14 Inexpensive Ways to Upgrade Your Bathroom

You’ve surely heard that a bathroom renovation can be very expensive, depending on what you want to do. That being said, there are still ways how you can upgrade your bathroom when on a budget. With that in mind, here are some easy and affordable projects to consider.

Do it yourself

For starters, if you’re looking to save money, it’s a great idea to do some DIY work. There might not be a need to hire professionals if you know your way around the necessary tools and have the necessary skills. However, you should keep in mind the fact that bigger undertakings can lead to big issues if you do something wrong, which can be a big hit on your budget. So, stay within your limits.

Declutter the bathroom

Before you start replacing things and adding new ones, you want to declutter the space to see what you’re actually working with. Maybe there is no need to change that much, it might just be that you have too many things cluttering up the bathroom’s look. Toss the expired products and those you don’t use. Once everything is in order, make a list of things you would like to change and see which ones are within your budget.

Repaint the walls or the floor

One easy project that will not take too much time or money is repainting the walls. This is an easy way to change the colour palette to an extent without getting all new tiles. Depending on what you’re looking for, you can stick to vibrant hues like yellow or make it a bit moody with navy blue. Furthermore, you can also repaint the tiles in the room, both floor and wall ones. Just make sure you have the right kind of paint and there is no need to retile the whole space.

Opt for more affordable flooring materials

In case any of the tiles are cracked and you really need to replace them, you want to look for a more affordable solution. No matter if you install them on your own or hire a professional, keep in mind that luxury vinyl tiling is a great alternative to ceramic and porcelain tiles. They are not as expensive but come in a wide range of designs that you will have no problem finding something you like. Moreover, they are also water-resistant and low-maintenance, which is always a big plus for the bathroom.

Go for new wallpaper

Another inexpensive solution that can transform your bathroom in no time is wallpaper. Wallpapers nowadays come in a huge array of prints and patterns that you can choose from. However, there are a few tips to keep in mind when putting wallpaper in the bathroom. For starters, look for a type that is made specifically for this part of the home. Then, avoid having it in constant contact with water and add clear varnish on top to protect it from humidity.

Upcycle the current fixtures and elements

For a bigger change, you might be looking to swap out some fixtures or elements. If you don’t have the money right now to purchase new ones, consider upcycling the existing ones. For instance, you can easily find a tutorial online on how to give your tub a fresh coat of pain and breathe some new life into it. You can do the same with the storage cabinet.

Introduce one new element

On the other hand, if you have some money saved up, you can purchase one or two new items for the space that will make it all seem brand new. For example, look for various deals and sales online in order to find the right elements. Pieces like wall-mounted bathroom vanities can make the bathroom appear larger while giving it a more modern look and providing you with storage. With a bigger budget, you might even be able to afford a new standalone bath that will be the centrepiece of the room.

Update the fixtures

In terms of smaller upgrades, you can simply change the fixtures in the room. From the sink faucet to the showerhead, these little updates will not set you back a lot but they can make a world of difference. Depending on the look you’re going for, you can choose from matte black, gold, rose gold, chrome, brass, and many other alternatives, while you can also opt for the mixed metals approach.

Swap the lights

Something else you can do is swap out the light fixtures. In case you currently have recessed lights in the bathroom, you can think about getting something a bit more elegant or even extravagant to replace them. For example, if there is an antique store in your town, why not visit it and see if you can find a great deal for a pendant or chandelier that will look great as the focal piece of the space? In addition to an overhead fixture, you should also look for a task light to put near the mirror.

Add more storage

If you’re struggling with space despite decluttering the bathroom, you might want to look for some storage solutions. While getting a bigger vanity can be great for your troubles, sometimes it might not be enough. In that case, consider making the most of the vertical space of your bathroom and opting for either closed cabinets or open shelving that will help you stay organized. Keep in mind that simple shelves will not be a big blow to your budget.

Bring in inexpensive accessories

There are many interesting additions you might be able to afford even on a budget so don’t get discouraged if you don’t have enough funds for the bathroom of your dreams right now. For starters, replacing the current shower curtain is an inexpensive hack that can give the space a new aesthetic in just a few minutes. Then, the soap dispenser or toothbrush holder will make the area around your sink look updated without having to replace the whole sink. You can also get new towel hooks and rods, a toilet paper holder, and a toilet brush holder. These come in a variety of styles and colours, so you might be able to match them with the rest of the hardware in the room.

Replace the mirror

An inexpensive update is also getting a new mirror for the space. You can opt for a bigger one or even get two if you have two sinks. On a smaller scale, you might simply be able to replace the frame or get rid of the current one.

Introduce plenty of greenery

There might be no need to make huge changes to the space at all. You might be able to transform the room simply by adding some greenery to it. Houseplants that can thrive in the bathroom abound, so you can consider everything from ferns and orchids to pothos and snake plants. Whether you place them in an empty corner, put them on the vanity, or hang them from the ceiling, some nature is sure to make your space feel fresh.

Display some art

Lastly, if the space seems impersonal or empty, you can add some interesting art to it to spice things up. From making it yourself to having a local artist make a custom piece to finding a cute print online, the ways to get cool art for your bathroom are numerous.

As you can see, there are countless inexpensive ways how you can transform your bathroom. Keep them in mind and enjoy your new space.