Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through our links, at no cost to you. Please read our disclosure for more info.
Thinking of remodeling your bathroom? Before you do, it helps to have a plan. Otherwise, you could end up spending way beyond your budget.
Most Americans spend about $5,500 on each bathroom remodel. Instead of breaking the bank, it helps to consider your priorities. With these bathroom decor ideas on a budget, you can beautify your bathroom without overspending.
Ready to make a major change? Give your bathroom the update of your dreams (without flushing money away). Get started with these 13 cheap bathroom decorating ideas today!
In This Post:
1. Get Painting
According to USA Today, you should repaint your bathroom every three to four years. Think about the effect moisture has on your walls. All that steam ends up abusing the paint in your bathroom, which can lead to discoloration.
In time, the steam and moisture will wear your walls down.
For cheap bathroom decorating ideas, consider painting your bathroom a color you already have on hand. Otherwise, see if you can grab small paint samples to work with. Instead of painting the entire bathroom, you can paint halfway up the wall.
Painting half of the room will create the illusion of height. When you paint the lower half of the room, you lower the eye. Make sure the paint shade on the lower half is darker than the upper half.
Once the bottom half is painted, you’ve created a distance that gives the room new depth!
You can also use tongue-and-groove paneling to add more space to a small bathroom, too.
There are so many colors you can choose from! For your bathroom, consider:
- Dusty blue
- Vintage velvet
- Charming pink
- Deep navy
- Cerulean
- Mint
- Stormy blue
- Griege
- Aqua-sphere
These shades can help transform your bathroom. Try balancing these colors with shades of white for a soothing beachy vibe.
2. Add a Rug
If your bathroom is primarily white, try adding a few pops of color into the room. Your bathroom should feel warm, inviting, and relaxing. One way to add warmth to the bathroom is to add an area rug.
Look for a print that’s colorful or has a fun texture. The colors should pop against white countertops or walls.
Many people choose to paint everything in their bathroom one color. The monochrome look is trending and visually compelling. Then, you can use your area rug to give the room a splash of excitement.
3. Start Storing
Adding storage is important to any home remodeling project. Otherwise, the room can start to look messy and cluttered. Try prioritizing eye-catching hardware that stands out from the norm.
For example, you can add rose gold door handles to otherwise white, blank-looking cabinets and drawers. The rose gold will make the cabinets look more expensive. You can pair your white cabinets with stunning marble countertops, too.
When looking for bathroom decorating ideas on a budget, don’t buy everything new. Instead, ask your local hardware store if they have any broken pieces you can salvage. You can then piece those fragments together for a one-of-a-kind countertop!
Want to display your towels in a fun, new way? Add extra storage space to your room by using a leaning wooden ladder. A ladder will add an extra dimension to the room.
Consider adding a shelf between your bathroom sink and mirror, too. A small shelf will help you clear away clutter while still adding surface space to your bathroom.
Do you have an old dresser or armoire you want to use? Grab those paint samples from earlier and give an old armoire a fresh coat! Then, you can use it for extra storage space within your newly designed bathroom.
4. Plant It
Add a little life to your bathroom by positioning plants throughout the room. If you’re not very good at keeping plants alive, opt for fake plants instead. There are many artificial plants that look real, which will still give your bathroom a refreshing look.
5. Maximize Space
For smaller bathrooms, you’ll want to maximize what space you have as much as possible. Consider adding an oval bath, which will create the impression of extra space. You can also use a shallow shelf against the wall to hide pipes.
If your bathroom isn’t large enough for a shower, try a freestanding tub with a shower mixer tap. You can add a bath tray to your tub as well to keep all of your bathing essentials within reach.
Otherwise, consider adding freestanding furniture to your new bathroom. Lightweight furniture is easy to move around. That way, you can remove or add items to the room as you need them.
Try finding fun ways to add freestanding storage and seating options to your bathroom. For example, you might add a lightweight wicker basket to store used towels in. You can also use a light, wooden stool to place soaps and shampoos on.
When you don’t need them, you can store the items away in a hall closet or under the sink.
6. Keep It Simple
Thinking about bathroom decor ideas on a budget doesn’t mean you have to think small. Instead, focus on functionality and simplicity. A crowded, cluttered bathroom can feel overwhelming.
As a result, it can fail to feel like a relaxing escape after a long day. Instead, think like an interior design expert.
For example, you can add a pedestal sink instead of a bulky vanity.
Consider a glass door for your shower instead of a curtain. Reflective surfaces can make a small bathroom look larger, too.
7. Trick the Eyes
There are a few different ways you can make your bathroom seem larger while sticking to your budget. For example, play with the boundaries of perception. Tile the side of your bath and the wall with the same tile design.
That way, you can’t tell where one ends and the other begins.
Use the same trick with the walls and floor. Using the same design will create a seamless look.
8. Accessorize White
As you review these bathroom decor ideas on a budget, make sure to keep that budget in mind. Your project shouldn’t cost over 5 to 10% of your home’s total value.
If you want to maximize your budget, look for cheap bathroom decorating ideas that don’t require a lot of work. For example, forget about painting your bathroom or using new tiles. Instead, start accessorizing your existing white bathroom.
Transform the space by changing up smaller items, like the lighting and mirrors. An all-white room can sometimes feel stark. Adding contrasting colors like cobalt blue or yellow can give the room character.
You can even use items you already have around the house to accessorize your bathroom with ease!
9. Utilize Mirrors
You can also make your bathroom look larger by adding mirrors. Mirrors reflect light, creating an illusion that there’s more space in the room. Try different mirrors, such as hanging mirrors or mirrored tiles.
Make sure there’s plenty of light in your bathroom, too. Consider a pendant light to give your bathroom a retro look. Gathering antique items and giving them a polish can add a unique flourish to your bathroom.
Meanwhile, the mirrors will reflect the light, giving your bathroom a beautiful glow!
10. Sink It
If it suits your budget, consider sinking your bathroom into the floor. A sunken bath can help your small bathroom look large and luxurious.
11. Keep What’s Vintage
You don’t have to remove everything from your previous bathroom to make it look brand-new. Instead, consider keeping a few vintage items. In addition to helping your budget, vintage fixtures can give the room a unique look.
For example, you might want to keep an old bathtub or sink faucet. Make sure to polish up old items to keep them looking clean and new. Then, you can dedicate more of your budget to more expensive items.
12. Add Nostalgia
Remember, you want your bathroom to feel like a place where you can escape, relax, and unwind. What helps you relax? You might decide to focus on a certain smell or perhaps a floral theme.
Adding a nostalgic touch to your bathroom is easy and cheap. You can add your favorite bath salts, scented soaps, or a few knick-knacks you have around the house.
Try not to clutter your bathroom up. Instead, choose a few small items that help you feel at ease.
13. Mount It
For a streamlined look, consider adding wall-mounted modular furniture to your redecorated bathroom. There are plenty of widths, depths, and heights you can choose from. That way, you can make sure your furniture fits within your space.
For example, you can add wall-mounted cabinets under your sink. Then, you can use the new space beneath your sink for additional storage. Otherwise, keep that space bare to keep the room looking clean and neat!
Try playing around with different colors and textures, too.
Beautify Your Bathroom: Bathroom Decor Ideas on a Budget
Ready to discover your brand-new bathroom? Using these 13 bathroom decor ideas on a budget will make it easy. With these tips, you can stay on-budget, maximize your space, and discover a soothing new bathroom.
Looking for more beautiful ideas? See our blog.
Request Your Free Home Decor and Bedding Catalogs
