Luxury bathroom design is a top trend of 2025 as homeowners look to create inviting and relaxing spa-like atmospheres in their homes. The average cost of a luxury bathroom remodel is $25,000 to $55,000; however, with the right materials, design strategies, and a bit of creativity, it’s possible to transform your bathroom into a posh retreat without breaking the bank. In this guide, we explore 10 budget-friendly alternatives that will add a feel of extravagance to your bathroom without having to spend a fortune.

1. Statement Stone Imitation Feature

Natural stone, like marble, has a luxurious appeal but comes with a high price tag. To imitate this sought-after look while staying on budget, consider installing ceramic tile instead. Ceramic tile comes in a wide range of colors and patterns that can mimic the look of natural stone. It is resistant to scratches and stains and requires considerably less maintenance than other options. In certain applications, it can also be a more durable option.

Luxury Feature Cost: Marble slabs installed range between $30 and $150 per square foot. 
Alternative Feature Cost: Ceramic tiles installed in a shower range from $12 to $30 per square foot.

2. Prefab Seamless Walk-In Showers

“Shower stalls can still work in some designs, but more homeowners are leaning toward expansive, seamless walk-in showers.“ Lior Kahana, Operations Manager at 123 Remodeling advises. Walk-in showers are sleek in appearance and lend nicely to a luxury modern bathroom design. Choosing to install a prefabricated shower instead of a custom-designed option will save $5,000 on average due to less costly materials and easier to install designs which help lower labor costs. Prefab showers come in a variety of styles and finishes, making it easy to find the perfect fit.

Luxury Feature Cost: A custom shower installation will range from $5,000 to $20,000.
Alternative Feature Cost: Installation of a prefab shower costs $2,000 to $8,000.

3. Luxury Material Flooring Alternatives

Including natural stone in a bathroom floor provides an outdoor, mountain spa retreat feel and is an effective way to create a relaxing atmosphere according to 37% of interior design experts. To achieve the same look of natural stone in a more economical way, consider installing porcelain instead. Porcelain is widely considered to be one of the best bathroom flooring options because of its ability to resist water and mold. In addition, the ease and lower cost of maintaining porcelain along with its long-term durability make it a top choice for homeowners.

Luxury Feature Cost: Natural stone is one of the most expensive bathroom tile flooring options and costs up to $50 per square foot to install.
Alternative Feature Cost: Porcelain tile is more budget-friendly at $10 to $20 per square foot.

4. Ambient Lighting Layers

Most luxury bathroom plans include design options for lighting. According to Kahana, “Lighting is a great way to create atmosphere. Ambient lighting brings a sense of comfort and elegance. Soft LED strips under floating vanities, backlit mirrors, and dimmable wall sconces are great options.” Including layered lighting in your space helps create depth and dimension, making the space appear larger. Recessed lighting is a great option to add ambient lighting without the bulk of traditional light fixtures; however, it can be costly. A less expensive option is to add dimmable flexible LED strips which can easily be installed under cabinets, along baseboards, or around edges of ceilings. By combining LED strips with other light sources, you’re sure to achieve the layered lighting effect and inviting atmosphere that accompanies it.

Luxury Feature Cost: The national average to install recessed lighting is between $1,056 and $1,968.
Alternative Feature Cost: Flexible LED strips can be purchased for about $10 per linear foot and are easily able to be installed without the help of a professional.

5. Budget-Friendly Smart Features

Nothing says luxury more than high-tech smart features. “Colored lighting in showers and bathtubs helps create the mood you’re after—calming, energizing, or anything in between.” Jodi Peterman, CEO and Owner at Elizabeth Erin Designs. Although high-end smart technology can quickly break the bank, there are many ways to incorporate some lower cost options and reap the benefits. Smart bulbs, plugs, light switches, and window glass are excellent ways to automate your bathroom while staying on track and on budget.

Luxury Feature Cost: Installing luxury smart features in a bathroom can average between $1,700 and $8,500. 
Alternative Feature Cost: Home automation options such as smart lighting or smart window glass are more affordable in the $50 to $350 range.

6. Floating Shelves

Storage is an important element in any bathroom. Dedicated space for fluffy towels, candles, soaps, and more helps keep clutter at bay and the spa vibe alive. As an alternative to installing costly built-in shelving, opt to add floating shelves instead. They are available in a variety of styles that can complement your bathroom’s style for a fraction of the cost. When installing floating shelves, it is recommended to place them at or near eye level with about 12 inches in between. To achieve a classic look, stack the shelves. Staggering the shelves will produce a more eclectic look.

Luxury Feature Cost: The average cost for solid wood built-in shelving is $2,700.
Alternative Feature Cost: Floating shelves can be installed for as little as $20 to $80.

7. Fresh Modern-Look Vanity

“Custom-made vanities are a big trend right now. More homeowners want custom pieces made from materials like natural stone and exotic wood - something that feels unique and adds personality to the space.” says Kahana. The vanity is the most expensive piece of furniture in the bathroom, but a fresh, modern look can still be achieved for a moderate price. Choosing to revamp your existing vanity instead of replacing it will help significantly reduce costs. Try adding wood veneer to imitate the look of natural wood for a fraction of the cost or repaint the cabinet in a neutral color. Swapping out hardware with new modern pulls or handles is also a quick and cost-conscious way to update your look.

Luxury Feature Cost:  To install a new, basic 60-inch vanity, the cost will be around $1,100.
Alternative Feature Cost:  Professionally repainting a 48-inch vanity ranges from $150 to $250.  If you are handy enough for a DIY, bamboo wood veneer sheets are available for about $95 for 32 square feet which would cover a 48 to 60-inch vanity, and reasonably priced modern hardware ranges from $15 to $30. It is easy to swap out on your own, eliminating the need to pay a professional.

8. Multi-Function Showerhead

Adding a multi-function showerhead into your bathroom is an easy way to upgrade both the look and usability of the space. Opting for a multi-function instead of a rainfall design will save money on both the fixture and the cost of installation. Many styles, finishes, and high-end features are available making a multi-function showerhead the perfect solution for incorporating luxury spa-like design into your bathroom without the high cost.

Luxury Feature Cost:  A low-end rain shower head will cost about $80; however, the price quickly increases with high-end models being nearly $1,000. They also require additional plumbing work to install.
Alternative Feature Cost: A multi-function showerhead is much more budget-friendly in the $50 to $100 range and requires far less plumbing effort to install.

9. Framed Mirror

Adding luxury bathroom accessories is a fantastic way to improve the aesthetics and overall mood of your bathroom. Mirrors are a cheap and easy solution to making your bathroom look larger, brighter, and more stylish. A simple way to incorporate wooden accents into the bathroom, a trend suggested by 40% of designers to help create a spa-like feel, is to add a wooden framed mirror. Instead of purchasing a new mirror with a frame, consider framing your existing mirror to save money and add a personalized touch.

Luxury Feature Cost: A framed mirror will cost between $50 and $200.
Alternative Feature Cost: Choosing to purchase your own wooden frame and add it to your mirror will be $30 to $50 for a 24 x 36 inch frame.

10. Freestanding Tub With Natural Light

Freestanding tubs are both beautiful and functional. They are a great choice for those contemplating luxury master bathroom ideas because they can be installed anywhere within the room. A well-placed tub will make a huge visual impact; therefore, instead of focusing solely on the tub style and price, concentrate on positioning it to gain the most natural light possible. Kahana advises that “[...]placing the tub near the windows connects the space to outdoors - it brings in a sense of nature and openness.” 

Luxury Feature Cost: The cost of installing a freestanding tub averages $1,200 to $10,000.
Alternative: Choose a lower-end tub and position it well to keep costs down.

Luxury Within Means

Achieving a luxury look and feel in your bathroom without breaking the bank is possible with some creativity and compromise. Incorporating top trends into your space doesn’t necessarily have to include installing the most expensive or high-end items available. Choosing to imitate a luxury look with a durable and lower cost product or freshening up an existing item instead of a full-out replacement are great ways to save money while still getting to enjoy an updated and inviting bathroom.

FAQ 

How much does it cost to build a luxury bathroom?
A high-end luxury bathroom complete remodel costs $25,000 to $55,000. Partial remodels with high-end features will range between $14,000 and $22,000. If you’re not ready to commit to these costs but still want to incorporate luxury into your bathroom space, there are many ways to do so on a budget. Selecting lower cost options that imitate high-end items, refreshing instead of replacing, and upgrading key features for a quick impact and improved aesthetic are all options to make your bathroom feel like it’s had a luxury reno.

How do I add luxury to my bathroom?

Adding luxury to your bathroom can be as simple as adding plush towels and rugs, candles, and oils or soaps to your existing design or as extravagant as a full renovation that includes natural stone countertop and tile, a freestanding tub, and a walk-in shower complete with steam and rainfall showerheads. It’s up to you how best to include luxury in your bathroom, and there are options for every budget. Some options to add luxury while staying on budget are to add or update lighting for a layered look, refresh your vanity with new paint and hardware, replace old tile with marble-like ceramic or porcelain, or add smart tech features into your design. Even a small upgrade can add a luxurious feel you’re sure to enjoy!

Can I renovate my bathroom for $5000?

Most homeowners will pay between $6,000 and $17,000 for a full bathroom remodel and a small bathroom can be renovated for about $2,500 at the low end. Setting a budget at $5,000 should be enough to accomplish a basic renovation as long as you plan carefully. Choosing lower cost, yet still durable, materials will help keep costs down. Selecting to apply the trends that fit your style instead of trying to include all trends will help to streamline your reno and keep the costs low. If there are any tasks you can handle on your own, go for it! You’re sure to save money on labor which can allow for additional spending in other areas.