Hi everyone! My name is Sarah Rodriguez and I’m here to share some creative small bathroom remodel ideas I used to makeover my cramped bathroom. Doing a small bathroom remodel on a budget can seem tough, but with some smart planning you can totally transform your space.
I was really feeling constrained by the lack of storage and counter space in my tiny bath. But instead of renovating the whole room, which would have been way too expensive, I decided to do some simple upgrades. Now my bathroom feels so much more functional and polished. I hope some of these small bathroom renovation tips give you inspiration to make the most of your limited space too!
1. Replace the Vanity
One of the best ways to free up valuable floor space in a small bathroom makeover is by swapping out an outdated bulky vanity for a more compact undermount sink model. I chose a 24″ wide white laminate vanity with two drawers and cabinet space underneath the sink. Since it was mounted against the wall with just the sink protruding, it shaved off several precious inches. I also found one with hidden hinges so the doors close seamlessly, keeping the items inside neatly hidden from view. Installing a space-saving vanity like this is an affordable way to open up your small bathroom.
2. Install Shelving
I added some open shelving on the empty wall beside the toilet to take advantage of unused vertical space. Now I have convenient storage for extra toilet paper, towels, soap dispensers and decor items. Measure the space you have available and look for multi-tiered floating shelves or wall-mounted brackets to accommodate different shelf depths. Make sure anything you store is lightweight so as not to overload the shelves. Customizing your shelves by painting them the same color as your walls helps them blend in visually too.
3. Opt for a Pedestal Sink
If your counter real estate is super limited, consider swapping out your vanity for a sleek pedestal sink. Without the bulky vanity base taking up floor space, a pedestal sink sits atop your bathroom counter, maximizing usable surface area. Its small footprint is perfect for tight powder rooms and half baths. Just be sure to choose a sturdy pedestal sink and water-resistant flooring if installing one.
4. Replace the Toilet
An older bulky toilet could be taking up more space than necessary. Updating it with a newer compact toilet trimmer in footprint can go a long way. Look for elongated or round-front styles that fit your layout. Opt for a pressure-assisted or dual-flush model if possible which uses less water per flush too. Easy DIY toilet replacements are very affordable for a small bathroom remodel.
5. Install a Wall-Mounted Faucet
One way to gain more usable counter space is installing a sleek wall-mounted faucet and sink. By mounting the faucet on the wall, you eliminate the need for a bulky sink deck and fixtures standing on your counter. Plus, many modern wall-mounted sink faucets now come with handy pull-down sprayers for easy cleaning. Be sure to install wall anchors appropriate for your surface.
6. Add a Medicine Cabinet
Bathroom storage solutions are key in small spaces. To keep essentials organized but hidden from view, consider installing an extra-large medicine cabinet above or to the side of your vanity. Look for options with adjustable shelves and interior lighting. Mounting a cabinet on the wall doesn’t take up floor space like a standard vanity does.
7. Incorporate Narrow Cabinets
I added a few narrow cabinets installed between my vanity and toilet for convenient toothbrush and item storage at eye level. Make sure any cabinets you include are no more than 10-12 inches wide. You can also look for open shelving or wall-mounted organizers in this area instead.
8. Replace the Shower Doors
A large sliding or swing shower door will make any small space feel more cramped. Updating with a compact pivot or biparting door that only needs to open as far as the body can save a few precious inches in the bathroom. Curtains are another low-cost option that require minimal space to open fully.
9. Change the Lighting
Modernizing your lighting is an easy upgrade that improves the appearance of a small bathroom. I swapped out my bulky ceiling light for a set of three potlights focused over the vanity area. This directs illumination exactly where needed without wasting space above. I also added a motion-sensing light beneath one cabinet that turns on automatically when I need to find something in storage. Proper lighting makes any room feel larger.
10. Replace the Hardware
Replacing outdated cabinet and drawer pulls is an inexpensive way to freshen things up. Search for modern single- or multi-knob options that have a clean lined appearance rather than bulky Baroque-style handles. Sleek pulls allow cabinets and drawers to be placed closer together, saving inches of precious counter space. Make sure any new handles you choose are shiny or matte to match your new vanity hardware style.
11. Utilize the Walls
Every square inch of wall space in a small bathroom counts! I added a vertical 12-inch towel rack to the empty space beside the shower and hung framed artwork above the toilet. Even simple floating shelves provide functional display space for essentials like lotions and toiletries. Get creative with wall organization to take advantage of available vertical real estate.
12. Opt for Space-Saving Cabinetry
Instead of floor-standing cabinets that take up legroom, I purchased wall-mounted floating cabinets for maximum storage in minimal space. Their frameless doors allow for closer placement too. If counter space allows, consider corner cabinets or segmented cabinetry to follow any odd wall angles. Modular options like these are ideal for fitting every shape of small room.
13. Install a Corner Shower
A corner shower is the ultimate space-saver for tight bathrooms. By containing the entire shower in one 90-degree corner, you maximize usable floor space around it. Look for low-threshold entry options to preserve floor room as well. Corner showers are versatile for any small bathroom remodel on a budget.
14. Add a Stacked Drawer System
Under the sink, I installed a slim 2-drawer cart to stash extra supplies instead of a bulky cabinet. Stacked drawers take up less foot space than a full base and allow easy front-access storage. Make sure any shelves within can support adequate weight so items don’t fall through.
15. Incorporate Floating Shelves
Floating shelves mounted just above the toilet provide a rustic space to display plants, books, or framed photos. I stained mine a dark espresso to complement the room’s colors. Floating shelves add character without wasting precious floor or wall space.
16. Use Rugs and Mats to Define Spaces
Adding a plush bath mat, woven rug, or vinyl floor decals are inexpensive ways to define different zones like the shower area without permanent changes. I found a large round rug to take up space in front of the sink visually while cushioning the floor.
17. Swap out the Showerhead
Upgrading to a newer high-pressure or adjustable showerhead improves water flow without major work. Look for low-profile multi-function or handheld showerheads that require little wall space above. This small swap made my shower time much more enjoyable.
18. Hang Full-Length Mirror
A freestanding full-length mirror mounted on the back of a bathroom door expands the small space optically. I hung mine using convenient suction cups so it stays securely but can be easily removed if needed. This floor-length mirror makes my tiny half-bath feel more spacious.
19. Install Under-Sink Storage
The area beneath the bathroom sink is often wasted empty space. I added an over-the-cabinet storage caddy and stackable bins on top to corral cleaning supplies, razors, and other essentials. The slim modular bins only take up vertical space without crowding the floor. Label each container clearly so everything has a dedicated storage spot and the under-sink area stays tidy. Easy-access storage is important in a small bathroom!
Conclusion
I hope these 19 small bathroom remodel ideas provided some inspiring options to maximize your limited space on a budget. Even simple changes like switching out hardware or lighting can refresh small rooms dramatically. A compact vanity, multi-functional shelving and creative storage solutions helped solve my lack of storage issues. With some planning and inexpensive DIY upgrades, any bathroom can feel more polished and functional.
