17 Before and After Small Bathroom Makeovers: Transform Your Space with DIY Inspiration
Small bathrooms may seem challenging to work with, but they also come with big potential for DIYers. Whether you’re looking to make modest updates or undertake a complete remodel, the transformations we’ll explore in this article are sure to inspire you. From revamped showers to customized vanities, these before-and-after small bathroom makeovers showcase the power of creativity and hard work in turning a lackluster space into a spa-like retreat.
Tips for Small Bathroom Remodels
Before we dive into the inspiring transformations, here are some essential tips to keep in mind:
- Small bathroom remodels typically cost between $1,500 and $15,000, with a national average of $6,500.
- DIYers can save between 40 and 60 percent of the total budget by taking on some or all of the work themselves.
Now, let’s take a closer look at these remarkable small bathroom makeovers that demonstrate how functional design and a touch of creativity can completely transform a space.
Before: Dark and Cramped Design
Faith Towers Provencher of Design Fixation started with a small bathroom that felt dark and enclosed due to blue-grey walls and dark floor tiles.
After: Bright and Open Design
By lightening up the room with white paint, silver fixtures, and subway-style tile for the walls, Faith was able to create the illusion of more space. Upgrading the lighting with a new wall sconce added extra brightness to the room.
Before: Basic and Boring
Lela Burris of Organized*ish described her original bathroom as “boring, boring, boring” with its white and beige color scheme.
After: Bold and Modern Design
Lela opted for a bold redesign with black walls and unique geometric accents. Removing a bulky storage cabinet in favor of streamlined shelving helped open up the space and add personality to the room.
Before: Dark and Boring
Katja Kromann of A Home For Design had a small upstairs bathroom that lacked special features.
After: Designer Touches
With a few simple updates like a new countertop, fresh white paint, and some decorative pieces, Katja added a designer feel to the bathroom without a major overhaul.
Before: Plain and Muted
Erin Marshall of Live Pretty On a Penny tackled her powder room with a cost-effective approach.
After: Fresh and Welcoming
Erin’s One Room Challenge resulted in a transformed space with trendy blue vanity paint, vertical shiplap on the walls, textured wallpaper, and a statement circular mirror. Her advice to “start small, but start” holds true for DIY bathroom design too.
Before: Too Teeny Tiny
Chloe MacKintosh of Boxwood Avenue saw potential in her small, dark bathroom.
After: Modern Beauty
Chloe brightened up the space with contemporary details and creatively repositioned the bathroom to flow better with the rest of her home. A vibrant rug added a fun pop of color to liven up the dark tiles.
Before: Straight Out of the ‘80s
Diane Henkler of In My Own Style wanted to update her bathroom’s outdated pink wallpaper.
After: All Up To Date
Diane embraced a bright, timeless blue color scheme to modernize the space, with a hint of pink accents for visual interest. The addition of fresh flowers added a touch of elegance.
Before: Humdrum Neutrals
Lindsey Marlor of Pillow Thought aimed to bring cozier vibes to her first-floor bathroom.
After: Blissful and Relaxing
Lindsey’s renovations included new wall tiles, a refreshed color scheme, contemporary décor, and a complete shower remodel. Extending the tiles to the ceiling added height and a sense of spaciousness to the room.
Before: Stoic and Simple
Kelly Lynn of Domestic Blonde wanted to infuse her small bathroom with warmth and personality.
After: Updated and Inviting
With a minimalist approach, Kelly transformed the space by adding a floating shelf for greenery and storage, a bright pink rug for coziness, and subtle details that made the room feel inviting.
Before: Black Tile
Jamie-Lee Burns of Mademoiselle faced water issues in her bathroom that called for a complete overhaul.
After: Marble Elegance
With the help of a contractor, Jamie-Lee achieved a stunning makeover with a modern vanity, marble floor tiles, open shelving for visual space, and a large circular mirror to enhance the room’s brightness.
Before: Simple But Suitable
Casey Finn of The DIY Playbook felt her guest bathroom needed a modern update.
After: Chic and Current
Casey’s standup shower with floor-to-ceiling subway tiles brought a contemporary touch to the space. The use of small bathroom tiles on the shower floor created beautiful contrast and added visual interest.
Before: Drab and Dated Pink
Sabrina Scrivo of Pink Little Notebook worked on her primary bathroom with a tight budget.
After: Clean Dream
Despite the luxurious result, Sabrina achieved this look with a few strategic purchases and clever use of existing materials. Simple additions like white paint and wood trim around the mirror transformed the space affordably.
Before: Blank Slate
Gemma Bonham-Carter of The Sweetest Digs took on an unexpected bathroom renovation project.
After: Eye-Catching Details
Gemma’s choice of patterned tile, clean lines, and a navy blue mirror brought a fresh and exciting look to the space. Thrifted items and DIY painting added unique touches to the room.
Before: Brown on Brown
Sue De Chiara of The Zhush wanted to move away from her bathroom’s dated brown palette.
After: Cheery Changes
By introducing a custom royal blue wallpaper and revamping the white vanity, Sue infused the space with new energy and style. Bright details added a cheerful and contemporary vibe to the room.
Before: Falling Apart
Angie Wilson of House Becoming Home faced multiple issues with her kids’ shared bathroom.
After: All Coming Together
Angie’s DIY efforts paid off with a complete transformation that included white subway tiles, a painted tub, and new flooring. The addition of gold accents brought cohesion and elegance to the space.
Before: Stained and Outdated
Serena Appiah of Thrift Diving sought a calm and relaxing atmosphere in her primary bathroom.
After: A Private Oasis
Serena’s serene oasis featured calming lavender and pink accents, shiplap walls for texture, and a romantic feel created through meticulous DIY-ing. The result was a space that exuded tranquility and charm.
Before: Bland and Impractical
Jen Fancher of Noting Grace revamped her narrow bathroom with a limited budget.
After: Perfectly Proportioned
Jen’s strategic changes, including raising the cabinet base for her tall son, painting accent walls in midnight blue, and adding textured wallpaper, transformed the space into a perfectly proportioned and visually appealing bathroom.
Before: Frozen in Time
Lindsey Elliott of This Hiatus wanted to update her dark and cramped guest bathroom.
After: Calm and Classic
With a complete renovation, Lindsey and her husband created a serene getaway with modern elements like a homemade cedar vanity, contemporary hexagonal tiles, and personalized design touches. The result was a calm and classic space that felt inviting and stylish.
Whether you’re looking to tackle a small bathroom makeover on a budget or invest in a complete redesign, these inspiring transformations offer valuable insights and creative ideas for transforming your space. With a mix of DIY spirit, strategic design choices, and a touch of creativity, you can turn your small bathroom into a spa-like retreat that reflects your personal style and meets your functional needs.
Remember, no matter the size of your bathroom, with a little imagination and some hard work, you can achieve stunning results that elevate the look and feel of your space. So roll up your sleeves, gather your inspiration, and get ready to transform your small bathroom into a beautiful and functional oasis.
