12 Bathroom Updates That Won’t Crush Your Budget

Get a new look in a bathroom in minutes without using a single tool. Hang new, colorful shower curtains to brighten a neutral bath or add a neutral-toned one to create a modern, minimalist look. You’ll change the mood in your room in less than 30 minutes, for as little as $25. A new shower rod and shower curtain rings can freshen your space, too.

COST: Under $50

Paint is a simple and affordable design makeover tool. A bold color for your walls will transform your bathroom, and you can DIY this project for the cost of a can or two of paint, brushes and painter’s tape. Paint the entire bathroom, or just do a statement wall. For a small powder room like this one, consider painting the ceilings the same bold color as the wall to create a jewel box-like effect.

COST: Under $100, depending on room size

If your existing bathroom vanity is sturdy and made of wood or steel, give it a low-cost update with a new coat of paint in a bold color. Sand the gloss off existing paint or stain, smooth any damage with wood filler, and put a coat of primer on the vanity, which will help hide the color underneath and provide a paint-ready surface. Finish with a top coat of color. Changing the color of a vanity instantly changes the look of a bathroom.

COST: Under $100

Wallpaper is a fast and affordable way to give a bathroom new life. Go with peel-and-stick wallpaper to make this project even easier and more low-cost. You’ll get an upscale look at an affordable price, no wallpaper paste needed. Add accessories that echo the colors in the wallpaper to finish the look.

COST: Under $100

Give your bathroom a spa-like feel by swapping out an old showerhead for a rain-style showerhead. Just as the name suggests, rain-style showerheads have a wide diameter and a gentle water flow that mimics a rain shower. High-end rain-style showerheads can cost thousands of dollars, but you can get affordable models that are easy to install using the existing plumbing, no contractor required. All you need is a wrench and a few minutes. 

COST: Under $100

You can make a big change in a bathroom, fast, by updating soft surfaces and adding accessories. New window treatments, towels and rugs will refresh the bathroom and add texture. Bring a biophilic vibe to your bathroom with house plants. Place an ottoman or bench by your tub. Swap out towel bars. You’ll change the entire mood of the room in a few hours.

COST: $100 to $200, depending on the accessories.

Add glamour with a dramatic round or oval bathroom mirror. Look for one with gilded edges to add sparkle. Add a full mirror to the back of a door to throw light around the room and brighten the interior.

COST: $100 to $150

Creating storage space in your bathroom will make the space look better and live larger. A medicine cabinet that can fit into the wall between the studs above a sink is a great way to add storage and style without protruding over your fixtures. You can get the clutter off the sink and out of sight by stashing it in the cabinet. You can also get medicine cabinets that hang on the wall, no drywall cutting necessary.

COST: $100 to $200

Liven up your space by swapping out a dated bathroom light fixture for a new one. Change out the vanity lights, the overhead lights or add sconces to the walls. For a dramatic, romantic look, hang a chandelier in the bathroom.

COST: $100 to $400

Replacing a bathroom vanity instantly changes the look of the room. Look for bathroom vanities that come with a built-in countertop and sink to maximize your savings. Vanities come equipped with one sink or two, and the best ones have a wooden or metal base. 

COST: $200 to $1,000

Add luxury to your bathroom by swapping out the seat on your toilet with a heated seat. Heated toilet seats look like standard seats, but they have a heating element that warms the seat to a comfy temperature. Upgraded seats come with other features like bidet nozzles, driers, night lights and slow-close lids. They’re easy to install. Just loosen the hinges of the old seat and replace it with the new seat.

COST: $200 to $400

Slat walls are having a moment. These accent walls are made of wood slats nailed to a wall, bringing architectural interest to a room. They’re inspired by midcentury modern and Asian design. You can build your own slat wall with furring strips at a super-low cost, or buy solid wood panels that mimic the look of individual boards. The paneling costs about $31 a square foot so you can do a small wall on a slim budget.

COST: $250 to $500, depending on the size of the accent wall