Bathroom Renovation Ideas on a Budget

Bathroom renovations have a reputation for spiralling costs. Moving plumbing, replacing a bath or retiling a whole room adds up quickly. But many bathrooms only need a refresh rather than a rebuild, and a set of smaller changes can make the space feel completely different.

Start with what works

Keep the layout if you can. Leaving the toilet, basin and bath or shower where they are avoids the biggest expenses. Decide what genuinely needs replacing and what simply needs cleaning or updating.

Paint and walls

A fresh coat of paint designed for bathrooms, which is formulated to cope with moisture, is one of the cheapest transformations. Light colours make small rooms feel larger; a bold feature wall adds personality.

Revive tiles instead of replacing them

• Deep-clean and regrout tiles — new grout lines can make old tiles look surprisingly fresh.
• Replace tired silicone around the bath, shower and basin.
• Tile paint is an option for dated colours, if applied carefully following the product instructions.

Swap the small fixtures

New taps, a shower head, cabinet handles, a towel rail and a toilet seat cost relatively little but change the whole look. Choosing matching finishes ties the room together.

Better lighting and a new mirror

Replacing a harsh single ceiling light with softer or layered lighting improves both mood and function. A larger mirror reflects light and makes the room feel more spacious. Any electrical work in bathrooms should be done by a qualified electrician.

Smarter storage

Floating shelves, an over-door rack or a slim cabinet clear clutter from surfaces, and a tidy room immediately looks newer.

Textiles and finishing touches

New towels, a bath mat, a shower curtain and a couple of plants are an easy way to add colour that can be changed again later.

Know when to call in help

Leaks, damp, cracked tiles or problems with drainage are worth fixing properly before any cosmetic work. For inspiration on bigger projects when the budget allows, see our look at bathroom renovation trends.