Bathrooms are easily one of the focal points of a home; not only can they add or detract value from a financial perspective, but they are the one place that guests are almost certain to visit, so they have significant social value as well.

And apart from the kitchen, bathrooms can be one of the most expensive rooms in the house to renovate. Major bathroom renovations may include having to relocate existing pipes, or replace old vanities and bathtubs, but even if you’re on a budget, a renovation or at least a bathroom facelift is still possible without breaking the bank.

Here’s some practical ideas for renovating a bathroom on a budget:

Paint the walls

Whilst this is a no-brainer, a fresh coat of paint in a new, or similar colour can give walls an instant lift, and improve the feel of your bathroom. Search around for colours that will match the colour scheme of your home, and any bathroom furnishings you might be planning. Depending on your bathroom tiles, you may also want to consider giving them a paint too. There are plenty of products on the market to help you bring your old, dated tiles, back to life again.

Repurpose the vanity

Bathroom vanities are expensive if you’re  buying new, however repurposing unused furniture can be a great way of changing up your bathroom.

This gorgeous bathroom vanity has been created using a repurposed dresser

 

Update countertops and cupboards

Not only can you give tired cupboard doors an impressive face-lift, but countertops can be upgraded to match. Spray on counter-top paint can give an expensive looking finish, at an affordable price, and is available at hardware stores. One Good Thing by Jillee has shared a step-by-step guide to giving your bathroom cabinets a make-0ver and the finished product is an amazing transformation.

 

Replace the cabinet hardware

Even if you’re not redoing the entire vanity, replacing old handles and hinges, tapware and towel rails is a simple, cost-effective way to uplift the look and feel of your bathroom.

A simple but grand towel-rail is both stylish and functional in this bathroom

 

Replace the light fittings and switches

Well-placed lighting may be the difference between mm-hmm and ugh when looking into the  mirror in the morning so be sure to take the time to review your current lighting situation as part of your renovation. Task lighting is best placed either side of a mirror to minimise shadows and glare to ensure the processes of makeup application and shaving is a least traumatic as possible. The bathroom below shows well-placed task lighting beside the mirror with the addition of ambient lighting on the ceiling.

And of course with an upgrade of lighting, comes an upgrade of light switches and power-points to add that finishing touch to your bathroom decor.

A Luminosa glass power-point  adds a touch of class to this Australian bathroom. 

 

Add some wall storage

Depending on the size of your bathroom, storage might be an issue, and vanity cupboards can get full very quickly. Adding some shelving units to the wall can give you some extra place for towels or any decorative features you might like, they can be inexpensive to attach and can add extra beautifying decor to your bathroom.

 

Floating wall storage in this Perth bathroom

 

Add a feature

Adding a feature splashback or feature wall in a bathroom is an inexpensive and easy way to update  and bring a real unique element to this oft-used room. The Renaza reclaimed timber feature tiles shown below create life and wow factor to this Australian bathroom.

Renaza reclaimed timber tiles used as a feature in this elegant bathroom.

 

Don’t forget the finer touches

So much of a bathroom’s ambience is created through the finer details. Never underestimate the difference new towels, soap dispensers, pictures and paintings or a vase of flowers can make.

Flowers, wall picture and a splash of yellow with a rubber duck in this Adelaide bathroom.

 
 
 
What’s your best tip for a bathroom renovation on a budget?