How To Revamp Your Bathroom Without Going Broke

As you flip through your favorite home style magazines, you can’t help but admire the stunningly designed bathrooms that capture your imagination. They exude tranquility—a perfect sanctuary for relaxation and escape from daily stresses. You can almost envision yourself enjoying a glass of wine while soaking in a lovely clawfoot tub

But then reality sinks in as you glance around at your own bathroom, that is badly in need of an update.. But a major renovation is simply not feasible within your budget.

However, don’t lose hope! You can transform your bathroom’s atmosphere without breaking the bank.

In fact, numerous small, budget-friendly updates can lead to significant improvements in both the aesthetic and functionality of your space.

While a clawfoot tub might remain a dream for now, I assure you that you’ll soon find yourself reserving time in your rejuvenated bathroom for a relaxing soak, wine or champagne in hand.

Explore the ideas in this article to refresh your bathroom with a few minor changes that can make a world of difference—all without overspending.

Bathroom Hardware Speaks Volumes

Changing the taps is a surprisingly effective way to give a bath and basin a new look. Select a waterfall spout, opt for elegant curves or super slim angular models. It’s a good idea to check on the quality of the taps in-store, even if you then go on to order them online.

Next, look at the little details. You can update towel racks, and drawer pulls and towel hooks for a relatively small investment. These items may seem insignificant, but updating them can make a big difference in your bathroom’s look.

Budget Tip: Try Way-fair, online. They often have highly discounted hardware. Also Home Depot is a great place to take a peek for terrific deals.

Add Glamour With Lighting

Lighting is of the most important in any room. It can create any atmosphere you like from a bright, cold sterile one to a dim relaxing romantic state of mind. This is why the dimmer switch is a must for the bathroom lights.

Keep in mind here that you will also need task lighting(task lighting provides extra lighting for specific task in rooms that may already have ambient lighting). You will want to light the vanity area with some excellent task lighting . As well as the tub and shower area.

A ceiling fixture, as well as lights above the vanity mirror, is a must. Pendants over a vanity is great for task lighting.

There is no better way to bring star appeal to a bathroom than with a sparkling statement light. A ceiling chandelier can make a bold statement.

Budget Tip: Check estate sales for chandeliers, you can often pick one up for a fraction of the cost. Also, peruse the lighting stores. Lights that are last year’s stock or returned items sometimes can be picked up for half the price. If a particular light isn’t selling they will often put it on a discount to get rid of stock before inventory in January.

Linens Add Layers and Texture

New bathmats, towels & shower curtain can chance up your bathroom. This is a simple and inexpensive way to give it a fresh new look. So don’t overlook their role in the bathroom and choose quality fabrics with harmonious patterns and textures that go with the theme you are trying to achieve. I like to buy quality items when on sale.

Budget Tip: Keep a lookout for your local January white sales and stock up. You will be getting quality items without having to pay full price.

Walls Are Fun To Play With

A wall surface that’s not already tiled can be quickly updated with a new colour or pattern. Choose paint (the most inexpensive option) or wallpaper that’s specially formulated to shrug off moisture and protect against mould growth.If your bathroom is small, use bolder design ideas like a bold print wallpaper you love but would not use in a larger space. Also don’t be afraid of a bolder paint colour.

Another often overlooked, yet important detail, is grout and caulk. When this gets grimy, it gets unsightly. By simply cleaning the grout and adding straight, clean lines of caulk around the tub and sink, you can add sparkle for a mere few dollars. You might be surprised at what a difference this can make!

The Storage Wars Begin

Towel ladder, over the toilet storage shelves, free hanging shelves , baskets and bins are just a few ideas to perk up your storage needs.

Organizing bathroom storage streamlines the room and saves on time, too. Go for wall-mounted rather than floor-standing cabinets, or fit shelves to hold neat baskets and boxes( keep them uniform for a cohesive look). Rails, hooks, shower caddies and over-door racks will also make the most of every inch. Check your local hardware stores for rails and hooks.

Mirror, Mirror On The Wall

A large mirror in a small space can have a dramatic effect. It can be the focal point. It can also create the illusion of greater space in a small bathroom.

Don’t be afraid to go bold here, especially in a small power room.

This also serves to bounce more light around, which is particularly useful in a room with a limited amount of natural light.

Budget Tip: Try your local liquidators, restore or thrift shop. You can sometimes be pleasantly surprised at what you find there. Also look out for estate sales.

Flowers & Plants Add a Natural Element

Adding flowers to your bathroom, creates a feeling of freshness. It will lift up the atmosphere and bring everything back to life.

Pick a vase that will complement your decor. This could be bud vases with 2 stems of gerbera daises or a taller vase with a bunch of pussy willows.

Don’t forget air plant or succulents who will love the humidity of the bathroom.

Let me tell you, I do not have a green thumb. I kill most plants so if you are at all like me, low maintenance works.

It just brightens your day to look at fresh flowers or live plants.

Add Serenity With Candles

When it comes to relaxation, the first thing that comes to mind is the warm romantic light of a candle. Associated with romance and serenity, candles should definitely be present in the bathroom in order to help you achieve that calm state of mind you are searching for.

Choose aromatherapy candles with floral scents for a fresh touch. Different sizes and height of candles grouped together near the tub can be very calming and relaxing while having the tub soak.

Accessories are in the end the ones that can really change everything in a room. Every small detail completes the design scheme: glass jars with perfumed soaps, perfumes and fragrances or simply decorative items like seashells collected from a favourite trip.

Budget Tip: Check your local Winners, Homesense or Target for beautiful discounted candles

Artwork, Make Your Own

Find your favourite prints, frame then and display them in your bathroom. This adds a personal touch and makes the space about you.

You may have prints from a vacation or prints that need reframing. A picture collage also works well and tells a story.

Budget Tip: You can DIY framing at your local Michaels craft store, which really cuts down on the cost of a professional framer.

The Layers Alone Can Revamp Your Bathroom

I told you there is a lot you can do to update and revamp your bathroom. You can use all or some of these ideas depending on your budget. There is something here for everyone.

I can feel your excitement as you read through those suggestions knowing that you are very close to making that daydream come true. If you’re on a bare bones budget and have very little to spend, focus on the layers.

A pretty shower curtain, a simple window treatment (if your bath has a view of the exterior), artwork, hooks, shelving, etc. The layers in any room of the home speak your style and share the story of who you are.

Can you imagine looking at that wall of art that you have created. Each photo makes you smile and brings back a special memory of that wonderful vacation.

Or the total sense of luxury when looking at the spectacular chandelier. And the best part is no one will ever know that you picked it up for next to nothing, at the estate sale.

Put that special bottle of wine or champagne on ice. Your date with the the soaker tub is very close. You know that your newly renovated bathroom is right around the corner. Let’s get started!