A “cheap bathroom remodel”…is that even possible?
Why, I’m so glad you asked. Because believe it or not, there truly are easy bathroom remodeling ideas that are inexpensive, too.
So when you’ve hit your breaking point, and can’t keep waiting for a winning lottery ticket to do renovate, it’s time to consider a budget bathroom remodel…
The DIY bathroom remodel I’m sharing with you today cost exactly $0.
Yup. Nothing.
While most of the information out there won’t talk about low budget bathroom remodel ideas (there’s just no money in it, right?), there are many things you can do to update your bathroom, even if your budget is lower than low (we’re talking lower than a mean 3rd grader telling “your momma” jokes on the school playground).
So if you’re now wondering, “how exactly do I go about tackling a cheap bathroom remodel?”
We’re going to talk through that exact answer here. In short the answer is this, and it’s the same thing I told my kids we’re having for dinner tonight (again)…
Leftovers.
Make sure to check out other DIY bathroom remodel projects that can help you with your own bathroom plans:
Let’s Talk Leftovers (and see some BEFORE the budget-bathroom remodel snapshots)
What parent doesn’t LOVE leftovers? It’s two meals for the price of one. It’s 50% effort for 200% yield.
And the same logic that works for dinner also works for a cheap bathroom remodel.
Using what we have on hand, or can get free or for a song is what will carry us through our renovations without breaking the bank.
Here’s a case in point. These lovely builder-grade late 80s, early 90’s style bathroom pics? They are shots of my master bathroom.
It’s a great space…
A great space which I made BIG plans for the moment I walked through those double doors the first time.
My ultimate plan? It requires a bulldozer and a budget larger than my bangs were circa 1989 (and that’s BIG, people).
It’s a lovely dream.
The thing about BIG plans and dreams, sadly, is that they usually require a BIG budget…or at least SOME budget. And therein lies the rub.
I’ve got big bathroom ideas, but here’s my budget for this space right now…
That? Well, that’s a goose egg. And it is representative of my budget for this bathroom.
My budget right now for a bathroom remodel is exactly ZERO.
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Waiting Until You’re Rich Isn’t The Solution. A Cheap Bathroom Remodel Is.
So why not just wait until we have the money to remodel and create the bathroom of our dreams?
Sure, I could do that. I could wake up every morning and seethe while I brush my teeth. I could walk around this space with my eyes closed, perhaps.
Or sigh and accept that some things are the way they are, and we just don’t have the budget to do everything we want.
But if you’re anything like me, you don’t want to accept those truths. You want to be happy in your home NOW, regardless of your budgetary limitations.
If you’re anything like me, you’re going to find a way to make your bathroom livable and likable even on a meager budget.
Instead of accepting our blah bathrooms, we’ll employ the power of leftovers. And elbow grease.
Here’s my list of changes we made to this bathroom, and their associated costs.
Cheap Bathroom Remodel Changes (and Costs)
- LEFTOVER paint (White Duck by Sherwin Williams) to re-paint the room. COST = $0.
- LEFTOVER chalk paint (Graphite by Annie Sloan) to re-paint the vanities. COST = $0.
- LEFTOVER curtains (taken out of storage, originally used in a guest room). COST = $0.
- LEFTOVER rope and pipe to create simple, 10-minute curtain rods (found hanging around our garage). COST = $0.
- LEFTOVER mirror, picture frames (from various walls in our home). COST = $0.
The result? Well, it’s definitely no miracle, but it’s a cost-free start…
The walls were painted, as was the vanity.
To draw eyes away from the dated tile I didn’t love, I took a bunch of frames out of storage and slapped them up on the wall.
If you look closely, you’ll see some of them don’t even have pictures in them yet…it’s a work in progress, like much of my home.
Someday, I’ll rip out this jetted tub and get the old clawfoot that I dream of finding on craigslist…
And I’ll hang yet another chandelier…this one above the tub…and add beadboard, or some sort of molding feature…maybe get a bigger window, you know, when my ship comes in.
Of course, that will be then, and this is now.
And for now, I’m happy (enough) with my cheap bathroom remodel. I’m sure that will last at least another week or two.
So if you’re dealing with a bathroom of your own that you’d like to update on a tiny budget, here’s a list of cheap bathroom remodel ideas that will give you the MOST bang for LEAST buck…
TOP Budget Bathroom Remodel Ideas
1. Paint.
Paint is literally the most powerful home decorating/renovating tool there is. Sure, jackhammers are often helpful, too…but you put one of those to work, and your budget has just jumped exponentially.
If you want to make the biggest impact in any room for the lowest cost, grab paint.
Paint the walls, moldings, ceiling, vanities, tile, even the floors!
2. Update window coverings, linens and rug
Textiles in a bathroom can have a big visual impact, for a fraction the cost of replacing flooring or tile, etc.
Trade out old towels. Find an inexpensive rug with a pop of color to draw your eye. And add colorful, or visually interesting patterns in the form of drapes or a roman shade to again draw your eyes away from things you don’t love.
We created a niche around our dated tub with some simple 10-minute curtain rods. This was not only easy and inexpensive, it did a lot to conceal a part of the bathroom we didn’t love.
3. Update fixtures and cabinet hardware
If you have a little money to spend, consider trading out old cabinet pulls and handles for new ones. Change your faucet(s) and tub/shower fixtures.
Or, for an extra-thrifty plan, paint! Yep, you can paint the cabinet hardware and faucets you have in a finish that you prefer, like we have done here many times.
You can also do this with your doorknobs!
4. Update lighting
Lighting can be expensive, so look around your house first for creative solutions. We’ve done A LOT of budget-friendly lighting updates here, so check those out if you’re feeling stuck.
And check on Facebook marketplace, Craigslist, and Facebook yard sale sites for lighting deals. You can often find amazing fixtures for a song.
5. Don’t forget the ceiling
If we are trying to draw eyes away from the things we don’t love, but are too expensive to replace, then look to the ceiling to make a big visual impact on a small budget!
Things like ceiling rings, or adding leftover flooring or wood planks can completely transform your bathroom on a tiny budget.
Pin these low-budget bathroom remodel ideas for later! Use one? Leave a comment on the pin! That helps others know whether they’d like to try these options, too!
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Michelle says
What were your steps on painting the cabinet?
Heather says
I just used simple chalk paint, Michelle. No priming or sanding required 🙂
Jill says
Those simple things made the space look custom. Love it!
Heather Thibodeau says
Thank you Jill! I really appreciate that!
Rose Arnold says
Maybe the Hollywood vanity lights will come back into fashion as I have TWO of them in my yet to be upgraded bathrooms. Everyone, including me, “calls” them hideous but, truth be told, I kind of like them and they do give the best light.
Heather says
They will MOST DEFINITELY come back in style Rose! Everything does, right?!
Linda says
I’ll give you my claw foot if you will trade me your jetted tub.
Heather says
DEAL!