10 Affordable Bathroom Renovation Ideas to Try Today

Are you considering renovating your entire bathroom, but don't want to spend a lot of money on labor costs? You're not alone. Whether you're renting and can't afford a full-scale renovation or simply want to keep your costs low, there are many ways to update your bathroom on a budget.

In this post, we discuss five low-cost ways to give your bathroom a makeover. From updating your old, out-of-style small bathroom to a larger bathroom remodel, these ideas will help you get the job done without breaking the bank.

Plan and budget for your bathroom remodel

Before starting your bathroom renovation, make a list of the changes needed, the upgrades you want, and how to implement them. Divide your wishlist into must-haves and nice-to-haves. This process will help you set a budget and establish realistic timelines.

If you're having trouble figuring out what to change or how you want your bathroom to look, look at home renovation shows, magazines and other bathrooms for inspiration.

Consider using a tool like the Planner 5D software to create a digital version of your dream bathroom. This way, you'll be able to see how it will look and make changes before you start the remodeling process.

Planning is a great way to save time and stay on budget. Nothing is more costly than making changes halfway through a project or having to hire a professional contractor to correct your mistakes.

DIY as much as you can without changing the layout

One of the best ways to save money on your bathroom renovation is to do it yourself as much as possible. This could include tasks such as painting the walls, tiling the floors, cleaning the grout, or installing new cabinets. You can find many online tutorials for different home renovation projects that can help you.

Make the most of your existing layout

The easiest and most budget-friendly way to give your bathroom a makeover is to keep things where they are. Remodeling, including changes to the foundation, plumbing, electrical wiring or removing walls, can be costly.

Changing your bathroom's footprint can also add time and increase your budget, especially if you need building permits, new plumbing, and hiring contractors.

If you absolutely need to change the arrangement of fixtures or add square footage, keep the changes to a minimum and allocate this in your budget. Get cost estimates from different contractors to help you set a realistic number.

Be creative with paint

Painting is one of the easiest and most effective ways to spruce up your bathroom. A fresh coat of paint can automatically brighten and freshen up any space.

Neutral and off-white shades can make your bathroom look bigger without costly remodels. You can also use paint to create an accent wall that adds brightness and creates a focal point in your bathroom.

Refresh your entire bathroom by painting tiles

Walls and ceilings are not the only surfaces in your bathroom that can benefit from a fresh coat of paint. Another often overlooked solution is to paint over your existing tiles, which is cheaper and more efficient than replacing them.

Paint your bathroom vanity

Breathe new life into your cabinetry by painting it instead of replacing it with a new piece.

Always make sure to use the correct type of paint for the surface you're painting over in your bathroom, be that walls or cabinetry. Some bathroom projects, like tiles, require sanding and a water-based acrylic primer before a coat of durable latex or urethane paint.

Get creative and reuse

A little creativity goes a long way. To keep costs low, consider repurposing old furniture and pieces from other rooms in your house or those you got at a yard sale.

Add vintage touches

Use decorative mirrors, frames and vintage light fixtures or consider refinishing an old dresser and turning it into a shabby, chic vanity. Some of the best places for second-hand materials are reuse centers like Habitat for Humanity, antique stores, eBay, Etsy or estate sales.

Spruce up your walls with temporary solutions

Another quick tip for updating your ugly tiles or floors is to use peel-and-stick tiles. They go on fast and instantly transform your bathroom without huge costs.

You can instantly update your countertop with inexpensive vinyl film that resembles faux marble, using the same idea. This type of finishing is easy to apply, waterproof and resistant to heat and cuts.

Refinish your fixtures

You can also get creative with refinishing some of the most costly fixtures, like tiles, tubs and sinks. Instead of replacing that avocado green tub or ripping off that pink tile, you can refinish it with a specialized refinishing kit.

Designed especially for high-moisture areas, the coating will make your old tiles bright and your tub look like new. You can find many instructional videos online on how to do it.

Budget-friendly upgrades

Not every bathroom remodel needs to be expensive. You can easily save on costs by doing some of the project yourself. This can be as easy as making a few simple adjustments.

Upgrade your finishes

Consider replacing your ugly faucet with a modern version, and updating your doorknob, towel racks and shower curtain rods. Swapping out the hardware on your cabinets can automatically modernize your existing vanity and give it a fresh look.

If you have a grubby or worn-out shower curtain, consider getting a new one. This simple swap can make an instant difference.

Modernize your light fixtures

If you're looking for a bigger change, you could also replace your light fixtures or add a new mirror. Adding a new chandelier or a light pendant can instantly inject light and modernity into your bathroom.

These small changes can significantly impact the appearance without costing you a lot of money. You can keep the cost down by buying many materials second-hand or waiting for them to go on sale.

Swap your pedestal sink for a cabinet with more storage

If you have a pedestal sink, you’re missing out on valuable storage space. Replacing it with a small vanity or cabinet can make a significant difference in any bathroom remodel. You’ll have room for hand towels, extra toilet paper, and even a few decor items like candles or toothbrush holders.

Look for a style that suits your space, for example, go for a sleek cabinet with drawers, or a vessel sink on top for a more modern look. This upgrade is budget-friendly and practical, giving you better storage options without taking up more floor space. Pairing it with a new faucet and fresh hardware can transform the whole look of your bathroom.

Plan your remodel with a design tool

Before you buy a single tile or faucet, take time to plan your bathroom layout. A tool like Planner 5D lets you recreate your bathroom in 2D, test layouts, and try different storage options before you spend a dime.

You can move your toilet, vanity, and bathtub around virtually and see which arrangement works best. Experiment with shower tile patterns, grout colours, and even new hardware until everything looks right.

The 3D walkthrough is a game-changer. You’ll know how your bathroom will look and function before the real work begins, saving money on tile installation and avoiding costly mistakes.

Conclusion

Bathroom renovations don’t have to be expensive. With a few easy steps, you can transform your bathroom from drab to fab and save money in the process. We hope our tips have helped you with planning your bathroom makeover. Now you can update your bathroom and feel good about it.

FAQ

What is the cheapest way to renovate a bathroom?

The cheapest way is to focus on cosmetic updates rather than full demolition. Swapping shower heads, adding new hardware, and refreshing grout or paint can make a huge difference without high labour costs. Consider replacing a pedestal sink with a small vanity for extra storage options.

Can I renovate my bathroom for $5000?

Yes, a $5000 budget is enough for a small bathroom remodel. You can update the shower tile, install a faucet, and replace the toilet or bathtub if needed. Prioritize key upgrades and factor in tile installation and labour costs carefully.

How cheaply can you renovate a bathroom?

You can refresh a bathroom for just a few hundred dollars if you focus on finishing touches. New hardware, a toilet paper holder, and fresh paint can update the space without breaking the bank. For a bigger impact, consider swapping out shower heads or adding a medicine cabinet.

What is a reasonable budget for a bathroom remodel?

A reasonable budget depends on the size of the space and the materials you choose. For most homeowners, $10,000–$15,000 covers a mid-range remodel with new tile installation, fixtures, and storage like medicine cabinets or a double vanity. Focus on durable finishes and plan for unexpected labour costs like plumbing.