Small Bathroom Remodel: You Asked, We Laughed (Then Answered)

Let’s face it: remodeling a small bathroom can feel like trying to host a dinner party in a phone booth. You’ve got zero storage, one sad towel bar, and a toilet that practically touches the sink. But fear not—we’ve gathered the most common (and slightly ridiculous) questions homeowners ask before upgrading their compact powder rooms or guest baths. We laughed. We totally related. And now? We’re giving you the real answers—with humor, heart, and actual solutions.
🤔 FAQ #1: Can I remodel a small bathroom on a budget?
Short answer: Yes.
Long answer: Also yes, but you might have to give up your dream of heated towel floors imported from Italy.
Ty’s Tip: Start with what matters most—function, lighting, and storage. A fresh coat of paint, new hardware, and a smarter layout can completely transform your space without gutting your wallet. Save the splurges for one standout feature, like a statement mirror or chic faucet.
🛁 FAQ #2: Should I keep the tub or install a shower?
A hot debate, especially if you’ve spent the last decade tripping over the side of that weirdly shallow tub.
Real talk: If you don’t use your bathtub regularly, switching to a walk-in shower can create visual space and add serious functionality. Just make sure you’re not reducing resale appeal if your home has no other bathtub.
Bonus: Frameless glass makes everything look bigger. It’s basically the Spanx of bathroom remodels.
🎯 FAQ #3: What’s the biggest mistake people make with small bathrooms?
Easy: Overdesigning.
We get it—you want your bathroom to look like a luxury spa in Bali, complete with teak walls, mood lighting, and a rainfall shower. But in a 5×7 room? That’s a fast track to chaos.
Ty’s Tip: Keep it clean, simple, and smart. Choose a few high-impact finishes and let them breathe. White or light-colored walls, large-format tiles, and floating vanities are your best friends.
📦 FAQ #4: Is there such a thing as too much storage?
In theory, no. In reality, yes—especially in small spaces.
Stuffing a giant cabinet into a tiny room doesn’t equal better storage; it equals more bruised elbows. Use vertical space instead:
Recessed medicine cabinets
Wall-mounted shelves
Built-in niches in the shower
And pro tip: not every item needs to live in the bathroom. Your Costco-size shampoo collection? That’s what closets are for.
💡 FAQ #5: Do I really need a lighting plan?
Yes. Yes. And also… yes.
Bad bathroom lighting can make you look like an extra in a horror film. And nothing says “relaxing self-care space” like fluorescent shadows under your eyes.
Ty’s Tip: Use layered lighting:
Overhead light for general brightness
Vanity lighting (on both sides of the mirror if possible!)
Accent lighting (under-cabinet LEDs add style without taking up space)
Bonus: A well-lit bathroom feels bigger and more expensive—without actually being either.
🧼 FAQ #6: How do I make a tiny bathroom feel bigger?
You can’t knock down walls, but you can trick the eye. Here’s how:
Large mirrors expand space and reflect light
Monochrome color palettes reduce visual clutter
Wall-mounted toilets free up floor space
Sliding or pocket doors are game-changers if you’re short on swing room
It’s basically design sorcery. But legal.
🔧 FAQ #7: Do I need a professional for a small bathroom remodel?
Only if you like things like plumbing that works, tile that doesn’t fall off, and permits that don’t get you fined.
Even in small spaces, things can get complicated quickly. Hiring pros saves time, stress, and possibly your marriage. If your idea of “DIY” is watching YouTube with pizza in hand, let someone else handle the tools.
🎉 Final Answer: Is it worth it?
Absolutely. A small bathroom remodel is one of the highest-impact, highest-ROI home upgrades you can do. It adds comfort, value, and just a little bit of magic to your daily routine.
And while it might not be the most glamorous space in the house, it can become one of the smartest and most stylish—with a little planning, a lot of laughter, and the right team.
