9 Bathroom Remodel Ideas On A Budget That Are Not Boring

Looking for bathroom remodel ideas on a budget that are not boring? Check out this black and white bathroom design that will inspire your next project!

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Designing a Bathroom can be an overwhelming process. It is even harder when you are doing a small bathroom remodel on a budget.

Even if you have limited funds there are many tips and tricks that can help make your bathroom special and NOT boring.

We hope this post will inspire you to get creative because you can design a beautiful bathroom on a budget!

This post is all about bathroom remodel ideas on a budget.

Table of Contents

Bathroom Remodel Ideas On A Budget Tips & Tricks:

1. Get creative with Tile

A great way to add interest in your bathroom is by creating a pattern using inexpensive tile. This bathroom floor was created using White and Black Hexagon Polished Porcelain Mosaic from Floor & Decor. The tile comes in solid white and solid black which was used to create the border design.

This is an image of how the sheets are sold and the process of creating the pattern.

If you buy from a big box store make sure your dye lots match on the tile boxes. Also, you can return any unused tile so order the recommended 10% overage. The worst thing is to run out of tile when the job has started. Trust me your tile installer will NOT be happy even if it’s your husband!

Keep that in mind depending on your design it can bring up your labor costs. It took the tile installer a day to layout and install both the shower and bathroom floor each. So two days of labor at $250 per day. If you are DIYing the project then no need to worry but if you are paying it may be a cost to evaluate.

The impact of the tile floor in this small bathroom remodel was such a focal point for us it was worth the extra labor cost.

The grout color in this entire project was Mapei Flexcolor CQ Ready to use Grout in Warm Gray.

2. Vanity Cabinet Set

Buying a separate vanity and countertop will add to the cost of your project. If you buy a set that includes the vanity, countertop, 4″ backsplash, and sink your cost will be lower. You can find rectangular and oval under-mount sinks. The faucet selections are one or three-hole.

Make sure to read all reviews before you purchase to see if there were any issues. There are many countertop materials to choose from. You can get granite, marble, or quartz.

Pro Tip: Select a quartz countertop instead of marble if you want white to avoid staining issues.

A very popular color is white on countertops. If you love marble but don’t want to deal with the fact that it can stain then go for the quartz. You can get a beautiful quartz countertop in white with grey veins running through it. You will get the look of marble but it is more durable. Cleaning is easy with soap and water.

3. Chrome Finish Faucet & Shower Body

As much as gold and black are trending right now they are more expensive. Even brushed nickel can be costly but is timeless and the look will last.

If you want to keep your cost down in the shower body and faucet department buy chrome. It is by far the cheaper option.

Another way to save is to buy a handheld shower in one instead of a separate shower head and handheld. Make sure the power is the same as the single showerhead when doing your research.

Pro Tip: A handheld showerhead makes cleaning your shower much easier!

Also, note the slide bar handheld shower unit is not meant to be the main shower water source. Therefore the pressure will never be as strong as the traditional showerhead. Also, rain shower heads can also have less pressure because of the size and amount of water coming through them. Make sure to consult with your Ferguson rep or installer before you purchase.

It will be harder to fix any pressure issues after the unit is installed.

Even though you are buying chrome you can still pick a stylish faucet like this one from Delta.

Matching your towel bar, toilet holder and hand towel hook will also help your budget.

4. Subway Tile Shower Walls

One of the best ways to save is to use subway tile for your bathroom shower walls. You can add a quartz niche box that matches the shower saddle to store your shampoo.

Some people like to tile the niche box but if you are thinking long-term the all quartz niche box is the way to go. You will never get the same seal from tile that you do from having the niche box. Keep that in mind when deciding which way to go.

Pro Tip: Subway tile has color variations so make sure your dye lot on the boxes match!

It is super important to remember that subway tile has dye-lot color variations. Make sure you lay the tile out and check before installing or you will be SORRY!

5. Change the handles

Chances are the vanity set option you purchase will not have cute handles. If you love gold you can add it in here. This is a great place to add interest since handles can be changed for as little as $10 for a set of two.

The handles here even have the same hexagon shape as the floor tile. This helps tie the cohesive look together by repeating similar patterns throughout the space.

6. Mixed Metals

Mixing metals is one of the best bathroom remodel ideas on a budget. When done tight this is a way to get that touch of gold in the design without breaking the bank.

Repeating the metal of choice at least three times in your space will create a cohesive look and feel.

The principle of repetition simply means the reusing of the same or similar elements throughout your design.

Pro Tip: Repetition of design elements in a design will bring a clear sense of unity, consistency, and cohesiveness.

In this space the faucet, shower body, towel bar, toilet holder and hand towel hook are all chrome. Then the mirror, shelf, handles and robe hooks add the touch of gold.

The gold could have also been replaced with black which would have tied back to the neutral tile floor.

7. Add cute Accessories

Adding a cute gold shelf like this one from Pottery Barn repeats the gold medal but also adds a place to add cute decor. It’s the little touches that will go a long way. This shelf was picked up at the outlet for $10!

Pro Tip: Don’t forget that many of your favorite places to shop have outlet locations too!

Adding artwork is another great way to add interest to your bathroom. These fun prints can be downloaded and added to inexpensive frames but will make such an impact in your space.

8. Details matter

Little touches like these Bath Hook – Hearth & Hand™ with Magnolia from Target are small but go a long way. They are perfect for hanging your bathrobe or towel to dry. They are super cute too!

9. Splurge on One Thing

Even though you are on a budget you should still pick one splurge item. For this project, this medicine cabinet from Pottery Barn was the perfect piece.

Since this is a small bathroom remodel there is not a ton of storage. To add a place to store toiletries and medicine this cabinet is awesome. It is recessed so it does not stick out. Planning is required for the recessed mount since the hole will need to be cut to fit the box.

Hanging a regular mirror does not require to same prep as the medicine cabinet. The recommended height for either is 60-62″ from the center to the floor which is typically eye level.

Adding this piece elevated the design because of its size and quality. There were other options but many were smaller which would not have the same impact as the 21×34″ Vintage Rounded Rectangular Recessed Medicine Cabinet.

Which by the way is ON SALE right now!

I hope these design tips and tricks inspired you to get creative with your bathroom remodel!