12 Great Ideas For Bathroom Upgrades On a Budget

If you are looking to create an inviting and functional bathroom makeover for your home at a low cost or on a budget, then this blog post is for you. We have compiled 12 great ideas that will not only improve your bathroom experience but also help save money in the long run. 

From installing a new toilet seat or faucet and a sink spinner to remodeling the entire room with professional-grade materials, we have some tips that will work for any budget!

Why Should You Upgrade Your Bathroom?

It’s not hard to see why people often overlook their bathroom. Bathrooms don’t need much work, and the repairs are straightforward for a DIY project. But there is so much you can do to make your bathroom look luxurious without breaking the bank.

A few upgrades can have an enormous impact on your bathroom. A new sink, toilet, showerhead, or faucet can completely change the feel of your space.

And if you plan to sell your home in the future, even minimal updates to your current bathroom can boost its market appeal. According to HGTV.com, you can potentially get a 102% return at sale for even a minor bathroom remodel. This encompasses replacing the tub, tile surround, floor, toilet, sink, vanity, and fixtures, then perhaps finishing off the project with a fresh coat of paint on the walls. Toilets, in particular, have plenty of space and water-saving features nowadays that you can take advantage of. A macerating upflush toilet will come in handy if you live in a mobile home or in an area where water pressure is low.

Plus, it’s using money that you would have spent anyways on something else! Upgrading your bathroom will help you save money in other areas of your home by reducing leaks and water damage due to old fixtures.

Budget-Friendly Ideas For Bathroom Upgrades

Change the Faucet

Do you have a leaky or outdated faucet? If so, it's time to change it! Replacing your old leaky faucet is a simple and inexpensive way to upgrade your bathroom. 

By installing a modern and stylish faucet, you can give your bathroom an instant makeover.

Add a Showerhead

Another quick and easy way to update your bathroom is by swapping out your showerhead. A new showerhead will make your shower feel luxe with its powerful spray and more therapeutic benefits.

Change the Sink

It's time for a new sink! You can update the look of your signature with just one simple swap-out! Just by changing the color of your sink, you'll be able to update the whole room in one go. This is an inexpensive way to invest in better functionality without spending too much money or time on renovations.

Use Wallpapers

Wallpapers are the simplest way to give your bathroom a quick facelift. Choose a pattern you love and apply it to the walls in the shower, toilet, or sink area. There are so many options when it comes to wallpapers these days—from marble-like tiles to floral patterns.

This is an easy upgrade that will make the wall space of your bathroom feel refreshed in less than an hour.

Install New Towel Racks

A budget-friendly upgrade that will instantly update your bathroom is installing a new towel rack. Most towel racks are quite inexpensive, and they can upgrade the look of your shower or bathroom in a snap.

If you have a basic, boring towel rack, it may be time to consider getting a larger or more decorative one to add some style and personality to your space. If you have a wall-mounted towel rack, it may be time to switch out for one with a stand so that you can hang them up easily.

Another option would be to buy two or three smaller hooks or towel rings for hand towels as opposed to one larger one. This will give your guests options when it comes to grabbing their towels, and it will also save space in your bathroom!

Repurpose a Vintage Vanity

If you're looking for a way to make your bathroom look more luxurious without breaking the bank, one of the best and easiest ways is by repurposing an old vintage vanity.

Whether it's a dresser or chest of drawers that you find at a thrift store or an antique shop, you can easily turn it into a beautiful modern bathroom vanity with just a few simple steps.

First, sand and paint your old piece of furniture to match the color scheme of your bathroom. If you don't want to go through the hassle of painting, just use a good quality varnish or sealant to give your furniture piece that new sheen. 

Add the Sink Spinner 

No list would be complete without the Sink Spinner. It’s a quick and easy way to upgrade your bathroom without the expensive cost of remodeling. Not to mention, it makes cleaning the sink a breeze after shaving or when kids make a mess brushing their teeth. 

Unlike traditional methods of rinsing out the sink, Sink Spinner minimizes the amount of water needed. So, it’s great for the environment and your wallet. 

Brighten Your Existing Tiles

Oftentimes, the first upgrade you want to make is to your existing bathroom flooring. May it be wooden floors or site-built tile showers, it's a small improvement that can have a big impact on the look of your bathroom.

Consider using bright or bold tiles in geometric patterns that will really dazzle up your space. This is especially true if you're looking to modernize your space without replacing any of the other fixtures.

Another simple way to brighten up your bathroom is by adding some art to the walls. You could use new frame pieces or even some plastic art with 3M hooks for easy installation and removal.

If you are not concerned with changing the color scheme of your bathroom, you can always use lighter shades of paint for this project. A light blue would be perfect for a Scandinavian-style bathroom!

Creating an Accordant Color Palette

When you're looking for ways to modernize your bathroom on a budget, one of the first things you'll want to do is find a color palette that will enhance the space. A color palette can be expensive and daunting, but it doesn't have to be.

One affordable way to create an accordant color palette is by using paint. The colors in your paint can impact your mood and productivity levels. When you use paint that matches the tones of the room, it will give less of a stark contrast than other colors.

This is especially true when it comes to bathrooms where the look should be cohesive. If you use white or pale yellow paint in your bathroom, it will lend itself well to both modern and traditional styles of decorating. This means that you'll have more options for other items in the space without feeling like they clash with each other.

Another way to create an accordant color palette is by using tile accents throughout the space. This will allow you to choose colors that are neutral and won't pop up too much against your wall colors like blue or green would. It also makes it easier for you if you want to change up the look of your bathroom later down the road.

Migrate Bathroom Materials

One of the easiest ways to modernize your bathroom is by upgrading the materials for your sink, tub, or shower. Let’s say you have an older sink with a traditional-looking faucet. You can easily update it with a sleek new design that is more in line with today's trends. The same goes for your shower or bathtub. With just a little bit of work, you can replace your outdated tub or shower and have a much more luxurious-looking space.

What do you need for this upgrade? All you need is a new faucet and shower head! These items are relatively inexpensive and will have a huge impact on the look and feel of your bathroom.

Paint Portions of Bathroom Interior By Yourself

If you have a bit of painting experience, doing a fresh coat on your interiors might be the best DIY project for you. It's an inexpensive way to update the appearance of your bathroom without having to hire a contractor.

Paint can transform a room and give it a fresh new look. Once you've decided on the color, measure the space and purchase paint in that same color. If necessary, use a professional painter's tape to protect any areas you don't want to be painted.

This is also a good option if you prefer not to buy new fixtures or furniture but still want an updated look. You can paint anything from your cabinets to your towel holder!

Replacing cabinet hardware with new ones

If you need an easy and affordable way to give your bathroom a new look, one of the best options is to replace the old hardware. This is quick and inexpensive since all you’ll need are some screws, which you can get at any hardware store.

Some people like to replace their cabinet knobs with something more modern, while others prefer to keep the original design. If you do want to change them up, there are plenty of fun styles available! You can find inexpensive ones for around $2 each.

No matter what style you pick, this upgrade will make your sink or cabinet look brand new! You may have even had some old cabinet hardware that you can use as a replacement if it isn't in good condition.

Refurbish Your Existing Materials

Guest Contributor: Zendyl