Being on a tight budget isn’t exactly fun, especially when you have big plans ahead. Renovating your bathroom on a budget, however, is a real hustle. Since the bathroom is a room that you use frequently and you need it to be in great condition, it’s not difficult to spend a fortune in order to get exactly what you wanted. If you don’t have enough money to completely replace tiles, piping, and fixtures but would like to make it look brand new, you’re in luck. We’ve put together a list of things you can do to remodel your bathroom without breaking the bank.
Bathroom mats
The very first thing that a person will notice upon entering your bathroom is whether it’s clean and tidy. Even if every single item in your bathroom is brand new, if it’s dirty, there is nothing that will help you leave a good first impression. Do everything in your power to keep your bathroom clean and get rid of those dirty old mats that have been covering the tiles for years. Carefully pick a new one because even the smallest change will stand out a lot, so a mat made of different material in a new color will completely transform the place. Soft shaggy mats might seem interesting, but these are not particularly practical since they attract and keep bacteria. Luckily, you can easily find wonderful new bathroom mats, such as the ones made of real moss, pebbles, or even bamboo.
New shower curtain
The next one on the list of cheap yet highly effective make-over solutions is to replace your old shower curtain with a stylish new one. It’s one of the easiest and cost-effective ways to give your bathroom a new look. Just as you should be careful when choosing mat material and texture, you should try to pick a shower curtain whose colors will match the color scheme of your bathroom. There are so many different motives that can be printed on a shower curtain that you will have no problem finding something creative and unique. Dolphins, starfish, and other sea themes are just too boring and passé; now is the right time to pick something original, such as a photo of your pet, a silhouette of your dream city, or a sassy quote.
Freshen up your tub
If you have a tub that’s in good condition, you’re in luck – finishing an entire surface will make it look great, and you won’t have to spend a lot of money on a new one. On the other hand, if you have a problem with pipes and faucet as well as the surface of the tub, it might be a good idea to replace it completely. Plumbing in all major Australian cities can be a nightmare, so we recommend you contact Canberra plumbers, see if they are available, and ask for a quote. Since the plumbing code of Australia (PCA) is very strict concerning not only the installation but also the repairs and alterations of any and all sanitary plumbing and drainage systems, it might be best to talk to professionals before you make any final decisions.
Different bathroom mirrors
Mirrors can make even the tiniest room appear bigger than it actually is, and they also reflect the light, thus making the room appear brighter too. So, if your bathroom is rather small and dark, a couple of small mirrors or a big one can really work for you. If, however, you don’t have enough money or wall space for a bulky mirror, you can just glue mirror tile mosaics on top of your old tiles. That’s right; you don’t even have to remove your tiles, but simply place the mirror ones where you need them. What is more, you can arrange these tiles in exciting new shapes and turn a mirror into a small work of art.
A shelf above the bathroom door
If you are struggling with a lack of space in your bathroom, there are several elegant ways to “magically” find more while restoring order. By installing shelves above the door and in corners, you’ll have plenty of new storage space where you can keep rolled-up towels, plants, cleaning supplies, and even toilet paper. Not only are these shelves highly functional, but they can also look great if you paint them a bright color or hang a decoration on them. You can make shelves of wood or glass, depending on what works better for you and how much money you have.
Look at the little details
Remodeling a bathroom on a budget means that you have to work both smart and hard. Replacing your old bathroom faucets with brand new ones is one of the smartest moves you can make. This is a neat little trick that interior designers and DIYers use to make a sink sparkle without actually having to replace the entire top or vanity. This means that your old tiles will look shabby chic, and not worn out, as the glow of a new faucet makes the patina of the rest of the bathroom seem intentional. Next, you can update your light fixtures and towel racks, or even cabinet and drawer handles. These aren’t expensive, but they mean the world.
Put in some plants
Plants can really embellish almost any space and make it look and feel livelier. Before you choose a perfect plant, make sure to check if it can grow in fluctuating temperatures and whether increased humidity is a problem. You don’t want to keep succulents or cacti in your bathroom as these will definitely not thrive. On the other hand, bamboo, orchids, bromeliads, spider plant, or asparagus fern are going to love it there. These plants are more likely to survive different humidity levels, which makes them a perfect choice for your bathroom.
Put shampoos and soaps in cool containers
Shampoos, soaps, conditioners, and all of the other little beauty trinkets and gadgets are something that every bathroom has to have. Still, even though they are a common sight, it doesn’t mean that you can’t “hide” them in an elegant way. You can keep your shampoo, soap, and conditioner in ceramic or glass dispensers – not only will this look amazing, but it will allow you to save money because you can buy in a bulk for refilling the containers instead of buying new bottles every so often. There are people who have decided to keep Q-tips, bobby pins, cotton pads, and hair ties in specially decorated Mason jars.
Buy pre-owned
You can hardly believe just how much money you can save on fixtures, or even toilets and showers, if only you buy the ones that were used. There are many wonderful websites that you look through to find pre-used home necessities, such as tubs, mirrors, doors, sinks, and toilets. There are even people who make little works of art out of strange materials (think brightly colored vintage Tupperware turned into cool hanging lamps, and the likes). Utilize websites such as Etsy or Gumtree to find lovely upcycled bathroom accessories that will help you turn your boring old bathroom into the one you always dreamed of.
We know that sometimes nothing shy of a major remodel can give you the bathroom of your dreams, but it doesn’t have to be the only way. Depending on the condition of your bathroom, you can do wonders with a bit of money and plenty of handiwork. If you like DIY projects, you will be able to save a lot of money by making or fixing different things around your home, bathroom included. Even if you’re not really sure how well you can handle different projects, pick something small and give it a go. This way, you will be able to transform your bathroom from plain and boring into stylish and cozy without spending a fortune.
