Many homeowners focus their remodeling efforts on rooms their guests will frequent, like the kitchen and bathroom, so the master bathroom is an area that often goes overlooked. However, it’s one of the most used rooms in your home, so a glow-up here can instantly improve your daily living experience.
Master bathroom renovations cost between $15,000 and $38,000, and even partial renovations total between $8,000 and $20,000. Luckily, there are some ways to breathe new life into your bathroom for less. We’ve put together some bathroom remodeling projects for every budget. Whether you’re looking to spend under $500 or have a few thousand dollars to play with, these small-scale renovations can have a major impact on your master bathroom and not on your wallet.
Low-Cost Remodel Projects (Up to $500)
First, let’s take a look at some of the most affordable master bedroom remodel ideas that won’t blow the bank.
1. Choose a Big Mirror
Cost: $15 - $300
Installing an oversized mirror over the vanity in your master bathroom will open up the space and make it easier to get ready in the morning. Mirrors give the illusion of a larger room, so this is one of the top small master bathroom remodel ideas. Many designers recommend a mirror that’s 2 to 4 inches narrower than the vanity below it. Best of all, bathroom mirror installation can cost as little as $15 if you DIY.
2. Add Open Shelving
Cost: $20 to $80
“One of the problems with minimalist designs that have been so popular over the years is that they don’t incorporate enough storage space,” said Lior Kahana, Operations Manager at 123 Remodeling. “It’s hard to relax in a space that feels cluttered.”
To avoid clutter, add some decorative storage to your master bathroom in the form of open shelving. Install a floating shelf over the toilet, next to the vanity, or in a corner to conserve space. If you have a drill and some drywall anchors, this project is easily DIYable and should take less than a half-hour.
3. Opt for a Smaller Sink
Cost: $75 - $500 (drop-in sink unit)
In a small master bathroom, counter space is king. Not only does it give you more room to prepare yourself for the day, but a bigger countertop means more room to house decorative elements for a more cohesive look. Consider replacing your bathroom sink with a smaller one to maximize counter space without having to replace your vanity.
4. Add Foldable Shower Seating
Cost: $100 - $300
We all dream about a luxury shower with a built-in, natural stone bench, right? Even if you don’t have the space for it, you can add a foldable shower seat to save on space and add a touch of comfort. It's best to have a professional install a wall-mounted seat to conserve as much room as possible when going with this shower add-on.
5. Add a Shower Niche
Cost: $100 - $400
Storing your shampoo, conditioner, and soap on the edge of the tub or letting it take up room on the floor of your stall shower are things of the past. Installing a shower niche can make your bathing area feel larger and look neater and cleaner by getting those bottles and bars out of the way. This is a job best left to professionals, but even with labor costs, you can get a space-saving corner niche or vertical niche installed for under $400.
6. Incorporate Hidden Storage With a Medicine Cabinet
Cost: $100 - $400
You’d be surprised how big of a difference a few inches can make when it comes to small master bathrooms, and nowhere is that more apparent than your medicine cabinet. They’re out of the way, sure, but if they stick out from the wall, they can leave your room feeling more cramped. Upgrade to a recessed medicine cabinet to keep the storage space and still get the clean appearance of a wall-mounted vanity mirror. This bathroom add-on is a great place to customize, too, so choose a frame and mirror shape that complements your decor.
7. Pick Window Treatments Wisely
Cost: $110 - $200
According to experts, introducing natural light in your space is a master bathroom must-have in 2025. To maintain your privacy while incorporating this trend, install Roman window blinds over your bathroom windows. You’ll feel comfortable and secluded while still getting natural light to maintain a sense of elegance and airiness.
8. Opt for a Wall-Mounted Faucet
Cost: $150 - $500
Need to free up some additional counter space? Installing a wall-mounted faucet over your bathroom sink is a quick and affordable small master bathroom remodel idea. You’ll get a clean, modern look and more space for storing toiletries and decor, and you can really up the aesthetic by going with a bronze or copper fixture. Feel free to match your other fixtures or be a bit trendy by mixing metals for more variety and textures.
9. Install a Towel Warmer Rack
Cost: $200 - $600
Few things scream elegance like a towel warmer rack in your master bathroom. Luckily, these bathroom upgrades don’t come with a luxury price tag, and you can get one installed for under $500. These are especially helpful if you have humidity issues in your bathroom, as they help reduce moisture and prevent those musty odors on damp towels.
10. Paint Tiles in Soft Neutrals and Cool-Toned Palettes
Cost: $250 - $500
The ultimate master bathroom upgrade would be replacing all of the custom tiling, but this costs an average of $2,000. A much more affordable option is painting over your existing tiles. Choose soft neutrals and cool tones to keep things feeling light and relaxing. Two-thirds of design experts agree that this is a top way to make your master bathroom feel more spa-like.
Mid-Cost Remodel Projects ($500 to $2,500)
Have a little more room in your budget? Here are some mid-range master bathroom remodel ideas for 2025 that will have a bigger impact on your space.
1. Opt for Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
Cost: $150 - $800
Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring is an increasingly popular material for master bathrooms. It provides the look and feel of real hardwood flooring for a luxurious, organic appearance but is far more resistant to water and humidity. If you have a small master bathroom, wide planks in a light color can give the illusion of a bigger space.
2. Pick a Natural Stone Countertop
Cost: $250 - $2,500 (granite)
Natural stone is in, and an affordable way to get the luxury look while still keeping your costs down is to go with a pre-made granite countertop for your vanity. These come with an attached sink and pre-drilled holes for your faucet and handles, and since they don’t require custom work, you’ll save big on the materials. Couple this upgrade with a fresh paint job on your existing vanity for maximum impact.
3. Install Heated Flooring
Cost: $300 - $1,250 (50 sq.ft. bathroom)
Imagine stepping out of a hot shower and not feeling cold tile under your feet. Installing radiant floor heating is the perfect way to get that luxury bathroom feel without blowing your entire budget on spa-like upgrades. This is a great option for small bathrooms, as you can ditch the bulky radiators or baseboards to save on floor space.
4. Save Space With a Wall-Mount Sink
Cost: $400 - $1,600
We already discussed that wall-mounted sink faucets save counter space, but if you’re more concerned with making more room to move around in a cramped bathroom, you can mount your sink to the wall, too. A wall-mounted bathroom sink installation can get pricey, but you can save by choosing more affordable materials and going with a simple, modern design.
5. Modernize With a Wall-Hung Toilet
Cost: $500 - $1,900
Making more room in a small bathroom isn’t always possible, especially if you don’t want to downsize your vanity or shower, but you can still give the illusion of more space by going with a wall-mounted toilet. This creates a more modern and luxurious appearance, and with the tank mounted inside the wall and no pedestal, your room will instantly look larger. Toilet installation costs as little as $500 if you go with a simple, affordable fixture.
6. Use Wall Space for Cabinets
Cost: $600 - $850
Tight on floor space? Think about ditching the vanity and installing wall-mounted cabinets instead. These free up room to move and can make your bathroom feel less cluttered. They’re great for minimalist and modern bathrooms, especially if you also choose a wall-mounted toilet and sink. Opt for a trendy, organic material like wood or bamboo to maintain a natural, calming aesthetic.
7. Install Recessed Lighting
Cost: $600 - $1,200
Lighting is key for maximizing utility and making your bathroom feel cozy and clean, and installing recessed lighting is perfect for small bathrooms where every inch counts. Couple hi-hats with hanging fixtures or over-vanity lights to create layered lighting, which is trending in bathrooms in 2025.
8. Choose Large-Format Tiles
Cost: $750 - $1,500
Feel like your flooring could use an upgrade? If you choose materials wisely, you can retile your bathroom floor for just a few hundred dollars. Go with large tiles that take less time and cost less in labor to install, and pick ceramic tiles that mimic the look of marble, granite, and other high-end materials to save even more. Large tiles can also make a small master bathroom look larger and less busy, so this is a win-win.
9. Upgrade to a Frameless Glass Shower Door
Cost: $1,200 - $2,900
Frameless glass shower doors are trending, in large part because they make bathrooms feel more modern, airy, and open. They’re especially popular in walk-in showers, which are the biggest bathroom trend this year. Replacing a framed shower door with a frameless one can cost thousands of dollars, but there are plenty of mid-cost options out there that provide the same effect on a budget.
High-End Remodel Projects ($2,500 to $5,000+)
If you have even more room in your budget but don’t want or don’t feel that you can splurge on a full master bathroom remodel, here are some high-end options that can truly transform your space.
1. Place a Custom Linen Tower Storage
Cost: $1,000 - $5,000
If you struggle to find places to store towels and washcloths in your bathroom and resort to keeping them in a hall closet, installing a custom linen tower might be the best bathroom remodel idea for your space. Their slim design takes up minimal floor space but still adds plenty of room to keep linens and extra toiletries. A custom design will drive up the cost of your built-in cabinets, but it also means making the most use of the limited space you have.
2. Add a Freestanding Tub
Cost: $1,200 - $10,000
Picture the most luxurious, high-end bathroom you can. It probably has a freestanding tub, right? Installing a freestanding tub is a must-have bathroom upgrade this year, and it can make even standard bathrooms look and feel like they belong in a Manhattan loft. Go with a compact version to save floor space in a small master bathroom, and couple it with a floor-mounted faucet to maximize elegance.
3. Incorporate Smart Features
Cost: $1,700 - $8,500
Sometimes, a small bathroom remodel is about optimizing functionality for a more luxurious experience over aesthetics. With a bigger budget, you can install smart features that make your bathroom feel like one in a five-star hotel. Consider “[...]smart showers, which you can control with an app,” said Justin Cornforth, owner of Ace Home Co. These give you access to “temperature settings to set and maintain your ideal water temperature, eco-friendly water usage monitoring, voice control, and even maintenance alerts in case of any potential plumbing issue.
You can also upgrade to heated toilet seats, a smart mirror with built-in lighting, and touchless faucets to maximize elegance and modernity.
4. Install a Custom Vanity
Cost: $1,200 - $5,000
Tired of looking at that drabby, pre-made vanity every day? Upgrade to a custom vanity for a fresh, new look and maximum storage space. Custom cabinet installation lets you balance counter space and storage to fit your specific space best. Use pull-out baskets for decorative storage, built-in organizers, and linen towers on top for vertical storage to save floor space. Trendy, sustainable materials like natural wood and bamboo can turn the visual appeal up to ten.
5. Install a Smart Glass Shower (Privacy Glass)
Cost: $2,400 - $5,000
Shower curtains can make a master bathroom look closed-off and outdated, but standard glass doors don’t offer anything in the way of privacy. The solution? Installing a smart glass shower door! This maintains a minimalist design that makes your room feel modern and open, but you can still get that much-needed privacy by pressing a button and turning the glass from clear to opaque. Smart glass is an expensive upgrade, but it’s a must-have for techies and homeowners who adore modern luxury that still looks amazing.
6. Color Drench Your Space
Cost: $2,500 - $5,325
Color drenching is a top trend in interior design in 2025, and for a good reason. Maintaining a single color scheme and texture throughout your bathroom creates a calming effect that screams modern and luxurious. It’s a relatively expensive upgrade if you install new tiling rather than paint your floor and wall tiles to match, but it can be well worth the investment.
“Using the same material—like marble or textured stone—from the floor up to the ceiling makes a statement,” said Jodi Peterman, CEO and Owner at Elizabeth Erin Designs. “It’s dramatic, but in the best way.”
7. Add a Sauna
Cost: $3,000 - $10,000
The ultimate luxury upgrade for a bathroom has to be adding a sauna. These can take up some serious floor space, but with careful planning, you can get the potential health benefits and maximum relaxation they offer, even in a small master bathroom. Choose a prefabricated, standing-room-only sauna and place it in a corner for those nights you need to unwind.
8. Opt for a Walk-in Shower
Cost: $5,000 - $11,000
Just under half of design experts agree that a walk-in shower is the most popular shower design trend in 2025. If you’re comfortable ditching the tub, you can install a walk-in shower for between $5,000 and $11,000 and create a wide-open bathroom with a serious touch of elegance. If you’re on a tighter budget, you can install a prefabricated walk-in shower for between $2,000 and $8,000. A word to the wise, though: consider leaving at least one tub in your home, as it’s a feature some homebuyers will look for.
9. Look for Multi-Purpose Luxury Features
Cost: $8,000 - $15,000 (steam shower)
Small master bathroom remodel ideas often have to combine utility, appearance, and space-saving design to maximize the use of the space, so look for features that can service all three of those needs. A perfect example is adding steam functionality to your shower. A dedicated steam shower installation could be an option if you have some space to spare, but you can also add a steam unit to your existing shower to save on floor space and still get that luxury shower experience you’re dreaming of.
10. Transform Into a Wet Room
Cost: $11,000 - $22,000
One of the best ways to make your small master bathroom look and feel larger is to get rid of the shower partition and open everything up. How do you do that? By converting your bathroom to a wet room. Wet rooms are fully waterproofed, so you can have a portion of the room dedicated to showering without the need for a bulky tub, shower curtains, or a glass enclosure. You’ll free up more room with a wet room over a walk-in shower, and they’re more accessible for homeowners with mobility issues.
“[Wet rooms] turn the bathroom into an open space that feels more like a spa,” said Kahana. “It’s sleek, modern, and much more luxurious than dividing everything into separate areas.”
What to Avoid in Small Master Bathroom Design
You can use these small bathroom remodel ideas to transform your limited space into the bathroom of your dreams. But just as important as what to add to a small bathroom is what to avoid. Steer clear of unnecessarily large fixtures by downsizing as much as you’re comfortable. Minimize the storage options that take up floor space and opt for vertical or wall-mounted storage instead. Avoid partitions whenever possible, stay away from small tiles that can feel busy and cramped, and choose features that serve multiple purposes. With careful planning and help from a professional, your master bathroom can feel larger and more luxurious, even if you’re on a tight budget.
FAQ
The average master bathroom remodel costs $12,000, and most homeowners spend between $6,000 and $17,000. However, the amount you should spend depends on your budget, your DIY capabilities, and what functionality you want to add. You can go with small, budget-friendly upgrades like installing floating shelves, adding a large vanity mirror, and installing light, airy window treatments for less, or you can splurge on a luxury renovation that costs up to $55,000.
Some of the most popular bathroom design trends in 2025 include organic materials for a natural look and feel, natural stone slabs that invoke a sense of calm and luxury, and walk-in showers that open up the room. Spa design is a big hitter this year, as well, and it can include color drenching your space from floor to ceiling, installing radiant heating in the floor, adding a steam unit to your shower, and adding smart features like smart shower door glass and vanity mirrors with built-in lighting and Bluetooth capability.
Laura is a Home Improvement Content Specialist at Fixr.com, creating engaging and informative content about interior design and home remodeling. By collaborating with industry experts and staying up-to-date on the latest trends, she provides homeowners with the knowledge they need to achieve their dream home. Follow her work for practical tips and expert insights.