5 Rating | 45+ Reviews

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.

$16K-$35K
NJ Cost Range
2-4 Weeks
Timeline
60-70%
ROI
15+
Ideas

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 ScopePrice RangeTimelineWhat's Included
Budget Refresh$8,000-$16,0001-2 weeksPaint, fixtures, hardware, mirror, lighting
Mid-Range Remodel$16,000-$25,0002-3 weeksNew vanity, tile, toilet, fixtures, glass shower door
Full Renovation$25,000-$35,0003-4 weeksComplete gut, custom tile, premium fixtures, walk-in shower
High-End/Luxury$35,000-$50,000+4-6 weeksNatural stone, heated floors, designer fixtures, layout changes

Where the Money Goes

Labor(Plumber, electrician, tile installer)
40-50%
Tile & Flooring(Floor, walls, shower)
15-20%
Vanity & Countertop(Vanity, sink, countertop)
10-15%
Fixtures(Faucet, toilet, showerhead)
10-15%
Other(Permits, contingency, accessories)
10-15%

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 Estimate

12+ Small Bathroom Remodel Ideas

Space-saving designs that make your compact bathroom feel bigger

Walk-In Shower Conversion

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

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

Large-Format Tile

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

Corner Fixtures

Corner Fixtures

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

Pocket Door

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-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

Recessed Storage

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

Light Color Palette

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

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

Glass Shower Door

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

Vertical Storage

Vertical Storage

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

Curbless Shower

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

K
Kathy Holland
1 review
14 weeks ago

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.

Exterior Painting
C
Colleen Roberts
4 reviews
20 weeks ago

Excellent work and professional service. Enrique and his team delivered exactly what was promised. Highly recommend!

Home Renovation
S
Stephen Ham
1 review
23 weeks ago

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.

Interior Painting

Small Bathroom Remodel FAQs

Answers to common questions about small bathroom renovations

How much does a small bathroom remodel cost?
A small bathroom remodel in New Jersey typically costs $16,000-$35,000. Budget renovations start around $16,000 for basic updates, while mid-range remodels run $20,000-$28,000, and high-end renovations with premium materials can reach $35,000 or more. Labor accounts for 40-50% of total cost.
How long does a small bathroom remodel take?
A small bathroom remodel typically takes 2-4 weeks from start to finish. Simple cosmetic updates may take 1-2 weeks, while complete renovations with plumbing changes can take 3-4 weeks. The timeline depends on scope, material availability, and permit requirements.
What is the most cost-effective way to remodel a small bathroom?
The most cost-effective approach is to keep plumbing in place, refinish rather than replace the tub, update fixtures and hardware, add a fresh coat of paint, and replace the vanity. Focus on high-impact, low-cost changes that don't require moving plumbing or electrical.
How can I make a small bathroom look bigger?
To make a small bathroom look bigger: use light colors on walls and floors, install a large mirror, choose a floating vanity, use large-format tiles with minimal grout lines, add recessed lighting, use glass shower doors instead of curtains, and keep the space clutter-free with smart storage.
Should I use a tub or shower in a small bathroom?
For most small bathrooms, a walk-in shower is the better choice as it saves space and creates an open feel. However, if you have young children or prefer baths, consider a compact tub-shower combo. Curbless showers are especially effective for making small bathrooms feel larger.
What tile is best for a small bathroom?
Large-format tiles (12x24 or larger) are best for small bathrooms because they have fewer grout lines, creating a cleaner look that makes the space feel bigger. Light-colored tiles reflect more light. For shower walls, consider running the same tile floor-to-ceiling for a cohesive, spacious feel.

Small Bathroom Remodeling in New Jersey

Serving homeowners throughout Monmouth & Ocean Counties

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.

Licensed #13VH04175700|50+ Years Experience|5 Google Rating|BBB Accredited