Replacing aging toilets with WaterSense-certified toilets that use as little as 1.28 gallons per flush, compared to 5-7 gallons for older models
Newhouse Plumbing: “Typically, homeowners see an immediate water savings after upgrading existing toilets to high-efficiency models. Payback period can be as little as 2-3 years.”
21. Install Luxurious Rainfall Showerheads
Replacing old showerheads with larger, rain style showerheads that will make your shower feel luxurious and spa-like, without any expensive plumbing changes.
Window & Privacy Solutions
22. Install Translucent Window Treatments
Use cellular shades or frosted window film to provide necessary privacy without losing the natural light that will open up small spaces.
Wall treatments that add character
23. Use Bold Wallpaper in Powder Rooms
Use large and bold patterns to create drama in small powder rooms that won’t overpower the room as it can in more spacious bathrooms.
Bold floral wallpaper also allows you to achieve an upscale feel for relatively low-cost particularly in powder rooms where you can take chances with design.
24. Install Beadboard Wainscoting
You can install traditional beadboard on the lower half of the walls, then install wallpaper or paint the upper half for traditional features with modern flair.
Finishing Touches That Complete The Look
25. Coordinate All Hardware Finishes
Match all metal bathroom hardware to match your faucet and light fixtures including towel bars, cabinet pulls, toilet paper holders, and grab bars.
Warning: Always coordinate finishes before purchasing to ensure all pieces work together. Mixed metals may appear intentional when they are coordinated properly, but if you choose pieces without consideration, you run the risk of it looking random, and haphazard.
How much does a small bathroom remodel usually cost?
How can I update my bathroom easily without the big reno?
Should I try to keep the current locations of plumbing to save overhead costs?
Can I use peel-and-stick flooring in my bathroom?
