38 Inspiring Bathroom Remodel Ideas to Upgrade Your Space
Bathrooms so good they could get a TV deal
So you want to remodel your bathroom. Whether you’re ready to rip out your ’90s-era jet tub today or want to peruse bathroom remodel ideas for the future, we can help you figure out a new stylish setup. Here are 38 ways to improve a primary bathroom, a guest bathroom, and even a tiny powder room.
1. Add a Walk-In Shower
Whether you need ideas for a small bathroom remodel that doesn't involve a bathtub or simply want to follow modern bathroom trends, consider adding a walk-in shower. These open up your bathroom so it feels more spacious, and they show off your shower tile design through glass shower doors.
A curbless shower—a shower that runs level with the floor and has no barriers to step over—can open up your bathroom even more and create continuity between your bathroom floor tile and shower tile. Curbless showers may cost more money, but they are great for accessibility, too.
2. Opt for a Freestanding Bathtub
If you have the space, a freestanding tub makes an epic impression in a main bathroom. What’s more, you can choose one that fits your style. There are antique clawfoot tubs for a luxury vintage vibe, sleek white or black oval tubs for a modern look, and wood-surrounded rectangular tubs for a rustic design.
3. Update Old Tile with a Modern Pattern
Replacing old bathroom tile or adding tile to painted drywall dramatically updates any bathroom, especially if you choose a modern pattern. Think large or small honeycomb tiles in black or white for the floor, large slate gray tiles for the shower, or large marble tiles with gray swirls for the wall behind the bathtub.
Even classic patterns, such as white subway tile with black grout, can look modern when paired with another patterned tile or amenities such as a walk-in shower with a rain shower head.
4. Rethink the Vanity and Sink
While it can be easy to fall back on the traditional rectangular vanity and undermount bathroom sink when planning your bathroom remodel, there are more options out there.
The vessel sink, for instance, sits on top of a vanity but can also be added to a small cabinet or table. A hanging vanity—a popular bathroom remodel trend—frees up floor space in a small bathroom. And wall-mounted faucets attach directly to the wall behind sinks, freeing up counter space. Even pedestal sinks have gotten a makeover, with sculptural geometrical shapes that resemble works of art.
5. Update a Small Bathroom Into a Large Shower
A bathtub takes up visual space, which can make a small bathroom feel even smaller. Instead, you may want to convert your tub into a walk-in shower. Choose an option with frameless glass doors or an open shower stall to avoid cutting the room in half.
6. Consider Adding a Shower Ledge
The best walk-in shower ideas keep utility in mind—with equal parts form and function. Adding a shower ledge, which keeps your shampoo bottles organized and within reach, is the perfect marriage of both. Choose a material that serves as an accent, whether you’re adding spa-like wood shelving or topping an alcove in mosaic tile.
7. Install Large Windows to Bring in Natural Light
Natural light will make a small space feel light and airy. The problem is that windows are often counterintuitive to privacy. You won’t get any natural light if you have to keep the blinds closed every time you take a shower. Instead, go for privacy glass or make sure you install windows out of the line of sight of your toilet and tub.
8. Get Creative With Storage
You can never have too much storage in a bathroom. Think beyond under-the-sink and get creative. Full-sized built-ins or shelving can hold all your linens in a bathroom with no closet. If you have the space, you can even add personal closets to a Jack and Jill bathroom—store your stuff in one and your partner’s in another.
13 Bathroom Remodel Ideas by Decor Style
Your home is an extension of your personality, and your bathroom should be no exception. So whether you’re more of a maximalist or minimalist, bohemian free spirit or rustic country fan, we can help you find a bathroom that fits your vibe.
1. Luxury
With black and white marble walls and floors, this bathroom is the epitome of contemporary luxury.
2. Minimalist
This minimalist bathroom prioritizes the essentials and prizes clean lines while avoiding excessive decoration.
3. Traditional
A classic double vanity pairs with modern amenities, including a standup glass shower and freestanding bathtub.
4. Contemporary
To do a contemporary bathroom look, copy this bathroom’s white, black, and gray color scheme, hexagonal floor tiles, and matte black accents.
5. Mid-Century Modern
Remember how we said pedestal sinks could resemble works of art? We were talking about sleek column pedestal sinks like the one in this mid-century modern bathroom.
6. Chic
This super stylish small bathroom leaves a big impression with its marble shower surround with patterned mosaic accent tile.
7. Industrial
Concrete pairs with blonde wood to ensure this industrial bathroom looks warm and inviting, rather than cold and harsh.
8. Rustic
Between its clawfoot tub, distressed mint green vanity, and shiplap walls, this bathroom could be the poster child for modern farmhouse style.
9. Art Deco
Pay homage to the Roaring ’20s with an Art Deco bathroom, complete with a vintage roll-top tub, subway tile, and a black-and-white checked floor.
10. Boho
This fabulous boho bathroom incorporates wood everywhere from the tub surround to the sink backsplash to the hanging pendant lights.
11. Spa
For spa-like luxury in your own home, install a stand-up rain shower with steam to relax your muscles and give your skin a glow. Don’t forget the fluffy white towels, robes, and slippers.
12. English Country Estate
Bring a bit of the English countryside to the States with the help of striped wallpaper, dramatic curtains, and of course, a freestanding roll-top tub perfect for enjoying a long soak and cuppa tea.
13. Accessible
If you want a beautiful bathroom that’s accessible, go for a curbless shower, handrails around the toilet, and a low wall-mounted sink with room for a wheelchair underneath.
5 Bathroom Color Schemes for Your Remodel
Looking for a budget-friendly way to transform your bathroom? A fresh coat of paint can make a huge difference. Even if you have a beat-up tub, painting and bathtub refinishing costs will run you less than splurging for brand-new appliances, vanities, and tiling. Here are some color schemes to spark your inspiration.
1. White Modern
Modern bathroom design is rooted in minimalism. With this style, less is certainly more—and that goes for color, too. White is ultra-chic and always crisp. It also allows texture to shine, whether you use glazed subway tile to accentuate the clean lines or marble to add a luxury look.
2. Gray
Bold color isn’t for everyone. If you’re looking for a neutral palette that goes with any style, try shades of gray. Gray is actually deceptively versatile—you can choose cool shades with hints of blue or warmer shades with hints of yellow. Mix and match with a true neutral for your walls that ties together the whole room.
3. Blue
Blue is a classic color palette for a bathroom—whether you’re going for a beachy style, nautical theme, or French country aesthetic. Pastel shades provide a subtle wash of color, whereas darker shades like navy or slate can ramp up the contrast and let white countertops take center stage.
4. Green
Looking for something classy but unexpected? Try incorporating green into your bathroom. Green walls can conjure images of art deco luxury or stately Edwardian homes. At the same time, you can use it like you would a neutral earth tone. Even a well-placed houseplant can add an interesting pop of green to a crisp, white bathroom.
5. Black
Homeowners may steer away from black, fearing it’s too dark for a bathroom—especially in small bathrooms lacking natural light. However, black accents can actually add contrast and luxury. They make whites look whiter and bright colors look brighter. Black flooring can ground a space, and black grout can add an interesting texture.
5 Materials to Elevate Your Bathroom Remodel
The materials you use in your bathroom remodel don’t just impact the overall look—they also impact the utility and price, so keep that in mind. Certain materials require extra maintenance, while others naturally resist scratches, scuffs, mildew, and mold.
1. Wood Flooring
Wood flooring can add a classic look to a bathroom, no matter the color you choose. Just make sure that if you’re using natural hardwood (rather than a wood-effect vinyl or tile) that you’ve applied a waterproof seal.
2. Marble
Marble adds a certain level of luxury to a bathroom. You can splurge for natural marble slabs, but if you want the look for less, reach for marble tiles or cultured marble (which is actually a composite material made of resin and mineral dust). Whichever you choose, make sure you go with a similar grain for your whole bathroom.
3. Stone
Natural stone is a popular material for bathrooms, whether you choose high-end slate tiles or cost-effective travertine. Mix and match stones in different shapes (think: brick-like walls with hexagonal tile floors) for extra interest.
4. Natural Wood Accents
Natural wood accents can give your bathroom a modern, spa-like feel, but they also work to ramp up a cottagecore or French country aesthetic. The finish will determine whether it feels rustic or sleek. If you don’t want to maintain natural wood flooring, reach for a wood vanity and matching bath tray.
5. Bricked Walls
Exposed brick will add an industrial element to your bathroom, but if you’re not keen on the urban aesthetic, pay attention to the material. Brick can feel quite rustic if you choose a style with varying sizes in neutral shades—especially if you pair it with stone flooring.
7 Bathroom Remodel Ideas on a Budget
Replacing an old bathroom vanity is one of the best ways to get a completely new look without spending money for an entire bathroom makeover. But it’s not the only thing you can do. The average bathroom remodel costs $11,500—but revamping your space can work on any budget. Before you call a local bathroom remodeler, consider these tips on how to change up your bathroom design on a budget.
Paint your existing bathroom vanity and change out the hardware.
Refinish your bathtub or sink with a DIY kit. These include self-leveling coatings that can cover chips and stains or turn a colored tub into a white tub.
Swap out your sink faucet.
Paint the walls and add a new mirror.
Attach LED light strips behind the bathroom mirror.
Create a shiplap accent wall.
Use less expensive materials, such as ceramic tiles vs. porcelain tiles or quartz countertops vs. marble countertops.