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Updated October 27, 2026
5 Excellent Bathroom Upgrades
Five bathroom upgrades worth considering: a glass shower, better lighting, a new toilet, updated sink and faucets, and improved ventilation.
In this article
Quick answers 1. A glass shower, if you have room 2. Better lighting 3. A WaterSense toilet 4. A new sink and faucet 5. A better exhaust fan What do these bathroom upgrades take? Bathroom upgrades questionsThe best bathroom upgrades change how the room feels every morning. A glass shower, better lighting, a more efficient toilet, a fresh sink and faucet, and a fan that actually clears the steam are five upgrades that do that, and you can do some without gutting the room. Here’s what each one involves and what to check first.
Quick answers
Biggest change in feel? A glass shower or better lighting.
Easiest water saver? A WaterSense toilet and faucets.
Most overlooked? The exhaust fan.
Can you do them separately? Often, though doing them together can save a second round of disruption.
1. A glass shower, if you have room
A glass enclosure lets light travel across the room, so a small bathroom feels more open than it does behind a curtain. If space is tight, a sliding door or a fixed panel works better than a door that swings out into the room. One common way to make room is to remove a tub nobody uses. In Houzz’s 2026 bathroom study, 79% of homeowners who removed a tub enlarged the shower. Our post on tub or shower walks through that decision.
A frameless glass shower keeps this Naperville bathroom bright and open.
Don’t give up storage to get a bigger shower. A vanity with drawers and a niche in the shower wall can keep what you need within reach.
Pull-out vanity storage keeps everyday items within reach.
2. Better lighting
You do small, detailed jobs in a bathroom, so you want good light for them. Start with general light for the whole room, then add task light at the mirror, ideally on both sides of your face so it doesn’t throw shadows. Dimmers help in the evening. Houzz found 39% of homeowners say dimmable lighting helps them unwind, and 40% say natural light does.
Bright light also makes it easier to see when something needs cleaning. Plan where the light goes before the walls are closed, since it’s far easier to move wiring early.
Fixtures over the mirror add task light at the vanity.
3. A WaterSense toilet
Look for the WaterSense label. The EPA says WaterSense toilets use 1.28 gallons per flush or less, which is 20 percent less than the federal standard of 1.6. Newer models also come in many shapes, including compact and wall-hung designs that free up floor space in a small bathroom.
A compact toilet beside a glass shower and blue vanity.
4. A new sink and faucet
Match the sink to the room. A pedestal sink opens up floor space in a small bathroom, while a vanity with a top gives you storage and counter. Even if you keep the sink, a new faucet can change the whole look.
Faucets matter for water use too. The EPA says WaterSense bathroom faucets flow at 1.5 gallons per minute or less, which cuts flow by 30 percent or more compared with the standard 2.2. It estimates the average family could save about 700 gallons a year by switching.
Brass faucets and two sinks in a Park Ridge bathroom.
5. A better exhaust fan
Every shower fills the room with steam. If it has nowhere to go, it settles on walls and ceilings, and over time moisture can lead to peeling paint and mold. A fan that vents to the outside clears it out. According to ENERGY STAR, ventilation fans can remove everyday moisture and help with problems like mold and dust mites, and certified models are designed to use less energy and run quietly. Ask your designer which fan fits your bathroom and where it should vent.
A big walk-in shower like this makes a lot of steam, so ventilation matters.
What do these bathroom upgrades take?
A full guest bathroom typically takes about 4 to 6 weeks with us, and a primary bathroom about 8 to 12. Your project manager confirms the schedule once the design is final. There’s no single price, because it depends on what you choose and what’s behind the walls. Prices can change if your plans or material costs change, and you get an itemized estimate once your design is final. Our bathroom remodel cost guide explains where the money goes.
Bathroom upgrades questions
Which upgrade should come first?
The one that fixes your biggest daily annoyance.
Can I upgrade just one thing?
Often, yes.
Where can I see what you build?
See our bathroom remodeling page.
Planning a bathroom update?
Tell us what you’d change first, and we’ll talk through options for your space.
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