Home improvements can be challenging. However, smaller rooms tend to be more difficult because of the limited space.
Bathrooms, in particular, are often remodeled. Many homeowners update these rooms to refresh the area or repair issues that have bothered them for too long.
If it’s about time you renovated your bathroom, you’ve come to the right place. This article will discuss how to remodel a small bathroom, focusing on the things you should and shouldn’t do.
Dos
Implementing the right choices helps keep your remodeling project free from significant issues later. When planning a small bathroom, this is what you need to do:
1. Select Smaller Furniture and Fixtures
A small room works best with small furniture. If you choose bulky ones, finding spots to put them becomes tougher.
Go for options like a slim pedestal sink or a floating vanity desk. Wall-mounted sinks or toilets also help free up floor space. Smaller pieces make your bathroom easier for you to move around without bumping into anything.
Getting compact furniture doesn’t mean settling for unappealing pieces. Many bathroom essentials, like a small bathtub and storage solutions, are aesthetically pleasing and suit several layouts. You’ll find something that will look fantastic in your small bathroom, no matter the design.

2. Embrace Vertical Space
In a small bathroom remodel, your floor isn’t the only space you should focus on. You can maximize your bathroom walls with some creativity.
Walls are great for hanging vertical bathroom shelving to store towels, toiletries, and wall sconces for lighting. Floating shelves or over-the-toilet cabinets can hold essentials without crowding your counter space. Even a tall ladder shelf can be stylish and functional for storage.
3. Use Light Colors
Homeowners who know how to remodel a small bathroom understand the power of colors. Lighter shades create the illusion of a wider room. Paint colors such as soft gray, pale blue, and pastels reflect more light, making a room look bigger.
You don’t have to stick with plain white for your wall color. A soft beige wall or light-colored tiles can bring warmth while maintaining an airy vibe. If you want some color, add it using accessories like towels or rugs rather than on the walls.
4. Install Larger Mirrors
Like pale colors, mirrors reflect light. A well-placed large mirror also reflects the wall it’s facing directly, making a small room appear much bigger than it really is.
If possible, install a mirror covering the whole vanity or the wall. You could also experiment with mirrored cabinets, which combine storage with a space-expanding visual effect.
5. Go In With a Plan and a Budget
A plan and budget are part of how to remodel a small bathroom. If you start renovations too soon, you could make some expensive mistakes.
Measure your bathroom and design a layout that works for you. Decide which upgrades are vital and which can wait. Not sure what you should save or spend on? Look for examples of budget-friendly small bathroom remodels online to inspire you.
A fixed budget keeps you from overspending. Knowing bathroom remodeling costs also ensures you allocate funds for quality materials for other bathroom essentials. For smoother planning, consider how small businesses streamline their operations, using clear goals, budgets, and the right tools to manage projects efficiently.
Don’ts
When doing small bathroom remodeling projects, you might go overboard. Take care not to do that by following these ‘don’ts’ in renovating a small room:
1. Overcrowd the Floor and Countertops
Clutter will make a small bathroom look even smaller. Avoid putting too many baskets and decorative pieces on the floor. Keep countertops clear of unnecessary items and use organizers to store daily essentials. A tidy space feels larger and is easier to clean.
2. Forget Some Plants
You might be too fixated on saving bathroom space to remember to decorate. Some carefully chosen plants, for instance, can liven up your bathroom without making it feel too crowded.

A potted plant on your vanity top or a hanging plant near your shower stall prettifies a plain bathroom. Plants with vivid colors or air-purifying qualities are also excellent considerations for decorating a small space.
3. Be Too Distracted by Trends
Take a look at the home renovation tags on social media, and you’ll see a variety of trendy bathroom ideas. However, not all trends work for small bathrooms. Some even work against them.
For example, ceramic tiles with bold geometric prints could make a smaller space appear cramped. So, consider plain tiles or options with subtle patterns. Additionally, choose a timeless base design and incorporate trends through smaller, replaceable items like towels or decor.
4. Perform Electrical and Waterproofing Jobs by Yourself
A DIY small bathroom renovation can save money, but some tasks are better left to professionals. Electrical work and waterproofing are critical areas where mistakes can lead to major problems.
It’s worth investing in general contractors for these parts of the project, even if you handle other tasks on your own. The risk of water leaks or safety hazards isn’t worth the risk of doing these jobs alone.
5. Rush the Project
You shouldn’t rush a bathroom renovation. Rushing could lead to costly choices, like buying furniture that doesn’t fit or forgetting to install an exhaust fan. Take it step by step and double-check measurements before making huge purchases.
Conclusion
Knowing the dos and don’ts of remodelling a small bathroom makes the project less stressful. You’ll focus on changes that matter and set aside features that could eat up your remaining space.
When you’re ready to start your bathroom renovation, keep these tips in mind. Also, consider partnering with an interior design expert. A little help in bathroom makeovers can turn your idea into reality.