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 vanities with sinks 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, color and finish — and what a difference they can make.

With a wide range of bathroom cabinets, vanities, sinks, showers, faucets, 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

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.

Person measuring the distance along a wall corner using a measuring tape.

3. Plan with our online tool or book a free appointment

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 vanities? 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 organizers

– Lighting

– Hangers

When you have made a basic outline, start our online bathroom planner. It’s always fun to try out your initial ideas and see everything take shape. If you need help planning, book a free appointment with our experts.

Start the bathroom planner

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Start the bathroom planner

Book a free appointment with a bathroom specialist

Book a free online appointment with an IKEA bathroom specialist who will provide advice and inspiration while planning your ideal bathroom.

Book now

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 order online yourself.

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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 it yourself with confidence

You can easily install your IKEA bathroom on your own — we provide a clear guide online to help you assemble your bathroom furniture step by step. Everything is designed to make the process simple and stress-free.

Explore the bathroom installation guide

Person using a drill to mount a board on a wall while holding a level to ensure it is straight.

Explore the bathroom installation guide