Don’t let a tight budget or small square footage stop you from creating a bathroom you love.

Updating a small bathroom can be a lot of work.

See how these petite baths were completely transformed while keeping costs and style in mind.

black white modern bathroom with plants

Credit: Adam Albright

Instead, she was inspired to work with what was already there.

With a limited budget, she kept the layout of the existing plumbing and the pink bathtub, too.

A wood vanity (withlots of storage!)

bathroom during renovation with tub and shower

Credit:Marty Baldwin

was installed and given a custom look with the inexpensive addition of arched metal legs and IKEA hardware.

The homeowner only used paint and limewash to completely change the walls of this spaceno tile installation necessary.

The salvaged vanity was painted black and a new faucet and hardware were added for a money-saving update.

overall of renovated bathroom with original pink tub, beige/white tiles with beige grout, medium wood vanity with white marble-looking top, wall sconces and square gold framed mirror

Credit:Marty Baldwin

Before: Old-Fashioned Bathroom

Filled with dated fixtures and surfaces, this space badly needed an upgrade.

The overall layout and an octagon-shaped window were the only elements left unchanged.

After: Modern Black-and-White Bath

Boldly patterned cement tilesset the tone for this small bathroom design.

“Before” of small bathroom

Credit:Keyanna Bowen

An inexpensive IKEAvanity replacedthe old one while keeping costs low.

Wood drawer fronts add texture and dimension to the contemporary space.

Before: Old, Impractical Bathtub

The original 1948 pink tub instantly dated this bathroom.

Black vanity in bathroom with mirror above it

Credit:Keyanna Bowen

This small bathroom remodel added a morepractical showerand updated style.

To stay within budget, the homeowners kept the original vanity and updated it with paint and new hardware.

Instead of replacing the old floor tile, they covered it withinexpensive peel-and-stick tilesfor a quick, low-cost update.

outdated bathroom before renovation

A leaky water-guzzling toilet, a stained pedestal sink, and dated fixtures topped the must-fix list.

The newWaterSense-certified modelis much more efficient, saving both water and money.

Replacing the 1990s oak medicine cabinet with a white-framed version furthers the bathroom’s lighter, bright aesthetic.

newly renovated bathroom with black-and-white tiles

Credit: Julie Soefer

These homeowners personalized the space with a few DIY projects.

After: Small Bathroom Design Details

Thoughtful touches give the room additional character.

Grosgrain ribbon glued to an inexpensiveRoman shade window treatmentlends custom style.

brown and yellow bathroom before renovation

Credit: Courtesy of homeowner

Finally, new chrome accessories added sparkle to the space.

A pet hamster’s escape to inside the bathroom wall required a rescue that includedtearing into the wall.

The subsequent small bathroom remodel was completed with a budget of around $1,500.

small gray and white bathroom

This Asian butcher table, found at an antique shop, was repurposed for the vanity.

The table maintains its authenticity with a simple above-counter sink.

The antique vanity has clean lines and a weathered finish.

small bathroom with blue intricate patterned wallpaper

Credit: Jay Wilde

The modern sink and faucet are sleek yet offer a nod to old-fashioned washstands and bowls.

It’s a beautifulcombination of vintage and contemporaryaesthetics.

After: Compact Walk-In Shower

Simple subway tiles givethis walk-in shower’smodern design a classic feel.

close-up toilet small bathroom with blue wallpaper

Credit: Jay Wilde

A painting coated with a polyurethane sealer to waterproof it creates a focal point on the back wall.

Although this shower is open, it is wide enough that overspray is not a problem.

The thoughtful planning strategy allowed the homeowners to make updates gradually.

close-up sink and mirror small bathroom with blue wallpaper

Credit: Jay Wilde

This clever spending tactic helped keep the budget for this small bathroom remodel at just over $2,000.

A slender pedestal sink adds a graceful shape to the room without taking up much space.

The easy-to-clean wainscoting behind the sink adds a pretty architectural element in this small bath.

monogramed shower curtain small bathroom blue wallpaper

Credit: Jay Wilde

With no base cabinet, the simple design visually opens up the room.

The rich gray and light blue design adds visual interest while keeping the overall color scheme neutral.

The cool tones nicely complement the brushed-nickel hardware.

built-in storage small bathroom blue wallpaper

Credit: Jay Wilde

After: Style Small Accents

Storage needs are often minimal in a small powder room.

Incorporating a small cabinet provides a place to tuck away extra rolls of toilet paper and hand towels.

Plus, there’s a place on top to displaydecorative accents.

black white before photo of LInda Roberts master bath

Credit: Courtesy of Linda Roberts

This woven mosaic tile perfectly complements the bathroom’s style and will wear well.

To stretch your remodel budget, surrounddecorative tilewith more affordable plain tile around the room’s perimeter.

But a smart remodel transformed the style and function without adding a single inch.

after photo linda roberts bathroom with butcher table vanity

Credit: Gene Pollux

The totalremodeling budgetcame in right around $2,000.

They achieved their updated look with smart shopping and doing most of the work themselves.

After: Choose Paint Colors Thoughtfully

Theserene, soft green painthelps to expand the small bathroom visually.

floating shelves above toilet

Credit: Gene Pollux

The white sink, towels, and robe provide crisp counterpoints to the green walls.

A rich brown vanity, framed mirror, and accents add drama to thebathroom color scheme.

It’s a sophisticated alternative to a stock vanity and offers the look of a higher-end model.

Detail of bathroom vanity with vessel and chrome bath fixture

Credit: Gene Pollux

The nightstand drawer is still functional and stores small items.

Corralling similar items, such as washcloths and cosmetics, in baskets prevents the open storage from looking cluttered.

Open glass jars holding other bathroom essentials continue the streamlined look.

pebble floor detail with smooth border

Credit: Gene Pollux

A trip to New York City inspired this subway sign art.

Shower room with half wall divide

Credit: Gene Pollux

black and white before small powder room

bathroom bead board wallpaper

Credit: Jay Wilde

close-up pedestal sink

Credit: Jay Wilde

close-up towel on circular hanger

Credit: Jay Wilde

close-up pink flowers and clear soap container

Credit: Jay Wilde

weave pattern flooring detail

Credit: Jay Wilde

black and white before bathroom 3/4 tile wall

Credit: Courtesy of Young House Love

narrow modern style green bathroom

Credit: Erik Johnson

sink modern style green bathroom

Credit: Erik Johnson

vanity drawer modern style green bathroom

Credit: Erik Johnson

wicker basket storage in linen closet

Credit: Erik Johnson

artwork above toilet

Credit: Erik Johnson