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Floating vanities are a good choice for small bathrooms because they can make the bathroom appear larger than it actually is. The downside is that, depending on the size, it may lack the storage of a traditional bathroom vanity. Alternatives for a vanity in a small bathroom include a pedestal sink or a corner vanity.

There are several ways to save money on a bathroom remodel through proper planning and savvy design strategies. To reduce costs, consider the following:

• Purchase your own materials: Buy your own bathroom fixtures, hardware, and other materials to avoid contractor upcharges and delivery fees.

• Shop smart for big-ticket items: Save on pricey items like tiles and tubs by shopping sales and at discount stores.

• Avoid major layout changes: Keep plumbing in its current location. Opt to replace fixtures rather than moving them to avoid significant renovation work.

• Focus on high-impact, low-cost updates: Make affordable but impactful smaller changes, such as upgrading hardware, installing new lighting, and adding stylish but economical accessories.

• DIY where possible: Handle easier parts of the remodel yourself, like painting or installing light fixtures, to save on labor costs.

• Time your remodel strategically: Consider remodeling in the spring, which tends to be a lower-demand time of year and may result in lower costs.

If you plan to make bathroom updates in the near future, try to lump in a few smaller projects with your shower door installation. Most contractors charge a flat rate for smaller projects like updating a fixture. If you lump it in with other projects, you may not have to pay an additional visit fee. Projects to consider doing when you replace your shower door include: Replacing the tile in your shower Updating the showerhead Updating other bathroom fixtures Minor repairs, like fixing small leaks and worn caulk Installing water-safe recessed lighting in your shower

To make a bathroom look bigger, choose light-colored, medium- to large-format tiles. Light colors such as white, cream, or light gray make a space feel more open, while dark colors, busy patterns, and small tiles can make a bathroom feel smaller. It may seem counterintuitive, but small tiles can shrink a room visually due to the increased number of grout lines. Using medium- to large-format tiles creates a more seamless look. For the best effect, pair your light-colored tiles with a matching or similarly colored grout. This minimizes the grid-like pattern and gives the floor and walls a more continuous, uninterrupted appearance, helping the room feel significantly larger.