38 Inspiring Bathroom Remodel Ideas to Upgrade Your Space

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. If you have to move plumbing to install a freestanding tub, call a licensed plumber to take on the job.

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 showerhead.

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.

9. Add Glass Shower Doors

Looking to upgrade your shower space? Installing glass shower doors is a simple change with a big impact. Glass doors can make a small bathroom look larger because they don’t visually cut off the shower area. It also feels more luxurious than your standard shower curtain. For most homeowners, shower door installation costs $550 to $1,400.

10. Install Wainscoting

Wainscoting, a type of wood paneling, is the perfect marriage of classic and trendy. Historically, it was used to protect the lower portion of the wall from wear and tear, but today it serves as a charming decorative accent that suits a range of styles from coastal and craftsman to traditional and farmhouse. There’s no shortage of wainscoting ideas, so make sure you choose the paneling that best suits your bathroom’s design style.

11. Install a Half-Wall Shower

A half-wall shower (also known as a pony wall) is just what it sounds like—a shower that has half a wall as the lower part of the enclosure. This wall acts as a mount for shower glass and offers slightly more privacy. The wall sections off the space, so this shower remodeling idea is ideal for large bathrooms or bathrooms without an existing alcove.

12. Update Your Toilet

Say goodbye to the boring toilets of yesteryear. A high-tech toilet is a trendy bathroom remodeling idea that is within reach for most homeowners. If you don’t want to spring for a brand-new toilet, consider swapping out your old toilet seat for a smart toilet seat with features like a built-in bidet and deodorizing fans. Installing a high-efficiency model can help you save on your water bill.

13. Add Shiplap

Shiplap has become a fan favorite in the design world for its sheer popularity, but it’s popular for a reason. This type of paneling can add a distinctly farmhouse, coastal, or nautical look to your bathroom remodeling project. The average cost to install shiplap is around $1,000.

14. Refresh Your Grout

Stained grout can make your bathroom look older and dirtier than it actually is. If you’re planning a bathroom remodel, consider replacing your grout. White isn’t the only option—think outside the box when choosing your grout color. Black grout can stand out against white tile, but you can also go with an unexpected pop of color like blue or orange.

15. Repaint Your Bathroom

One of the quickest ways to make a major change in your bathroom is to give it a fresh coat of paint, whether you’re hiring a pro or taking on a DIY bathroom remodel. Lighter and brighter colors can visually open up a small bathroom, while darker colors lend themselves to an elegant look. Consider an unexpected pastel like lavender or butter yellow, or keep it traditional with a shade of white, gray, or greige. 

16. Add Heated Flooring

Nothing will wake you up faster than going to take a shower and stepping barefoot on cold tiles. Heated flooring can make your space more comfortable, especially if your bathroom is in a room that tends to get cold overnight or you live in a colder region. This is a great upgrade to add if you already plan to swap out your flooring as part of your bathroom remodel.

17. Update Light Fixtures 

Updating your light fixtures can help you see your bathroom in a brand-new light—literally. In a practical sense, lighting can improve the visibility inside your bathroom if you’re shaving, putting on makeup, or styling your hair. Add softer amber lighting for spa-like relaxation and save the brighter bulbs for functional areas like your vanity. 

18. Add Wallpaper

Since humidity can damage wallpaper, most people think they need to keep it out of bathrooms. However, wallpaper can make a statement in a bathroom if you choose the right type. Choose a washable wallpaper suitable for bathrooms or another type of wallpaper that can stand up to moisture. Wallpaper pairs well with wainscoting because it adds visual interest without overpowering the room.

19. Update the Entry Door

We mostly think about the inside of our bathrooms when planning a remodel, but don’t overlook the impact of swapping out the entry door. If you have a standard bathroom door, consider choosing something with a little more style, like one with a pop of color or farmhouse details. Even painting your door black can add elegance to the space and make the details feel more intentional. 

20. Add Floating Fixtures

Floating fixtures are as stylish as they are space-saving. They’re an excellent solution in a small powder room or half bath. You can keep it small with a wall-mounted sink faucet or go for a full floating vanity.

Since this job involves plumbing, skip the DIY and call a pro. This will add about $50 to $75 per hour to the cost of your bathroom remodel, but it’s worth it to avoid a costly mistake. Working with a local bathroom designer can simplify the process and ensure you're happy with the final product.

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 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.