Bathroom Upgrade Ideas You Can Implement on a Small Budget

25th April 2019
Planning to improve your bathroom but afraid your finances won’t allow? Worry not! Just try these pocket-friendly bathroom upgrade ideas.

The average bathroom remodel can cost between 11,116 to 13,339 euros. Even seeing those numbers makes your eye bug out and heart sink, we have good news for you.

What if we told you that you can upgrade and switch up the style of your bathroom without doing a full remodel? It might sound too good to be true, but we promise it’s doable.

We’ve got 7 bathroom upgrade ideas that are a fraction of the cost of the average remodel that will still completely change the feel and look of your bathroom. 

For a complete renovation Bristol bathroom company Keystone offers a range of tailored services including supply and fit for all types of domestic property. Using modern CAD design software, homeowners can fully visualise what their new bathroom design will look like before work gets underway.

Let’s get started!

1. New Bathtub

If you have the space for a bathtub, consider adding one. Buying a new bathtub and paying for installation can cost as little as 889 euros, which is chump change compared to the average remodel cost. Of course, this will vary depending on the type of bathtub you buy, but that makes it even more versatile for those of all budget levels.

Freestanding tubs give a luxurious and spa-like look to your bathroom. Or, to save space, you can have a bathtub-shower combination.

If you already have a bathtub, consider having it re-caulked, relined, and re-tiled. This will bring back color to grimy and dingy old tubs. You’ll feel like you have a brand new tub at a fraction of the price of a new one.

2. Toilet Upgrade

A new toilet is another purchase that will only cost a few hundred euros, but can completely change your entire bathroom. Change out your old, plain toilet for a shiny new one.

Think about what style and look you want: do you want the classic white porcelain? What about a colored toilet? A reclaimed vintage toilet? Wooden lid? What size? 

Read some more tips on buying a toilet before you decide.

If you want to go all out, you can get a toilet with special features. Auto-flushing, a heated seat, water-saving technology, bidet options, etc.

We recommend a toilet that’s designed to use less water and run more efficiently. The savings on your water and power bills will eventually make up for the small investment, which puts more money in your pocket for further bathroom upgrades.

3. Heated Towel Rail

Imagine stepping out of the shower on a cold morning to be greeted with a pre-warmed towel fresh off the towel rail? A heated towel rail turns this daydream into a reality for about 400 euros.

This simple upgrade will turn your normal bathroom into one fit for a spa. These rails can also heat up the entire bathroom, so you won’t have to dread stepping out of your shower onto ice-cold tile anymore. For more ideas around towel rails and other bathroom ideas click here.

4. Goodbye Curtain, Hello Door

Flimsy shower curtains can look a bit drab, which brings down the whole look of your bathroom. They are also not great at keeping water in the shower and off your floors, which can lead to water damage, mold, and dangerous slippery conditions.

Replace those curtains with sleek and modern shower doors to up the safety and style of your bathroom. The cost on shower doors will depend on what type of door and how large your shower is, but generally, you can buy the doors and have them installed for under 300 euros. 

If you have a bit more to spend, consider getting frameless shower doors. They’re a bit more expensive, but they’re sleek, modern, and minimalist design will make your entire bathroom look lavish and expensive.

5. Medicine Cabinet

Are your toothbrushes, containers of makeup, face wash, razor, and soap all teetering on the edge of your sink or vanity? Do you knock things over on a daily basis?

If so, it’s time to install a medicine cabinet. This gives you great storage space and adds a new aesthetic element to your bathroom.

For a traditional look, go for dark wood options like mahogany and cherry with wood moldings and classic arched shapes. For a more modern bathroom, light wood like oak.

You can also choose to paint the medicine cabinet. White is a popular choice for the simplicity and clean aesthetic, but this is also the perfect item to add a pop of color like yellow or red.

The best part? You can easily do this project yourself to cut down on installation costs.

6. New Faucet and Knobs

You know what they say: the faucet and knobs make the sink. Does no one say that? OK, we’re starting a new phrase, then.

Instead of getting a brand new sink which might require new plumbing and hefty installation costs, changing out the faucet and knobs and completely change the look. 

Go fancy with a waterfall style faucet. Try out the industrial look using refurbished pipes and industrial parts for the knobs.

Or, go the traditional route with brand new and shiny gold/silver to give your bathroom a brighter vibe.

As with the medicine cabinet, this is another project you can do yourself to cut down on costs.

7. New Paint Job

Speaking of great DIYs, painting is something you can do yourself in as little as one day for relatively little money.

A fresh coat of the same color paint you already will brighten up the entire room. But if you want to be a bit more creative, consider brand new colors and patterns.

Black and white are traditional bathroom colors. If you want things a bit more colorful, consider pale yellows, blues, and greens. 

Want a theme? Choose the colors from your favorite sports team or match the colors to the art you have in the bathroom.

7 Budget-Friendly Bathroom Upgrade Ideas: Wrapping Up

So, which of these bathroom upgrade ideas speaks to you? Is it a simple new paint job? Or is it the fancy new toilet fit for a king?

Whatever you choose, you’ll be sure to have a bathroom that feels brand new without emptying your bank account. 

Looking for help on your home upgrades? Check out our list of local businesses that can help you out.