If you’re planning on a remodel or new construction project, it’s essential to plan and budget for your bathroom. Your choice of lighting and colors can make a difference in how your guests feel when they walk into your bathroom. A simple update to the space can make a difference to the rest of the renovation.
As with any renovation, some budget-friendly options will significantly impact how good the result is. Here are tips that you will want to consider:
1. Add Inexpensive Pops of Color With Bathroom Accessories
When it comes to a bathroom renovation, you can save money by leaving the big stuff in place. But this doesn’t mean you have to settle for a dull bathroom that feels past its prime.
Here’s how to add inexpensive pops of color with accessories:
- Bath towels in an accent shade are easy to swap out. You can also repaint your vanity or apply colorful contact paper. Choose bright white grout for a stark contrast with brighter tile colors.
- A new shower curtain is another cost-effective option that immediately impacts the room’s style and color scheme. Add wallpaper behind the built-in shelves or medicine cabinet for a customized look at a minimal cost.
- Don’t forget the floor! It can be as simple as replacing a dingy old bath mat with something more current, like an absorbent rug or set of mats. This gives your feet something soft to land on when exiting the tub. And if you’re feeling DIY-ish, try painting vinyl floor tiles in your chosen color, which will breathe new life into any space.
- Freestanding tub accessories. Add faucets and taps to connect to your plumbing lines and supply hot and cold water to your fixtures. You can add a claw foot which is also an excellent choice of accessory. It will add transitional style to your bathrooms.
2. Update Your Hardware
Updating the hardware in your bathroom can completely change the look of a room. If you want to be budget-friendly, this is a great way to achieve that goal. Door handles, freestanding tub faucets, knobs, and towel bars are relatively inexpensive. You’ll see a big difference in the overall look of your bathroom if you replace all these items. Also, make sure you choose one style for all the hardware throughout the bathroom, so it looks uniform and put together.
3. Paint the Ceiling Bright
Don’t forget about the ceiling! The ceiling is a great place to add a pop of color. You can add wallpaper or paint it a bright or bold color. If you like the look of wallpaper but not the price, consider using wallpaper on only one wall. You can also use it in a small area over your free-standing bathtub! Bold colored tiles are another way to bring focus to your ceiling. You can quickly renovate your bathroom on any budget using some of these options!
4. Choose a Freestanding Tub
A full-size clawfoot tub does not fit in every space, but a small freestanding tub can. Most of these tubs are about four feet long, making them the perfect size for a small bathroom. Petite-size freestanding tubs cost less than traditional clawfoot tubs and take up less space, requiring less fixturing and plumbing rerouting. They also are easier to clean because there is less surface area. This means you won’t have to clean as often or spend as much on cleaners.
5. Go for a Glass Door
The bathroom is one of the most visited rooms in the house, and it’s also one of the areas that can have a huge impact on your moods, good or bad. If you want to make it feel more luxurious without spending too much money, buying a glass shower door is an easy way to do it.
Glass doors are easy to install, and they’re also low maintenance. You can just wipe them down with a squeegee after every shower, and they’ll look like new! Glass doors are also great because they make small bathrooms feel bigger by reflecting light into the room. Another great thing about this door type is getting custom designs etched into your glass; talk about luxury!
6. Paint the Vanity
The easiest and most cost-effective way to give your bathroom a fresh look is with some new paint. Painting your vanity is easy to add a splash of color to the bathroom. Whether you’ve chosen bright red, sophisticated gray, or calming blue, painting the vanity will instantly change the look of your space.
If your current vanity is made from plywood, it’s best to start with a coat of primer before applying the color coat. Oily stains like nail polish remover and hair products can prevent paint from sticking well, so make sure you sand away any built-up overtime before priming and painting. You can also use oil-based primer for extra insurance against stains breaking through to the surface.
Water-based acrylic paints are probably best for painting bathroom vanities because they don’t emit harsh fumes during application or curing. They also dry faster than oil-based paints, which means you won’t need as many coats, and they will be less likely to smudge while drying. Acrylics are resistant to peeling due to humidity and water exposure, making them a good choice for bathrooms.
7. Install Open Shelving
Open shelving is an affordable alternative to upper cabinetry and can create a unique look in the bathroom. However, it’s not as functional as upper cabinetry in this room since cabinets can contain the clutter that may be best hidden. Use open shelving mainly for towels and potpourri baskets, and other decorative items you want to display.
8. Leave Plumbing in Place
Moving plumbing fixtures such as toilets, sinks, and showers can be expensive because you must hire a plumber to move pipes and drain lines. This carries a hefty price tag, but it also requires opening up walls, floors, and ceilings for access. When planning a budget-friendly bathroom renovation, consider leaving plumbing fixtures in place. This will save thousands of dollars alone on your project and eliminate the need for costly drywall repairs after the job is done.
Renovate Under a Budget!
Don’t let the renovation cost keep you from creating the luxurious space you’ve always dreamed of. There are several ways to refresh your bathroom without spending a ton. You can upgrade yourself, add new features and accessories, or even change the color scheme. Use these tips to create a beautiful bathroom that fits your budget.