20 Budget Bathroom Ideas

By Sara Diekelmann
September 26, 2014
Add splash to your bath with these low-cost bathroom ideas for remodeling cabinets, vanities, lighting, storage and more.
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Renew with paint

An oak vanity goes from outdated to simply soothing with a pale blue paint makeover. New knobs complete the update. Total cost for paint, primer and hardware was only $110.

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Go with freestanding storage

Add storage to your bathroom with freestanding furniture, which typically costs less than built-ins. A white-painted cabinet, found at a flea market, provides storage for towels and bath products.

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Bring on the baskets

One of the easiest (and cheapest) storage solutions: baskets! They come in hundreds of shapes, sizes and colors to coordinate with any decorating style. Twin wicker baskets fit perfectly under dual sinks in this playful modern space.

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Just add art

Leaf prints gives this modern bathroom a refreshing pop of color.

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Give a cabinet character

Old interior shutters become a medicine cabinet door in a rustic bathroom. Cut the shutters to fit and add hinges.

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Low-cost pedestals

The slim size of a traditional pedestal sink makes it great for a small space. You can find a variety of styles at bargain prices (between $100 and $300) at most home improvement stores. 

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Find your hook

This vacation home bathroom gets a lot of use, so multiple hooks from the hardware store keep towels from piling up on the floor. To make the best use of wall space, the owners installed a narrow storage shelf and mirror above a row of hooks. 

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Repurpose vintage finds

Vintage pieces can be turned into low-cost molding, wainscoting or even a sink. The owners of this Minnesota home repurposed a soda pop cooler as a sink. Corrugated steel wainscoting and yardsticks used as molding continue the salvaged theme. 

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Open new drawers

Float a stock drawer unit between vanities for a custom look that won't cost a bundle. It provides a little extra storage and counter space.

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Refresh fixtures

Shiny new sconces that look like barn lights bring rustic appeal to this contemporary bath, highlighted with a herringbone paint treatment. 

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Paint it purple

(Or any bright, happy hue!) Lavender paint above tile wainscoting gives this cottage-style bathroom a jolt of playfulness and fun.

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Style in small doses

Get the drama of glass tile without too much sticker shock. Apply tile in a small area where it will be a focal point. This rich, exotic bathroom gains glitz from gorgeous glass tile placed between the mirrors.

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Rethink vanities

An inexpensive salvaged sideboard becomes a cottage-style vanity in a small attic bathroom. To make the vanity height 36 inches, the homeowner cut down the legs. She then coated the furniture piece with semigloss paint to help protect it from splashes.

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Create a two-tone vanity

Give your vanity a quick, low-cost makeover by painting just the front area that frames the drawers and cabinet doors. To pull the look together, paint the mirror frame to match.

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Swap shower curtains

Sometimes a new shower curtain with a vibrant pattern is all you need for a refresh. This swirly green shower curtain instantly becomes the focal point in this simple, serene bath.

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Define areas with molding

The owners of this renovated bathroom painted a wide stripe on the wall and framed it with $9 chair-rail molding to define an area for towel hooks. It makes good use of wall space next to the tub.

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Paint a picture

A big, bold flower painted on the wall brightens a kid's bath for little cost. Though it may look complicated, this design was done with a stencil taped to the wall.

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Revamp a railing

For an extra-long towel bar, attach stair railing to a wall. It pairs well with an antique claw-foot tub. 

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Take down doors

For easier access to bath essentials, homeowners removed the closet door in this light and airy bath. Painting just the inside closet walls is an easy, inexpensive way to create interest.

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Add inexpensive elegance

A mirrored wall above the sink wasn't enough for this high-style bathroom. An ornate mirror frame painted glossy white adds a second layer of glamour for a reasonable price.

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By Sara Diekelmann