9 Things Experts Say Are Always Worth Extra Money for Your Bathroom

The very best bathrooms evoke spa-like serenity, no matter the square footage. Home professional resource HomeAdvisor points out that bathrooms tend to be smaller than other rooms in your home—and since they can be relatively cheap to make over, they’re one of the most renovated spaces in a house.

Most homeowners spend between $5,991 and $14,972 on their bathroom remodels, or an average of $10,478, according to HomeAdvisor. But what’s worth splurging on, exactly? Whether you have resale value, a custom build, or your own comfort in mind, here are 9 things in a bathroom home experts suggest spending extra money on.

Always spring for tile, recommends Nick Disney, a real estate investor in San Antonio. “Bathrooms can be one of the key selling points of a home and give you an opportunity to make a big impact on potential buyers,” he says. Since most bathrooms have smaller areas to cover with tile, choosing to spend a couple more dollars per square foot on tiling adds a wow factor without breaking the bank, he says.

A heated towel rail, especially one that’s hardwired into your wall, is worth every penny, says Cristina Miguélez, a remodeling specialist with Fixr.com. “You’ll have warm, fluffy towels every time you get out of the shower,” she says. “Even better, when towels dry quickly on a towel warmer, they don’t need to be washed as often because they don’t have time to start growing mildew and other odors.” Price points vary, of course. Freestanding heated towel racks cost a couple hundred dollars, while high-end towel rails requiring installation run from $1,000 to $5,000.

Love a steamy shower? Invest in an anti-fog mirror, Miguélez recommends. “You’ll get out of your shower and have instant access to your bathroom mirror, or you can shower while your spouse uses the mirror without needing to wipe it dry first,” she says. A fog-free mirror upgrade starts at about $300, Miguélez says.

If you live in a cold climate, you know just how unpleasant it can be to step on cold tile floor sans slippers. A heated floor remedies that problem, Miguélez says. “Opt for one with a programmable thermostat that will turn itself on about 30 minutes before you wake up in the morning,” she suggests. Floor heating systems can cost from about $500 to $1,000, she says.

A beautifully tiled shower or tub with nowhere to store your toiletries isn’t functional, says Highlyann Krasnow, founder and creative director of The Design High in Brooklyn. If you’re having a bathroom custom built or remodeled, splurge on a shower niche—which is a waterproof, recessed shelf that’s akin to having a built-in shower caddy—to help corral your shampoo, conditioner, soap, and body washes, Krasnow suggests. According to Angie’s List, adding shower niches can start at $75.

Bubble bath lovers should consider a freestanding tub a worthwhile splurge, says Nicole Graff, the cofounder and principal designer for Hamsa Home, a Los Angeles-based residential interior design firm. Standalone tubs are available at different price points, but a basic tub with installation could cost about $1,200, according to Fixr. These types of bathtubs may require some floor reinforcement, however, which could drive up the price. The most common materials for tubs include acrylic, stone resin, and cast iron, Graff says. She’s partial to cast-iron tubs because they’re more durable and highly resistant to scratches and chipping. “Another plus, they retain heat, meaning you’ll be enjoying a nice and long warm bath without the need to refill,” Graff says.

To spark some inspiration (and maybe envy), check out these beautiful freestanding tubs.

No weekend DIYs required here: Just purchase some luxe bath linens to instantly elevate your bathroom, suggests Tracy Morris, of Tracy Morris Design. “Bath linens are something that you use so often it’s worth getting ones you really love,” she says. The cheap towels wear out and fray faster from use and washing, so they need to be replaced more frequently, which make the higher-end bath linens a worthy investment. 

You can easily swap in a rainfall shower head on your own and instantly get a hotel-like experience (though you may want to pass on this upgrade if your water pressure is so-so). Metal versions last longer and harbor less bacteria than plastic models, says home renovation expert Vicki Liston, the host of “On the Fly … DIY.” Rain shower heads hover in the just-under-$50 range.

You can also get one that has a handheld shower head attachment, an add on recommended by Lisa Culp Taylor, a real estate agent in Tennessee. “This is such a small design element that can be a great convenience whether you’re shaving your legs or washing a dog or helping someone who is injured or recently had surgery,” she says.

A smart toilet may not have been high on your wishlist months ago, but the coronavirus pandemic—coupled with a shortage of toilet paper and desire for touch-free technology—is lending it more credence. Some models have seats that open and close on their own and the toilet can also flush without ever touching a handle, says Alena Capra, an interior designer and a certified master kitchen & bath designer based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Other smart toilet perks include seat warmers and bluetooth compatibility, she says. Smart toilets start at about $600, but the highest-tech ones can be ten times that amount. (And if you’re not quite ready to invest in a smart toilet, consider buying and installing a bidet.)

When it comes to remodeling projects throughout the rest of your home, here’s where home experts recommend splurging.