Small bathrooms can feel so frustrating—especially the dark ones that barely have room to move. I’ve been there, and I know how hard it can be to make a tiny space feel nice. But a good before-and-after can be such a happy surprise. It shows that you don’t have to give up style just because your bathroom is small.
These budget-friendly small bathroom makeovers prove that even the tiniest spaces can look modern, cozy, and actually work better for everyday life. I’ve gathered everything from simple DIY updates around $500 to big, beautiful glow-ups over $10,000. Whether you want a quick refresh or a full transformation, there’s inspiration here to help you make the most of every inch.
A Cozy DIY Bathroom Remodel That Feels Fresh and Thoughtfully Designed
u/MolassesGrouchy5615 completely transformed a dated bathroom into a cozy, calm retreat—and did it for about $13,000. Almost everything was DIY, with only the glass installation done by a pro.
The old penny tile and clawfoot tub were charming, but they just weren’t very practical. Switching to larger tiles helped cut down on grout, which makes cleaning so much easier. The textured feature wall is a favorite detail and something people keep asking about.
The heated floors were a splurge, but totally worth it. The custom glass door alone cost nearly $3,000, and it really elevates the space. A few layout changes made the bathroom feel more open, and even with the quirks of a 100-year-old home, everything came together beautifully over four months.
A Colorful, Joy-Filled Bathroom Remodel That’s Bold and Beautiful
This whole remodel has such fun, bold energy. teacherlady4846 created a space that’s colorful and full of personality, but it never feels messy or overwhelming. That round mirror is such a smart choice—I can already picture it in my own future home.
The gold starburst accents, peacock artwork, and one-of-a-kind tile really shine. It’s a little funky, but still calm and welcoming, and somehow everything works perfectly together. Most of the project was DIY, with only the granite countertop done by a pro, which makes it even more impressive. And pulling all of this off for about $6,500 in San Diego? That’s a total win for a bathroom with this much charm and heart.
A $5K DIY Bathroom Remodel That Feels Bright, Calm, and Full of Heart
This $5,000 DIY bathroom redo really hits that perfect balance between saving money and creating something beautiful. Even though the space is only 5×8, the skylight and vaulted ceiling make it feel bright, open, and much bigger than it is. The soft green tile adds a calm, spa-like feeling that’s easy to love.
What makes this even more special is that the builder is a stay-at-home dad who did all the work himself. He handled everything—from the tile to rerouting the plumbing—and even broke up the old toilet by hand.
It may not be flawless by professional standards, but it’s clean, sturdy, and full of heart. And honestly, for $5,000 and about 150 hours of hard work, it looks better than some $25,000 contractor jobs out there.
A $500 Bathroom Makeover That Looks Like a Designer Remodel
I still can’t believe this bathroom remodel by u/DIY_Lion cost less than $500. Honestly, it looks like something a designer would create.
The whole makeover took just three days. They kept the original cabinet base, then sanded and painted it to give it a fresh new look. A simple hardware swap made a big difference, too. The custom maple countertop is my favorite part—it came from a $40 board and was even used to make matching shelves.
They also added waterproof vinyl plank flooring, a clean, modern faucet, and a new mirror from Amazon’s basic line for only $50. The sink cutout was done with a jigsaw, and even the light fixture was an affordable Amazon find. This makeover is such a good reminder that with a little effort and creativity, even a small budget can turn into something really special.
A First-Time Bathroom Remodel That Feels Timeless and Surprisingly Luxe
I love that he kept the original floor tile in this bathroom remodel. It’s super sturdy and adds a cozy, lived-in charm that you just can’t copy. Keeping it was a last-minute choice after a tough two-day demo, and honestly, it turned out to be the right call.
The bathroom now feels cleaner, brighter, and even bigger, thanks to smart layout changes and built-in storage. Little details like the scalloped shower tile, recessed cabinets, and the reglazed tub all work beautifully together. It’s hard to believe this was his very first remodel—and that he finished it in just 15 days for about $8,500. It truly looks like it cost way more than that.
A Tiny Under-the-Stairs Bathroom Turned Into a Peaceful Spa Retreat
This tiny Brooklyn DIY bathroom makeover sits right under the stairs, and honestly, it’s amazing how peaceful it feels now. What used to be an awkward, forgotten space was turned into a calm little retreat.
The couple saved money by keeping all the original plumbing. They swapped the old standing shower for a tub and chose smart materials that look great and hold up well. The wood-look tile is water-safe, and the marble-style porcelain tile (Aurelio by Maximo) adds a soft, high-end touch.
The space is only about 10 by 2.5 feet, but it doesn’t feel cramped at all. The dreamy, cloud-like tile and the sculptural light fixture make it feel like a tiny boutique spa. They didn’t share exact costs, but based on what they showed, it looks like it came in around $7,000 to $8,000. It’s such a clever and cozy transformation—proof that even the smallest spaces can feel really special.
A Boutique Hotel–Style Bathroom Renovation That Feels Warm and Timeless
The next bathroom by u/brickyardjimmy went from feeling tight and closed in to looking like something straight out of a boutique hotel.
The arched shower changed everything. It gives the space a soft, Mediterranean feel that instantly makes it more inviting. The floor tile—terra cotta Texas Penny from Clay Imports—is the real standout. It’s warm, textured, and adds just the right amount of personality without taking over the room.
The soft Spanish White color keeps the bathroom feeling bright and open. Even though subway tile wasn’t the original plan, it helped keep the budget in check and still looks great. The whole remodel came in around $23,000, but honestly, it looks like it cost so much more.
A Clean, Custom Bathroom Remodel Done Right on a $5K Budget
u/BulkySector5256’s shower door (the Dreamline Unidoor Toulon) really steals the spotlight here. It’s one of those details that instantly makes the whole bathroom feel polished.
The OP built a custom inset-face vanity and a tall cabinet from scratch, which is so impressive. Everything ties together with matching matte finishes, and the entire remodel stayed around a $5,000 budget. I also love that he planned ahead by preparing the walls for future grab bars—it’s such a thoughtful touch. Whether the color palette is your style or not, the work is clean, smart, and looks truly professional.
A Tiny Closet Turned Into a Bright, Beautiful Bathroom
This closet-to-bathroom remodel by u/KeepCalmEtAllonsy completely surprised me.
I expected a tiny powder room, but this space looks so much bigger than it really is. Even with just a 6′ x 7′ layout, they fit in a full shower, a pedestal sink, and even left room for future storage. That’s such smart planning.
The marble mosaic floors and champagne bronze fixtures add a soft, classy touch without feeling over the top. The way the glass panel is placed helps the room feel open and airy, too. For $22,000 and just five weeks of work, this makeover is seriously impressive and full of thoughtful details.
A Basement Bathroom Remodel That Honors the Home’s History
I felt a strange sense of relief seeing that u/longfellow65 kept the original ceiling beams in this basement bathroom makeover. Those beams add warmth and remind you that the house has a story, even with a fresh new look.
Everything else feels clean and updated. The ceramic tile that looks like terrazzo adds style without being too bold. The floating vanity keeps the space feeling open, and the shower kit fits just right. It all feels modern, but not cold. The gypsum board placed between the joists softens the space and makes it feel cozy.
The project took about eight weeks, with some help from pros for the plumbing and electrical work. In the end, it looks far more expensive than the roughly $11,000 CAD they spent.
A Thoughtful Bathroom Remodel Finished With Love—and Perfect Timing
This bathroom remodel by u/ilovetocuddle is such a win—not just because it looks beautiful, but because she finished it at 28 weeks pregnant and still wrapped everything up three weeks early. That alone deserves so much credit.
I also love how thoughtful and practical the space is. The heated floors are such a comfort, and the quartz counter and curb give it a clean, polished look. The space-saving sink keeps things open, and the handle-free drawers with push-to-open hardware make everything feel simple and smooth. You can really tell that every choice was made with care.
The total cost came in around $12,000. That includes the tile and fixtures they truly wanted, the quartz counter and curb, custom-cut glass (about $2,500), heated floors, a bidet, and the Schluter system. It’s a smart, well-planned remodel that feels both beautiful and built for real life.
A Soft Pink Bathroom Remodel That Feels Warm, Glowy, and Inviting
I didn’t expect to love this much pink, but the tile in u/Fancybitchwitch’s bathroom feels soft and glowy—not bright or bubblegum at all. Someone said it looks like the inside of a seashell, and now I can’t unsee it.
The space feels so much cleaner after removing the second door near the window. With that gone, the natural light pours in and makes everything feel calm and open. The vanity, mirror, and wall sconces all work beautifully together. I also love that the ceiling was tiled—it somehow makes the room feel taller and more special.
This remodel wasn’t cheap, at around $10,000 for this bathroom alone, but you can really see where the money went. All the custom choices and warm details make the space feel inviting and thoughtful. The before felt cold and unwelcoming, so this glow-up is truly impressive.
A Moody Speakeasy Bathroom Makeover That Feels Bold and Cozy
u/Outrageous_Lion5065 went all in on a moody, speakeasy vibe, and it somehow works without making the bathroom feel small. That’s not easy to do, but the mix of patterns and shiny finishes helps break up all the black and keep the space feeling open.
The gold accents and that fun, funky mirror really seal the deal. It honestly feels more like a cozy cocktail lounge than a basic builder bathroom. Even more impressive? This bold makeover cost about $2,700 and took around 70 hours of first-time DIY work. Such a brave and creative transformation!
A Warm, Spa-Like Bathroom Remodel That Feels Luxurious and Inviting
u/welly7878’s remodel really captures a high-end spa feel without feeling cold or too fancy. The space feels calm, warm, and easy to enjoy.
The creamy marble, fluted wood vanity, and soft gold Kohler fixtures all work beautifully together to create a smooth, modern look. The shower niche is one of my favorite details—it’s large, clean, and super useful. The tile choices were smart, too. Extra-large slabs mean less grout to clean, and the wood-look tile behind the tub adds warmth and balance.
The rug definitely got people talking, but the compliments kept coming. With about $27,500 spent in a historic New York City building and just two weeks of professional work, this remodel feels luxurious while still feeling personal and welcoming.