Easy Inexpensive Bathroom Updates

Welcome back to the Sparrow House, here are a few easy inexpensive bathroom updates that are sure to make that old builder grade bathroom POP!

Have you ever wondered, if there was an easy inexpensive way to update you bathroom while staying on a small budget? What bathroom updates can a beginner DIY’er do easily? Please keep reading to find inspiration for your own powder room or master bath.

Pinterest for Inspo

The best way to discover easy inexpensive bathroom update ideas is of course the internet. A go-to place for many DIYers is Pinterest for inspiration. Pinterest has all the ideas you could ever dream of. Find and save any pins that catch your eye. Go back through and see what it is about the pin that you liked. Is there any similarities in all the pins you saved? What is it? What is the estimated cost of the projects?

Attention catching ideas.

So what is it that you like on bathroom inspo pictures? Ask yourself what it is that you find intriguing from the images. Is it that white vanity with matte black knobs? Or is the navy vanity with gold knobs is speaking to you? Could it be a framed mirror over a bare one?

Add all of your ideas into your bathroom makeover plan. For more inspiration keep reading. Listed below are some of the best easy inexpensive bathroom updates to transform your old drab bathroom into a new space that you love.

Disclaimer

I would like to mention that *most* of my tips revolve around painting what you already have. That is the most economic way to get the results you are looking for. Do not underestimate the power of cleaning and painting!

This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when you click the links. This is at no additional cost to you. However, I only recommend products I use and love. For full disclosure statement, click here. Thanks!

Paint Power

Paint ceiling and walls

This is the best place to begin. Find a color and coordinating colors. I recommend choosing a semi-gloss or gloss paint for bathroom walls (those are more durable and easier to clean without ruining the paint). Ceilings can be painted in any color, regular white ceiling paint is my go-to. Cost: $0-$100

Cost depends on what brand of paint is used / if you already have paint.

Painted Vanity.

This is so simple and makes for a big impact. Remove hardware, clean, sand, prime, paint, done. I always use and love Sherwin-Williams alkyd urethane. It is expensive amazing for cabinets and trim. Wait for a sale, it goes on sale for 20-30% off all the time, sign up for their emails! Cost: $0-$100

Painted Counters.

There are many kits on the market for this project. Using your existing counters; clean, prep, and paint as desired. Youtube and Pinterest have many resources such as in-depth instructions and product lists. To make counters last, seal with 2 step Epoxy. Cost: $40-$100

• 

• 

• 

• 

Paint Trim

A coat of white paint on trim will freshen the space. Clean, sand, prime, paint. Easy. This is something else I will buy in bulk if I know it will get used. Cost: $0-$70

Backsplash

Painted, ceramic tile, vinyl tile, wallpaper; the options are endless! Make sure the product chosen is water resistant/ waterproof if there is a lot of splashing going on (seal and apply according to manufacturer’s instructions). Cost: $10-$100

Here, peel and stick mosaic ceramic tiles were installed as a backsplash. Look at that simple transformation.

• 

• 

For more details and full How-to tutorial check out this post along with video instruction.

Other beautiful options found on Amazon include:

Hardware

New Faucet.

Home Depot, Amazon, and Lowe’s all have many options. Sales and promotions are always happening. I was able to change out my own faucet. Thanks Youtube!! Cost: $60-$200

• 

• 

• 

Pulls and Knobs.

Buying new (Amazon) or spray painting the old ones make for a statement in the freshly painted cabinets. Choose contrasting knobs/ pulls for a bigger impact. Cost: $0-$20

Light Fixture.

So many beautiful and unique options are available. Amazon has so many options as does Wayfair and Build.com If buying new isn’t in the budget, paint the existing fixture. Cost: $70-$200

Caulk.

Remove old caulk and apply fresh in any areas that to be grungy or cracking. Here is a helpful video. Cost: $5-$10

Décor.

Last to the easy inexpensive bathroom updates list is décor. Buying new, thrifting and sprucing up, or using pieces you may already own are very effective in adding new charm with an old piece of décor. A little paint (picture frames, vases, baskets, etc.) and you’re all set. Cost: $0-$?

Mirror Frame.

If you already have a frame, paint it! If you have a plain builder grade mirror like I did, make your own. Using 1×3’s, brackets, wood glue, and screws you can make an easy frame. To attach, use liquid nails (it will be on forever) or heavy duty fasteners (for a damage-free rental friendly approach). Cost: $5-$20

• 

• 

Final Thoughts.

As always, I hope you find some inspiration and motivation within this post to tackle you’e own bathroom. These projects are fairly simple, do not take a lot of time (weekend projects), and pack some WOW factor into that outdated bathroom

FYI: Many times I go to paint something in my house, I already have the paint from a past project (cost: $0). Other times, I have to buy something new. Waiting for the item to go on sale is the best option for budgeting. Sign up to be emailed promotional discounts and sales dates through a company’s website.