Feeling like your bathroom needs a makeover? Need to increase your storage space? Renovation projects can be very expensive. Plumbing, flooring installation and custom-made furniture are all projects that can easily become quite onerous.
However, there are ways to renew your bathroom without spending a fortune. These small-scale projects can have a big impact on the appearance and practical aspect of the room.
Photo: Deposit Photo
5 bathroom renovation ideas for small budgets
Bathrooms are one of the busiest parts of the house, they are often one of the first parts of our house which require renovations. If you want to renew your bathroom but don't have a big budget, there are a few simple options out there.
1) Renovate the whole bathroom or go little by little?
The first question to ask when renovating a bathroom with a limited budget is whether you absolutely have to do the work for the whole bathroom or if you can stick to a few things.
If you determine that the entire room needs refurbishing, you could also go step by step, depending on the priorities! Of course, this would mean that the work could be spread out over a long period of time but if things are done gradually, this option will not cause too much inconvenience.
2) Building materials: choose entry-level products
Forget luxury items and other expensive accessories. In order to save money, you will need to make proper choices and bet on entry-level products. Cheaper prices don't always mean lower quality objects. Watch sales periods and take the time to shop around. Look for sales, visit discount stores and consider buying slightly used bathroom fixtures and plumbing which can be found in stores or on the Internet.
3) Decor: playing with colours and textures
Just because you have a small budget doesn't mean that you need to skimp out on decoration. Often, we tend to think that with a small budget, home decor will be the first thing that is sacrificed. Yet, with a little bit of creativity, your bathroom can end up looking as good as the ones you have seen on Pinterest or in home decor magazines.
Sometimes, a fresh coat of paint makes a big difference. Start by creating a "mood board", a sort of inspirational chart on which you can find examples of beautiful rooms, colours and patterns that could work well in your bathroom. Afterwards, head to various home decor stores and try to head off the beaten path. For example, stores that sell used items can be great resources for finding unique accessories.
4) Repaint tiled bathroom walls instead of replacing them
Older homes often feature tiled walls. Unless you have a big problem with humidity and mould, you don't need to remove the tiles in order to renovate them. When properly applied, paint can be used to cover tiles. You can choose any colour you like, provided that you use a product that is suited for this type of surface.
Ask hardware store or paint store employees to guide you towards the sort kind of paint (waterproof and easy to wash). Please note: this technique is not recommended for floors.
5) Opt for a vinyl floor
New floors don't have to be costly. While ceramic tiles are popular in bathrooms, vinyl flooring can be just as beautiful and comes at a much lower price. They are very easy to install and you're sure to find a design that you like.
This type of material carries many advantages: easy to clean; waterproof; resistant; wide choice of colours and designs. Vinyl can be used to imitate other looks: wood, metal, concrete, etc...
Of course, there are several other flooring materials that work well in bathrooms and are not too expensive. For more information, see The best types of flooring for your bathroom!
To see examples of bathroom renovation projects completed by RenoQuotes.com contractors, check out "10 examples of beautiful bathroom renovation projects".
Looking for more information to help you plan your bathroom renovation project? Discover our RenoQuotes.com bathroom renovation guide
We also suggest that you check out our checklist for bathroom renovation projects, as this article contains a ton of information and comes with a document you can use to organize your project.
Get 3 renovation quotes for your bathroom renovation project
RenoQuotes.com will put you in contact with 3 reliable contractors for your bathroom renovation project. Fill in the form on our homepage (it only takes a few minutes), and you will receive quotes from trusted professionals.
Dial 1-844 828-1588 to speak with one of our customer service representatives.
Looking for something else?
Related articles
The latest industry news, interviews, technologies, and resources.
Editorial Team
•15 Dec 2023
Floors are made up of several layers. Beyond the walking surface, meaning the flooring, the strength and durability of the floor rely on the structure of the house, joists, subfloor, and underlayment. When building or renovating a floor, you have to think about each of these layers, as they play a much more important role than one may know.
Editorial Team
•30 May 2025
Are you looking to build a retaining wall on your property, but do not really know where to start? RenoQuotes.com has all the information you will need to adequately build a retaining wall.
Editorial Team
•30 Jan 2025
It’s becoming increasingly difficult for construction or renovation contractors to promote themselves or recruit qualified employees. In fact, right now, there’s an imbalance between supply and demand, especially since the 2020 pandemic.
Cynthia Pigeon
•02 Aug 2024
While traditional roof coatings are still highly sought after, it's important to recognize some of the newer materials hitting the market. These latest options, which feature new technologies, are worth considering, and amongst them are plastic roofing panels.
Editorial Team
•07 Nov 2023
Even though a brick wall is quite decorative by itself, perhaps it’s not enough and you’re unsatisfied with its blank appearance. Well, just a piece of advice, it is more difficult to hang things (art, shelves, lamps, etc.) on brick, but don’t be discouraged because it’s not impossible!