Small Bathroom Remodel
Transform your compact bathroom into a beautiful, functional space. Expert ideas, NJ costs, and space-saving solutions from contractors with 50+ years experience.
Making the Most of Your Small Bathroom
A small bathroom remodel can completely transform how your home looks and functions. Whether you have a 5x8 hall bath, a tiny powder room, or a compact guest bathroom, smart design choices can make even the smallest space feel open, luxurious, and functional.
At Custom Kitchens & Baths by Lopez, we specialize in bathroom remodeling throughout New Jersey. With 50+ years of combined experience, we've transformed hundreds of small bathrooms in Monmouth and Ocean Counties—maximizing every square inch while delivering spa-like results.
In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know: small bathroom remodel costs in NJ, space-saving design ideas, layout tips, and expert advice on making your compact bathroom feel bigger. Looking for broader inspiration? Check out our complete bathroom remodel guide or explore 50+ bathroom remodel ideas for 2025.
Small Bathroom Remodel Cost (2025)
Realistic pricing for New Jersey homeowners based on project scope
| Project Scope | Price Range | Timeline | What's Included |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget Refresh | $8,000-$16,000 | 1-2 weeks | Paint, fixtures, hardware, mirror, lighting |
| Mid-Range Remodel | $16,000-$25,000 | 2-3 weeks | New vanity, tile, toilet, fixtures, glass shower door |
| Full Renovation | $25,000-$35,000 | 3-4 weeks | Complete gut, custom tile, premium fixtures, walk-in shower |
| High-End/Luxury | $35,000-$50,000+ | 4-6 weeks | Natural stone, heated floors, designer fixtures, layout changes |
Where the Money Goes
Cost-Saving Tips
- Keep plumbing in existing locations
- Refinish tub instead of replacing
- Choose porcelain over natural stone
- Opt for semi-custom vanity vs. custom
- Limit tile to wet areas only
- Update fixtures without moving pipes
Want an accurate quote for your small bathroom? We provide free, detailed estimates.
Get Your Free Estimate12+ Small Bathroom Remodel Ideas
Space-saving designs that make your compact bathroom feel bigger

Walk-In Shower Conversion
Replace your tub with a space-saving walk-in shower. Frameless glass enclosures create an open, airy feel that makes small bathrooms appear larger.
Learn more →
Floating Vanity
Wall-mounted vanities free up floor space and create visual openness. The visible floor area makes the bathroom feel more spacious.

Large-Format Tile
Fewer grout lines mean a cleaner, more expansive look. 12x24 or larger tiles work beautifully in small spaces.

Corner Fixtures
Corner sinks and toilets maximize usable floor space. Perfect for tight 5x8 or smaller bathroom layouts.

Pocket Door
Replace a swinging door with a pocket door to reclaim valuable square footage that the door swing would otherwise occupy.

Wall-Mounted Toilet
Wall-hung toilets save 6-9 inches of floor space and make cleaning easier. The concealed tank adds to the minimalist aesthetic.

Recessed Storage
Built-in niches and recessed medicine cabinets provide storage without protruding into the room. Perfect for shower shelving.

Light Color Palette
White, cream, and soft gray palettes reflect light and create an illusion of space. Pair with natural light for maximum effect.

Full-Height Mirror
An oversized or wall-to-wall mirror visually doubles the space. Consider a backlit LED mirror for modern appeal.

Glass Shower Door
Replace shower curtains with clear glass doors. The transparency allows the eye to travel through the space uninterrupted.

Vertical Storage
Go vertical with tall, narrow cabinets and open shelving. Use wall space above the toilet for additional storage.

Curbless Shower
A zero-threshold shower creates seamless flow and makes the bathroom feel larger. Also ideal for accessibility.
Small Bathroom Layout Tips
How to maximize every square inch of your compact bathroom
5x8 Bathroom (40 sq ft)
The standard small bathroom. With smart planning, this layout can include a tub/shower combo OR a walk-in shower, toilet, and vanity.
- 1.Place toilet on short wall opposite door
- 2.Vanity on long wall, near door
- 3.Tub/shower on remaining short wall
- 4.Consider walk-in shower to open up space
Powder Room (20-30 sq ft)
Half baths are all about impact. Focus on statement pieces: a beautiful vanity, bold mirror, and stylish lighting.
- 1.Corner sink for maximum floor space
- 2.Wall-mounted toilet for open floor
- 3.Pocket door to save swing space
- 4.Statement mirror as focal point
6x9 Bathroom (54 sq ft)
Slightly more room allows for a separate shower and small soaking tub, or a larger walk-in shower with bench.
- 1.Corner shower frees up tub wall
- 2.Consider 36" vanity for more storage
- 3.Small freestanding tub if baths are priority
- 4.Curbless shower for seamless look
Universal Space-Saving Rules
These principles apply to any small bathroom, regardless of dimensions.
- •Door should swing out or use pocket door
- •Use vertical storage (tall cabinets, wall shelves)
- •Place fixtures in corners when possible
- •Keep 15" clearance around toilet
How to Make a Small Bathroom Look Bigger
Professional tips from our design team for creating the illusion of space
Use Light Colors
White, cream, and soft grays reflect light and make walls feel further away. Dark colors absorb light and make spaces feel smaller.
Install a Large Mirror
A wall-to-wall mirror visually doubles your space. Consider backlit LED mirrors for modern appeal without extra sconces.
Choose Large-Format Tile
Fewer grout lines create a cleaner, more expansive look. 12x24 tiles work beautifully in small bathrooms.
Use Frameless Glass
Clear, frameless glass shower doors allow the eye to travel through the space uninterrupted, unlike opaque curtains.
Go Floating
Wall-mounted vanities and toilets reveal more floor, creating visual openness and making cleaning easier.
Keep It Minimal
Clutter shrinks a space visually. Use concealed storage, keep counters clear, and limit decorative items.
What Our Clients Say
Real reviews from NJ homeowners
Enrique and his crew did an outstanding job painting the exterior of my house and shed, stained a deck and replaced 2 windows. They were professional, punctual, and the quality of work exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend Custom Kitchens by Lopez for any home improvement project.
Excellent work and professional service. Enrique and his team delivered exactly what was promised. Highly recommend!
Enrique and his team are real professionals. I initially hired him to do some interior painting. He repaired the walls, ceilings and painted everything beautifully. The work was so impressive that I hired him for additional projects. His attention to detail is remarkable and his pricing is very fair.
Small Bathroom Remodel FAQs
Answers to common questions about small bathroom renovations
How much does a small bathroom remodel cost?
How long does a small bathroom remodel take?
What is the most cost-effective way to remodel a small bathroom?
How can I make a small bathroom look bigger?
Should I use a tub or shower in a small bathroom?
What tile is best for a small bathroom?
Small Bathroom Remodeling in New Jersey
Serving homeowners throughout Monmouth & Ocean Counties
Monmouth County
Ocean County
Ready to Transform Your Small Bathroom?
Schedule your free consultation today. We'll discuss space-saving solutions, design options, and provide a detailed estimate for your small bathroom remodel.