Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Inspiration

Styling your bathroom on a budget

Tom Warnick
By

You don’t have to spend a ton of money for a complete bathroom remodel. In fact, with some smart styling choices, you can give your bathroom a brand-new look. We’ll give you some easy, budget-friendly bathroom-styling tips, from reorganization hacks to window-covering transformations. Our tips cover small, DIY projects to inexpensive decor that won’t break the bank.

Replace old bathroom hardware

Black bathroom faucet with water running

Handles, knobs, and other metal hardware in your bathroom may need an overhaul, but you can liven it up by choosing fixtures made of contemporary brass or stainless steel in a black power finish. Choose minimal, recessed designs to make your bathroom feel more contemporary.

Recommended Videos

There are additional accents to pay attention to, which include soap dispensers, toothbrush holders, towel racks, TP holder, and shower head. Keep the metal hardware consistent throughout.

Related

Change the wallpaper

Replacing your old wallpaper or putting up a new some over bare walls is a sensible way to revamp your bathroom on a budget. Larger bathrooms can get away with a single accent wall, but smaller bathrooms could benefit from the same wall covering throughout. Anything soft and floral is a safe bet, but don’t be afraid of geometric patterns like stripes and diamond tiles.

You can go in any direction with bathroom wallpaper — choose tropical fish patterns to leopard print designs, or even a simple design. Just make sure the wallpaper is approved for bathroom use — that it is durable enough for daily humidity and water splashes.

Go for an unconventional window covering

If there’s a window in your bathroom, choose roman shades in neutral tones like blue, gray, or beige. There are also blackout models available if you’re concerned about privacy or want a curtain that helps with insulation. If you decide not to go with a traditional window covering, you can place a frosted film on it. It assures your privacy and is very durable in the bathroom. Even then, you can still add a window covering over the film if you want the extra layer of fabric for aesthetic reasons; it’s up to you.

Install inexpensive vinyl flooring

Vinyl sheets or vinyl tiles are inexpensive alternatives to more conventional materials. They’re also very easy to install and hold up well against moisture and stains.

Honeycomb patterns are especially popular, though other designs like mosaic and aged wood look equally impressive. Another go-to is a two-tone tile scheme if you want to provide a vintage style.

Vinyl floor covering in a bathroom

Get a new towel rack

Instead of using wall-mounted towel rings, choose a freestanding tiered towel rack instead. Some resemble traditional standalone racks. Racks that have finishes of black marble, brass, stainless steel, and chrome are all great choices. If you’re trying to create the feel of an organic spa, choose wooden ones; bamboo and teak both tolerate moisture well.

Take a cue from the outdoors

Another easy way to style your bathroom is with plants. Bring in a large bird of paradise or split-leaf monstera if you want a single focal point. Or, you can spread out various plant species throughout the room. Just make sure they can hold up to a lot of moisture and humidity. We recommend mixing it up with hanging vines, bushy potted varieties, and tall species. Keep the pots and planters in a coordinating color scheme. This is a great opportunity to add some color your bathroom or introduce some new prints.

Pick a colorful bath mat or rug

If your bathroom is in need of some color, choose a colorful bath mat is a good solution. Abstract circles, rainbow stripes, or geometric patterns — whatever you’d like. You don’t have to stick with plain old rectangular or square rugs, either. Play up its lively colors by choosing an irregular shape like an asymmetric circle or teardrop piece.

Mount some open shelving with bottom hooks

You can increase storage space and liven up your bathroom with small open shelving. Install shelves in staggered rows for a quirky look that doesn’t look out of place. Mount an additional panel underneath the lowest shelf with hooks for hanging towels and clothes. Keep small items on top or add a small succulent for a dash of green.

Choose unconventional clothing hampers

Replace your aging plastic hamper and invest in some high-quality, natural fiber hampers in intricately woven designs. Sisal, jute, cattail, and bamboo are all long-lasting choices that also make any bathroom look crisp and sharp. Line them with linen fabric and purchase matching sets in different sizes for a cohesive look. Two-tone designs like natural fiber and white stripes are classic, but plain styles give you additional customization later.

Compared to other parts of your home, revamping your bathroom doesn’t require buying an entirely new furniture set — unless you’re in the market for a new tub. Styling your bathroom on a budget is possible. We hope our styling starter guide has given you some inspiration. Whether it’s a different towel rack or new flooring, these tips are sure to give your bathroom a fresh, brand-new look.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Tom Warnick
Tom Warnick
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Tom has worked been a writer and editor for several years, working at the Starlog Group, Billboard, Bed Bath & Beyond…
TikToker shares 4 incredible home decor hacks if you have ADHD
These are great home design hacks for managing the stress of ADHD
the best storage drawers for an organized space aop open cabinet drawer with baby shoes and accessories in child

For those living with ADHD, you know it can be difficult just getting out of the house in the morning. ADHD comes with a set of challenges, including (but not limited to) trouble concentrating, being fidgety, acting without thinking, and being unable to sit still. It also means there is often so much going on inside your brain that you can easily become distracted. While it’s manageable with medication and other coping skills, setting yourself up with a good routine at home can make all the difference between a morning spent running around in circles and things running smoothly. One TikToker with ADHD shared her four tips for making things easier at home through home design—these home decor hacks are simple, easy to follow, and can make a big difference.

https://www.tiktok.com/@the_avantgarde/video/7187838853091216682?q=home%20decor%20tips&t=1681839896563
Design for organization
TikToker The_avantgarde (Julie Sousa) posted the video sharing her tips and tricks, and it’s easy to see why so many people have liked and commented. Her first tip for staying organized is one we can all use—ADHD or not. Instead of throwing clothes (both clean and dirty) on your bedroom chair or floor, buy a two-sided laundry basket. One side is for dirty clothes that need to be washed, and the other is for clean clothes that need to be put away. It makes hectic mornings a little bit easier to manage and you can guarantee you won’t wear yesterday’s socks.

Read more
Dark, dramatic, and modern: Here’s how to style an all-black bathroom
Move over, white: These gorgeous black bathrooms ideas prove a dark palette works, too
Black bathroom wall with black sink and plant decor

White bathrooms are a thing of the past, as gorgeous all-black bathrooms make their way into our interiors. The all-black bathroom is dark, dramatic, and modern, perfect for creating a warm and inviting space fit for relaxation. But styling an all-black bathroom can be tricky. If done poorly, you might wind up with a space that feels flat and lackluster.

To prevent your all-black bathroom from looking like a nightmare, we’ve gathered some amazing Instagram designs that are sure to inspire your next update. So say goodbye to the all-white interior and use these tips to create a luxe and intimate aesthetic in your black bathroom.

Read more
These stuffed animal storage ideas will keep your kids’ rooms from becoming a cluttered mess
Stuffed animal storage tips that you and your kids will love
Toddler bedroom with baske of stuffed toys

Your house is a well-organized space and gorgeously designed, so you want your kids’ rooms to be on par. Easier said than done, right? You want your kids to be kids and have a fun space that they feel happy and comfortable in, but you also don’t want it to look like a tornado runs through it 24/7.

Stuffed animals are possibly the most common kids’ toys that children tend to throw anywhere they please, causing quite a mess in their rooms. Though light and fluffy, you still don’t want to see them all over the floor. Here are some stuffed animal storage ideas that will help keep your kids’ rooms organized for good.
Stuffed animal hammock
Our first pick is a stuffed animal hammock, and for good reason. Kids love piling their stuffed animals together in one space where they can still see them. Plus, you’re using lots of vertical space and freeing up space on shelves and other furniture for other items. 

Read more