How To Decorate A Bathroom On A Budget: 15+ Cheap Projects & Decorations

A statement rug is a must!

Give your bathroom a refreshing makeover by introducing a statement-making rug. A well-placed runner rug can instantly add visual appeal, texture, and comfort to the space. Plus, they’re often budget-friendly, so you won’t need to stretch your finances too far. When selecting a rug, ensure it harmonizes with your bathroom’s color palette and aesthetic. Don’t be afraid to get creative with bold patterns, textures, or even vintage-inspired designs.

Moroccan, Persian, or distressed rugs are always winners, but feel free to experiment and find the perfect fit for your unique space.

Elevate your hardware game

Transforming your bathroom’s aesthetic can have a profound impact on the overall ambiance! To achieve a stylish look without breaking the bank, consider updating your outdated drawer pulls, cabinet handles, and towel racks. By selecting hardware that harmonizes with your bathroom’s theme and adds a touch of sophistication, you can effortlessly elevate the space.

Brushed nickel, silver or gold fixtures are versatile options that can seamlessly integrate into various design styles, making them an excellent choice for achieving a refreshed and refined look.

Update the flooring on a budget

Transforming your bathroom into a luxurious oasis on a budget can be achieved with a clever decorating hack. The key is to utilize peel and stick floor tiles, which can revolutionize the flooring without breaking the bank. This ingenious solution allows you to effortlessly update your bathroom’s look, hiding any imperfections or stains that may have accumulated over time.

These innovative tiles come in an array of styles and patterns, granting you the freedom to create a visually stunning floor without the need for professional installation. Moreover, their removable nature ensures that they can be easily taken out without leaving any residue behind.

Hang artwork

Elevate the ambiance of your bathroom without breaking the bank by adding personal touches through artwork! A well-placed painting, photograph, or print can instantly transform the space into a haven that reflects your unique style. Focus on filling awkwardly empty spaces above or next to your toilet, bathtub, or even countertops by hanging or propping up pieces strategically.

Add fresh flowers & greenery in statement vases

Transforming the bathroom into an oasis of natural beauty is a simple yet effective way to enhance its ambiance. One often overlooked aspect is incorporating floral elements, such as dried flowers, artificial blooms, or fresh seasonal arrangements. To maximize their visual impact, choose statement vases made from distressed ceramic, ceramic, glass, or stone and place them thoughtfully throughout the bathroom.

Consider displaying them on countertops, side tables, bar carts, and even filling empty corners to create a cohesive look.

Freshen up furniture with contact paper

Before breaking out the wallet to replace old and tired-looking bathroom furniture, consider a more budget-friendly solution. Instead of spending a fortune on new cabinets, try using contact paper to give your furniture a fresh and modern makeover. This cost-effective approach offers a wealth of benefits, including a wide range of colors and patterns to choose from, making it easy to get creative with the design.

Moreover, contact paper is an extremely affordable option, allowing you to update your cabinets for under $30. Plus, it’s a renter-friendly alternative to painting the cabinets, offering a non-permanent solution that won’t damage the original surface. This clever hack will undoubtedly become one of the most impressive and budget-friendly ideas for decorating a bathroom.

Update fixtures & the shower system

A bathroom’s charm can be easily compromised by outdated fixtures and a worn-out shower system. Despite being seemingly minor details, giving these components an upgrade can have a profound impact on the overall ambiance of your space. To achieve this transformation, consider replacing your existing shower system with a new gold option – there are numerous choices available at Home Depot for under $200! Additionally, update your faucet to match your new fixtures.

For a cohesive look, opt for either all-gold or all-black metal finishes, and avoid mixing different designs.

Get some floating shelves & decorate

Floating shelves offer a versatile solution for maximizing storage and visual appeal in any bathroom. Strategically placed above the toilet or surrounding the bathtub, they become a striking focal point that effortlessly blends form and function. With their versatility, you can utilize them to showcase decorative items like potted plants, statement vases, artwork, sculptures, figurines, and candles.

Additionally, consider repurposing them as a convenient storage space for towels and toiletries, keeping your bathroom tidy, organized, and clutter-free while providing effortless access to essential bathroom supplies.

Use decorative towels

Elevate your bathroom’s ambiance by replacing traditional towels with decorative ones that add a pop of color and personality. The key is to opt for lightweight linen towels with subtle patterns and neutral hues.

The magic happens when you display rolled towels in a basket or stack them neatly on the countertop, accompanied by neatly hung bath towels or hand towels. This arrangement can instantly create a spa-like atmosphere in your bathroom.

To take it to the next level, consider draping a towel across the countertop – this simple touch can make all the difference in creating a hotel-like ambiance that’s both inviting and relaxing.

Get an elegant mirror

Transforming a bathroom on a budget requires creativity and resourcefulness. One effective strategy is to invest in an eye-catching bathroom mirror that doubles as a focal point and a practical accessory. A stylish oval or round mirror with a gold or black frame can elevate the space instantly, drawing attention away from its lackluster features.

Moreover, a well-chosen mirror not only serves its functional purpose but also cleverly reflects light, creating an illusion of brightness and spaciousness. Opting for a larger mirror can further enhance this effect.

Get eye-catching vanity lighting

When it comes to bathrooms, the right lighting can be the difference between a space that feels functional and one that truly shines. Vanity lights are a great place to start, as they can instantly elevate the style of your bathroom with their sleek designs and modern flair. Options like contemporary globe vanity lights or understated gold & glass fixtures can add a touch of sophistication to any room.

However, it’s not just about looks – you’ll also want to think about the size and color temperature of your lights to ensure they’re providing the right amount of illumination for your daily routines. Whether you’re getting ready in the morning or applying makeup before a night out, good lighting can make all the difference.

Swap out ugly ceiling lights

Swap unflattering bathroom ceiling lights with more stylish alternatives. This budget-friendly decorating idea is a game-changer! To achieve the look, either tackle the installation yourself or hire a professional electrician. Replace outdated fixtures with eye-catching pendant lights, glass chandeliers, or vintage-inspired pieces that add a touch of sophistication to your space. For a bohemian twist, consider incorporating rattan pendant lights to bring in an element of elegance.

Make use of decorative trays

A bathroom’s finishing touch is often overlooked but crucial: a thoughtful arrangement of decorative elements. In this context, a beautifully crafted tray filled with an assortment of bathroom essentials can make or break the overall aesthetic. This versatile piece should be a staple in every bathroom, as it effortlessly elevates the space and provides a stylish way to corral grooming products, perfumes, lotions, and more.

Imagine a serene atmosphere where candles, vases, decorative apothecary jars, and small plants harmonize with your personal care items. A decorative tray allows you to curate this perfect blend of form and function on top of the bathroom counter, drawing attention and creating a sense of cohesion.

Create an accent wall with wallpaper

Transforming your bathroom’s aesthetic on a budget? Look no further than the world of wallpaper! Peel & stick options offer an effortless way to introduce patterns and colors, allowing for seamless customization. Like peel & stick floor tiles, these wallpapers are ridiculously easy to work with, making it simple to experiment with different designs without causing any damage.

Whether you’re a renter or homeowner, this budget-friendly solution is perfect for adding visual interest and making a bold statement in your bathroom. With options ranging from clean geometric lines to flowery patterns, the possibilities are endless!

Upgrade the shower curtain + the curtain rod

Upgrading your bathroom design on a budget is surprisingly easy, starting with a simple yet impactful move: replacing the shower curtain. This low-cost transformation can be achieved for under $70! Not only that, but it’s also an excellent opportunity to refresh the curtain rod, which can instantly elevate the overall look of your bathroom.

With a wide range of options available, you’re bound to find a style that matches your personal taste – from solid colored linen to bohemian-inspired designs with tassels or patterned curtains. When it comes to the curtain rod, keep things straightforward with a sleek gold, silver, or black finish for a timeless look. For added visual interest, consider a curved design, and if you’re a renter, opt for a shower tension rod to ensure easy installation.

Use decorative baskets for storage

Transform your bathroom into a haven of style and functionality without breaking the bank by incorporating decorative baskets. These versatile storage solutions not only keep your essentials organized but also offer a plethora of design options to elevate your space’s aesthetic.

With an array of shapes, sizes, materials, and colors to choose from, you can effortlessly mix and match different types of decorative baskets to create a visually stunning focal point on your countertop, floating shelf, or cabinet shelf. Pairing contrasting textures, such as woven rattan or seagrass with wire basketry, can add a sophisticated touch to your bathroom’s design, making it a true masterpiece.