The best tips to get it right in the renovation of a small bathroom
One day, you come home after one of those days that... let’s just leave it at that, and you think: I have to change something, but I don’t know what. You take a stroll down the hallway, enter each of the rooms, and voilà! You’ve found it. It’s the bathroom. Your lifelong bathroom seems to have gotten too small.
This is normal. In our lives, things change, and we accumulate objects that join us along the way and make use of our bathroom! But no problem, they’re all welcome, because by the end of this article, you’ll have a very clear idea of how to renovate your small bathroom. We’re not talking about just sprucing it up or hanging a couple of pictures. We’re talking about completely transforming it to your liking. Take note.
Renovating a small bathroom may seem like a complex task, but with the right decisions, it’s possible to make the most of every centimetre without sacrificing style or functionality.
Before starting any renovation, it’s important to consider a few key factors:
- Choose solutions that visually expand the space
- Select practical and easy-to-maintain materials
- Make the most of the layout to enhance the sense of space
Keeping these principles in mind from the very beginning will help you make better decisions during the renovation and avoid common mistakes in small bathrooms, such as overcrowding the space or choosing impractical materials. Below, we show you 13 practical and affordable ideas to renovate a small bathroom without building work and get the most out of it.
How to renovate a small bathroom to maximize its possibilities
It’s enough to run into a neighbor in the elevator and tell them you’re going to renovate your bathroom to see the looks from the other residents in the building change. Don’t worry, because we’re going to give you some tips to renovate your bathroom from top to bottom without waking up the neighbors too early or having to use their bathroom for any "emergency" you might encounter.
If you want to be discreet and elegant, a true "white-glove renovator," follow our keys for a clean, quick, economical, high-quality renovation, and best of all, one you can do wherever you want!
Less space, same possibilities
Just because your bathroom is small doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of it. The only thing you’ll need to do is respect the measurements. Based on this basic premise, we’re going to give you an option, just in case it suits you. Check it out.
Leave a square of 60x60 cm free for shower access; if you’re going to install two sinks, there should be a distance of 60 to 90 cm between them. The main vanity unit should have a width of 50-60 cm; a concealed cistern should be set in a wall that’s 17-20 cm deep. Finally, remember that the ideal shower should be no less than 70 cm wide, but for the length, you can use as much wall space as possible. Remember, this is just one of the countless possibilities you have!
Small bathroom, big style
Style doesn’t understand size, and even if your bathroom is small, the style you like can shine to its fullest in it. However, you will need to be minimalist and include the fewest number of elements of the style you choose in your small bathroom.
Zen, Italian, industrial, rustic, contemporary? Whatever your style, go for it. But never, ever, forget minimalism because you might fit only a few things, but you’ll have more than enough style.
Practical and affordable ideas for renovating a small bathroom
No more laziness before a renovation. With these tips that we leave you below, you will be full of energy and desire to start renovating the small bathroom at home.
1. Light colors make bathrooms look bigger
Things aren’t what they are; they are how we see them. That’s why, if you want to play the illusionist, in your small bathroom, you should use light colors, as they enhance the spatial sensation and multiply the luminosity.
Colors like white, beige, very warm gray, or pastel tones like light blue, lilac, or certain shades of violet bring warmth, and, although it seems like a trick, your bathroom will suddenly appear to have gained a few extra meters as if by magic.
2. The window: the largest feature
Light is as valuable, if not more so, than the square meters we have. And you know what kind of light we’re referring to because it’s not just any light. We’re talking about natural light.
Also, avoid covering it with heavy elements and choose light options that let the light through, such as sheer curtains, lightweight blinds or translucent glass.
3. Lights, camera... illumination!
Not everything depends on sunlight. Install two light sources: a main one to illuminate the entire bathroom and a secondary one to support key areas such as the mirror.
Combining general lighting with strategic light points helps reduce shadows and creates a greater sense of depth.
4. Mirrors that transform your small bathroom
Mirrors are essential in small bathrooms. Placing them opposite a light source or on a strategic wall can visually enlarge the space. Here are the most recommended options:
Large mirrors
The bigger, the better. Why? The larger it is, the more light it reflects, and as you already know, you can never have too much light.
Vanity mirrors
This could become the element with the most nominations for the "Small Bathroom Renovation Awards 2025," because in addition to making the space feel larger, it’s a great ally for storage and, as a protagonist, always adds tremendous style.
Long mirrors
Another star of small bathroom renovations, this mirror specializes in doubling the perception of space. And to finish with mirrors, here’s a tip: light them up! It’s essential to create spaces that feel larger, more modern, and more refreshing.
In addition, choosing frameless mirrors or mirrors with integrated lighting can enhance this effect even further, creating a more modern and brighter atmosphere without overcrowding the space.
5. Decluttering to renovate small bathrooms
Reducing unnecessary elements is essential in small bathrooms. Choosing more minimalist solutions helps open up the space and improves the feeling of order and spaciousness.
Take inspiration from the Japanese philosophy of Oosouji: remove what you don’t use. Get rid of unnecessary sanitaryware or furniture and replace them with functional solutions.
6. Renovating your small bathroom starts with the door
If your bathroom is small, install a sliding door to free up space and improve movement. This can make a big difference, as it allows you to make better use of the space while also adding visual openness, style and versatility. You can hide the tracks or leave them exposed.
Barn style
This may or may not appeal to you, and we’re not going to repeat the usual saying about tastes, but if you like it, you can create a door identical to those on old barn gates, in any color you want.
Design doors
These are typically white and work whether they match the ceiling or not. Being white, they bring a lot of light both inside and outside the bathroom. A little tip: just because it’s a design door doesn’t mean the bathroom has to be modern—this style works beautifully with a rustic aesthetic too.
Doors with wooden panels and translucent glass
These are the typical doors you’d find in your grandmother’s house, where, before entering the bathroom, you’d stop and think, “They’re going to see me.” But no, nothing could be further from the truth. From the outside, you can only make out colored blurs that indicate someone is inside. They pair very well with retro or even industrial bathroom styles.
Reclaimed wood style
This type of door is another great option if you want to renovate your small bathroom and give it a fresh new vibe. Grab a plank of wood, get to work, restore it, and transform it into the coolest bathroom door in history. It can be paired with almost any style.
More tips for renovating a small bathroom
As you’ve seen, there are plenty of ideas to renew your small bathroom. In case you’re thinking of excuses not to get started, here are a few more. Take note!
7. Wall-mounted fixtures
This type of sanitaryware leaves the floor visible, creating a greater sense of visual continuity. It also adds elegance, makes cleaning easier and frees up visual space.
8. Lightweight furniture
Functional, practical and perfect for bathrooms with limited space. Choosing wall-mounted furniture or pieces with slim legs helps lighten the look of the room, preventing the bathroom from feeling overcrowded.
9. Custom-made furniture
If every millimetre counts in your bathroom, custom-made furniture is the perfect option to make the most of every corner. Adapting the furniture to the available space allows you to use areas that would otherwise go to waste.
10. Shower instead of a bathtub
In small bathrooms, shower trays are the ideal choice, as they make the space feel larger. A shower is more accessible, quicker to install and more modern. Frameless shower screens are on trend.
Renovating a small bathroom without construction work? Yes, it’s possible!
Ready-to-use microcement is one of the best options for renovating a small bathroom without building work, as it can be applied to 90% of the bathroom surfaces: floors, walls, shower, bathtub or even furniture. It is durable, hygienic and perfect for wet areas, while also creating a greater sense of spaciousness thanks to its seamless, joint-free finish.
11. Microcement for furniture
Aporta continuidad visual y una mayor sensación de amplitud gracias a su aplicación sin juntas, evitando cortes visuales.
12. Microcement for showers
It provides visual continuity and a greater sense of spaciousness thanks to its seamless application, avoiding visual interruptions.
13. Microcement for floors and walls
Slip-resistant, durable and easy to clean, it is perfect for unifying the entire space. What’s more, it is available in 20 colours to suit any decorative style.
These types of solutions are especially recommended for small bathrooms, as they avoid long and disruptive renovation works, reduce refurbishment time and allow you to transform the space quickly and without debris.
Renovate your bathroom with paint and bring out the artist in you
Tile paint is another of the fastest and most affordable solutions for renovating a small bathroom without building work, as it allows you to completely transform the space without having to remove the existing tiles.
To complete your renovation without construction work, try Smartcover Tiles tile paint, available in 10 colours and easy to apply. Smartcover Tiles dries quickly, is resistant to water and humidity, and delivers a professional finish.
How much does it cost to renovate a small bathroom?
The price of renovating a small bathroom can vary from more affordable options, such as painting tiles, to more complete solutions like microcement, depending on the materials and scope of the renovation.
To give you a general idea, costs can vary significantly depending on the solution chosen. For example, painting tiles with a specific paint is one of the most budget-friendly options, starting from around $90–$170 (USA) / £70–£130 (UK). On the other hand, applying microcement typically costs between $11 and $19 per sq ft (USA) / £80–£130 per m² (UK), excluding labor, which can range from $15 to $65 per hour (USA) / £10 to £50 per hour (UK). Discover the price of microcement per m² to learn more about all the factors that influence the final cost.
Ready-to-use Smartcret microcement kits allow you to fully renovate the space. Prices usually range from $241 to $1.398 (USA) / £165 to £956 (UK), depending on the surface type and square footage, giving you full control over the final cost from the beginning.
Additionally, smaller upgrades such as replacing furniture, improving lighting, or updating fixtures may require an extra investment of around $60 to $350 (USA) / £50 to £300 (UK), but can significantly impact the final result.
In summary, the cost of renovating a small bathroom depends on its size, the materials used, and the type of renovation. However, if you choose ready-to-use microcement or Smartcover Tiles, you can save time, avoid construction work, and reduce costs without compromising on quality.
If you're looking for a quick, clean, and hassle-free renovation, our products are your best ally. It’s absolutely possible!