Tips for Updating Your Bathroom on a Budget

You don’t need to completely remodel to give your bathroom a fresh new look. Simple changes like updating your bathroom mirror are budget-friendly options that can be completed in a single weekend.

That’s good news, because a complete bathroom remodel can run anywhere between $6,500 and $18,000, according to home services website Angi. And if you choose high-end materials or change the bathroom layout, you can expect to pay even more.

If a complete bathroom overhaul isn’t in the budget, worry not. With a few do-it-yourself projects, you can transform your space into something that feels brand new. Here’s how to update your bathroom on a budget to make it look modern, bright, and inviting.

Refinish the bathtub.

If your bathtub is looking a little worse for wear or sports an outdated color like pink or green, you don’t have to spend thousands replacing it. Instead, refinish it. With a little elbow grease and the right materials, you can revive your bathtub using a tub refinishing kit.

These kits typically come with everything you need, including a high-quality acrylic paint, which can restore your tub’s surface and make it look brand new. This is a perfect weekend project that can give your bathroom a serious facelift without the hefty price tag of replacing the entire tub.

Hang peel-and-stick wallpaper.

If your walls are looking drab but you don’t want to commit to an expensive or messy tiling project, try peel-and-stick wallpaper. This budget-friendly option comes in a huge variety of colors and patterns, giving you the flexibility to express your personal style.

Whether you want to create an accent wall behind the sink or add a fun pattern throughout the space, peel-and-stick wallpaper is an easy way to transform your bathroom. Plus, if you get tired of the design, it’s easy to remove and replace.

Incorporate a large mirror.

Mirrors brighten up a room and create the illusion of more space, so try incorporating a large plate-glass mirror in your bathroom. You’ll be surprised how a large mirror instantly brightens up the space by reflecting natural and artificial light.

You can pick up an affordable, plate-glass mirror at your local home improvement store. Then put the finishing touches on it with a stylish MirrorMate frame. A well-placed mirror can make even the tiniest bathroom feel airy and open.

Add contrast with two-tone paint. 

Another easy way to give your bathroom a fresh look is with a two-tone paint treatment. This design technique involves painting the upper and lower sections of your walls in contrasting colors, adding depth and dimension to the space.

For example, you could paint the upper portion of the walls a soft white and the lower half a glacier blue or a soft gray for a modern, clean look. It’s an inexpensive project that you can finish in a weekend, and it will leave your bathroom feeling more dynamic and stylish.

Modernize your fixtures.

Sometimes all it takes to update your bathroom is switching out a few outdated fixtures. Swapping out your old faucet, towel bars, and showerhead for sleek, modern options can instantly make the space feel more contemporary.

You don’t need to spend a lot either. There are plenty of budget-friendly options at your local hardware store. Brushed nickel or matte black finishes add style without breaking the bank. Don’t forget the new drawer pulls in a matching finish.

Update bathroom lighting.

Lighting can dramatically change the atmosphere of any room, including bathrooms and powder rooms. If your current lighting is outdated or too harsh, consider swapping out existing lighting fixtures for more modern, energy-efficient options.

Consider installing a stylish bathroom vanity light above your mirror. Or, if your bathroom has ceiling lighting, replace it with a trendy pendant or flush mount fixture. Even swapping out the bulbs for softer, warmer lighting can make your bathroom feel cozier and more inviting.

Add a vanity mirror frame.

If you have a frameless bathroom mirror that’s functional but looks a bit plain, consider adding a frame. DIY mirror frame kits are designed for exactly this purpose. It’s a simple project you can do in a single afternoon.

MirrorMate frames are custom cut to the exact dimensions of your mirror and arrive with everything you need for assembly and installation. Choose from a variety of styles, finishes, and colors to achieve exactly the look you want. It’s a small investment that can make a big difference in the look and feel of your bathroom.

Replace cabinet hardware.

Replacing your drawer pulls and cabinet knobs is one of the simplest, most affordable ways to give your bathroom an instant facelift. Look for hardware that complements your bathroom’s style—whether it’s modern, traditional, or farmhouse. You’ll be amazed at how such a small change can give your bathroom a fresh, updated feel. With just a screwdriver and a little time, you can complete this project in under an hour.

Install floating shelves.

If you’re short on storage or simply want to add some decorative touches to your bathroom, floating shelves are a stylish option. They provide additional space for towels, toiletries, and even décor like candles or small plants.

Floating shelves are relatively inexpensive and easy to install, making them an ideal DIY project for a weekend. Plus, they add a modern, minimalistic look to the space, helping your bathroom feel organized and fresh.

Update Your Bathroom with a MirrorMate Frame

When you want to update your bathroom on a budget, all you need is a little creativity and DIY know-how. One of the easiest ways to transform your bathroom or powder room is by installing a fresh new mirror frame. If you have a large builder-grade mirror in the bathroom, a MirrorMate frame is the perfect solution.

These budget friendly frames are cut to the exact dimensions of your mirror and are easy to install. Take a few measurements, pick your frame, and place your order! It’s that simple. Explore all MirrorMate frames to find your perfect style.