Home Improvement Bathroom Remodel & Repair

52 Bathroom Remodel Ideas to Transform Your Space

If you’re looking for inspiration to refresh a small bathroom or renovate a primary en suite, there are a variety of ways to transform your space. From updating fixtures to painting, retiling, or adding a walk-in shower, there are endless ways to update a bathroom. You can choose from ideas that suit any style from modern to traditional more functional and beautiful.

Check out these bathroom remodel ideas in a range of sizes, styles, and price points.

Bathroom surface remodeling ideas

The Spruce / Jacob Fox

  • 01 of 52

    Use Lower-Cost Tile

    ideas for bathroom remodeling

    Leclair Decor

    When swapping out materials, remember that inexpensive alternatives often look like the real thing. For example, instead of real wood planks, try look-alike luxury vinyl flooring. High-definition laminate and quartz countertops are alternatives to natural stone, and faux-stone ceramic and porcelain tile backsplashes can mimic the look of travertine and marble.

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    Paint the Floor

    Vinyl tile flooring with wooden stand and bathroom items above folded white towels

    The Spruce / Margot Cavin

    Save money by painting your bathroom floor rather than replacing it. Use durable, high-quality paint that is adapted to the flooring below, whether you are starting with hardwood or tile.

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  • 03 of 52

    Try a Wet Room Layout

    wet room remodeling ideas

    Desiree Burns Interiors

    Modernize your bathroom layout with a wet room design. This open-plan look can make small bathrooms more functional and give larger spaces an airy, minimalist feel.

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  • 04 of 52

    Install a Shower Window

    shower window bathroom remodel

    Erin Williamson Design

    Bring natural light into your bathroom by installing a shower window if your reno budget allows. Keep it open on a warm day to create natural ventilation while making your shower more enjoyable.

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  • 05 of 52

    Leverage Pre-Existing Plumbing

    Blue and white wallpaper with marble bathroom

    Gray Space Interiors

    When remodeling and adding a new bathroom, look for opportunities to save money. Leveraging pre-existing plumbing from a previous bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room rather than running new plumbing is an easy way to utilize what's already been done in your home.

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    Retile to Change the Style

    Freshly remodelled bathroom with new tile.

    Whittney Parkinson Design

    Retiling your bathroom can be a large and expensive project, but it completely transforms your space. If you are handy, it is possible to retile your bathroom on your own, but you can also easily find a professional in your area to do it too.

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    Refinish the Tub

    bathroom renovation ideas

    Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Tessa Neustadt

    Save money by refinishing an existing bathtub rather than replacing it. DIY it or hire it out depending on your skill level and preferences.

    3:04

    Click Play to Learn How to Refinish a Bathtub

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    Install a Walk-in Shower

    Medium-sized bathroom with a walk-in shower.

    The Home Consultant

    A walk-in shower will make a small bathroom easier to navigate and make a larger bathroom feel even more spacious. Plus, a true walk-in shower that is level with the floor and has no ledges to trip over is accessible for anyone regardless of age or mobility issues.

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    Touch Up the Tub and Tile

    Bathtub sealant

    MyrKu / Getty Images

    Sometimes, a total refinish isn't necessary. When your bathtub has nicks, gouges, and peeling paint, but you are not keen on refinishing the entire surface, spot-fix your tub instead. Some touch-up products are as easy to apply as squeezing toothpaste out of a tube.

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  • 10 of 52

    Refresh Cabinet Hardware

    ideas for bathroom remodels

    Chelius House of Design

    Swap out bathroom cabinet hardware for an easy and budget-friendly makeover. Choose a style that complements your space, from black metal to brass, copper, chrome, or bronze.

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  • 11 of 52

    Replace Your Sink Faucet

    Pink bathroom ideas without painting the walls HERO

    The Spruce / Jacob Fox

    Change the look of your sink with a brand new faucet. This is a quick and easy DIY project that doesn't require hiring a plumber.

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    Install a Pre-Fab Shower

    Modern bathroom with wood cabinet surrounded by white walls and countertops

    The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

    The most expensive option for a new shower is to hire a pro to build a custom tile shower from scratch, but consider a prefabricated shower unit, which typically costs less. If you want a tiled shower, fusing a poly shower pan with the tile saves hassle and costs.

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  • 13 of 52

    Install a New Toilet

    ideas for bathroom remodeling

    @houseofchais / Instagram

    Give your bathroom a new lease on life by switching out the old toilet. If you're so inclined, install it yourself, a straightforward DIY project that takes no more than an hour to accomplish.

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  • 14 of 52

    Repaint the Bathroom

    Long and narrow bathroom with light blue painted walls

    The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

    A fresh coat of paint will make your bathroom feel fresh and clean and is a simple and satisfying DIY project. Choose the right bathroom paint to ensure that it is easy to clean and will stand up to moisture.

    Tip

    Interior painting is a classic example of sweat equity: using free labor (your own) to help increase the value of your home. Laying flooring, demolishing rooms before contractors arrive, installing outlets, and hanging interior doors are other examples.

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    Try a Wall-Mounted Sink

    Enamel sink in a small white bathroom

    Becca Interiors

    Save space in a small bathroom or powder room with a wall-mounted sink. Mount hardware on the wall above for a streamlined look.

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    Opt for Glass Doors

    White marble walk-in shower with black hardware

    Joe Hendrickson / Getty Images

    Create an open feel in a windowless bathroom with a glass door. This will allow light to pour into your shower and keep sightlines clear.

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    Install a DIY Vanity

    ideas for bathroom remodeling

    Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Photo by Christy Q. Photo

    Due to a bathroom's typical petite size, you can buy nearly or fully assembled small vanity and vanity tops that you can put in place within a couple of hours. Coordinating counters even have sinks fused into them, eliminating sink installation and caulking woes.

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  • 18 of 52

    Hang a Pendant Light

    bathroom window treatment ideas

    Design by Jessica Nelson Design / Photo by Carina Skrobecki Photography

    Anchor your bathtub area with a pendant light fixture or a chandelier. It will provide light for nighttime soaks as well as defining the space.

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    Redesign the Entire Bathroom

    Boho style bathroom interior.
    NeonShot / Getty Images

    Whether your bathroom layout isn't working for you or you're craving a fresh look, consider redesigning the layout of the bathroom entirely. Add a striking floating vanity or open shelving storage for an intentionally designed space.

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    Add Wainscoting

    Small bathroom with white walls split with navy blue beadboard treatment

    The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

    Add warmth to your bathroom with traditional painted wainscoting. Paint it in the same color as walls for a textural feel, or in a contrasting color to add more definition.

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  • 21 of 52

    Build a Half-Wall Shower

    half-wall shower remodeling ideas

    Jessica Nelson Design / Carina Skrobecki Photography

    Add privacy while maintaining an open feel with a half-wall shower. Cover the base in beadboard and paint it sage green for a soothing spa-like feel, and top it with glass to prevent water from splashing out.

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  • 22 of 52

    Try a Suspended Toilet

    modern bathroom remodel with suspended toilet

    Maite Granda

    A suspended toilet is a modern upgrade that will make a bathroom of any size feel lighter and airier. It's also easier to clean underneath thanks to the streamlined design.

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    Remodel the Ceiling

    bathroom ceiling remodeling ideas

    Studio Peake

    Create a surprising focal point by remodeling your bathroom ceiling. Add crown moldings, paint or paper, and decorative light fixtures to create a statement.

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    Include a Makeup Vanity

    bathroom makeup vanity remodeling ideas

    Desiree Burns Interiors

    Make a large primary bathroom more glamorous with an integrated makeup vanity. Position it between double sinks at a slightly lower height and add seating to make it extra functional and relaxing to use.

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  • 25 of 52

    Tile Walls and Ceilings

    bathroom tile remodeling ideas

    Desiree Burns Interiors

    Bathrooms need to stand up to moisture, and tiling the walls and ceilings is as functional as it is beautiful. Choose colorful tiles to add interest to an all-white bathroom, like the handmade blue square zellige tiles seen here.

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    Choose a Compact Tub

    ideas for bathroom remodeling

    Mindy Gayer Design Co. / Photo by Vanessa Lentine

    Have a small bathroom? A compact tub is not only space-efficient, but it uses less water and energy. In a small bathroom renovation, consider opting for a space-saving shower-tub combo.

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    Opt for Heated Flooring

    Minimalistic bathroom with white subway tile.

    Design by Emily Henderson / Photo by Malcolm Simmons

    Consider adding heated flooring when replacing bathroom flooring. Heated floors aren't as expensive to install as you may think, and will add value to your home. Plus, they can save you money on energy costs in the long term, as they're more efficient at heating a space than a central heating system.

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    Keep the Main Fixtures Neutral

    neutral bathroom ideas

    Desiree Burns Interiors

    Bathroom design fads fade quickly, so stick with neutral options for the main fixtures—the sink, toilet, shower, and tub. Large fixtures can be pricey and difficult to replace if you decide you're over the trend at a later time. Add bold design elements with smaller fixtures and accessories that are easier to swap out when it's time for an update.

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    Choose Durable Countertops

    ideas for bathroom remodels

    Mary Patton Design

    When selecting bathroom countertop materials, be sure to consider maintenance as well as looks. Opt for quality materials that will stand the test of time and are easy to clean.

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    Install a Bathroom Fan

    ideas for bathroom remodeling

    Design by Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp

    Keep bathroom moisture under control by installing a bathroom vent van. This will allow air to circulate and help prevent mold and mildew in a windowless space, and work better than opening windows, particularly during colder months.

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  • 31 of 52

    Build in Extra Storage

    ideas for bathroom remodeling

    Mary Patton Design

    Look for opportunities to build in extra storage to keep your bathroom organized and clutter-free. When remodeling, consider using recessed wall space for an open niche or closed cabinetry to store towels and supplies.

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    Choose Accessories Wisely

    Bathroom cabinet ideas HERO

    The Spruce / Jacob Fox

    Create a cohesive style when selecting the finishing touches for your new bathroom. For instance, pick towel bars in metallic finishes that coordinate with your faucets. Consider splurging on a slightly more expensive soap dispenser rather than an old plastic one that looks dingy against your new countertop. 

    Tip

    Don't clutter your new bathroom with accessories all at once. Try living with just the essentials for a while to see what you need in the space. Then, you can strategically pick items that fit your design preferences and lifestyle. 

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    Add Rustic Shiplap

    Bright white bathroom with shiplap walls.

    Kate Marker Interiors

    Shiplap wood is a great way to add texture and warmth to your walls, and it can be a great cost-saving option for the bathroom when used in place of wall tile. Plus, shiplap bathroom walls fit right in with farmhouse or rustic-style rooms.

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    Refresh the Grout

    Close up of bathroom stool with new tile and grout in the background.

    Interior Impressions

    If the tile in your bathroom is still in good shape but your grout looks grungy, redoing your grout is an option. While not as extensive as retiling entirely, this is still a big project that takes time to complete. The good news is that it's relatively DIY-friendly, so you can save money on this project to cut costs.

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    Replace the Mirror

    A modern bathroom with a large mirror.

    Cathie Hong Interiors

    Often it's the small details that pull together the design of a room, and for a bathroom, this includes the mirror. If you have an old mirror in your bathroom or a standard builder-grade mirror, replace it with a modern alternative. Plus it's a budget-friendly swap.

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    Repaint the Vanity

    Bright white and blue bathroom that has been recently remodelled.

    Design by Emily Henderson Design / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp

    If the vanity in your bathroom is structurally sound and your only problem is the color, consider repainting or re-staining instead of replacing it entirely. This will save you lots of work and money and still completely change the look of your space. Add some new hardware to finish off the look.

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    Add Botanical Wallpaper

    Small powder room with brightly colored wallpaper.

    Whittney Parkinson Design

    Bathroom wallpaper is great for impacting small spaces like powder rooms and guest bathrooms. Plus, with endless options, wallpaper is a versatile upgrade that suits any style, like this tropical design. Try peel-and-stick wallpaper for an affordable DIY option.

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    Refinish Your Countertops

    Bathroom counter with decor and plants.

    The Spruce / Jacob Fox

    Instead of replacing your countertops, consider refinishing them for a budget-friendly remodeling idea. Countertops can be refinished or covered, depending on the look you are going for, your budget, and your DIY skill level.

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    Include Spa-Like Features

    Large spa-like bathroom with free-standing tub.

    Whittney Parkinson Design

    Creating serene, spa-like bathrooms is huge in interior design right now. Consider turning your bathroom into an oasis by adding luxurious upgrades such as a free-standing soaker tub, towel heaters, and massaging shower heads.

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    Add Art and Decor

    Cheery white and pink bathroom with wall art.

    @houseofchais / Instagram

    Adding wall art and handcrafted items is a simple and impactful way to upgrade your bathroom remodel. Whether you're an art connoisseur or want to frame some family photos to add a personal touch, wall art can fit within any budget.

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    Get Creative With Tile

    Bright bathroom remodel with artistic tile.

    Ashley Montgomery Design

    Add an artistic flair to your space by getting creative with tile. Whether you opt for a unique pattern or create a custom mosaic look, you can make a big impact on the final look of your space based purely on the tile you choose.

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  • 42 of 52

    Replace Windows

    Rustic bathroom with modern, upgraded windows.

    Ashley Montgomery Design

    Don't underestimate the power of modern, upgraded windows. While this project runs on the expensive side, it does more for your space than make it look good. Replacing old, outdated windows with energy-efficient models can save you on your energy bill and prevent your space from feeling cold and drafty.

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  • 43 of 52

    Change the Door Style

    Bathroom Door

    Gray Space Interior Design

    Upgrading your standard, builder-grade hollow-core bathroom door can make a big impact on the final look of your space. You can choose from interior doors in different styles, including traditional to farmhouse and modern to contemporary.

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    Upgrade Textiles

    A bright and colorful bathroom with a printed shower curtain.

    Design by Emily Henderson / Photo by Sara Ligorria-Tramp

    Swapping out textiles is a budget-friendly yet important upgrade. Don't underestimate the power of textiles intentionally chosen to complement the design of your space. This includes the shower curtain and any hand or bath towels on display.

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    Consider Glass Shower Walls

    Bathroom with large shower and glass walls.

    Michelle Berwick Design

    Using glass walls for large shower stalls over regular walls or even shower curtains expands the sight lines in the room and makes it feel more spacious.

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  • 46 of 52

    Add Lounge Seating

    primary bathroom with seating

    Michelle Boudreau Design

    If you have extra room to spare, consider adding lounge seating to your bathroom. Install built-in seating under bay windows or near oversized vanities in large bathrooms. Get creative using free-standing shower benches, or plush ottomans and stools hidden under floating vanities in smaller spaces.

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  • 47 of 52

    Build In Arched Details

    Large bathroom with arches.

    Kate Marker Interiors

    Add architectural interest to your space with arches. This project requires a contractor but the finished product will be well worth it. Use arches to highlight your vanity, replace standard doorways, accentuate a walk-in shower, or even highlight a recessed storage nook.

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  • 48 of 52

    Float Your Fixtures

    Small powder room with floating fixtures.

    Whittney Parkinson Design

    Free up space and add an interesting design element to your bathroom by adding floating fixtures. This can include just the faucets, or the entire sink, as seen in this punchy powder room design. Call a plumber for proper installation—you don't want leaks.

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  • 49 of 52

    Install a Backsplash

    Close up of a vanity with a matching tile backsplash.

    Charbonneau Interiors 

    If your bathroom doesn't already have one, installing a backsplash is a great way to upgrade your space with a relatively small project. Plus, if you're eager to cut costs and DIY as much as possible, look for online tutorials for help.

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    Mix Metallics and Finishes

    Recently remodelled bathroom with mixed metals and finishes.

    Desiree Burns Interiors

    Don't feel the need to match the finishes throughout your entire bathroom. Mixing metals and varying the finishes in your space is a great trick for adding depth and visual interest. A polished silver faucet in this bathroom pairs nicely with white and gold light fixtures and an oil-rubbed bronze doorknob.

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    Add an Extra Sink

    Large bathroom with double vanity sinks.

    Design by Cathie Hong Interiors / Margaret Austin Photo

    If you have the space to spare, upgrading from a single sink to a double vanity in a busy hall bath can instantly add a luxurious touch to a space. Plus, it can lend extra function and convenience to your day if the bathroom is shared.

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    Upgrade Window Treatments

    Bright white bathroom with built-in shuttered window treatment for privacy.

    @houseofchais / Instagram

    Don't forget about your window treatments. Unless you live in a rural area, window treatments are an important part of any bathroom space to help create a sense of privacy, and adding luxury treatments, such as built-in blinds, is appropriate in a primary bathroom. Choose minimal frosted glass or a pair of simple curtains for other bathrooms.

FAQ
  • What is a realistic budget for a bathroom remodel?

    According to HomeAdvisor, the cost for a bathroom remodel is between $6,634 and $17,595, or an average of $12,081. A larger or primary bathroom may run as high as $28,000.

  • What is the most expensive part of a bathroom remodel?

    The most expensive aspect of a bathroom remodel is labor costs, which represent between 40-60% of your total budget, according to HomeAdvisor. Prices vary depending on location and increase with the size of your project.

  • What adds the most value to a bathroom?

    Bathroom additions, walk-in showers, bathtub refinishing, luxury vanities and countertops, flooring, and cabinets are the best bathroom upgrades for resale value, according to Angi, with a return on investment of 72.7%.

  • How long does it usually take to renovate a bathroom?

    It will take a professional 4-5 weeks to renovate a bathroom, according to HomeAdvisor, pointing out that the time frame can extend to several months for a DIY renovation.

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. What Are the Best Bathroom Upgrades for Resale Value? Angi.