65 budget bathroom ideas to freshen up your space
@thehappycamperco / Instagram
Beautiful bathroom ideas that won't break the bank
Looking to revamp your bathroom on a budget? The bathroom is one of the most expensive rooms to decorate in the home, so, no matter if you are a homeowner or renter, it makes sense to shop around or think of affordable ways to make the budget a little less when decorating.
From simple solutions like updating a towel bale set to bigger projects such as repainting and re-glazing the bathtub, click or scroll through these genius ways to update a bathroom for as little as possible.
Invest in a cafe culture
All bathrooms require privacy and shutters make a wise investment for bathrooms as they can be wiped clean and are unobtrusive. However, shutters do not come cheap. One way to cut costs is by choosing cafe-style shutters. They are fitted only to the bottom half of windows and the overall cost is cheaper.
The Metropolitan addition will also allow plenty of light into the room and offer an effortlessly chic vibe to bathroom schemes.
Double up with a vanity
Adding a double vanity to a large bathroom can up the sense of luxury without costing your wallet.
This earthy-toned scheme has kept costs down by tiling only halfway up walls and using budget-friendly vinyl flooring. This way more can be spent on a timeless and practical double vanity and simple wall mirrors
Build free-standing furniture
If fitted bathroom storage is out of the question, moveable storage could be the answer. Not only is free-standing bathroom furniture sometimes a cheaper option, but other benefits include easy access to floors and walls for cleaning and flexibility, as it can be moved around if needed.
Free-standing bathroom furniture as showcased in this room scheme, is a wise choice for renters as rather than be fully fitted, it only needs to be anchored to walls for safety.
Choose a soothing palette
These days a budget bath doesn't necessarily have to be plain white. Switching up just one or two features with gentle colours such as the bath or sink helps create a comforting atmosphere that won't go out of date or need to be replaced any time soon.
Fabrizia D'Autila from Villeroy & Boch says: "Incorporating wintry blues or serene greens into the bathroom helps create a soothing atmosphere. To bring it together, go beyond the colour of the walls."
Follow trends affordably
Looking for on-trend but budget-friendly bathroom ideas? A reeded marble-effect wall panel like this one amalgamates a few trends into one and is waterproof too.
If you can't afford a whole wall, mount just a few panels to create a zoned feature area of definition and texture. Or, mount the adhesive tongue and groove surface in just wet areas instead of tiles.
Show off a statement sink
When a statement, colourful bath is out of the question why not look for alternative and smaller fixtures to inject personality that due to size will be a fraction of the price?
This matt green sink is designed with cloakrooms in mind but will also fit the bill in tiny and ensuite bathrooms. For an ultra contemporary vibe team with black taps.
Slatted walls are super sleek
Slat walls are having a modern moment in room schemes and that doesn't leave out bathrooms. The stylish focal point now has innovative technology incorporated to make the surface water-resistant.
The affordable treated wood panels add texture and protection to blank bathroom walls with contemporary looks. We love how this chic walk-in shower has been zoned and highlighted with vertical wood slats rather than tiles.
Bring in storage baskets
Whether they're for laundry, toiletries, rolled towels or cleaning products, baskets are a budget bathroom essential when it comes to keeping a small space tidy and organised.
Seagrass or rattan will add natural texture and warmth, while washable linen and wood are also popular washroom trends.
Add character with wall art
Wall art isn't just for hallways and living rooms. Bathroom walls benefit from painting, prints and photographs too. Whether it's just a one-off work of art carefully added to a tiled wall or a full gallery wall of amusing bathroom-inspired antidotes, the options are endless.
Art in the bathroom offers the space, that can often seem sterile, a more homely vibe that flows into other rooms. If you'd rather not mount wall art onto bathroom walls why not lean them against bathroom shelves, as in this bathroom with warm beige vanity, for a less permanent option?
@thehappyglamperco / Instagram
Choose lightweight peel-and-stick tiles
To give a wet area an instant refresh choose peel-and-stick tiles, they make a quick and easy style shortcut. Try as a sink backsplash or above a bath to give your bathroom a brand-new look that couldn't be simpler.
This dinky wash space with intricate penny effect tiles is an RV bathroom renovated by Kelsey, founder and owner of The Happy Glamper Co. Peel-and-stick tiles make an excellent motorhome makeover idea as they are super light compared to the real thing.
Roper Rhodes / Press Loft
Go big on grout
Spruce up low-budget wall tiles with contrasting grout. This essential mortar seals tiles together and is most often white to blend in with tiling but with a little creativity, it can be a simple way of transforming the look of a bathroom for almost nothing.
For a style shortcut to achieve an on-trend industrial-style bathroom, set white metro tiles into a dark grey or black grouting. Or, highlight contemporary matchstick tiles with darker shades of the same hue. The soothing, muted hue allows the brushed brass showerhead to shine.
Sanctuary Bathrooms / Press Loft
Choose a long-lasting shower screen
It may feel like money is being saved by using a shower curtain but the shelf life of the cloth is by no means as long as a glazed shower door.
Mould and mildew will ensure replacement curtains are needed often whereas a shower screen will last years and looks far smarter in a modern scheme. Always keep a window squeegee on hand to banish watermarks setting in after showering.
R2 Bathrooms / Press Loft
Choose a decorative mirror
It's no secret that mirrors can increase light and a sense of space. So, adding a mirror to one of the smallest rooms in the house is a no-brainer.
But, you don't need to spend big on swanky versions with lights, a simple circular design leaning against a wall or mounted above the vanity unit can offer the same effect with soothing vibes.
Roper Rhodes / Press Loft
Clean up existing tiles
As a humid and damp space, the tiling and grouting in your bathroom can easily become discoloured with mould and mildew. A toothbrush, white vinegar and a little elbow grease can make existing tiles look like new again.
If staining persists, grab a handy grout pen to brighten dull tile borders. The finished results will allow a beautiful bathroom to sparkle.
Coordinate accessories
To create a streamlined and coordinated look without splashing out, bring in matching bathroom accessories to colour-drench existing decor.
Look out for soap dispensers, toothbrush holders and storage jars and match them up with towels in the same shade. You can find affordable washroom accessories that look far more expensive than their price tags online or in most supermarkets.
Vamp up with vinyl
Hardwearing, waterproof and budget-friendly, a vinyl floor makes an ideal solution for low-cost bathrooms. Gone are the days of flimsy thin materials – strong and warm underfoot, vinyl now comes in an array of vibrant colours, patterns and finishes.
This classic monochrome design creates an amazing statement floor against a crisp and contemporary statement bath.
Garden Trading / Press Loft
Include an alternative laundry basket
If you’ve got an unimaginative plastic box or drawstring bag for your laundry, it’s time to replace it with an attractive laundry basket that will up the style factor in your washroom rather than just serve a purpose.
Opt for a basket made of natural materials for an on-trend, tactile vibe and add in matching accessories such as small storage boxes for a coordinated look. We love this rattan laundry basket that even has the word 'laundry' printed on the side for a vintage and industrial twist.
Burlington Bathrooms / Press Loft
Only tile wet areas
Restricting tiles to the wet areas of your bathroom will drop the decorating budget considerably or allow for a more high-end material and finish.
Freshen up the rest of the bathroom with a complementary, mould-resistant paint. This pretty shell pink tone looks soft and uplifting paired with scalloped Eau du Nil toned wall tiles that protect splash-heavy spaces around the bath.
Benjamin Moore / Press Loft
Brighten up with paint
Bringing a new colour palette into your bathroom can completely transform a room for the cost of just a couple of tins of paint!
Softer shades on walls can reflect light and create the illusion of space, while bold hues can create a strong statement. This invigorating two-tone paint effect in tones of bubble-gum pink and emerald green is a colour combination that is so wrong it's right.
The Brick Tile Company / Press Loft
Expose a wall
If your bathroom decorating project is part of a new extension or renovation, why not take the opportunity to add a new feature to your wash space? Keep pipework exposed for an on-trend industrial vibe or skip the plastering and embrace a tactile bare brick feature wall. You may need to seal porous materials with a protective treatment.
Alternatively, a brick feature wall can be created using brick slips, which are tiles that have been manufactured to have the same appearance as the real thing. The slim overlays are laid in the same pattern as full exterior bricks, using mortar.
The Interiors Yard / Press Loft
Look for reclaimed treasures
Reclaimed sanitaryware or upcycled furniture can give a bathroom vintage character.
Adding an antique sink or reclaimed bath will create Victorian bathhouse chic or try installing a sink into a well-loved wooden vanity unit for unique country charm. For a quick update bring in a reclaimed wooden stool and plank bath board.
Lose the bath
According to the UK's Environment Agency, a five-minute shower can use about a third of the water of a bath (though power showers can use more).
Replacing your bath with just a walk-in shower will not only create more space in your bathroom but help save the earth and save money on monthly bills too. This navy herringbone-patterned feature wall is a complete panel that has been installed as one element.
Bathroom Mountain / Press Loft
Combine the bath and shower
If you can't live without one or the other, combined shower baths are the practical and cost-effective choice for lower-budget bathrooms.
This is probably one of the most common and effective space-saving and budget-friendly bathroom ideas, so there are lots of choices. As well as straight versions, look out for P- or L-shaped baths which offer more room for a more indulgent shower space.
Bathroom Mountain / Press Loft
Snap up a complete suite
Buying a full bathroom suite together not only keeps the look of a bathroom coherent it will also save time and money. Bathroom companies spend a lot of time putting looks together so you don't have to and often there are purchase incentives to take advantage of.
For example, you could get a free mixer tap or a percentage off which could make a big difference to the final bill.
Stencil the floor
For a low-cost statement bathroom floor idea why not turn to stencils or paint a pattern? The project will take a touch of patience and effort but will be much cheaper than the real thing and you'll be so proud of what can be achieved.
Once the stencils or paint effect is complete and dry, be sure to protect your hard work from water splashes with a coat of clear hard-wearing sealant.
Revamp a bath panel
Small weekend DIY jobs can make a big difference to a bland wash space. Turn the bath into a striking feature that draws the eye by replacing the bathtub surround or painting the existing one with an idea that transforms the bathroom entirely.
This country scheme uses varying painted shades of tongue and groove panelling on the walls and bath for a fabulous finish.
Makeover the tub
Give an existing roll-top bath a new lease of life with a fresh lick of colour across the exterior. It's a simple way to transform the look of a bathroom without having to undertake any large DIY projects.
This reclaimed bathtub has been reborn as a beautiful sugar-pink focal point with chalk paint named Scandinavian Pink. If very old you may be required to reglaze the inside of the tub to make it once again, water-tight.
Porcelain Superstore / Press Loft
Feature the floor
Patterned flooring is super fashionable and will transform a plain bathroom into a spectacular space. If ceramic and stone tiles are too expensive consider more affordable waterproof vinyl or treated laminate.
To marry the bathroom scheme together pick out one hue from the floor pattern, such as soft blue from these Melville Mix Patterned Tiles and paint woodwork in the bathroom a colour matched tone. Or, for contemporary alternatives pick out a shade with a statement sink or hardware or even low-cost towels.
The Floor Room / Quick-Step
Fall in love with laminate
Laying laminate flooring in your wash space is an easy way to make a dramatic change for a relatively small outlay. It's hardwearing, easy to clean and simple to install, so it's ideal for DIY aficionados.
If wood-effect isn't your thing, you can choose from a range of faux-stone options too.
Tile Mountain / Press Loft
Fake a luxurious look
Marble has undergone something of a revival in recent years, however, the real thing comes with a seriously hefty price tag. To recreate the look on a budget, opt for more affordable marble-effect tiles.
This white gloss design oozes opulence with a realistic grain that's guaranteed to turn heads. No one will ever know! Up the luxe factor and team with shiny gold-toned trims and a framed shower screen.
Store items in pretty jars
Rather than keeping necessities like cotton buds and cotton wool in their plastic packaging in a drawer, consider making them a feature.
Fill up transparent glass storage jars with your products and put them on display for a luxe hotel bathroom feel. Bargain home department stores are filled with sustainable glass storage options to suit every bathroom, from ribbed and bubble glass for modern looks to vintage-look decorative styles to suit traditional bathrooms.
Lean a ladder
If a towel rail is too expensive or maybe you’re fed up with your boring, uninspiring towel rail, consider buying a standalone ladder rack, that's designed especially for towels.
Leant against a wall and safely secured, it’s an effortlessly chic place to hang your towels and bathrobes.
Roper Rhodes / Press Loft
Make use of the ceiling
Make an original statement in your budget bathroom by putting an often overlooked surface to work.
Paint the ceiling a bright colour, wallpaper up a soothing mural or even create a modern Scandi look using slat wood panels. Or, why not colour match the ceiling paint to a colourful vanity unit for a harmonising effect?
Dare to display
With no end of clever storage hacks out there, it’s often tempting to go for a minimalist bathroom and keep all your products concealed behind cupboard doors.
However, displaying your most attractive items is a great way to add character to your wash space, plus it makes them more easily accessible. This simple white bathroom has been transformed into a cool coastal-style sanctuary by using the built-in shelf to display a carefully chosen selection of useful and beach-inspired accessories.
@kylievshome / Instagram / Industville
Invest in punchy lighting
Cool lights aren’t just for bedrooms and living rooms. Transform your bathroom with a sculptural pendant lamp that will add a luxurious focal point to the space.
Or, work the industrial look like @kylievshome has when collaborating with lighting brand, Industville. Investing in a pair of matching brass, wall-mounted lights injects vintage-style character to an otherwise plain wall.
Save money with large tiles
In the not too distant past, large format bathroom tiles were more expensive due to their weight, however, new manufacturing technology and design developments now mean that going big won't stretch your budget.
Opting for large format tiles also means you'll require fewer tiles and much less grouting, making it a relatively budget-friendly option compared to small, complex designs.
Don't be afraid to experiment
If you’ve played it safe in every other room in your home, the bathroom is the place you can afford to be bold and try something daring. This dazzling bubble-gum pink wall can be achieved with budget-friendly metro tiles or by painting over existing tiles with tile paint.
Other unique ideas may be, installing patterned floor tiles, adding interesting paint effects or throwing in some unusual accessories, a bathroom or small WC is the space to figure out what designs you like before applying your ideas to the rest of the house.
Use a stool or side table as storage
Instead of relying on cabinets, baskets and shelving, display your best-looking bathroom items on a small stool. It won’t take up too much space and will make a characterful statement piece that can also be used as a seat when needed.
Alternatively, take a look at sofa side tables. They too are low-cost, slim and often have two tiers of storage!
Update fluffy towels
The easiest way to make your bathroom feel renewed on a shoestring is with a crisp new batch of towels. Whether you go for a vibrant new shade or plump for a classic white hue, a new set is sure to create that fluffy hotel vibe and freshen up the whole space.
Rather than hiding your new purchases away in a cupboard, try hanging your towels from hooks or neatly folding them on a stool or console table.
Throw in fun motifs
There are certain everyday essentials that every bathroom needs, from soap dispensers and toothbrush holders to towels. Elevate these staples into a statement in their own right by opting for a fun motif or pattern to tie the whole scheme together.
Here, striking arch print and striped towels add a contemporary touch that's continued across the dark accessories.
Have fun with a bathmat
Don’t go for the most boring bath mat in the shop – as well as being functional, mats can make a real design statement, whether it's with bold colours, a quirky message or an unusual shape.
If your space is relatively neutral, opt for a vibrant pattern or layer one or two contrasting designs for an eclectic feel.
Choose moveable storage
A bathroom that lacks storage will benefit from vertical tiered storage with a handle. It will hold a great deal in a small space and caddies will hang on walls or doors. mobile storage is a good idea if you have more than one bathroom and need to move toiletries from one room to the next.
For a natural look for wood and wicker versions. Or, if you can stretch to stainless steel do, as it won't rust in the damp environment.
Jazz up a splashback
If a statement wall stretches the wallet a little too much, try a pretty splashback instead. Choose eye-catching colours and patterns that will pop against plain walls or neutral budget tiles.
This super simple retro splashback has been tiled using basic square white tiles. Yellow grout creates a funky grid design that's fresh and modern. Highlight bold hues with coordinating towels and accessories to complete the stylish scheme.
Refresh with a shower curtain
An inexpensive but effective way to totally transform the look of your bathroom is to change it up with luxe or colourful shower curtains.
Whether patterned, monochrome or one bold colour, a smart curtain will jazz up your bath on a budget. Complete the look with complementary accessories that won't cost the earth and can be swapped out when the curtain needs replacing.
Purify with plants
Bringing nature indoors is a great way to create a calming, tranquil space. Transform your bathroom into a peaceful sanctuary by buying a few indoor plants and placing them on the windowsill or on a console table.
If you're feeling adventurous, play with levels and suspend a hanging plant or two from the ceiling. If you are wondering which plants to choose, here's an insight into hardy houseplants and where to put them.
Decant potions and lotions
Rather than leaving bottles of all shapes and sizes cluttering up your sink, opt for sleek matching dispensers for a streamlined look. This stone-look collection teaming a tray, soap dish, tumbler, soap dispenser and matching canisters is super spa-like and ideal for natural bathroom schemes.
For extra style points, do the same inside the shower with smart wall-mounted bottles for shampoo, conditioner, shower gel and moisturiser.
Layer up a monochrome look
For an easy way to make your bathroom look smarter, get rid of colourful clutter that doesn’t quite match and stock up on storage items, whether baskets, cupboards or wall cabinets in simple whites and blacks for a streamlined feel.
Here, open shelving has been beautifully arranged to display black and white towels, accessories and storage to give a white bathroom a Scandi-cool monochrome narrative that's visually striking.
Tap Warehouse / Brenton / Press Loft
Fit a fancy radiator
Breathe life into a budget bathroom with a flash of luxurious metal. Splurging on one feature like a brushed brass radiator won't break the bank but will make a serious dent in the bathroom style factor. Choose a towel rail for dual-purpose value. Or, if you’re up for some DIY, paint your existing towel rack in a bright shiny shade for a fun update.
A heated towel rail may not seem like a bathroom essential but investing in one will have many practical benefits that will cut running costs. They will dry towels and heat the room thus eliminating mould and damp, plus they make a stylish finishing touch and add an air of luxury to a bathroom. Besides, getting out of the bath or shower and wrapping yourself in a warm, fluffy towel is priceless, no?
Sanctuary Bathrooms / Press Loft
Tile halfway
If you've fallen for a stylish wall tile but can't afford to deck out your whole bathroom, take the tiling halfway. Not only will it free up plenty of cash to spend on other elements of your space, but it'll give your walls an on-trend two-tone look.
For a bold contrast, pair a rich-toned, patterned or textured tile with neutral paint or shake things up and go for dark walls and pale tiling – either way you're on to a winner. A simple vanity unit will balance the tiling statement.
Purlfrost Windows / Press Loft
Cover up with frosted glass
Privacy from the outside world is a bathroom priority but textured glass can be expensive and sometimes looks dated. Alternatively, a vinyl film is an inexpensive solution to dressing a window.
It won't compromise the light and comes in many finishes such as frosted, patterned, coloured and even stained-glass effect. This anchor motif effect adds a fun nautical twist that is ideal for coastal looks.
Prestigious Textiles / Press Loft
Build recess shelves
Adding recessed shelves isn't as complicated as it sounds, but unless you’re a dab hand with DIY, we’d recommend bringing in a builder for this one.
Whether inside a tiled shower wall or set above a bath, they'll add an effortlessly stylish architectural feature to the room, as well as provide ample storage. Soften any harsh angles with comforting texture such as a stylish Roman blind.
Lights4fun / Oliver Perrott / Press Loft
Calm with candles
There's nothing like a harsh bathroom light to ruin a relaxing soak in the tub. Create a soothing and inviting ambience by bringing in plenty of candlelight.
A set of hurricane lanterns placed on the floor will look enchanting, while amber-toned votives or pillar candles on the bath ledge will cast soothing pools of light. To keep your space safe and your flame everlasting, opt for realistic LED-operated designs, such as this TruGlow Ivory LED Pillar Candle Trio, from Lights4fun.co.uk.
Wow with wallpaper
Many people discount wallpaper as impractical in a bathroom, but if you do your research it can really make your space shine – it’s a lot easier to replace than tiles and there's an array of moisture-resistant wallpapers out there to choose from. Opt for a bright patterned feature wall for a splash of colour or try out a budget-friendly stone or brick-effect design to add the illusion of texture.
This exotic wallpaper mural makes an incredible statement set against a backdrop of pastel green. The same effect would cost a fortune if created using tiles on all four walls.
@stephfrom_belmont / Factory Direct Flooring
Upgrade with wood panelling
Wood panelling makes a characterful and often cheaper alternative to wall tiles, especially if you like the country look. Make sure you coat the wood in protective water-resistant paint with an oil-based finish and only mount it in areas that are unlikely to get soaked.
To complete a country bathroom look on a budget paint the panels a soothing tone to colour match a vanity like Instagrammer @stephfrom_belmont and finish with a herringbone natural wood effect vinyl floor.
English Blinds / Press Loft
Pick a statement blind
Patterned roller blinds will give a bathroom a sense of smart style. Look what an eye-catching difference this watery blue striped blind has made to an all-white bathroom.
Polyester is the perfect fabric for bathroom windows as it will provide much-needed privacy and moisture simply rolls off it. For windows next to the shower choose blinds made of PVC as it is 100% waterproof.
Calypso Bathrooms / Press Loft
Combine fixtures
Space-saving, streamlined and a good option for keeping costs down, a combined toilet and vanity unit is like getting a two-for-one deal.
Perfectly petite, it's also a great idea for smaller bathrooms and cloakrooms as it allows for storage space both above and below. Practical and streamlined you can find options that will fit into almost any space and there is no need to stick to white. Shop around and you will find toilet and sink combos in all shades and colours.
Calypso Bathrooms / Press Loft
Update unit handles
Give an existing piece of bathroom furniture a refresh with a set of new handles. Keep things classic with a sleek metal design or shake up your scheme and opt for handles in a bold contrasting hue or a quirky pattern.
Easy fixture updates are a great way to breathe new life into a room without spending too much money.
Black By Design / Press Loft
Include a bath caddy
It's a small detail but a bath caddy is an indulgent, easy touch to elevate your space.
Place it in your bath and fill it with candles, bath salts, toiletries and that book you’ve been meaning to finish for truly self-indulgent bath times. To marry the useful tool into the bathroom scheme, choose a bath mat in the same material such as wood or bamboo.
Take fixtures to the dark side
Instead of classic chrome, shake things up with contemporary taps in matt black or shimmering metallics to add a modern touch to your bathroom.
You can either replace your existing taps with new models or carefully spray them with metal paint – don't forget the primer. For a coordinated finish, choose geometric-shaped tiles and highlight with dark grout. And, why stop at taps? This bath mixer has a smart black shower attachment too.
Fake a Crittall-style shower screen
Is there no end to @_ohabode Jasmine's talents? The DIY Instagram sensation transformed her plain glass shower screen into an on-trend Crittall-style focal point using black electrical tape. It's completely waterproof and withstands cleaning sprays.
Big Bathroom Shop / Press Loft
Choose a fancy showerhead
Upgrading a shower fitting is an aesthetically pleasing way to update a bathroom on a budget.
Whether it's a modern rain-fall showerhead with clean lines and LED lights or a more traditional 'rose' style showerhead that oozes industrial chic, the update will instantly add high-price appeal for less.
Wallsauce.com / Press Loft
Fake fancy wall panels
Love the idea of wall panels in the bathroom but can't afford the cost? Cheat the look with budget-friendly beading glued to the wall or a clever dark blue panel wallpaper effect instead.
An old or traditional bathroom suite can be given period property charisma with just a few rolls of wallpaper printed with a decorative panelling pattern.
Fit furniture around an existing bathroom suite
An under-sink cabinet can offer that fitted bathroom furniture look for less. Designed to fit around an existing pedestal sink, the cupboard unit will hide the bulky basin stand and create plenty of new closed storage.
Under-sink cabinets are often made of wood or a wood-effect material, so it will only take a like of paint and seal if you fancy a change.
Think flat pack funiture
Flat pack furniture is a budget buyer's best friend. Why? Because it's cheaper than ready assembled furniture, it's easy to transport and can still look stunning when used well.
Okay so flat pack furniture is most often mass produced but, with a little imagination, there are plenty of IKEA hack ideas to switch up and inject unique personality to common bathroom furniture.
The Baked Tile Company / Press Loft
Splash out on feature tiles
Just because you have to stick to a low budget doesn't mean a bathroom needs to be lacklustre. Investing in colourful patterned tiles for just one bathroom room wall can create stunning decorative tile results and slash the tile budget as there is less space to cover.
Balance the rest of the bathroom by choosing simple and less costly, plain tiles or spend even less by choosing a bathroom-friendly wall paint in a neutral shade
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