Whether you’re creating a practical bathroom for a busy family or a spa-style sanctuary to unwind in at the end of a long day, you’ll need to make sure your budget covers all the bases. From plumbing and installation to tiles, brassware, storage and more, we’ve rounded up the clever ways you can save money on a bathroom remodel without compromising on the end result. Plus, don't scrimp on these 15 bathroom essentials worth paying more for. Click or scroll to read more...

It’s worth splashing out on a professional fitter to ensure your bathroom looks fabulous and works properly. An experienced plumber who has worked on a variety of different projects will save you time and money by advising on the best layout and products for your space and budget. Most importantly, they’ll ensure your bathroom has a quality finish that’ll last for years to come.

A key way to spread your budget is to stick to the layout of your existing bathroom. Relocating your sink, bath or shower to somewhere else in the room can be more costly than you think as pipework will need to be moved and you could end up with escalating plumbing and building costs. As a rule, it’s cheaper to keep plumbing to a single wall – ask your fitter for some tips and tricks to make the most of the current setup.

It’s worth spending on installing underfloor heating for that luxurious cosy feel underfoot. Whether you’re planning on piped or electric systems, both are relatively easy to retrofit and not costly to run. While tile and stone are the most compatible flooring with underfloor heating, there are plenty of other suitable materials to choose from including vinyl, engineered wood and laminate to suit your budget and style.

If flooring has been relegated to the bottom of your budget you can still create a big impact on a shoestring with a statement linoleum or even a simple can of paint. Choose from a plethora of different designs to transform your floor including harlequin-style diamonds, stencilled floral motifs, graphic stripes and even patterned rug-effects. Remember to use a specialist paint and to test a few small areas of your floor with two coats of your chosen product to ensure a quality long-lasting finish. 

When it comes to bathroom heating, it’s worth spending more on a quality radiator or heated towel rail. Not only are higher-value models more efficient, they look more stylish and will last longer than their cheaper counterparts. High-grade stainless steel designs will stand up to the rigours of a room prone to condensation, while the rapid heat-up time of aluminium is ideally suited to the bathroom and its ever-shifting temperatures.

Update your window dressings with a blind and you’ll not only add a splash of colour and pattern but you’ll save on costly energy, too. About 30% of a home's heating output is lost through windows so by installing a blind you’ll be able to trap in warmth and help cut your heating spend. The thicker the fabric, the more effective it’ll be at insulating the space, so consider a thermal material to get the best savings.

Smart tech is revolutionising every inch of our homes and the bathroom is one area where it can streamline your routine. Digital showers offer greater control and flexibility thanks to key features such as a convenient remote control to warm up the shower from your bed, customisable temperature and time presets (handy for families with children), low-flow eco settings plus an easy to read digital display.

Acrylic shower panels are a popular and cost-effective alternative to tiles when it comes to wall coverings in your bathroom. With a sleek, grout-free finish they’re waterproof, simple to clean and available in a vast choice of colours and finishes including marble and stone. Easy to cut, fit and install, shower panels are ideal for wetrooms, bath surrounds and cladding entire walls for a slick high-end boutique look.

It’s tempting to cut corners on costs when it comes to brassware, especially with so many styles and finishes available at purse-friendly prices. However, when it comes to taps and showerheads it pays to invest in a well-known brand that uses quality components and offers a generous guarantee – it’ll end up being more economical in the long run.

If you’ve blown the budget on premium brassware you can still have the tub of your dreams – just opt for a budget acrylic one. There are plenty of contemporary designs to choose from, including showstopping freestanding and back-to-wall models. Or why not make a classic white fitted design more fashionable by giving it an upgrade with some stylish tiles or waterproof panels?

While not the most glamorous part of the bathroom, it pays to spend extra on premium sanitaryware if you want it to stand the test of time. A poorer quality ceramic sink and toilet will be prone to cracks, chips and stains and might need replacing sooner rather than later. When it comes to design, floor-standing models are less pricey but more imposing in the room, while minimalist wall-hung models will free up floor space in a compact room.

If you’re planning a complete bathroom upgrade, purchasing sinks, toilets, baths and furniture individually can often end up being more expensive than snapping up a deal on a matching suite. Many of the major bathroom retailers such as Victorian Plumbing offer a range of affordable entry-level packages on basic designs which can be given a luxury lift when teamed with premium fittings such as a statement tile or tap.

Adding multimedia entertainment to your bathroom turns it from a functional space into a room you really want to spend time in. From Bluetooth speakers to breakthrough home tech that monitors your health and wellbeing, bathroom mirrors have come a long way.

Anyone who's done a bathroom remodel on a budget knows that a certain Scandinavian store can deliver serious style while making the pennies stretch much further. If you're going for flatpack storage, a timeless look – such as these Shaker-style cabinets – in monochrome will look more expensive and will be easy to match up with tiles, flooring and walls.

If a beautiful spa-style tub is at the heart of your scheme, you’ll need to allocate your budget accordingly. Spending more will give you a greater choice over the shape, size, material and colour of your bath to create a stunning focal point in your room. Think about how much space you’ll need to install your dream bath and carefully research materials as quality designs tend to be heavy and might require a reinforced floor. Lastly, remember to finish with some showstopping brassware.

Bath eaten up your budget? Don’t worry, you don’t have to lose the shower if you opt for a reasonably priced exposed system. Unlike a concealed design where the pipework is hidden in the wall to give a minimal aesthetic, a more cost-effective approach is an exposed design where the plumbing is left on show. These showers look just as beautiful – be sure to shop around for one that suits your scheme.

It’s worth spending on quality tiles that will stand the test of time while being non-slip, waterproof and stylish. Porcelain is more durable than ceramic as it’s made of denser clays and fired at a higher temperature. Natural stone (think marble, limestone, travertine, slate and granite) is luxurious and incredibly hardwearing but around twice the price. You also need to shop around for the right kind of stone that includes a protective waterproof sealant. 

Add a splash of colour, pattern and texture to your space with economical ceramic tiles. Thanks to the huge variety of shapes and sizes available, you can keep it pared back with a classic single-tone metro tile, or flex your creativity with an eye-catching pattern around the sink or bath. Many tile retailers are happy to advise on the latest trends and different patterns that will add another dimension to your scheme.

Whether you’re looking for space-saving furniture or craving a sharp, minimalist look, wall-mounted furniture has become the go-to choice for contemporary bathrooms. Floating designs free up the floor, creating a pared-back aesthetic to make your bathroom appear more streamlined and spacious. Whether you’re kitting out a modern or classic room, many furniture ranges are available in a choice of colours, finishes and handle options for a personalised bespoke look.

If your favourite furniture or fittings are just out of budget or you want to snap up a bargain there are a few savvy ways to make sizeable savings. For example, why not time your bathroom renovation to coincide with the annual sales or when manufacturers are launching a promotion? Keep your eyes peeled for clearance sales, ex-display stock or discounted price tags on last season’s designs. Lastly, shop around as another retailer may have the same or similar designs for less.

Storage is the holy grail in most bathrooms as we look to stash and conceal towels, toiletries, cosmetics and more. With made-to-measure cupboards and cabinetry, you can make the most of tricky spaces, awkward angles or the full wall height, plus tailor your interior storage to match your needs while achieving a slick and unobtrusive look. The finish makes the solution worth the money!

A great way to save on your spend while adding unique character to your room is by working in some pre-loved or repurposed furniture. With the growing popularity and availability of on-trend countertop sinks, revamping an old dresser, chest of drawers or reclaimed industrial piece into a glam vanity unit can be a straightforward upcycle project while giving your room a bespoke, luxury edge.

There’s nothing more uplifting than a room flooded with mood-boosting natural light – and when it comes to bathrooms the benefits don’t stop there. If your space is dark or poky it’s worth considering installing a larger window, rooflight or sun tunnel as not only will the access to fresh air improve ventilation, but the increased daylight will make the space feel bigger and help cut the costs of energy bills incurred by using artificial light.

Decorative accessories in the bathroom can be limited, after all a humid space prone to splashes and steam is not the best environment for treasured trinkets and wall art. However, going for an interesting mirror, cabinet or even a statement sink will elevate your look and doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Once you know what you want, keep an eye on eBay, Etsy and local sellers' groups on social media; you're likely to bag yourself a bargain before too long.

Inject some heart and soul into your bathroom with a stunning piece of standalone furniture. Investing in a well-made freestanding piece – such as cupboard, dresser or vanity unit – will not only provide your space with a storage boost, it will give you the flexibility to move it around the room when you want to switch up your scheme. You'll also be able to take it with you when you move on.

Controlling the clutter in any bathroom can be an uphill task. Fixed storage furniture such as cupboards and vanity units are ideal for housing towels and linens, but it doesn’t cost much to snap up some portable storage accessories to take care of the smaller items such as wash kit and brushes that you might need in different areas of the bathroom. Consider wooden lightweight caddies, bath racks and baskets that can be easily moved around the space.

If you’re designing your bathroom from scratch it’s worth popping some recessed shelving into the wall. While the building work might eat into your budget, handy niches are a great way to boost your storage when space is at a premium. Best located inside a shower enclosure or beside a bath within arm’s reach, they’re a convenient perch for toiletries and can be clad in stylish tiles or waterproof panels for an eye-catching and practical finish.

Looking for an easy way to make a saving? Why not give your tub a nip and tuck with a fresh lick of paint? Classic cast-iron roll-top baths lend themselves well to a quick colour makeover but specialist paint products are also available to transform contemporary acrylic baths. Make your bath the centre of attention with an eye-popping vibrant bright or choose a toning shade to blend in with your walls.

If your bathroom is poorly lit it’s worth putting aside a chunk of your spend to boosting your lighting scheme. At an early stage of your renovation, plan where lights are needed, then budget for fittings and control options. Experts recommend a layered approach with a combination of dimmable recessed ceiling lights for ambient illumination; pendants and wall lights for targeted task lighting, highlights via under-cabinet LED lights and downlights to create atmosphere.

You don’t have to splurge on lights to add a dash of glamour to your bathroom. Whether you’re looking for wall fittings or pendants to suit a modern or traditional scheme there is a multitude of different styles to give your space wow-factor. Before you buy double check whether the fitting is safe to use in the bathroom, and especially near water, and whether it is made of a material that will stand the test of time in a humid splash-prone space. 

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