Updating or remodeling your bathroom can be a great investment of your home improvement dollars, especially if you plan to sell your home in the next few years.
Remodeling this small space can also enhance its functionality, enabling you to enjoy the often-forgotten area of your home to its fullest.
Here are some of the top bathroom remodeling ideas, along with their costs and the pros and cons of each remodeling upgrade.
Flooring
1. Stone tiles
Stone tile can add that beautiful, natural look to your bathroom, while providing the durability you need in a humid area.
While tile has long been popular for this room, the look of stone creates warmth while being a good long-term investment option. Choose marble, limestone or even onyx for a unique look on your bathroom floors. Travertine is an upscale version which is stylish and long-lasting.
Pros: Beautiful, adds value to the bathroom
Cons: Can be expensive, depending on the stone you choose
Costs: As, can be seen here, there is a great variety of natural stone tiles, with mid-range tiles costing from $5.50 to $12.50 per square foot, on average, but material costs can increase greatly for more custom and exquisite natural stone tiles.
For a typical mid-range project, expect to pay between $9.50 and $22.50 per square foot to install natural stone tiles in your bathroom
2. Wood floors
Hardwood is seldom a good idea in bathrooms because of the wetness and humidity. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t have the look of wood to create warmth in the space.
Engineered wood is the better option because it uses plywood as the base and real wood for the top layer. Another option is to choose a high-quality laminate that looks like wood. Most people won’t be able to tell the difference.
Pros: Popular flooring choice, adds warmth to a space
Cons: Susceptible to mold and damage if you choose the wrong kind
Costs: On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $7.50 to $15.50 per square foot of engineered wood flooring installed
3. Heated floors
While heated floors aren’t a new trend, they are continuing to gain popularity as they become more affordable. Radiant heat is installed under a new floor or with an existing floor, which makes taking a shower and getting dressed in cold weather a little more bearable.
Pros: Adds value to a home, you’ll enjoy the warmth all winter
Cons: Will require professional installation
Costs: Around $2,000 to $3,500 for 100 square feet.
Lighting
The right lighting is essential for such a small space, especially for getting dressed and applying makeup. The latest trends in lighting focus on providing more natural lighting to brighten the room and make it more practical.
4. Multiple Vanity Lighting
Instead of using one strong light with a lot of glare over the vanity, bathrooms today incorporate multiple fixtures. One light may be placed over the mirror while two sconces are set to the sides.
Lower watt bulbs are used while the multiple fixtures provide enough light without being too harsh or glaring.
Pros: Select the amount of light you need, can save on overall lighting costs
Cons: May need to hire an electrician for installation
Costs: Starts at less than $100 to several hundreds of dollars, depending on the style and installation
5. Ambient Lighting
Gone are the days when one overhead light fixture was all you needed. Modern bathrooms use light to create a soft mood. Recessed lighting over the shower ensures better illumination while sconces that point upward soften the space in other areas when you don’t need bright lights.
Pros: Enhances the functionality of the space
Cons: May require electrician for installation
Costs: Range from $50 for sconces to several hundreds of dollars, if you have to add lighting with a professional
6. Accent Lighting
Not all lighting has to be practical in a bathroom. You can use soft accent lighting to create a mood or showcase a specific area.
For instance, miniature chandeliers hung over the bathtub create a sense of luxury. Use accent lighting to highlight artwork or a special mirror or cabinet just as you would in another room.
Pros: Easy to install with an electrical outlet
Cons: May require additional outlets or professional installation
Costs: Depends on how many lights you need, but material costs can start at less than $100 each
Countertops
One of the easiest ways to make a big statement in a little room is with the countertop. With materials ranging from cheap to expensive, you have plenty of options. Some will add value to your home and a sense of modern sophistication while others will simply update the space on a tight budget.
7. Go Granite, Quartz or Marble
Granite and quartz are still the top countertops of choice in bathroom remodels. Many people choose these materials because they love the look and feel.
While granite and quartz are generally more expensive than other materials, they are also durable and long-lasting, and come in a wide range of colors. Other great, premium options include natural quartzite and marble countertops for getting that luxurious bathroom feel! 
Since the vanity is usually such a small area, it’s more affordable to add granite in the bathroom than in the kitchen and provides a little taste of luxury.
Pros: Beautiful, durable, adds to the home’s value
Cons: More expensive than other materials
Costs: Ranges from $50 per square foot for stock patterns to $155 for custom styles.
8. Tile for your top
Ceramic tile is less expensive, but porcelain is also a great option. It’s designed to be durable in such a busy space, and you can find all kinds of designs to fit your décor.
Whichever option you choose, go for the higher price to create a more sophisticated look. You can use the same tile on the floor as what you put on the shower walls for a modern look and feel.
Pros: Can be a DIY project if you know what you’re doing, durable
Cons: May require professional installation
Costs: can vary from just over $2.50 per square foot to more than $100 per square foot, if you choose a high-end look.
Vanities
Along with the countertop, a vanity sets the mood for your bathroom. When doing a remodel, you don’t want to skimp on this area. However, you will find something to fit almost any budget to create a new look.
9. Floating vanities
A floating vanity not only looks modern and sophisticated, but it also saves precious floor space as well. Some of them come with storage underneath while others put the attention on the sink or countertop. Pair a floating vanity with a glass top, and you’ll create the illusion of more space.
Pros: Preserves floor space
Cons: Can be more expensive and harder to install than traditional vanities
Costs: Expect to pay over $2,500 and up to $3,500 for more complex styles.
10. Repurposed vanity
Find pieces at a flea market or even in your own home to repurpose as a bathroom vanity. — This option creates a custom look and may even preserve a few precious memories.
You can use a console table, dresser, or floor cabinet for your new vanity. Just make sure it’s the right height or cut it down. Seal it to make it waterproof and prevent damage. You’ll also have to create openings for the plumbing and sink.
Pros: Reuse existing pieces, create a one-of-a-kind look
Cons: May require more skills than you have
Costs: Can vary based on how much you pay for the piece but expect between $200 and $1,000 to get it ready for use.
11. Open shelf vanity
Make a tiny bathroom feel bigger with open shelving instead of a closed vanity.
Display a few stacked or rolled towels and other bath essentials on the open shelves but leave plenty of space bare. You have the option of purchasing a vanity with open shelves or you can build your own and install a sink and fixtures on top.
Pros: Simple, makes a room feel larger.
Cons: May not be a DIY project.
Costs can range from $1,000 to $2,500 or more, depending on the design and size
Storage
Storage space is essential for bath towels and supplies and many bathrooms are in short supply. You can find creative ways to add storage space to your room.
12. Counter cabinets
If you’re limited on floor space, you may think about hanging cabinets from the wall. Another option is to set the cabinet on your bathroom countertop.
The benefit with this choice over wall cabinets is you can select a taller cabinet with more storage space. Choose one that extends from the ceiling to the counter and secure it in place for ample storage which is also easily accessible.
Pros: Utilizes wasted space
Cons: Reduces counter space
Costs: Varies from $250 up to $500, or $750+ if you choose a custom style
13. Floating shelves
Take advantage of often-forgotten wall space with floating shelves. Create your own to use if you have odd-shaped areas, such as between the sink and toilet or above the tub.
Even a shelf as narrow as six inches or less can hold your toothbrush or hairspray, reducing clutter on your countertop. A side benefit of this project is that you can use any size wood and find the parts you need at any home improvement store.
Pros: Easy to install, can fit anywhere
Cons: none
Costs: Can vary widely with shelves starting at $50 if you already have the wood or $100-300 each if you purchase all parts.
14. Portable storage
One of the easiest ways to add storage to any small space, especially a bathroom is to use portable containers.
Wicker or woven baskets, glass jars or plastic containers can utilize even the smallest of bare space for added storage. They even contain clutter on your countertop to help conserve space and keep you organized.
Pros: Require no special skills, can be moved around, and are low cost
Cons: none
Costs: Can start at less than $20 and go up to $100 or more, depending on how many storage units you need
15. Custom Cabinets
Add a touch of sophistication and ample storage space with custom cabinets. Unless you’re an expert craftsman, you’ll want to have this project done by professionals, which naturally increases the cost. However, doing this right can help extends your storage in a cohesive way, especially if you have an unusual layout.
Pros: Provides ample storage for your bath
Cons: Can be quite costly
Costs: For each cabinet, expect to pay at least $1,000 and up to $2,000 for each.