7 Ways to Update Your Bathroom on a Budget

Complete bathroom remodeling projects can be costly. According to HomeAdvisor, the average bathroom remodeling project costs around $11,000. A high-end remodel for a large bathroom can run well over $25,000. Luckily, there are several ways to upgrade your bathroom without spending a lot of money. If your bathroom is functional but needs a makeover, consider the following budget-friendly updates:

1. Upgrade Your Faucet and Showerhead

Switch out an old showerhead for a large rain-style model. Many affordable models are available at home supply centers and thread easily onto existing plumbing. Replacing old faucets can also make a bathroom look cleaner and more up-to-date. It’s best to replace all of the fixtures at one time – bath faucet, showerhead and handles, and sink faucet – to ensure they all have the same finish.

2. Install New Lighting Fixtures

Changing the lighting in a bathroom can significantly impact both aesthetics and function. For bathrooms without windows, light fixtures are critical. One lighting fixture above the sink is probably insufficient. Replace old light fixtures with LED lighting, which is brighter and more energy-efficient. For a romantic look, add a chandelier.

3. Add Additional Storage

Unfortunately, storage is often an afterthought in many bathrooms. Recessing a cabinet between studs creates storage without protruding into the room. If a recessed cabinet isn’t an option, Ikea has practical storage options that don’t take up a lot of space. Adding ladder shelves or open shelving increases storage without making bathrooms feel cramped.

4. Replace Your Shower Curtain

The shower curtain is often the most dominant feature in a small bathroom. Replacing an old, moldy shower curtain will revitalize your bathroom without spending a lot of money – pair patterned fabric curtain panels with a clear plastic shower liner for a practical and stylish look. Wayfair has hundreds of styles, starting at around twenty-five dollars.

5. Change Out the Mirror

Mirrors create the illusion of more space by reflecting light in a room. Installing an oversized mirror will make even the tiniest bathroom look more spacious. If you already have a sizable unfinished mirror over the sink, add a frame to create a polished look. Two gilded mirrors over a double vanity add a modern touch.

6. Refresh Your Walls with New Paint

Changing your bathroom color scheme with a fresh coat of paint is a great way to make the space feel new again. Consider painting the walls and ceiling the same color. One consistent color draws the eyes up, creating the illusion of more space and higher ceilings. Use a semi-gloss or glossy finish that resists moisture for easy maintenance.

7. Paint Your Vanity and Cabinets

Replacing a vanity is often more complicated and expensive than homeowners anticipate. The average cost of a new vanity with professional installation is around $1,500. If new plumbing lines are required to accommodate a new vanity, additional charges for plumbing and carpentry work can quickly add several thousand dollars to the total cost. Repainting an existing vanity in a bold color and updating the old hardware can save a significant amount of money and time.

Simple Upgrades or a Complete Overhaul?

Although people often use the terms remodel and renovation interchangeably, they have different meanings. If you want to update your bathroom with a new toilet or sink, the process will be a pretty simple renovation. If you plan to change the layout of your bathroom or increase its size, you’re looking at a more time-consuming and costly remodeling project. Remodeling is the process of changing the design and functionality of a space. It may involve tearing out a wall to expand a bathroom or reconfiguring the location of plumbing fixtures. Remodeling projects often involve a team of experienced professionals, including architects, plumbers, electricians, and carpenters. Renovations update the look and feel of a room without changing its intended purpose or layout. Renovations usually include painting, installing new flooring, and switching out items like faucets or other fixtures but not changing their location. Renovations are generally far less costly than complete remodeling projects. You can give an outdated bathroom an impressive makeover without significant demolition work or spending thousands of dollars. Nothing refreshes a space or can give it a new look quicker, easier, and less expensively than paint. If you’re considering updating your bathroom with a new paint job, an experienced painter can handle the job quickly and efficiently.

Let the Professional House Painters Help

Walla Painting is a locally owned business that specializes in residential painting. Our fully insured, bonded, and skilled painters can handle any size project. We are proud to have received Angie’s List Super Service Award 10 years in a row for our customer service and detailed workmanship.We are here to serve Carmel, Westfield, Zionsville, Noblesville, Fishers, and McCordsville homeowners. We offer residential interior and exterior painting along with cabinet and trim painting. Contact us online or at (317) 620-0695 for a free estimate.