Budget Bathroom Makeovers (Refresh Your Space)

IKEA Bathroom

IKEA

Who says you have to spend a fortune for a bathroom that looks new? A simple refresh can bring a fresh feel to your routine without breaking the bank. With a few quick wins and creativity, you can make your bathroom brighter in a weekend.

It’s all about finding easy changes that offer the biggest impact. Sometimes, swapping out a few things or adding a pop of colour is all you need. If you’re ready for a budget-friendly update, you’re in the right spot.

Read our post on safe/unsafe pet plants (many like sago palm and lilies are toxic, even if a tail brushes past) Keep plants on a high shelf if used, out of reach of little paws. And don’t face indoor plants to face outdoor gardens, to help stop birds flying into windows.

Bath Safety Tips (for adults and children)

Run warm water first, then add hot water and test with your hand (a good range is from 36°C (97°F) to 38°C (104°F) which can relax, without overheating. For sensitive skin, babies and older people, go for the lower end, using a thermometer to test. 

Safety for Baby Baths

  • NHS has a 2-minute video by a midwife (never leave a child alone and avoid baby seats that can quickly detach and drown, even in a few centimetres of water).
  • Run cold water first (add hot water, testing with wrist or elbow). Keep your baby’s head clear of water.
  • Don’t bathe straight after feeds, or if hungry or tired. Avoid baby oils, due to risk of slipping.
  • Avoid talcum powder, it’s linked to ovarian cancer and banned in many countries. Don’t use cotton buds to clean baby’s ears (the cause of nearly all infections).

Read our posts on relaxing warm baths and sustainable showers. Plus biodegradable bathroom cleaners (choose unscented for pregnant/nursing women and near babies/pets).

Plan and Prep for a Budget Refresh

bathroom before after

Paper n Stitch

A good plan is the secret to a smooth bathroom makeover. Getting organised in advance will help you stay on track, save money, and avoid rework. Start with a deep clean, make a simple budget, and pick a new paint shade that sets a fresh mood. These three steps can add up to a bigger transformation than you might expect.

Deep Clean and Air Out

A proper refresh starts with a sparkling clean space. Remove clutter and give every surface some attention. Use natural cleaners like cleaning vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, and lemon juice to scrub tiles, polish mirrors, and wipe down taps. These gentle options cut through grime without leaving harsh fumes.

Avoid lemon juice near pets (citrus oils are toxic) and avoid scents for pregnancy/nursing or near babies.

For a bathroom that feels new, focus on:

  • Scrubbing grout and tile with a toothbrush and a paste of bicarbonate of soda and water.
  • Wiping down fixtures and handles until they shine.
  • Cleaning shelves and ledges to make accessories stand out.

Open the window wide to let the air flow. If your bathroom has no window or feels stuffy, bring in a small portable fan. This will help clear out moisture and keep fresh air circulating. A dry, airy bathroom feels more inviting and helps new paint or flooring look their best.

Set a Realistic Budget

bathroom before after

DIY Show Off

Setting a budget is like drawing a map for your project. List everything you might need before you get started. Measure your space and make a checklist. Break your spending into groups so you know how much to put towards each part of the makeover.

Here’s a simple way to split a small budget:

  • Natural paint and supplies (25%)
  • Towels, mats, shower curtain, art (25%)
  • Flooring (30%)
  • Knobs, hooks, light pulls, taps (20%)

Before you buy anything, check for:

  • Seasonal sales (spring and late summer are great for deals)
  • Discount shops or online marketplaces
  • DIY swaps, like painting cabinets or spray-painting tired hardware
  • Second-hand stores for budget finds

Keep receipts, track spending, and compare prices. If you get a great bargain in one category, you might be able to splurge a bit in another.

Choose a Paint Colour that Brightens

Graphenstone paint

Fresh natural paint is the quickest way to lift a tired bathroom. For a look that feels light and open, pick a neutral or pale shade. Paints made for bathrooms have ingredients that fight mould and damp, so check the label for moisture-resistant or bathroom-specific options.

Popular paint colours to brighten small spaces:

  • Soft whites (classic, works with any décor)
  • Light greys (adds modern style)
  • Pale beige or oatmeal (warm but subtle)
  • Muted blues or greens (calming and clean)

Prepping the walls matters as much as the paint colour itself. Clean any marks, fill nail holes, and sand flaking spots to help your new paint stick. If you spot any mould, clean it away with a vinegar solution first.

For affordable painting, try these quick hacks:

  • Buy a tester pot and check the colour in natural light
  • Use a small foam roller for even coverage in awkward corners
  • Reuse leftover paint for trim or doors
  • Line your roller tray with tin foil for easy clean-up

A careful coat of fresh paint can make your bathroom feel bigger, cleaner, and much more welcoming.

Here are a few ideas from eco-friendly brand Graphenstone paint:

Graphenstone paint

Graphenstone paint

Graphenstone paint

Refresh Tiles with Primer & Paint

Graphenstone primer paint

Graphenstone Primer paint

A bathroom refresh doesn’t have to mean stripping everything out and starting over. Small, smart changes to surfaces and hardware can give the whole space a new look while sticking to your budget. These updates work like a fresh haircut or a new pair of shoes—suddenly the room feels lighter, brighter, and just more welcoming.

If your tiles are bringing down the mood, you don’t have to replace them. Two great low-cost options are tile paint and peel-and-stick decals. Both can cover up tired colours or dated patterns, giving you a look that feels expensive for the price of a pizza night.

Tile paint comes in every shade, so you can add a bright white or even bold colours. Make sure your tiles are squeaky clean before you begin. Use sugar soap or a degreasing cleaner to remove grime and soap scum. Once they’re dry, lightly sand glossy tiles if needed.

Next, tape off edges and use a brush or foam roller for a neat finish. Always follow the drying times on the tin, and add a clear sealer for tougher protection against splashes.

Choose Everlasting Natural Bath Mats

natural step stone bath mats

Natural Step Bath Mats are made with sustainable materials that feel warm on your feet, and never need laundering. Designed to last for life, these stone/rock bath mats make wet bathroom floors (and soggy bath mats) a thing of the past.

Fabric bath mats often go mouldy, due to moisture in bathrooms. And as around half of people in England don’t put the loo seat down after they flush, all that airborne bacteria also ends up on bath mats.

stone bath mats

You even transfer bacteria from feet (before showers or baths), then make the bath mats mouldy when you put clean (wet) feet on them, when you get out!

These stone bath mats absorb 5 times their weight in water, yet still feel dry to the touch. And water quickly evaporates, to prevent mould and bacteria.

The mats dry in seconds, and also grip the floor nicely, to avoid moving on slippery surfaces. Sent with free next-day delivery and a money-back guarantee.

I am a complete convert, who will never go back to fabric mats. Less water everywhere after my shower, and stay in position much better than my old mat, which I sometimes slipped on.

Recycled Plastic Bathroom Accessories

reborn bathroom

Reborn is a Wiltshire company, which makes quality bathroom accessories, all made from reclaimed plastic waste. This means they have a carbon footprint almost 80% lower, than importing virgin plastic items from Asia, like most brands.

reborn bathroom

Designed to last years, the items are in mostly stone or grey or black, to blend in with any bathroom design. The range includes:

  • A soap dish to help palm-oil-free vegan soaps drain quickly. It’s easy to clean, thanks to the smooth surface.
  • A liquid soap dispenser, to hold biodegradable hand soaps. The wide stable base and top seal, prevents leaks.
  • A bathroom caddy (this has raised surfaces to allow air-flow and prevent mould).
  • A toothbrush holder (with airflow holes) and sections to store dental items (never use xylitol brands near pets).

We don’t recommend the toilet brush, as it’s made from plastic (recycled or otherwise, scrubbing toilet pans with plastic leaches microplastics, which go into the sea – even ‘silicone toilet brushes’ tend to have TPE plastic heads). Read our post on cleaning toilets naturally.

Natural Flooring Options for Bathrooms

There are many sustainable flooring options for bathrooms. And even though it’s not loved by all, discount end-of-line carpet is another option, it’s nice and warm if stepping out after a bath. Just don’t use it, if you live with a man who can’t aim straight in the loo!

For installation, start with a dry, clean floor. Remove old glue and wipe away dust. Lay out tiles or planks to check fit before applying adhesive. Work slowly along the edges and use a straight edge to keep lines neat

Style with Soft Textiles and Green Touches

organic cotton bath towels

A bathroom feels instantly better with thick organic cotton towels that invite you in. Matching your towel colours with your wall paint or tile brings out a tidy, put-together style, without much extra effort. If you went for soft paint shades, try white, cream, soft grey, or pale blue towels for a calm, spa-like vibe. Rather have energy? Go bold with navy, emerald, or mustard to add a punch.

Bathrooms shouldn’t feel soulless. Art, prints, or a handy pinboard easily bring fun or calm to your morning. You don’t need to spend much—there are stylish, affordable prints online, and even postcards can be framed for pennies.

Photos and prints: Fill a shelf or wall with framed memories, postcards, or affordable prints. Mismatched frames add a relaxed, homely feel. Paper High sells beautiful office stationery and photo albums with a difference. They are made from a blend of recycled paper and elephant dung! So each album has unique flecks, depending on what your elephant friend ate that day!

These albums have a serious side. Abroad, wild elephants are often harmed, due to trampling on crops. So by paying local villagers to collect the dung, they see elephants as income opportunities (and friends) rather than competing for food. And as the average elephant eats around the same as us chomping down 300 cans of baked beans each day, that’s a lot of dung!

bumboo bathroom tissue

Other ways to personalise without clutter:

Use Natural Toiletries and Simple Storage

Kleen soaps

Read our beauty tag for lovely zero waste toiletries.

For storage, it pays to go simple:

  • Clip-on shelves: These attach to tile, glass, or over shower doors with suction. They’re cheap, easy to install, and moveable if you change your mind.
  • Wire baskets: Hang from hooks or sit in corners for towels, spare loo rolls, or kids’ bath toys.
  • Stackable boxes: Use them inside cupboards to stop clutter from spreading. Clear boxes are best so you can see what’s in each one.

bathroom before after

Jane at Home before…

bathroom before after

and after!

A bathroom makeover on a budget is possible with a bit of forward planning, smart shopping, and small updates that bring real change. Starting with a deep clean, a splash of fresh paint, and clever swaps for tiles, hardware, and textiles sets the tone. The right touches, from pet-safe plants to quick privacy fixes, help your bathroom stay fresh without cost piling up.

You don’t need a massive budget or professional skills to make your space feel new. Even the smallest changes add up to a morning routine that feels lighter. Give these tips a try, and watch your bathroom transform into a spot that works better for you and looks the part too.

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