Ideas for How to Remodel a Small Bathroom

By Karolis Senkus | SenkusBuild – Trusted Bathroom Contractor in Lake Zurich, Barrington & Crystal Lake

If you're like most homeowners in Lake Zurich, Barrington, or Crystal Lake, chances are your bathroom is one of the most used rooms in the house—but also one of the most outdated. Maybe it's still got a 90s wood vanity or beige tile that doesn’t match the rest of your updated home. Maybe the lighting is dim, and the plumbing doesn’t inspire confidence. The good news? Even a small bathroom has the potential to feel fresh, functional, and luxurious.

At SenkusBuild, I’ve remodeled over 100 small bathrooms. I’ve seen everything from poor waterproofing jobs to underlit, underutilized spaces that feel more like closets than bathrooms. In this post, I’m going to walk you through practical, tested ideas for how to remodel a small bathroom—without wasting space or money.

Why Remodel a Small Bathroom?

A well-designed small bathroom is more than just a visual upgrade—it’s a daily improvement in how your home functions. For most of my clients—typically homeowners aged 40+ with homes worth $450,000 or more—the goal is clear:

• Fix leaking plumbing
• Improve storage and layout
• Enhance comfort and luxury
• Maximize resale value

Smaller bathrooms are also less expensive to remodel than larger ones, making them a great entry point for first-time renovators looking to boost their home’s appeal.

How I Approach Small Bathroom Remodels at SenkusBuild

Every project starts the same: a detailed in-person visit. I look at your existing layout, inspect plumbing conditions, listen to your needs, and offer real-time suggestions.

Then I provide a clear, written estimate, and we finalize details before starting. My team completes about 80% of the work in-house, keeping quality high and timelines on track. Most small bathrooms take us 2–3 weeks to complete—with a clean finish and attention to every last detail, from caulking to cleanup.

Now, let’s dive into the small bathroom ideas that truly make a difference.

Smart and Stylish Small Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

1. Address Plumbing and Waterproofing First

The most common issue I see is leaking plumbing, often from poorly sealed tubs or aging copper lines. In older homes especially, water damage is hidden behind walls. That’s why I always start with a thorough inspection and never cut corners on waterproofing.

👉 Skipping waterproofing or not updating plumbing when needed can lead to thousands in repairs later.
If budget is a concern, we often keep plumbing in place and focus on refreshing fixtures instead of moving everything around.

2. Go with a Floating Vanity

Floating vanities are my top choice for small spaces. Here’s why:

• They free up visual and physical space.
• You can clean underneath easily.
• They look modern, clean, and high-end.

For most clients, I pair these with standard floor-mounted toilets, which are simpler to maintain and more cost-effective unless wall-hung options are preferred.

3. Don’t Underestimate Good Lighting

Lighting is one of the biggest missed opportunities in small bathrooms.

I always use canless LED lights—they don’t take up ceiling space and offer flexible placement. Combine that with:

• Lighted mirrors
• Vanity sconces
• A dimmable ceiling fixture

And you’ve suddenly created a bathroom that feels 30% bigger. Think of lighting not just as function—but as atmosphere.

4. Large Tiles, Light Colors

I love using large-format tiles (12x24 and up) in bathrooms. Fewer grout lines, less visual clutter. Choose light grays, whites, or soft beige tones for a clean and expansive look. These tones reflect light, help the room feel larger, and serve as a neutral base for accent colors.

Tile patterns? It depends on the style of the home, but I’ve used everything from vertical stack bonds to hexagon mosaics—each can look great when installed with precision.

5. Use a Mirror to Expand the Room

Mirrors aren’t just for grooming—they expand visual space. I often install wider mirrors that run the length of the vanity or reach to the ceiling.
Bonus: they reflect both natural and artificial light, doubling your brightness.

📌 Design Tip: I match the mirror frame to your plumbing fixture finish—like brushed gold, black, or chrome—for a designer-style feel.

6. Replace the Curtain with a Glass Door

If there’s one change that instantly makes a small bathroom feel more modern and open, it’s replacing the old shower curtain with a glass panel or door.

Even a fixed glass screen (like in European wet rooms) keeps water contained while creating a seamless look. It’s easier to clean, lasts longer, and lets your tile work shine.

7. Add Built-In Storage Where You Can

Space is tight, so built-in shelving and shower niches go a long way. I often install:

• Recessed niches inside the shower
• Vertical cubbies above the toilet
• Between-the-stud shelving behind doors

If built-ins aren’t possible, a well-placed open shelf above the toilet still does the job and adds visual interest when styled with care.

8. Hang the Shower Curtain High

If you’re not doing glass, don’t hang your shower curtain at standard height. Raise the rod closer to the ceiling and use an extra-long curtain. It draws the eye up and makes the room feel taller.

9. Vault the Ceiling (When Possible)

One of my most memorable small bathroom remodels involved vaulting the ceiling and adding a skylight. It changed everything—adding natural light, vertical volume, and a spa-like vibe.

Not every layout allows for this, but if you’re renovating a bathroom under an attic or unused roofline, it’s worth asking.

10. Use a Pocket Door

Swing doors steal valuable square footage. In tight layouts, I recommend a pocket door that slides into the wall. It allows for:

• Better use of floor space
• Clearer walking paths
• More options for vanity or toilet placement

11. Keep the Details Consistent

The little things matter. Matching:

• Faucets
• Towel bars
• Drawer pulls
• Shower trim
• Lighting finishes

...gives your bathroom a polished, designer-grade appearance—even if the space is modest.

I always use Schluter tile trim to match the plumbing finish for a clean edge on tile work.

12. Heated Floors—Only When It Makes Sense

Clients ask about heated floors often. In small bathrooms, I usually don’t recommend them unless it’s a master or children’s bathroom where cold floors are more noticeable.

That said, radiant floor heating adds serious comfort and luxury if budget allows.

Real Results: Before & After

In one recent project, a client in Lake Zurich had an outdated bathroom with pink tile, a leaky tub, and almost no lighting. We:

• Installed a floating vanity with a large LED mirror
• Replaced the tub with a walk-in shower and glass door
• Tiled floor-to-ceiling in light porcelain
• Added canless ceiling lights and a dimmable sconce

The room looked twice as big—and the client called it “the best decision they made all year.”

FAQs: Ideas for How to Remodel a Small Bathroom

What is the best layout for a small bathroom?

Stick with the existing plumbing if possible, and focus on a layout that doesn’t block sightlines. Wall-mounted vanities, glass doors, and floating shelves help create openness.

How do I make my small bathroom look more luxurious?

Use high-quality materials in small doses—like polished fixtures, a bold accent wall, a high-end mirror, and uniform finishes. Luxury doesn’t always mean expensive—it’s about attention to detail.

What’s the biggest mistake people make in small bathrooms?

1. Poor waterproofing—this leads to mold and long-term damage.
2. Under-lighting—makes the room feel smaller and older.
3. Mixing too many finishes or colors—creates visual chaos.

How much does a small bathroom remodel cost?

At SenkusBuild, most small bathrooms range from $3,000 to $15,000, depending on materials and plumbing needs. Expect to pay $115–$300 per square foot for a full remodel.

Can I remodel a small bathroom myself?

Some parts, like painting or updating hardware, can be DIY. But for plumbing, waterproofing, tile work, and lighting, I highly recommend using a licensed contractor—especially to avoid costly mistakes.

Let’s Remodel Your Small Bathroom Right

If you're ready to upgrade your small bathroom with lasting quality and a contractor you can trust, I'm here to help. I’ve remodeled over 100 small bathrooms across Lake Zurich, Barrington, Crystal Lake, and beyond—and no two are exactly the same.

Each one starts with a real conversation, an honest plan, and ends with a space that feels brand-new.

📞 Call/Text: +1 (312) 684-8469
📍 SenkusBuild – Serving the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago
📸 See My Work: www.senkusbuild.com
💬 Book a Free In-Person Consultation

Let’s build you something better—small space, big impact.

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