The average cost of a bathroom remodel in the US is about $10,000. If you want to upgrade your bathroom but that number sounds way outside of your budget, there’s good news.
You can make small bathroom renovations that have a big impact but cost a fraction of a full bathroom renovation.
1. Replace the Vanity
You can get a vanity with a solid surface countertop for under $1000 or even less, depending on the size. Replacing your old, ugly vanity can make a huge difference in updating your bathroom.
Pick a new faucet in matte black, chrome, or brushed nickel to finish off the look.
2. Update the Mirror
Many older bathrooms have huge, frameless mirrors that take up the whole wall. With a little elbow grease, you can remove these large mirrors and replace them with a framed mirror or one in a unique shape.
If you don’t want to take the old mirror off, you can frame it out inexpensively with trim available at your local home improvement store. You can even update it to a modern LED bathroom mirror.
3. Paint
Paint is the quickest and cheapest way to update a room. Since bathrooms are small, you can likely get the whole thing painted in just a few hours. Brighten up the space with a neutral paint color and freshen up the trim and doors.
4. Refinish the Bathtub
Replacing your entire tub can be costly, but you can refinish it for just a few hundred dollars. If you have confidence in your DIY skills, you can even do it yourself with a refinishing kit.
Colored bathtubs were popular decades ago, but a mauve tub usually doesn’t go with the popular bathroom aesthetics these days. Tubs can also get chipped and stained, leaving them looking dingy and old. Refinishing an old tub will have it looking bright and new.
5. Update the Light Fixtures
New light fixtures are another inexpensive and relatively easy update. If you don’t want to spend the money on new ones, you could even remove your old ones and spray paint them to give them a whole new look.
Tired of brass fixtures? Chrome ones looking rusty? Give them a good clean and sand and then spray away outdoors. There are lots of color, texture, and finish options available.
6. Add Storage and New Hardware
New hardware, such as knobs, drawer pulls, towel rings, and towel bars are cheap and easy to install. Buy the same size and it’s as simple as removing the old ones and screwing on the new ones.
Hanging a new towel bar or towel ring might require a bit more DIY knowledge, but is still a quick and cheap update you can make.
7. Upgrade Your Bath Mats and Linens
Fresh bath mats, towels, washcloths, and shower curtain and liner are another quick and easy way to refresh your bathroom. Get rid of old dingy towels and mats, update your shower curtain, and wash or replace your liner to make everything seem clean and bright.
Small Bathroom Renovations You Can Make Today
The great thing about these small bathroom renovations is that you likely don’t have to save for months and wait for a contractor to do the work. You can do much of the work today or on a weekend if you want to make some small changes.
If you found these tips useful, be sure to check out some of our other articles for more easy home updates.
