How to plan a bathroom remodel in 5 steps

Planning a bathroom that fits your space, style and budget may seem a bit overwhelming, but this guide will break down the process into five manageable steps. Whether you’re creating a bathroom from scratch or simply updating your bathroom furniture, start by considering current and future needs and wants.

New washstands with washbasins are being installed in a bathroom. There’s part of a drawer on the floor and tools on a stool.

1. Explore all bathroom styles

Unless you’re building a new home or doing a complete bathroom remodel, you can’t choose the size of your bathroom, or the placement of existing piping. However, you are in control of the style, and that goes a long way towards your dream bathroom. Check out our different bathroom systems and discover all the options you have when it comes to size, colour and finish — and what a difference they can make. With a wide range of bathroom cabinets, washstands, washbasins, showers, taps, lighting and mirrors, you’ll find the variety you need to plan your bathroom layout, big or small, in the style that you want.

See all bathroom systems

Video: A slideshow is showing six images of different IKEA bathroom systems, one after the other, with different style expressions.

See all bathroom systems

2. Measure your bathroom space

When you’ve found the style you like, it’s time to get exact measurements. They are important, since they’ll form the foundation for every decision on your bathroom journey ahead. Grab a tape measure, pen and paper (and, if possible, a person who can assist you). Choose a wall as a starting point and measure it straight from one corner to the other. Write down the measurement and move on to the next wall. When you have measured all walls, measure the height, from floor to ceiling. Take windows and doorways into consideration and add them to your sketch (and remember to make a note on how the door opens). Decide which pieces of furniture will need to be secured to the wall. If you think that measuring seems like a daunting task, we’re here to assist you.

A person in a blue jacket with a yellow print on it is standing next to a bathroom wall, measuring it with a measuring tape.

3. Plan with our online tool or book a meeting

Don’t leave any decisions to the end but take everything into consideration from the beginning — a clear and concise plan with a matching budget will save money and time in the long run. Do you want two washbasins? They are practical but take up more space. Do you need more storage instead? Maybe you prefer closed drawers or open shelves or a mix of both. Go through and consider the most important bathroom elements in the checklist below and write down what’s most important to you when it comes to size, function and style.

– Vanity unit

– Mirrors

– Storage

– Interior organisers

– Lighting

– Hangers

When you have made a basic outline, start our online bathroom planner — just click the button below. It’s always fun to try out your initial ideas and see everything take shape. Should you need any help, simply book a meeting with our bathroom planning specialists.

Start the bathroom planner

A hand is using an index finger to touch the display of a black tablet that is placed on a wooden stand on a dark grey table.

Start the bathroom planner

4. Order online or in store

Almost there! When you’ve decided which style you want and you’re sure of the measurements, you can place your order at your IKEA store, or simply click and order online yourself.

A smiling person in a yellow sweater and a blue vest is working on a black laptop placed on a white desk next to a window.

How do you want it delivered?

IKEA offers a range of delivery services to get your bathroom project going smoothly. From Click and collect, ordering online or collecting at your IKEA store free of charge, to express home delivery.

See our delivery services

5. Install with or without our help

Of course, you can install your IKEA bathroom yourself — you’ll find guides and videos online for how to put your bathroom furniture together. If you prefer some assistance, we’re here to offer as much help as you feel you need.

A person in a yellow sweater and a blue shirt is putting together a white piece of furniture in an otherwise empty bathroom.

Ideas and inspiration to refresh your bathroom

Make your remodelling journey easier and more enjoyable. Find clever tips for big and small changes that’ll turn your bathroom into a place that you’ll love to come home to every day.

See all bathroom tips

A LETTAN mirror with KABOMBA LED wall lamps on either side of it is placed above a white HAVBÄCK wash-stand with two drawers.

How to design a bathroom in 5 steps

Need some inspiration when you plan the style of your bathroom? Check out our step-by-step guide for how to design a bathroom, from storage options, lighting and mirrors to bathroom textiles and accessories.

See all bathroom tips