We understand — your bathroom has worn out its welcome. When you moved in, you vowed you’d update it. But costs, time and the hassle kept getting in the way.
The typical full bathroom overhaul costs about $5,000 to $10,000 for a half bath (often called a powder room); $14,000 to $20,000 for a guest bathroom; and $30,000 or more for a main bathroom, according to Home Depot.
Those estimates cover everything from swapping out the faucet, toilet and vanity to laying new tile and installing a tub.
But what if you could refresh parts of your bathroom for a fraction of a full renovation? What if a short Do-It-Yourself effort could — surprisingly — make you fall in love with your bathroom again? It’s doable, trust us, even without a massive renovation budget.
Budget-Friendly Bathroom Refresh Ideas
Below are our favorite bathroom updates — from inexpensive DIY fixes to slightly larger upgrades — organized into four wallet-friendly price tiers.
Transform Your Bathroom for $100
Looking for a quick splash of color or a modern accent? New towel bars are a cheap upgrade that can change the room’s vibe. You can find choices from $25 to $100 on Amazon or higher-end selections through Ferguson’s Build.com. Try on-trend gold or matte black — and don’t stress if they don’t exactly match your plumbing. Mixed finishes are fashionable!
Other simple swaps to consider:
- Old bathrooms often carry outdated sink faucets and fixtures. Replacing them with a well-made faucet that complements your new towel bars can noticeably improve daily life. Consider this playful Amazon pick.
- Harsh fluorescent lighting can make mirror time unpleasant. Swap to warm bulbs and fixtures that mimic natural light — suddenly morning routines feel nicer. Browse options at Lowe’s or Home Depot.
- Want a clearer reflection? A fresh mirror can make a big difference. Etsy has unique, handcrafted mirrors to add character to your space.
- One of the first things you notice may be the shower curtain. Replace it. This playful fruity design from Urban Outfitters costs about $39. Or snag similar cute looks for much less on the clearance racks at Bed Bath & Beyond.
Refresh Your Bathroom for $500
A fresh paint job and a new hue can revive a drab space. Paint your walls or cabinet faces — or go bold with a partial accent wall. This small project can shift the whole aesthetic without breaking the bank.
Other mid-priced ideas:
- Struggling with a toilet that won’t flush right? Replacing it is often easier and cheaper than you think. Home Depot offers models starting around $100, and installation costs aren’t usually excessive.
- Tired of scrubbing shower doors? Install a new shower enclosure. A sleek sliding barn-style door that coordinates with your towel bars and fixtures can elevate the space — try this modern sliding barn door for a touch of farmhouse flair.
- Peel-and-stick wallpaper is a no-fuss way to transform walls. Covering a powder room with a patterned paper gives big impact for little cost. We like this tropical option from Chasing Paper.
- Painting tile takes effort but can dramatically change floors and walls without a full remodel. This Old House offers a practical primer on how to do it well.
Upgrade Your Bathroom for $750
If your tile looks old and the grout is grimy, re-grouting can refresh the whole look. Try a different grout color for added contrast. True Value provides a thorough how-to guide.
Other projects to consider:
- Replacing a tub is often more affordable than expected. Chain stores like Home Depot sell tubs starting at roughly $255. Installation raises the cost, but swapping out an original, worn tub can be well worth it.
- New cabinet hardware is an inexpensive tweak that highlights your vanity and drawers. Pick a standout finish like gold or antique brass. There are many choices on Amazon. While individual pieces are cheap, replacing hardware throughout your bathroom can add up — but it’s worth it for a unified look.
- Consider sconces on each side of the mirror instead of an overhead light. Sconces give more balanced, flattering light for your vanity and can make a small bathroom feel more upscale.
- Here’s a curveball: what about a wooden ceiling? One DIYer installed hardwood overhead and the result was striking. See their project at Noting Grace — it’s a creative use of wood beyond the floor.
Improve Your Bathroom for $1,000
Swapping in a new vanity can modernize your bathroom without the cost of a full renovation. Measure carefully — vanities come in standard sizes — and remember the listed price often covers only the cabinet; countertops are typically extra. Ferguson’s Build.com lists options starting near $560.
Other ideas to make the most of a $1,000 budget:
- To shift the color palette without a full redesign, replace all plumbing fixtures. You can try a bold finish and potentially save water with newer, efficient models. Big-box stores carry popular lines — think brands like Moen, Kohler and Delta. If you choose a nonstandard finish, stick to one brand for faucets and shower components — shades can vary slightly between manufacturers.
- With $1,000 you likely won’t re-tile the entire room, but you can add a luxe tile accent wall. Tile Outlets of America has inspiring accent wall ideas like porcelain brick, natural stone or textured ledgers.
- If the floor tile bothers you, consider replacing just the flooring. It can be a DIY-friendly project — these videos show the process. Laminate wood flooring gives a hardwood look at a lower price point.
- Finally, if you love your vanity but want a fresh look, install a new countertop. Whether it’s marble or a colorful stone, buying a slab wholesale from a quarry or supplier can yield the best deals.
Contributor Maya Rowan regularly writes on home projects and decorating tips for Savinly. Her work has been featured in Teen Vogue, Smithsonian Magazine and the Tampa Bay Times.
