7 Budget Friendly Bathroom Remodeling Ideas in 2024

To say Americans love upgrading their bathrooms would be an understatement. According to the 2024 National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) survey, 65% of remodelers reported that bathroom renovation was the most common job they did in the first quarter. 

But while bathrooms are one of the most popular spaces to renovate, are they expensive? 

Contrary to popular belief, remodeling your bathroom doesn’t have to break the bank. There are plenty of budget-friendly ways to update your bathroom, from simple cosmetic fixes to functional upgrades, that can transform the space without draining your savings.

At Lifespan Bath Remodel, we believe everyone deserves a safe, stunning bathroom – a belief that inspires us to come up with stunning bathroom remodel ideas on a budget. So, here we are with a few budget-friendly ideas to help you remodel your bathroom in 2024.

Let’s get started.

1. Paint the Walls and Cabinets

It may not sound like much, but a fresh coat of paint can give your bathroom a new look, and it is one of the most popular bathroom remodel ideas on a budget. 

If you have a small bathroom, we recommend neutral shades like soft gray, beige, or white. These shades are not only timeless but also make your bathroom look more spacious and modern. However, if you want a bold, trendy touch, you can paint one wall in a deep, rich color like navy blue or forest green to create a feature wall.

While painting your walls, don’t forget about your cabinets. Instead of replacing them, which can be costly, you can paint them. A fresh color on your cabinets can make them pop, adding a focal point to your bathroom. Light colors make the space feel more open, while darker colors add a modern, sleek touch.

Pro tip: Use paint designed for bathrooms that is moisture and mold-resistant.

2. Upgrade Your Fixtures

Small updates can make a big impact, making them perfect for budget-friendly bathroom renovations. Swapping out old faucets, showerheads, and cabinet handles with modern, stylish alternatives can instantly give your bathroom a fresh look. These upgrades are easy on your wallet but will make your bathroom look suave.

Brushed nickel, matte black, or brass finishes are popular choices that add a contemporary touch to your bathroom. Replacing your old faucets and showerhead with new brass fixtures, for example, can improve the experience and add a statement to your bathroom.

Pro tip: Look for WaterSense-labeled showerheads, which can help an average family save 2,700 gallons of water yearly. 

3. Refinish Your Bathtub

Another cost-effective bathroom remodeling idea is refinishing your bathtub. While an old, cracked, or stained bathtub is definitely an eyesore, you don’t have to replace it. Bathtub refinishing is a much more affordable option, which typically ranges between $336 and $629.

By reglazing or refinishing the surface, you can restore your tub to look brand new at a fraction of the cost of a replacement, which is usually as high as $4,306 – $11,850. Refinishing involves repairing damage, sanding down the surface, and applying a new coating. It’s a great way to revive the look of your bathroom without the price tag of a new tub.

Pro tip: Instead of DIY, go for professional refinishing, as it’s more cost-effective in the long run. 

4. Install Affordable Flooring

Changing the flooring can make a big difference, and it’s not as expensive a bathroom renovation as you think. While high-end materials like marble or porcelain tiles can be costly, there is no shortage of budget-friendly options that still look stunning. 

Vinyl flooring, for example, has come a long way in recent years. It’s durable, water-resistant, and available in several styles, including those that mimic the look of natural stone or wood.

Peel-and-stick tiles are another cost-effective option. They’re easy to install yourself, saving you on labor costs. These tiles come in different colors and patterns, making it easier to get the desired look without a hefty price tag.

Pro tip: Choose light-colored flooring to make your bathroom feel spacious. 

5. Change the Lighting

Good lighting can completely transform the look and feel of your bathroom. If you’re still using outdated fixtures, it’s time to upgrade. But this bathroom renovation idea is all about adding new, modern light fixtures to enhance the overall ambiance. You can swap out old, harsh lighting for warm, soft lighting that creates a cozy, relaxing atmosphere.

Installing sconces on either side of your mirror or a light fixture over the vanity is also a great way to add a style statement to your bathroom. Whether you add sconces, vanity lights, or accent lights, add dimmers to control the brightness and mood in your bathroom. 

Pro tip: Use LED lights because they consume 90% less energy than traditional bulbs and last 15 times longer.

6. Add New Hardware

Replacing hardware, such as towel bars, robe hooks, and toilet paper holders, is an affordable and easy way to give your bathroom a facelift. These small items may seem insignificant, but they can pull the whole design of your bathroom together.

But, when planning this bathroom renovation, stick to a few basics. For one, match the hardware to your faucet and lighting fixtures for a cohesive look. Secondly, look for modern designs in finishes like brushed nickel, chrome, or black for a stylish and updated appearance. 

Pro tip: Go for hardware sets that include all the essentials, which saves time and money.

7. Create More Store

Clutter can make even a remodeled bathroom look messy. Adding more storage is a practical way to elevate the look and functionality of your bathroom. But since this is a budget-friendly bathroom remodeling idea, you might want to keep these changes low-key.

So, instead of custom storage, add store-bought floating shelves, baskets, or vanity with built-in storage to keep things organized. You can also install an over-the-toilet storage unit, which makes perfect use of vertical space. 

If you have a small bathroom, these solutions can help maximize your space and keep countertops clear, making the room feel larger and more open.

Pro tip: Use open shelving to display candles, plants, or neatly folded towels to add a personal touch to your bathroom.

Final Thoughts 

A bathroom remodel doesn’t have to cost a fortune. If you focus on budget-friendly bathroom remodeling ideas like these and make a few smart choices, you can transform your bathroom without breaking the bank. It’s all about planning and prioritizing the changes that will have the most impact at a price you can afford. 

But if you would rather leave this to an expert, we can help. At Lifespan Bath Remodel, we’ve got remodeling solutions for all budgets. To create the bathroom of your dreams, schedule your consultation today!