The bathroom is one of the most used rooms in the house, and one of the most expensive to renovate. So let’s talk about easy ways to update your bathroom while on a budget.
Since the bathroom is the one that gets used quite a bit, it is nice when it looks good. But a bathroom is one of the most expensive projects when it needs an update. So how can you make it look better if your current budget does not allow for a complete overhaul?
There are many cost efficient DIYs you can do to spruce up the bathroom without breaking the bank.
Painting
Paint adds the power of color or provides a clean slate. It is also the one project that can make the biggest change for the lowest price. And everything looks cleaner and more fresh, when it has had a nice coat of paint.
Paint the walls for the biggest impact. Don’t forget about the ceiling and the vanity. These two places offer an area to really add a pop of color and some personal style.
Tile can be painted as well. This should absolutely be done with proper prep and epoxy paint. To stand up to the cleaning and water presence in the bathroom. But it can be done quite successfully and at a low cost for the DIYer.
Wallpaper
If I have a choice, I will always want wallpaper. Wallpaper adds so much to a room and can really bring out the style that you want to convey. To me, wallpaper never goes out of style.
Hanging wallpaper yourself can also save a lot of money. If you are any sort of DIYer, with some tips and tricks, wallpaper is a project you can easily handle.
The cost for wallpaper can be far reaching, so make sure you are looking for a desired pattern from a company within your budget. Luckily, most bathrooms are small and require only a few double rolls, so it can be within reach if you plan for it.
Trim out the vanity
Changing the look of the vanity can be something that offers big visual impact without a lot of cost, if you have some woodworking skills.
Adding trim to plain cabinets, covering up details that make the cabinets look dated, or adding other trim to upgrade the look of the cabinet, will all be things that will make the cabinet look new and fresh.
You can even order new fronts for your existing built-in vanity, which is something I did for our primary bathroom.
New lighting
Not only will you want more attractive lighting, but also make sure you are providing the proper light needed for a bathroom. Nothing is worse than trying to prepare for the day in low level lighting.
Brightening up your space can make everything look better! Even you, as you get ready in the morning with proper lighting.
Recently I updated our guest bathroom and could not find the type of lighting in the finish that I wanted at a reasonable price. I finally found the right light, with the perfect shades, and ordered it in the only finish it came in. When it arrived, it took me only minutes to spray the metal fixture into a new color. I now have a custom light fixture that is perfect for the space it is in.
New plumbing fixtures
Nothing bums a bathroom out quicker than out of date plumbing fixtures that have seen better days. Built up lyme and discolored metals really age the entire room.
Adding new plumbing fixtures can make your bathroom feel like you renovated without actually doing it. Sometimes you can simply replace the handles on certain fixtures.
Keep in mind, shower fixtures are a bit more difficult to replace. The interior parts of the fixture from specific companies, so if you started with a Kohler or Delta fixture, you will need to replace within the same brand.
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Update hardware
When updating the vanity, adding new hardware will make the entire space feel new. This can be a fun way to really add personal style to a small bathroom.
Consider switching from old towel bars to convenient new hooks, and easy to swap toilet paper holders too. I love the ones that lift up for an easy exchange.
Hooks for towels make it super easy for family members to put towels up instead of on the floor, right? Well, at least it will make make it simple for some.
New shower curtain
Upgrading the shower curtain, or removing an old bulky sliding shower tub in a tub/shower combo can make the space feel clean and fresh. Just because your bathroom came with old shower doors, doesn’t mean you have to keep them.
Especially if you have children that need assistance in the tub, no one wants to hang over the tub with those old tracks digging into your ribs.
Simply, a new shower curtain might be just the thing to make your bathroom look better.
Paneling
Adding paneling to a bathroom can really make it seem like a decorated room, instead of a place to just brush your teeth. Whether it is a wainscoting, batten board, or full wall shiplap, paneling packs a big style punch.
Many paneling projects are DIY friendly and can be very budget friendly with a bit of woodworking skills.
Add a rug
Yes, everything bathroom needs a bath mat when you are exiting the shower. But can you only decorate with fluffy bath rugs?
I say, do what you want. If an actual area rug can give your bathroom the lift you are looking for, then by all means, spread one out. Larger rugs in a bathroom do catch all the hair, that as humans, we tend to shed. It’s also easy to vacuum a heavier rug.
Keep in mind the usage of the bathroom, and whether or not that rug would need to be washable.
Window treatments
Not all bathrooms have windows, and if they do, many times they are inside the shower. So windows should be treated for the privacy needed first.
However, if you have windows in the room of your space, the decor can be greatly enhanced by window treatments!
I love to use either cafe curtain drapery so you have the privacy but still the light, or a top down roman shade, for the same reason.
I loved this custom curtain I made from using a quilt that had seen better days. Using quilt remnants in different ways can really add personal style.
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Accessorizing and styling
Bathrooms don’t need much in the way of accessories, but should have some to provide the necessities that are used in the bathroom.
Artwork can, and should be used, to add your personal style to the space. Always consider it’s placement and make sure it is not in the path to receive overspray from any aerosols like hair products, or perfumes. This may damage your artwork.
Easy ways to update your bathroom
I hope that you have been inspired to update your bathroom. With a ‘can do’ spirit, and a bit of creativity, even on the strictest budget you can make a difference to enjoy your space a bit more.
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Great ideas! Who knew you could paint tile like that??? I love the quilt curtains!
It’s the cheapest way to make a big change!