17 Affordable Bathroom Decor Ideas
You don’t have to spend tons of money to achieve a fresh new look in your bathroom space. Follow our guide to learn about affordable bathroom ideas and easy styling hacks that will make your space feel polished and rejuvenated.
You might not be ready to make a big change, but many avenues await if your goal is to spruce up your bathroom. A fresh coat of paint, affordable bathroom decor, bold wallpaper that makes a statement, a wood floor, or a healthy green plant. These are just a few simple boosts on a budget. Change is good, especially when it comes to decor and style. In this article, we look at a variety of inexpensive bathroom updates that will make your space feel brand new without hurting your bank account. Here are 17 affordable bathroom ideas you should try.
1. Painting Bathroom Walls
Putting a fresh coat of paint on your bathroom walls or trying a new shade can make the whole space feel polished. You can also put a coat of paint on your wood trim, so everything looks like it's practically brand new.
Picking the right color can make your bathroom feel more spacious. If you’re working with a smaller area, designers often recommend going lighter and brighter. White will obviously reflect the most light, and it gives an airy fresh look.
Another popular choice for smaller bathrooms is lighter, more neutral tones like soft taupe and light gray or spa-like pale blues and greens. These colors also help reflect light and make your smaller space feel a bit bigger. If you’re looking for a great bathroom idea on a budget, new paint can make a huge difference.
2. Swapping Out Your Hardware
The impact you can make just by swapping out your cabinet knobs, pulls, and handles is astonishing. It’s another awesome bathroom-on-a-budget idea to consider. This whole job shouldn’t cost more than a few hundred dollars with a large bathroom. It could cost even less than $100 if you’re working on a smaller area and choosing affordable options.
Hardware for cabinets comes in a variety of colors, styles, designs, finishes, and textures. You can find everything from chrome to wood or plastic, and even ceramic.
This is such a simple and satisfying change to make, and since you're just swapping out hardware, it requires very little effort. You just need your hands and a screwdriver when it comes to tools. You will want to make sure that whatever new hardware you choose, it's the same size as the ones you are replacing so the existing holes line up exactly.
3. Getting New Fixtures
Another bathroom-on-a-budget idea is to change up your fixtures. See your showerhead and knobs and faucets for your sink and tub. You can swap them out for a new material that will transform the look of your bathroom.
Combine this with painting, and you can make an even more noticeable difference when it comes to updating your space. For example, you could go from white paint and stainless-steel fixtures to a soft taupe with oil-rubbed bronze fixtures, and you’d see a remarkable transformation.
4. Freshen Up Your Grout
Not only can this simple idea make your bathroom feel new again, but it can also help make your space feel somewhat larger. Pre-made grout cleaners are available on the market; however, you can make your own, which is very easy to do.
Start by wiping down the grout with hot water to remove any dirt and grime that may be stuck to the surface. Next, mix your cleaning solution, which is two parts baking soda to one part hydrogen peroxide. Then, apply the paste to the grout, let it sit, and wait ten to 15 minutes. Lastly, use a soft brush and thoroughly scrub the grout. This is one of the best bathroom-on-a-budget ideas since it only requires baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and a brush.
This affordable bathroom-decor idea will make your grout shine and leave your bathroom feeling fresh and updated. And after you spruce up the grout, take time to clean your entire bathroom. Not only will you enhance its style, but you’ll also reduce the risk of infection and illness (viruses and bacteria can live on bathroom surfaces for up to a week!). Use products that clean as well as disinfect.
5. Try Daring Wallpaper
You can find tons of different wallpapers for a reasonable price. It just depends on where you look. This is an affordable bathroom decor idea that will leave everyone impressed with your new and improved space.
A bathroom is a perfect place to try bold wallpaper. There’s plenty of stuff in the room (mirrors, windows, shower, bath, cabinetry), which all help to break up the walls so the pattern doesn’t overwhelm the space. Stylish wallpaper is affordable bathroom decor that can transform any space.
6. Introduce an Indoor Plant
Indoor plants add much-needed color to a neutral space. They bring a liveliness you can’t mimic with anything else. You can find affordable indoor plants and trees (even fake ones!) that will brighten your space and give you that perfect, tiny change you desperately need. If you’re looking for affordable bathroom-decor ideas, something as simple as adding a plant to the room can boost the overall ambiance.
Plants also increase humidity in the air, and humidity determines our thermal comfort. When humidity levels are low, our skin gets flaky and itchy and our eyes become dry and irritated. Low humidity also increases your chances of getting a cold, flu, and other infections. Some plants like the Peace Lilly can also reduce high levels of humidity.
7. Add an Area Rug
Adding a colorful or textured area rug to your bathroom can make all the difference. It adds a pop of color and character to the room. This helps make it feel bolder and more exciting.
A bathroom rug improves the floor’s appearance and protects it. It also adds warmth underfoot. It absorbs water from your body as you step out of the shower or bath, keeping it off the floor and preventing slips. A 100% cotton rug is the best option since cotton is highly absorbent and dries fast.
8. Get a New Shower Curtain
A shower curtain is extremely practical. It prevents water and moisture from leaving the bathroom or shower area and adds privacy, but it’s also handy at keeping your bathroom looking pretty. A shower curtain can completely transform your space. And because of its size, it seems more like a wall than an accessory.
However, unlike wallpaper, paint, or tile, a shower curtain can be changed out in minutes. When choosing one, you can go as bold as you like. This affordable bathroom decor adds texture and balance to your bathroom. It’s the centerpiece of small bathrooms and can instantly upgrade any space.
9. Fancy Bar Soaps
A fancy bar soap takes up minimal space, produces little waste, and supplies a more tangible cleanse. It’s utilitarian luxury at its finest. If a bar of soap is infused with fragrance, it fills its surroundings with a lovely aura. Every time you enter the bathroom, the soap’s scent puts you in a good mood. And for every bar of soap used, there’s one less bottle in the landfill. To make your fancy bar soap stand out, get a beautiful soap dish.
10. Install a Clear Glass Shower Door
This is one of the trending, affordable bathroom decor ideas that will make your bathroom look luxurious on a budget. Nothing spells luxury quite like walking into your bathroom and being able to see directly into your walk-in shower. Lots of people like the textured glass options for more privacy while bathing, but there’s something eye-catching and chic about the look of clear glass. The only caveat is that you’ll have to frequently tend to it to keep it looking clean while making sure the inside of your shower is also tidy.
11. Add a Bench Inside the Shower
If you plan to replace your shower soon and start anew, put some thought into the design. Adding a bench to the shower is a great way to make your bathroom look and feel more luxurious.
A bench boosts safety in the bathroom since a lot of bathroom accidents involve slipping. It also provides a place to sit, which is important in case of mobility issues or injuries. Look for a sturdy bench with suction. Adjustable height and bars offer a nonslip grip.
12. Use Faux Marble
In many cases, marble wouldn’t make the list of frugal bathroom ideas. But hold on. You could use faux marble and get the same effect as the real deal. Large, porcelain tiles that look exactly like marble are available. Faux marble is a great bathroom-on-a-budget idea. Make your space look incredible at an unbeatable price.
13. Add Towel Hooks
If you can, find some beautiful towel hooks that match the finish and style of your hardware. This can make things feel lush in your bathroom. Pair them with some fluffy, clean towels, and you’re sure to impress anyone who enters.
14. Roll Your Towels
You may be wondering, “How can I make my bathroom look nice on a budget?” It’s not always about purchasing new things but using what you already have with a twist ... or a roll!
Roll your towels like you would find them in a nice hotel. Carefully place them on your shelves or countertop. It’s an elegant yet simple touch when it comes to making your bathroom space feel more lavish.
15. Ditch the Plastic. Swap it with Glass
This small change makes a massive difference in your bathroom. Ditch the plastic soap bottles and replace them with glass. This way, your hand soap isn’t an eye-sore on the countertop, it looks stylish.
16. Use Apothecary Jars
You can use apothecary jars of varying sizes on your shelves or countertop instead of keeping boxes of cotton swabs and other toiletries in the drawer. This simple, stylish hack gives things a fancier appearance, and it isn’t expensive. This is one of our bathroom-on-a-budget ideas you’ll want to try.
17. Add a Eucalyptus Bundle
Nothing says luxury quite like the scent of a heavenly spa as soon as you turn on that warm, comforting water. Hang a eucalyptus bundle from your showerhead. It not only looks good, but it’s also useful.
The steam and heat from your shower help to release the soothing aromatherapy qualities of this plant, which can reduce sinus inflammation and help you breathe. Eucalyptus also possesses anti-anxiety properties, which make it an incredible addition after a long day. This is one bathroom-on-a-budget idea that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional.
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Moving? A Professional Organizer Can Help
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If youve tried the standard organizing tips and tricks youve read, and they just dont seem to be helping, consider if something else in your lifestyle needs to change before you can get organized. What does this mean for you? Getting organized can be complex and challenging, and if you havent cracked it yet, dont be hard on yourself. If any of this resonated with you, my top recommendations are: Take the organizing tips you hear with a grain of salt. They may work for some, but they wont work for everyone (and thats ok!) Consider how you can add caring, non-judgmental support to reach your goals. That could be a therapist, coach, trusted friend/family member, body double, or professional organizer. If you have ADHD or another complex organizing challenge, look for an organizer with experience working with chronic disorganization. I have my Level I certificates of study in chronic disorganization and ADHD from the Institute for Challenging Disorganization (ICD), and you can search their website for professionals in your area. If youd like to talk in more detail about your organizing challenges, Im here for you. Sign up for a free consultation or contact me at 412-503-7604. Id love to help you get moving in the right direction!