Does your bathroom have good bones, as they say? Maybe you don’t need a full gut and remodel. The tile is in decent shape, you love the layout, and the shower/tub situation is close to ideal. Also, the money for a maxed-out remodel just isn’t there.
That doesn’t mean you can’t afford to bump up the aesthetic and functional quality of your bath. Today, we’re sharing seven budget-friendly bathroom upgrades. Choose a few from this list and get high-impact results at a fraction of the price of a total redo.
1. Declutter, deep clean, & reorganize.
We’d be remiss to skip this step. Never take for granted what an initial reset can reveal about your bathroom priorities. Removing everything from the room, reorganizing what you keep, and adding bathroom solutions like drawer dividers and storage bins is the appropriate start.
This step inspires your next upgrade. For example, the new organization clears your bathroom countertop, emphasizing how high-impact replacing it would be.
2. Replace all hardware and at least one fixture.
Hardware will always be our go-to when giving cabinetry a budget-friendly facelift. The Designery offers unique bathroom hardware to get the precise size, shape, and finish you envision.
Depending on your budget, choose at least one fixture that’s in the greatest need of replacing. Shower heads, faucets, towel racks, or even a sink may be enough to feel 50% more upgraded.
3. Address grout and caulk.
If your bathroom never looks as clean as you like, this may be the upgrade you truly need. Recaulking tub seams and fixing dingy grout can make certain areas look brand-new.
These tasks aren’t as easy to DIY as many people think. Preserving a seal against moisture is critically important. Fortunately, regrouting and caulking are rather affordable compared to other projects you’d hire a professional to do.
4. Bid farewell to damaged countertops.
Stone and engineered stone countertops become much more affordable when we take them out of the kitchen and into a single-sink bathroom vanity.
Consider customizing the countertop edge to direct water away from cabinets. Going all-out on one upgrade can give you the luxurious feel you want without the full remodel.
5. Add onto the lighting.
“Replace your light fixtures!” Most people are aware that new lighting has a decent impact. What we’re asking you to focus on is enhancing your current lighting. Add another layer with a backlit mirror, wall sconces, or a few recessed downlights.
Don’t forget to include a light source that sits at your approximate eye level when looking in the mirror. It’s not just flattering; it’s a more accurate view of your face when you do final checks before leaving.
6. Repaint (and consider a bit of wallpaper or paneling).
Two-toned bathrooms, wainscoting, beadboard, wallpaper, statement colors. If it’s the appearance of your bathroom that bothers you more than anything, assert your personal style.
Molding and trim can make a massive difference as well. Functionally, focus on choosing products made to withstand moisture. Outside of that, the sky’s the limit.
7. Add accent tile.
Backsplashes aren’t just for kitchens. If larger tile projects aren’t in the cards, a half-tiled bathroom wall, tile border, backsplash, or accent wall is the answer. It can add textural interest, dimension, style, and practicality in one project phase.
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Need more help with your budget-conscious bathroom upgrade? You can consult a professional designer for free at The Designery. Plus, you get access to an impressive range of countertops, hardware, tile, flooring, and much more–all competitively priced with your goals in mind. |
Budget bathroom upgrades FAQ
Can you renovate a bathroom for $1000?
Technically, yes. Renovations are largely cosmetic changes that may include a fixture upgrade or two. You won’t be able to redo your whole bathroom for $1k unless you are an experienced contractor yourself. However, thorough planning and strategic material purchases can give you a whole new look on a shoestring budget.
What flooring is best for a bathroom?
Moisture-resistance is the biggest priority in bathroom flooring. Professionally set tile is likely the most durable and sanitary waterproof pick. For a more budget-friendly bathroom upgrade, look into luxury vinyl plank and tiles made for moist and humid areas.
What is the most expensive part of a bathroom remodel?
“Wet” areas that involve plumbing are the most expensive parts of a bathroom remodel. Changing your bathroom’s layout and the location of the plumbing stack are good examples of what occurs during a pricey, in-depth remodel.
How long does a bathroom remodel take?
A full bathroom remodel can take one to two months. Many factors go into estimating your bathroom remodel timeline, many of which we discuss in this post.
