Updating Bathroom: Big Budget vs. Low-Cost Ideas

A little investment can go a long way in home improvement. Updating your bathroom is something most people want, but not everyone can afford to do, especially if the budget is tight and there are many improvements you’d like to make.

Today I’m sharing 13 ways you can update your bathroom (with some bonus tips!), either on a big budget or an affordable one.

We’ll dive into more expensive undertakings involved with remodeling a bathroom and explore low-cost, budget-friendly updates.

In fact, you might be surprised at how many inexpensive ideas exist which will allow you to easily refresh your bathroom and make it look like new.

There is something for literally everyone, so let’s jump in and see if we can find ways you can upgrade your bathroom and make it a space you love.

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1. The Vanity

The vanity is the most important piece of furniture in your bathroom because it’s often the focal point. When you’re updating a bathroom, this is the first place to start.

Big-budget Options

If you can afford it, I recommend replacing your vanity with a new one. You can choose something updated and stylish that fits your new decor perfectly.

The bathroom will feel totally refreshed, clean, and like a new space.

Low-Cost Options

You can find inexpensive options when you’re looking for a new vanity: you can search buy and sell groups on Facebook, go to big box stores like this one, or shop only clearance items.

If you’re on a very tight budget or just don’t want to spend that much money, you can always update your existing vanity instead.

If your vanity is still in good shape and doesn’t need to be replaced, there are lots of ways to give it a facelift when you’re updating a bathroom.

You can paint or stain it, or even add new hardware for a fresh look. (More on that later.)

For example, if you have a wood vanity, paint it white or another neutral color to make it look less dated.

Neutral colors will last a lifetime and you can add trendy accents through hardware or decor; those things are easy (and affordable) to update or replace later.

2. Sink and Countertop

Sinks and countertops go right along with the vanity.

The most important thing to consider when updating your sink and countertop is whether they need to be replaced or if they can be updated instead.

Big-budget Options

There are so many options for beautiful, custom countertops. They’re not just for the kitchen! Your bathroom can feel just as elegant.

Many people will use the same countertops in their bathrooms as they do in their kitchen when they are doing a full remodel, or building new.

This will create a beautiful flow in your home as you carry the same features throughout the space.

Low-cost options

If you’ve chosen to purchase a vanity from a big box store, many times the countertop and sink will also come with it. A package deal!

(Along with a new faucet and hardware. More on that later.)

You can also check out remnant stores for leftover countertops that could work in your space.

And don’t forget to check out clearance items, and big box or outlet stores for new countertops and sinks.

Need even more budget-friendly options? Keep reading.

Did you know you can paint your countertops and sink?

This is the most budget-friendly option, beyond not doing anything 😉

There are kits you can buy that have everything you need to paint and seal your countertops and sink.

(Make sure to select one that goes with the type of countertop you currently have, for example, laminate.)

There are so many tutorials and helps online that can walk you through the process.

Tasha from Kaleidoscope Living painted her kitchen counter to look like marble! Here’s her tutorial.

It’s a good place to start looking at what your options are and get your creative juices flowing.

3. Flooring

Installing new flooring in your bathroom can be one of the most cost-effective ways to transform your space into something more modern or updated.

The best part about updating bathroom flooring is that it’s relatively easy, so if you’re looking for a quick transformation with minimal effort, this could be an option for you!

Big budget options

The best option is to completely replace the floors in your current bathroom….especially if you have carpet in there!

Removing carpeting may even be necessary to prevent mold and mildew from growing underneath.

Flooring options have changed over time and with this change has come more variety in terms of style and material than ever before.

You’ll just need to decide what look and feel you want in your space, and choose the flooring that will be the best fit.

Low-cost options

You can save money when updating a bathroom by doing some of the work yourself and buying remnant pieces from home improvement stores.

And if you’re replacing an entire room’s worth of flooring, consider renting a tile saw instead of buying one.

If your bathroom is small, consider using a laminate or vinyl product that looks like tile but has fewer seams or gaps between tiles (called tile joints).

These materials are also easier to install than ceramic tiles because they’re less fragile and weigh less than their ceramic counterparts.

Vinyl and laminate products are also easier to clean because they don’t absorb moisture like real tile does. They’re also much cheaper than real tile!

An even less expensive option?

Use peel and stick tiles! These require no cutting or grout and could also be a good option for rentals.

Lastly, you can always paint over your current flooring.

Just like with painting your countertops, there are kits to help you paint your flooring. This is a great low-cost option for a big impact.

4. Tub and Shower

When it comes to updating a bathroom, the first thing most people think about is the vanity. But in many cases, the tub or shower is actually the focal point of the room.

It can be a toss-up.

Tubs and showers are a big deal. You can’t just buy a new one and expect it to fit in your existing space.

You need to know if you’re going to replace your existing tub or shower or just update them while they’re still in place.

Different situations call for different approaches, so let’s take a look at some different options.

Big Budget

Replace your entire tub and shower.

This is a big job and one that will most likely need to be hired out.

But it will allow you to customize your bathroom if that’s what you are hoping to do.

Low-cost options

If you want to replace what you currently have, consider going with prefabricated shower stalls instead of custom-made ones.

They are much less expensive than custom-made showers and tubs and can still look great when installed correctly by professional contractors.

Another option is to install new tile around your existing bathtub. This can give your shower and tub a brand new look and will save you considerable money.

A cheaper option would be to paint over the current tile you have.

If your bathtub needs to be refreshed, you can save so much money by repainting it or reglazing it instead of buying a new one.

Just as with the countertop and flooring options, there are kits created specifically for painting and glazing your bathtub!

5. Don’t Forget About the Toilet

Tubs and vanities are certainly important when it comes to updating a bathroom, but don’t overlook the toilet. If it’s cracked or stained, get rid of it and replace it with a new one as soon as possible.

Big budget options

You can get really fancy with your toilet options! But in the end, a toilet is a toilet…

Look for water-saving models. They use significantly less water while still providing the same performance and comfort.

If your toilet isn’t white, I would also seriously consider replacing it. In older homes, it’s common to have a pink or blue toilet…I’ve even seen black ones!

Getting a new toilet in a neutral color will do so much to update your space!

Low-cost options

In the case of a toilet, I would not recommend painting it.

Unfortunately, this is one of those things that should just be replaced.

If you already have a neutral toilet that functions just fine, you can always replace the seat, if you’re looking for an upgrade.

6. Medicine Cabinet

Many bathrooms have a medicine cabinet to the side of the main mirror. Consider how you are using it. Do you need it?

Big budget options

I don’t love medicine cabinets, so I would consider removing them altogether. That would also require covering up the hole that is left behind.

If you want to keep it, consider making the shelves look like they are built-ins, to give them a more custom look.

Low-cost options

Instead of removing your medicine cabinet, you can upgrade the mirror to something that looks more custom, or you could remove the mirror altogether and make the door look like a cabinet.

These are easy ways to add style without breaking the bank.

7. Lighting

updated bathroom with shower and white vanity

An easy way to quickly give a space an instant update is through the light fixtures.

In fact, we did a DIY update of the lighting in our kitchen, and it was amazing the impact it had! Plus, it was super easy. Take a look at the before and after here.

Keep in mind that in a bathroom, there needs to be lighting directly above the mirror. This ensures that there will be excellent lighting directly on the person when they are using the space.

Big budget options

I love getting brand-new light fixtures to create a modern focal point in your room. Lighting can instantly change the mood when someone enters the space.

Low-cost options

As always, you can find cheaper lighting options through big box stores, online outlets, etc.

But if a full replacement isn’t an option, you can always try the DIY route.

If you like the look of your current lights, you can give them an update by spray painting them and upgrading the bulbs.

I did this with our chandelier in the kitchen and the impact was amazing.

8. Mirror

It’s time to ditch your builder-grade mirror!

Many people underestimate the impact upgrading their bathroom mirror can have.

It’s quite easy to do and will instantly give your bathroom a custom look and feel.

Mirrors give bathrooms an instant boost of style and personality — and they’re also incredibly functional. They help reflect light and add more light into your space, which can make it feel brighter and more spacious.

Big budget and Low-cost options:

When it comes to mirrors, I recommend simply replacing them. Your budget options will vary depending on where you purchase them. I’ve found beautiful mirrors at Target and even at thrift stores!

If you’ve got a large wall to cover, you could choose two (matching) mirrors instead of selecting a very large one. This can also elevate your space and make it look more custom.

9. Hardware

Replacing the hardware in your bathroom is a great way to bring the space up to date.

There are many little things that when upgraded together, will make a big impact in your room.

You can replace everything from the pulls on your cabinets, the faucet, toilet paper holder, towel bars or hooks, the shower fixtures, and even the toilet flush mechanism.

Seriously.

Take a look at the major update changing the hardware in our kitchen had!

Get a fancy or modern toilet flush mechanism for your basic, white toilet, and you’ve got an instant upgrade!

This is one I’m definitely doing.

Budget options

Again, this is a space where I would recommend simply replacing the items.

These are all accents and will generally be low cost compared to purchasing a whole new vanity or replacing the entire shower.

Painting the pulls is always a budget-friendly option, and there are so many video tutorials that can help you in knowing how to replace and install these items on your own, without hiring someone to do it for you.

10. Wall Treatments

Walls make a big impact in any space. There’s just so much of them!

The bathroom is a space where you can indulge your inner designer and go bold if that’s what you want!

It’s a fun place to take risks in, because they’re a smaller space than say, the kitchen or family room.

Paint

Paint is always my number one go-to.

This is also the most low-cost option. A gallon of paint is around $30.

You’ll get the most bang for your buck here.

Paint can instantly transform any space by giving it a fresh coat of color and making it feel brand new again.

Moulding

Adding molding to the walls is a really fun way to bring in dimension and texture to a room.

There are endless pattern ideas online that can offer great ideas and a place to start.

Add the molding and then paint the entire wall the same color. This wall treatment is timeless and classic and can last a lifetime.

Accents

Consider adding beadboard to your walls.

You could create wainscoting with it by adding a piece of molding to the top.

Vertical shiplap is another great option for an accent wall.

Or if you’re feeling bold, do it on all four walls. It brings in amazing texture and dimension.

Wallpaper

I love a good wallpaper.

You can easily add it to just one wall in your bathroom as an accent space if installing it everywhere seems overwhelming.

Wallpaper isn’t what it used to be. There are so many amazing options, even removable wallpaper that can work in rentals or a temporary space.

Budget options:

Hiring out these wall treatments will guarantee a quality, professional job.

But these can also easily be done the DIY route and could save you a lot of money in the end.

Consider all your options with the budget you’ve set and determine what would be the best fit for you.

11. Bathroom Storage

One of the biggest problems with bathrooms is that they’re usually small and have limited storage space.

This can be difficult when you’re trying to be organized and find a place for everything.

Adding additional storage is a great option and will allow you to keep everything organized and avoid clutter.

Big budget options

Consider adding some extra storage space by installing additional cabinets or drawers in your bathroom.

Do you have unused wall space that could be converted into a linen closet?

By hiring someone to come do the work, you can create seamless storage that will make your bathroom more functional.

Low-cost options

If creating built-in storage isn’t an option for your space, you still have many options.

You can add hooks or shelves on the wall, or add more functional storage bins and drawers inside your current cabinets.

In small spaces such as bathrooms, it’s important to remember to go vertical. Add shelving above the toilet, or get a custom cabinet to surround it.

Many shallow shelving and cabinet options are already pre-made that you can install in your space.

If you have a large wall that isn’t being used, but it’s not an option to create a linen closet, you can install a large wall mount cabinet instead.

A few tips for bathroom storage:

Make it pretty or hide it.

If you have open shelving, get pretty baskets to go on them. The baskets can hide the things you need to store.

Don’t forget about the shower

Eliminate the clutter in your shower or tub.

There are so many cool options nowadays for shower storage.

Try to get things off the floor or the tub surround.

This will give your space a clean, elevated look and make it more peaceful.

12. Bathroom Styling: The Most Low-Cost Option

If you want to give your bathroom a quick facelift, you can very easily change the decor you have in the space.

Get an updated shower curtain, new rugs, towels, and even a new soap dispenser.

Add art!

All of these accent pieces come together and create style in the room. By updating them, as a result, your space will be more updated and stylish.

This is by far the most affordable “upgrade” option!

13. Window treatments in a bathroom

Window treatments are an important part of any room. They can help define the space, enhance your decorating style and keep your home looking stylish.

Window treatments in the bathroom can be tricky. You don’t want something that is bulky or looks old-fashioned.

Here are my three favorite options:

Frame out the window

Consider framing your windows out with molding instead of adding curtains of some kind.

This will create a more elegant and elevated look while still letting light come into the room.

Molding is a timeless look that will stay elegant forever.

Roman shades

Roman shades are great for bathrooms because they allow light in but still keep the room private.

They allow a fabric window treatment option without being bulky in such a small space as drapes would.

They’re also easy to install and inexpensive. You can even DIY some if you need to go that route.

Roller shades

I love the roller shade option. They are similar to roman shades but offer an even more streamlined, clean look.

There are so many styles and options, and can even be blackout if that’s something that you are needing.

(They’re also easy to clean, they just need a quick dusting!)

Here are some general tips when you are updating a bathroom while being frugal:

Work around it

If you have features that you wish you could change in your space, but it would be expensive, ask yourself if you can simply work around it.

For example, if you have tiles on your bathroom floor that you would prefer to change, but they are a neutral color, just leave them.

Maybe they’re tan, and you don’t love tan.

But guess what?

Tan is a neutral color.

Add a large rug, add paint on the walls, add some other low-cost updates that we’ve covered, and before you know it, the tile will fade into the background.

It’s something you can work around.

When my husband was in grad school, our bathroom sinks were in the shape of seashells.

….why??

Installing new bathroom countertops and sinks wasn’t an option at the time.

But guess what?

The counter and sinks were cream-a neutral color. We updated the faucet and I added in decor and rugs and we lived with the seashell sinks.

It worked out just fine for the time that we were there.

Cover it

If you have imperfections on a wall, can you add a large piece of art to cover them?

If you have an off-center window, add additional drapes on one side to create the illusion that it’s centered.

If you have tile that you hate, can you use peel and stick tile to cover it? Or removable wallpaper?

I’ve done these tricks many times and they work! All you need is a little creativity.

Buy secondhand

We’ve covered this a bit, but you can join buy-and-sell Facebook groups in your area and be on the lookout for things that you need.

Scout out garage sales, thrift stores, and the Restores in your area.

Big box stores

We’ve discussed this as well, but make remnant and outlet stores your first option when you’re making updates.

Go to big box stores and get premade items; search the clearance sections.

You can find some amazing deals! You just might need to have a little determination and patience.

Don’t forget to ask yourself this question when updating a bathroom

When you’re doing any type of renovations or updates, it’s important to consider when to fully replace an item, versus when you can just update it on your own.

For example, the vanity: would fully replacing the vanity be more impactful or can you simply paint it and update the hardware?

Consider the condition of the item and your budget. You want your space to feel updated and fresh, not like you’ve put a bandaid over the issue.

Updating Bathroom Conclusion

Hopefully, the many options that we’ve covered today can assist you as you’re considering all of your options in your bathroom update.

It is possible to love the home you have (on any budget!)