Inexpensive Ideas to Upgrade Your Bathroom

A full bathroom remodel can be pricey, but there are plenty of inexpensive upgrades you can make to upgrade your space. From painting floorboards to installing new flooring, these budget bathroom ideas can help you update your bathroom without breaking the bank.

Instead of tiling, consider engineered wood or vinyl flooring that looks like tile and will keep you on budget. These options are also more moisture-hardy than solid hardwood.

Replace Your Cabinet Hardware

Whether you’re doing a full bathroom remodel or just a cosmetic update, replacing the cabinet knobs and pulls is an easy way to make your room look fresh. Choose hardware in a new finish or style that coordinates with your faucet and shower head. It can also be a great opportunity to upgrade the lighting in your space and install a new mirror.

Changing the vanity light fixture can have a dramatic impact on your bathroom’s overall look and feel. And adding a recessed medicine cabinet above the vanity will give you more storage space without making your room feel cluttered or cramped.

Install New Flooring

Adding new flooring is one of the most significant changes you can make to a bathroom on a budget. Options like vinyl or laminate offer cheaper alternatives to a traditional tile floor and are also easier to install, especially for DIYers.

If your current bathroom is tiled, you can easily update it by recoloring the grout or painting a fun pattern on top. You can also upgrade your walls by adding beadboard, wallpaper or a fresh coat of paint to create an eye-catching design.

Upgrade Your Faucets and Shower Heads

The most basic upgrades can make a big difference to your bathroom. Changing out the shower head or bathtub faucet is one of the quickest and most affordable ways to give your space an upgrade. You can even choose a new model that’s water-efficient to cut your utility costs and give your bathroom a boost in style.

Adding a new vanity light or adding a simple frame to your bathroom mirror can also make a dramatic change without breaking the bank. Then, add a few decorative items like a towel rack or robe hooks to complete the look.

Add Storage

Many homeowners overlook the importance of organizing a bathroom, but doing so can make a huge difference in how your space looks and feels. You can do simple things, like putting a basket on the toilet to hold lotion, extra toilet paper and other supplies, or installing shelves where you can display items. You can also hang a shower caddy to store shower products and towels, or install hooks on the back of your door for bathrobes and washcloths.

If you don’t have enough storage space, adding a tall storage cabinet with a small open shelf, two cabinets and a drawer will eliminate clutter and keep your bathroom looking sleek. Consider getting one made from mildew-resistant materials for a humid environment, which will also make it easier to clean. Another storage upgrade that adds value is a vent fan, which helps to draw out moisture and odors, and prevent mold and mildew growth. You can even do this as a DIY project!

Other Ideas

A simple way to make a room feel bigger is by introducing natural light, which will help keep the space feeling clean and bright. Consider installing a skylight to bring in extra sunlight, or even add a window to your shower so you can see the outdoors.

The most expensive part of a remodel can be moving your plumbing, so try to work within your existing configuration. Trying to move your toilet, sink or tub around could quickly eat up your entire budget.

Another way to save money is by reorganizing your storage space to use existing items in new ways. For example, you can store a lot of stuff in baskets on the counters, hanging towels and your robe behind the door or on shelving, and putting up a mirror to increase the amount of natural light.