Small Bathroom Remodeling Guide (30 Pics)

small bathroom remodel

Hey you! Are you looking for remodeling small bathroom ideas? Then you are lucky, as this is today’s topic that we are going to cover.

Most old homes are equipped with small bathrooms, which leave many homeowners wondering how to make the most of the limited space. Although the past thirty years have seen bathrooms, essentially, doubled in size; bathrooms within older homes average approximately 5 X 8 feet. In order to overcome the virtual claustrophobic haven, people can opt for scaled down designs as a way to save space.

But what can you practically do to remodel your bathroom properly? Read to find out and get some great bathroom ideas!

Remodeling small bathroom ideas

Should it be decided that the bathroom remain small, the remodel can be achieved by way of a do-it-yourself (DIY) project and a budget that is feasible for your current lifestyle. All aspects of the remodel, barring plumbing and electrical projects can be handled without enlisting a professional. The following will give your existing small bathroom a new, fresh look without the cost of expansion:

  • Updating the paint or wallpaper
  • Replace current lighting options with lights that are LED
  • Introduce accessories that fit your style. Replace or update the following: artwork, linens, towel racks, plants, and mirrors
  • Install or build storage in the form of storage containers, shelving and/or hanging racks
  • Replace the tile flooring of the bathroom. (For this option, you may wish to employ a professional if you are unsure of the process).
  • Replace the older fixtures (bathtub, sink, faucets, etc.) with models that are more modern and, quite possibly, nicer than what is currently in place.

Using items that will create a fluid design in conjunction with dark, rich coloring for the walls will give the appearance of additional space. The darker colors make the walls appear to recede, which will cause your bathroom to no longer feel so minute. The addition of ambient and task lighting will also give the illusion of the room being larger than its dimensions.

Horizontal lines that are continuous alongside frameless large mirrors will lend the illusion of additional space as well. A shower with an entry that is curbless will eliminate the demarcation of a footprint that is limited. Floor to ceiling cabinets are a viable option for storage space for bathrooms that are relatively small. When paired with white marble and mirrored surfaces the trio creates a fluid design that makes the room seems as if it has increased in space.

Tricks for bathroom remodeling

It is a common design trick to create a spectacular focal point within a smaller room. To better accent the focal point, recessed lighting should be used for increased enhancement.

As you determine how to remodel your small bathroom, you must consider each element currently within the room and how it all interacts. Consider if any item is using more surface area than needed.

First, remove the clutter

Maximize your space by, first, removing any clutter. A great start for most small bathrooms is to replace a current vanity with a pedestal sink that will match the style overall of the interior.

small bathroom remodel with white elements

Image: Erik Olsson

Reducing the size of the bathtub or opting for a shower only option, will also assist in the reduction of clutter and the increase of space.

remodeling small bathroom idea with walk-in shower

For those that have an incredibly tight budget and would prefer that their bathroom space be refreshed as opposed to a complete remodel; the following are plausible suggestions as well.

Accent Coordination

A designer or high end feel can be given to your wash room with the use of matching accessories. Most homeowners choose to coordinate lighting fixtures with medicine cabinetry.

white and gold small bathroom remodeling

Image: HUNTED INTERIOR

Use tiles

Rather than opting for a slab of stone, a less expensive, water resistant option can be used by a multitude of DIY’ers. Tiles are a great and cheap way to renew the small bathroom of yours. You can either use it on walls or countertops, as much as you can to cover the space cost-efficiently.

remodeling small bathroom with tiles

Natural wood and terra-cotta accents warm up the bathroom’s cool palette, in this example. So if you want to add tiles but you’re afraid of the result, you can spice it up with this trick. The natural wood  will definitely break the monotone sensation created by the rest of the walls, with the tiles.

Image: Domino

Save space

Is saving space a focus aim in remodeling small bathroom ideas you see? Not in all cases. So, it is important to consider saving space as much as you can. A good example would be to use corner sinks. If the layout of your bathroom doesn’t allow you to do so, then you can place the sink near the corner, at least.

oval mirror in bathrom

$459,00 bathroom remodeling by Bower Power.

You can see in this case how much the space opens up and makes the rest of the bathroom look nice with everything in the right place.

Fixture Refinishing

Instead of choosing to replace fixtures that can cost up to $2,000 for a pair, a professional can reglaze them for you for a less expensive $800. And just like that you can bring your bathroom a new lease of life without spending a fortune.

Revive Wood Flooring

If the wood flooring in your bathroom has become worn, breathe life back into it by brushing the wood boards with porch paint that is glossy and tinted to compliment the chosen color scheme. If you renew the flooring of your bathroom, it’s still a good way to remodel it quickly and make it look as fresh as possible!

remodeling wood flooring in bathroom

Create a Towel Rack

Salvage an old wall hanging coat rack from a yard sale, flea market or antique shop. After you seal the finish that has been aged with polyurethane, hang it so that your towels will always be within arm’s reach. You can either place them near your shower or on the shower door so that you can use it whenever you want. Without having any accidents happening at the wrong time.

remodel bathroom with towel rack

Small bathroom remodel by On Time Baths.

DIY Wallpaper

With the use of a vintage book, create your own wallpaper. The backs of the pages will need to be brushed with wallpaper paste so that it is able to properly adhere to the bathroom walls. Once all the needed pages are adhered to the wall, the surface will need to be sealed with a top coat that is clear. The idea is get something similar to the below example. Notice the beauty created by this beautiful wallpaper that will leave any guests and even you, breathless!

remodel bathroom with wallpaper

Tile Brightening

If your bathroom has a tiled floor that is vintage, using eco-friendly acid etcher will remove the ground in dirt from the grout lines and surface of the porcelain tiles. And just ike that your bathroom will look brand new, full of brightness and transparency.

tile brightening

Use a Color Palette that is Harmonious

A stunning effect that is monochromatic can be achieved by matching the wall paint with the floor coloring. Sounds like a boring thing to do? Well it’s not, actually. A lot of people have the assumption that the monochromatic interiors have nothing to offer and look dull.

small bathroom remodel 13

This is not the case at all though. The harmony created by this combination is such that will make your bathroom look stunning and absolutely fabulous! Only if you try this out will you understand its real value. Is it something you would do? Let us know in the comments below. We believe it’s one of the simplest yet aesthetic remodeling small bathroom ideas.

Use Wainscott

Wainscott is water resistant, does not need to be painted, and requires less maintenance than wood. The cellular PVC beadboard paneling comes in eight inch wide panels in either blue or white. You can place them at your own bathroom and create atmosphere warmer than you could ever imagine. It acually embraces the walls of your bathroom so there’s no deny that it would help you renew any small bathroom out there.

remodeling small bathroom with wainscott

David Guilmet Design

Add an Overlay

Amp up a plain mirror that is attached to the wall by way of a wood frame that is overlaid. This gives the impression of a photo frame where the art is…you! Or anyone looking themselves in the mirror, anyways! It’s a classic way to give your interior a classic touch that all of your guests and friends would envy!

remodeling small bathroom with overlay

Beautiful bathroom by  Allwood Construction.

Plantation Style Shutters

For illumination that is subtle while providing privacy, the installation of plantation style shutters is a wonder option. Shutters that are constructed of vinyl are warp and mold resistant and ideal for a small bathroom.

Two Tone Walls

Break up the monotony of high ceilings and monotone walls. Add a cozy feel to the bathroom by adding a second color to the bottom half of the room’s walls. Or literally in any way you want it to be. Maybe it is better for some remodeling small bathroom ideas to paint the left or right side of the walls, or parts that take up more space.

remodeling small bathroom with two tone walls

Candle Light

Set the mood within you bathroom, minus the fire hazard. Achieve the look and feel of candlelight by way of battery powered wax pillars that are illuminated via LED lighting. This will additionally make your bathroom look vintage and antique. You can also combine this feature with some special shelving and mirror layer cut in a vintage style kind of way, and then off you go!

remodeling small bathroom with candle light

Roman shades

Roman shades with bright colors with an eye-catching patterns are a wonderful way to adorn windows while adding style and flare.

Construct a rustic towel rack

A wood holder can be constructed by cutting sections that are 12 inches in length. The sections are then nailed to a mounting strip cut from a 2X4. The wood should be brushed with wood stain and then fastened to the assemblies on the wall.

remodeling small bathroom with rustic towel rack

studio M Interiors

Use open shelves

Open shelves are a great way to make the interior they are in, more modern and eye-catching! So why not use this idea in your own bathroom? You can place many different elements on them, like plants, shampoos, essential oil bottles and so on. The list is endless and all you have to do is let your imagination flow!

remodeling small bathroom with open shelves

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Image:  Micasa

Cover your baseboard with tiles

Small and tiny tiles can transform your bathroom completely. They make it look cozier and way more modern than in any other case. Admit it, you haven’t seen so many bathrooms use this style! It’s because of its uniqueness. You can also keep using it all the way up to your shower. The result will astonish you!

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small bathroom remodel 20

small bathroom remodel 29

Or you can use bigger tiles, if that’s what you really want. The trick here, again, is to us the tiles all the way through the bathroom surface, not just the floor.

small bathroom remodel 6

Marble works fine

Marble is also a good material choice you can make when it comes to remodeling small bathroom ideas. The ability of this material to completely tranform how your bathroom looks is really incredible.

small bathroom remodel 11

small bathroom remodel 22

small bathroom remodel 12

Images: El Mueble

small bathroom remodel 16

Tiny Bath Makeover by DIY Show Off.

small bathroom remodel 30

Image: arquitetura+interiores

Last but not least, use wood elements

How could we not mention this? Wood elements are still a thing in your bathroom’s decor. And they can look pretty cool, if implemented and placed in the right spots. Check out some great ideas below.

small bathroom remodel 8small bathroom remodel 10

small bathroom remodel 19

Images: BHG

We really hope you liked this guide on remodeling small bathroom ideas. It took us a lot of research and hours spent to gather up all this useful information in one single article for you. So, with all this in mind, what is going to be your next move regarding bathroom remodeling?

7 thoughts on “Small Bathroom Remodeling Guide (30 Pics)”

  1. With the exception of a few, these are not what I would call small bathrooms. I wish I could post a pic here because then I’d show you what a small bathroom is. Like, if you weigh more than 180 lbs you couldn’t turn around in it small.

  2. Very nice pics. Not all are “small” bathrooms but that’s okay. I love getting new ideas for my future projects and there are quite a few in this list that I like a lot.

  3. Great bathroom ideas you have shared here. Subtle yet impact full. I love the transition of the marble from the vanity, to the floor, to the tub, and ending on the shower wall. Great job! Thanks for the ideas again.

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