Top 16 Cheap Bathroom Remodel Ideas

If you’re ready to redesign the look of your bathroom, chances are that you’ve thought about what a project like that might cost. Not everyone has tens of thousands of dollars on hand to recreate their own personal spa-like bathroom in their own home. However, the good news is that you can still transform your existing bathroom into one that is functional, up-to-date, and stylish while you’re on a budget. Find out how to remodel a bathroom on a budget by reading through the ideas below.

The average bathroom remodeling project will cost about $10,500 whereas one that is on the more luxurious side can cost around $26,000. However, there is still a lot that you can do with a small budget of only a couple thousand. All it takes is some creativity and maybe even some DIY if you’re up for it. It all depends on what you’re looking at remodeling and the extent of the job, but the options are there. 

A bathroom remodeling project is one that can add value to your property as a whole so taking the time to design, plan, and actually do the remodel is important. The first step is to determine just how much you can afford in terms of your project. If you’re looking at a budget of around $1,000, you’re going to want to stick to some of the more cosmetic remodeling projects like a fresh coat of paint, some new fixtures, or even a new toilet. You can always focus on some of the bigger improvements like tiling, windows, and more, but your budget will likely need some wiggle room. 

While it might not seem like it, completing a cheap bathroom remodel is definitely possible. A popular option for bathroom remodels involves gutting everything and starting from scratch, installing brand new tiles, fixtures, plumbing, and more which can add up really quickly in terms of price. 

It can be cost-effective to think outside of the box and explore ideas that can be more economical to do in terms of improving the appearance of your bathroom. You can achieve a clean, functional, and bright bathroom on a low-cost budget, all you need is the right idea. Below are 16 bathroom remodel ideas on a budget that you can choose from. 

1. Do Some Painting

If you’re on a tight budget when remodeling your bathroom, repainting is a cost-friendly and effective way to transform the appearance of your bathroom. This, however, can be a tedious task to do, especially if you’re painting on your own to save few extra bucks instead of hiring contractors. You’re going to need to be as precise as possible when painting around the windows, sinks, tubs, showers, mirrors, toilet, floor, and more. This can take time and of course, a whole lot of patience. 

When painting your bathroom, keep in mind that it’s a room where a lot of moisture is present. Mold and mildew can grow easily in bathrooms due to the changes in temperature and humidity. This is why investing in a high-quality type of paint that has a satin finish will be ideal for the job. Painting the ceiling with the proper kind of paint can also prevent mold growth. 

2. Update the Fixtures

The details of your bathroom can really make a difference. Consider updating some of the fixtures like the sink faucet, lighting, cabinet hardware, towel racks, and more. These will typically be a small investment yet the effect on the overall appearance of your bathroom will be significant. 

When it comes to towel racks, you don’t always have to look for a new one at your local home improvement store. Instead, you can consider doing a DIY bathroom remodel on a budget and making your own towel rack out of some old plumbing for a more industrial look. 

3. Go With Affordable, But Expensive-looking Flooring

When looking for inexpensive bath remodels and ideas, chances are that you want to save money as much as possible. In this case, you’re going to have to sift through many options. Not all affordable options are bland-looking. In fact, there are many flooring materials that are affordable, but still, look expensive. For example, you can replace the floors in your bathroom with luxury vinyl flooring which is a cost-efficient option that can mimic the appearance of real hardwood planks. 

In terms of countertops, you can always substitute granite for quartz or even a high-quality laminate option. Go with porcelain tiles or some kind of faux stone ceramic instead of your standard marble or travertine. 

For your countertops, you can change out your choice of granite for top-quality laminate or quartz variants. You may also abandon travertine and marble and choose faux stone ceramic or porcelain tiles.

4. Install Mirrors

Mirrors can make a small space seem big and they can also add style. While you can always buy a new mirror to install, you might want to consider choosing a cheaper mirror and customizing it with a DIY project. Some simple bathroom remodeling ideas include decorating the mirror with some kind of frame or decorative mold. You can also try to paint it. 

A new frame around your mirror can make it more appealing and it can restore the existing condition of the mirror, or at least mask it. Over time, mirrors can show signs of wear and tear, mainly on the edges. The frame can cover that up while also add some style. 

5. Upgrade Your Vanity

One of the many budget bathroom remodel ideas for those that are on a budget is to upgrade the appearance of your vanity. You can replace the vanity entirely or just spruce up your existing one. There are different ways to paint the vanity and even add some accessories so you get the updated look you desire. 

6. Replace the Cabinets

Most bathroom cabinets are the focal point of the room. They’re known to bring out the personality of the bathroom which is why replacing them might be crucial for your remodeling project. Choose cabinets that suit your color scheme, style, and functionality needs. 

7. Update the Cabinet Hardware

While replacing the cabinets can seem like a good idea, it’s not always possible to do when on a budget. Instead, you can consider updating the hardware on your cabinets. It’s a way for you to save money and still improve the look of your bathroom. 

Whether you’re interested in exploring different knobs, hinges, lid stays, or locks, the options are endless. New cabinet hardware installations are a fast and inexpensive bath remodel that you might want to look at. 

8. Install Better Lighting

Other budget bathroom renovations might include minor upgrades. A way for you to get a new look for your bathroom is to install better light fixtures. This will help make your bathroom look clean, open, and functional. 

While lighter colors in your bathroom can help maximize the space while also bringing warmth, a chandelier in your bathroom can add some romance. Adding different kinds of light fixtures is just what you need to brighten up the room. 

9. Reuse the Old Materials

In some cases, you might not want to replace your older or vintage bathroom fixtures or materials. Instead, you can reuse them for a low cost bathroom remodel idea. This can be done through refinishing services that you can do on your own. 

Keep in mind that this kind of project can take some time, but it will be worth it in the end. To refinish your bathtub or sink, you’ll need to have the proper equipment including a sanding tool, paintbrushes, face mask, and more.

10. Replace the Countertops

Granite countertops are common to see in bathrooms, but that doesn’t mean that you have to splurge on new granite countertops just yet. Chances are that your counter is quite small which means that the investment won’t necessarily be worth the cost of it all. 

If you do choose to go with granite for cheap bathrooms, you’re going to want to explore your options in terms of color since the more popular ones, like brown and tan, can also be more expensive. 

You can also say goodbye to countertops altogether by following one of the latest trends these days and that’s choosing to have an old dresser to be your sink pedestal. This dresser will likely be with a more vintage style. All you have to do is to cut out the top to make room for the sink.

11. Coordinate the Bathroom Accents

One of the most simple and affordable bathroom remodel projects you should consider doing is coordinating the colors of the room. Coordinating certain aspects of your bathroom can give it that professional designer touch that it needs. You can install matching accessories and decorations to complete the look. Choose a contrasting color to make your bathroom pop. 

12. Install Wallpaper

Wallpaper isn’t a thing of the past, especially when it’s installed in your bathroom. You can choose from a whimsical floral pattern to something that has bold geometric shapes, or even wallpaper that has a more subtle style. Wallpaper can be easily replaced as needed which makes it ideal for people who like following style trends since they’re always changing. 

13. Replace the Tile

Old tiles can make your bathroom look outdated and dirty. Not only that, but they can also attract mold and mildew which is a large health risk. It’s common for the tiles in your bathroom to eventually lose their luster due to everyday wear and tear and even when they get exposed to dirt, soap, water spots, and more. 

Tiling projects can get expensive and more so if you have a tiling contractor install them for you. If you’re interested in staying on budget with your bathroom remodel, you might want to limit the amount of tile in your bathroom and have it installed where tile is needed most, like around the shower and more. 

14. Go Green

You can go green and help the environment when working on your bathroom remodeling project. You can often for greener products like a low-flow sink or even toilets and showerheads that save money while also conserving water. Most of these products will cost less than the standard products. 

Another way to go green is by repurposing materials or even buying used items. You can turn normal vases into makeup brush holders and more.

15. Recaulk and Grout

Another cheap bathroom remodel idea that you might want to think about is re-caulking and grouting. The clean caulk around your sink and bathtub should stand out, not blend in. New grout can completely change the look of your tiles and fixtures. These materials are quite cheap so you don’t have to worry about going through with a huge project. 

16. Come Up With the Bathroom Design Yourself

As mentioned earlier, the design of your bathroom is one of the most crucial steps, especially when you’re interested in sticking bathroom renovations on a budget. Consider designing the look and style of your bathroom on your own. While you might need a qualified home designer for property addition projects, kitchen renovations, and more, a bathroom is typically much smaller in size and can be easier than it seems to design by yourself. 

Final Thoughts

Whatever kind of bathroom design you’re going for, you should be sure that the ideas you have will stay within your budget. Both the style and functionality of your bathroom should stand out once you’re done. It’s crucial for you to take your time and execute the job strategically. If you choose to incorporate any one of the bathroom renovation ideas on a budget from above, you’ll be able to get the most out of your bathroom. Most of them are easy to do and simple, but they’re also affordable and effective ways to transform your property. 

Even when you’re on a budget, you can still make your bathroom look more expensive than it really is with simple bathroom renovation ideas. It’s important to stay patient and get help from professional contractors whenever needed.