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.
Pssst…remember! Don’t leave here empty handed! Grab a copy of “10 Totally Transformational Home Decorating Solutions – All Under $100” now. Click here or on the image below to grab yours now⤵️
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!
Pssst…before you go, I sure would love to hang out with you again really soon! Sign up now and get a no-cost copy of “Builder-Grade To Beautiful: 10 Totally Transformative Home Decorating Solutions, All Under $100!” Click here to enter your email or on the image below. Your copy will be emailed right away!
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!
Janice says
Love your makeover……great job. I have to wonder why you left the 70’s vanity lights above the mirror?
Heather says
Couldn’t change out that fixture on the $0 budget, sadly. Don’t worry Janice…that thing is HIGH on the priority list 😉
Marcie says
Can you tell me how the curtains are hung? Looks like rope? Thanks so much. Love the room!!
Heather says
Of course! We actually wrote a tutorial on that! Here’s the link! https://heatherednest.com/2015/10/pipe-dreams-aka-build-a-diy-curtain-rod-in-10-minutes.html Cheers!
Jessica says
Are you kidding me? You bathroom looks AMAZING for zero dollars spent! I can’t even imagine what you would come up with, with a budget! I’m gutting and remodeling an old farmhouse right now and you are welcome to be my decorator!!! Wanna come to Minnesota? lol
Elle Mental says
That is a very nice zero dollar reduex! It looks totally different and was well done. I am a firm believer in repurpose, reuse, recycle and make do. You project is evidence that making do provides a platform for creative innovation. Thank you for sharing!
Lisa B. says
I love your bathroom make-over and the $0 budget is even better! You really did a great job. Please share this with a link party I co-host, Welcome Home Wednesdays Link Party. We go live tomorrow. P.S. I think Karen over at Dogs Don’t Eat Pizza is awesome!
Robyn says
Beautiful job, but some of us don’t have these types of leftovers.
Susan @ This Makes That says
Great transformation. I love the shower curtains and all the photos above your tub. Looks so cozy and inviting.
Denise says
Wow, you did a FABULOUS job on that bathroom! You had a vision and made it come true~except for the clawfoot tub (I drool over them too)and beadboard~~wish your ship and mine would come the hell in!
Heather says
I'll be keeping my fingers crossed for the BOTH of us, Denise!!
Amanda Fettig says
I love the after!! Such a difference some paint and some picture frames can make!! I love the color of your vanity, it really pops against the rest of the light walls and floor. And i love that you hung curtains, it frames the tub so well! I totally hear you on the clawfoot tub. Someday!! 🙂
Wild Oak Designs says
Very impressive! What color was put on the wall?? It's lovely and you did an awesome job with the cabinets!! It has me thinking…..
Nancy
wildoakdesigns.blogpsot.com
Tina at Home Sweet Home 14 says
What a wonderful job you did with "leftovers'. It's amazing.
Creations by Marie Antoinette and Edie Marie says
You clever girl you! Awesome makeover!! Awesome price!
Blessings, Edie Marie
Kim says
Wow~ that's some free makeover! It's stunning and your DIY is impressive!
lvblack says
You are so resourceful and creative! Brilliant job!
janet @ the ordinary life of jannybean says
You did an amazing job! I love it. I have been really trying to focus on using what I have and saving my pennies and this makeover really inspires me! Thanks! 🙂
mpallen28 says
I second everyone's praise! And second Peggy's question…did you paint the cabinet hardware which now looks shiny & new or were you lucky enough to have brass handles you polished up?
Kelly Hedlund says
This turned out gorgeous!
Gilly @ Colour Saturated Life says
This is such an incredible transformation…..doesn't even look like the same room and doing it with leftover stuff just makes it even more amazing! Well done, I especially love the colour of the cabinets.
Rhonda says
Stunning decorating! I'm so glad I found your blog via Feathered Nest!!
Peggy Zortman says
Your room should be on one of those before and after shows. The transformation is awesome! Did you paint the hardware on the cabinets? It just pops off the gray. And all on a zero dollar budget! Inspirational!
Nikki Dale says
Completely in love with this post, leftovers, and you for doing it! Doesn't it feel great to be resourceful and amazing! I found you as I was link party surfing and I'm so glad I did.
Journal Swag says
Absolutely gorgeous, you're very talented! I can see how you attached the rope to the ceiling (genius)… Can you share how you attached the other ends of them to the walls? Thank you.
Sheila in Denver
Heather says
Of course! The rope is simply knotted and the knot is hung onto a hook that is screwed into the wall. Easy, easy. If that doesn't make sense, lemme know and I can try to send you a picture 🙂
Christina Paul says
This is fabulous! Love the idea of curtains for the tub and the framed art makes it so inviting! Thanks for the inspiration- and love the budget! 🙂
Landon & Alyssa says
It looks wonderful! Great ideas, enjoy it!
Ann @ makethebestofthings says
You've done wonders and made this neat room beautiful on your zero dollar budget. Kudos! I could live with that room for quite a while before changing anything.
Heather says
Thanks so very much Ann!!
Jess says
A-MAZING! I totally love this!! I probably would spend all day in here! LOL
Thanks for joining the Link Up this week!
Kimberly Lewis says
Beautiful! Pinned and tweeted. We appreciate you taking the time to stop by our party. We love partying with you! I hope to see you on Monday at 7 pm. Happy Sunday! Lou Lou Girls
Kyla @ HouseOfHipsters says
For your budget to be a big old goose egg, you did an amazing job! LOVE IT!
Elizabeth BlueClearSky says
This is a fantastic makeover and even better that it was done with leftovers. Just goes to show what a positive attitude, effort and some leftover materials can get you. Wishing you all the best in the New Year.
Heather says
Wishing you the same Elizabeth!! Happy New Year!
Shonee Smith says
Lovely makeover. Sometimes a coat of paint is enough to subdue my " I need to gut and start over" thoughts! Nice work. Just wanted to let you know this will be featured over at hawthorne and main for Bewitchin' Projects this week!
-Shonee
http://www.hawthorneandmain.com
Heather says
Shonee, thanks so much…that is awesome news, and very much appreciated!! Love the Bewitchin party 🙂 Happy New Year!
Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia says
what a gorgeous makeover and I love that you made it beautiful on a zero budget. Yup, 4, what's for dinner, leftovers are the best! XO
Nicki says
Looks so much better, and it's refreshing to hear other bloggers w/o limitless budgets make the most of what they have! I'm planning on my own leftover bath re-do soon. It's more challenging than the overall in my head, but some improvement is better than none, no? Looks great!
Jenise says
Oh, it certainly is a miracle. Such a gorgeous update! Oh and just imagine if you framed out the vanity mirror and painted the brass part of the shower doors.
Jenise @ DIYFunIdeas.com
Heather says
It's like you read my mind Jenise…totally toying with those plans….and trying to salvage my 80s ugly light fixture *somehow*, just not quite sure how yet. Would love to do an entire bathroom makeover for $zippety-doo-da$ !!
Donnamae says
You did a fantastic job with Leftovers! 😉
Amy @ 11Magnolialane says
Wow–nice work for such a *small* budget! Looks great 🙂
Nancy @ Slightly Coastal says
So insipiring! I love what you did with "nothing". Great job!
Nicki Parrish says
You did a great job with no money! You really changed the look of the place. I am in the middle of a very low budget renovation to our bathroom as well. I also painted my builder grade vanity grey and it changed the whole look of the room. Next up! Paint the walls and change the 1996 light fixture over the sink.
Ashley @ 3 Little Greenwoods says
I *need* to know how you painted your cabinets! Pretty please. 🙂
~ Ashley
Carrie Storer says
I love this! I have been in denial and avoiding doing anything to my builder grade almond tile oak cabinet master bathroom. You are an inspiration!!!
Heather says
Oh Carrie, you're the sweetest…inspiration, I am not, but a little insane and overly motivated in the home decor arena, definitely 😉
ℳartina @ Northern Nesting says
AWESOME facelift…it looks so pretty!!
Heather says
Thanks very much Martina, it's a start, at least 😉
Anele @ Success Along the Weigh says
You did an excellent job and for spending zero bucks on it…GORGEOUS x1000!
Heather says
Thanks so much for the high praise Anele 🙂 Much appreciated!
DD's Cottage says
I love leftovers too and you did an amazing job with yours! Love the bathroom!
Heather says
Thanks so much!