You don’t have to spend tons of money to achieve a fresh new look in your bathroom. You might not be ready to make a big change, but if you’re looking to refresh your en suite bathroom or powder room, there are plenty of easy updates to consider. From fresh coats of paint to traditional elements like white tile, even simple changes can transform your bathroom into a beautiful new space. 

Change can work wonders, especially when it comes to your home’s interior design. In this article, you’ll find simple bathroom decor ideas full of inspiration to make your space feel brand new without straining your bank account. Keep reading to learn about affordable bathroom ideas and easy styling hacks that will make your space feel polished and rejuvenated.

17 Affordable Bathroom Decor Ideas

1. Painting Bathroom Walls

A fresh coat of paint instantly elevates any living space.. You can also put a coat of paint on your wood trim, so everything looks like it's practically brand new.

Picking the right color can make your bathroom feel more spacious. Lighter shades like white, soft taupe, and spa-like blues are ideal for small rooms, helping reflect light and create an airy feel. 

At the same time, painting wood trim or the back wall in a contrasting tone can also add subtle dimension and make your space feel larger. New paint can make a huge difference if you’re looking for a great bathroom idea on a budget.

2. Swapping Out Your Hardware

The impact you can make just by swapping out your cabinet knobs, pulls, and handles is astonishing. It’s another awesome bathroom-on-a-budget idea to consider. This whole job shouldn’t cost more than a few hundred dollars with a large bathroom. It could cost even less than $100 if you’re working on a smaller area and choosing affordable options.

Hardware for cabinets comes in a variety of colors, styles, designs, finishes, and textures. Choose from modern finishes like matte black or brushed gold to complement other plumbing fixtures. 

This is a simple and satisfying change, and since you're just swapping out hardware, it requires very little effort. You just need your hands and a screwdriver when it comes to tools. You will want to make sure the new hardware you choose is user-friendly and the same size as the ones you are replacing so the existing holes line up exactly. This quick upgrade adds personality without taking up floor space, which is ideal for a primary bathroom or guest bathroom.

3. Getting New Fixtures

Upgrading your sink faucet, tub spout, or showerhead is one of the most effective ways to achieve a modern look. You can swap them out for a new material that will transform the look of your bathroom.

Combine this with painting and new hardware, and you can make an even more noticeable difference when updating your space. For example, you could go from white walls and stainless-steel fixtures to marble-look wall tiles and oil-rubbed bronze fixtures and you’d see a remarkable transformation.

4. Freshen Up Your Grout

Not only can this simple idea make your bathroom feel new again, but it can also help make your space feel somewhat larger. Premade grout cleaners are available on the market; however, you can make your own, which is very easy to do.

Start by wiping down the grout with hot water to remove any dirt and grime that may be stuck to the surface. Next, mix your cleaning solution, which is two parts baking soda to one part hydrogen peroxide. Then, apply the paste to the grout, let it sit, and wait 10–15 minutes. Lastly, use a soft brush and thoroughly scrub the grout. This is one of the best bathroom-on-a-budget ideas since it only requires baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and a brush.

This affordable bathroom-decor idea will make your grout shine and leave your bathroom feeling fresh and updated. And after you spruce up the grout, take time to clean your entire bathroom. Not only will you enhance its style, but you’ll also reduce the risk of infection and illness (viruses and bacteria can live on bathroom surfaces for up to a week!). Use products that clean as well as disinfect.

5. Try Daring Wallpaper

Peel-and-stick wallpaper is one of the most transformational bathroom decor ideas. It gives you a fast, affordable, and stylish way to update your space without the commitment or mess of traditional wallpaper. Whether you're working with a small space or even a master bath, this simple solution lets you completely refresh your walls or even create a striking accent area behind your pedestal sink or freestanding tub.

A bathroom is a perfect place to try bold wallpaper. There’s plenty of stuff in the room (mirrors, windows, shower, bath, cabinetry), which all help to break up the walls so the pattern doesn’t overwhelm the space. 

6. Introduce an Indoor Plant

Indoor plants add much-needed color to a neutral space. They bring a liveliness you can’t mimic with anything else. You can find affordable indoor plants and trees (even fake ones!) that will brighten your space and give you that perfect, tiny change you desperately need. Whether in a corner or hanging from high ceilings, it’s a great way to soften hard surfaces like glass shower doors.

Plants also increase humidity in the air, and humidity determines our thermal comfort. When humidity levels are low, our skin gets flaky and itchy, and our eyes become dry and irritated. Low humidity also increases your chances of getting a cold, flu, and other infections. Some plants, like the Peace Lilly, can also reduce high levels of humidity.

7. Add an Area Rug

Adding a colorful or textured area rug to your bathroom can make all the difference. It adds a pop of color and character to the room, helping it feel bolder and more exciting.

A bathroom rug adds warmth and comfort, making any bathroom feel inviting. It absorbs water from your body as you step out of the shower or bath, keeping it off the floor and preventing slips. A 100% cotton rug is the best option since cotton is highly absorbent and dries fast.

8. Get a New Shower Curtain

When it comes to small bathroom decor ideas, nothing beats a new shower curtain. You rcurtain not only prevents water and moisture from leaving the bathroom or shower area and adds privacy, but it’s also handy at keeping your bathroom looking pretty. A shower curtain can completely transform your space. And because of its size, it seems more like a wall than an accessory.

However, unlike wallpaper, paint, or tile, a shower curtain can be changed out in minutes. When choosing one, you can go as bold as you like. This affordable bathroom decor adds texture and balance to your bathroom. It’s the centerpiece of small bathrooms and can instantly upgrade any space.

9. Fancy Bar Soaps

A fancy bar soap takes up minimal space, produces little waste, and supplies a more tangible cleanse. It’s utilitarian luxury at its finest. If a bar of soap is infused with fragrance, it fills its surroundings with a lovely aroma. Every time you enter the bathroom, the soap’s scent puts you in a good mood. And for every bar of soap used, there’s one less bottle in the landfill. To make your fancy bar soap stand out and maximize space on your countertops, get a beautiful soap dish.

10. Install a Clear Glass Shower Door

This is one of the trending, modern bathroom decor ideas that will make your bathroom look luxurious on a budget. Nothing spells luxury quite like walking into your bathroom and seeing directly into your walk-in shower. Glass shower doors create the illusion of a larger space, making it perfect for space-saving designs.

Lots of people prefer the textured glass options for more privacy while bathing, but there’s something eye-catching and chic about the look of clear glass. Although you’ll have to frequently tend to it to keep it looking clean while making sure the inside of your shower is also tidy, clear glass shower doors can go a long way in increasing your home’s overall value and appeal to potential buyers down the line.

11. Add a Bench Inside the Shower

If you plan to replace your shower soon and start anew, it’s time to start brainstorming bathroom design ideas. Adding a bench to the shower is a great way to make your bathroom look and feel more luxurious.

A bench boosts safety in the bathroom since a lot of bathroom accidents involve slipping. It also provides a place to sit and rest while bathing, which is important in case of mobility issues or injuries. Look for a sturdy bench with suction. Adjustable height and bars offer a nonslip grip.

12. Use Faux Marble

In many cases, marble wouldn’t make the list of frugal bathroom ideas, but there’s good news: you can use faux marble and achieve the same effect as the real deal. Large, porcelain tiles that look exactly like marble are available. Pair these tiles with minimalist hardware and neutral-toned bathroom furniture to make your space look incredible at an unbeatable price.

13. Add Towel Hooks

If you can, find some beautiful towel hooks that match the finish and style of your hardware. It’s one of the easiest and most affordable bathroom decor ideas that can make your bathroom feel lush. Pair them with some fluffy, clean towels, and you’ll impress anyone who enters.

14. Roll Your Towels

You may be wondering, “How can I make my bathroom look nice on a budget?” It’s not always about purchasing new things but using what you already have with a twist—or a roll!

Roll your towels like you would find them in a nice hotel. Carefully place them on open shelves or near the entrance of your bathroom. It’s an elegant yet simple touch to make your bathroom space feel more lavish.

15. Ditch the Plastic. Swap it with Glass

This small change makes a massive difference in your bathroom. Ditch the plastic soap bottles and replace them with glass. This way, your hand soap isn’t an eyesore on the countertop, it looks stylish. This upgrade works well on marble countertops, helping your bathroom feel more elegant.

16. Use Apothecary Jars

You can use different sizes of apothecary jars on your shelves or countertop instead of keeping boxes of cotton swabs and other toiletries in the drawer. These clear, lidded jars are perfect for storing everyday essentials while adding a spa-like touch. The best part? They look great wherever you place them, whether that’s on the toilet tank or on the counter.

17. Add a Eucalyptus Bundle

Nothing says luxury quite like the scent of a heavenly spa as soon as you turn on that warm, comforting water. Hang a eucalyptus bundle from your showerhead to create a peaceful retreat every time you wash up. It not only looks good, but it’s also useful.

The steam and heat from your shower help to release the soothing aromatherapy qualities of this plant, which can reduce sinus inflammation and help you breathe. Eucalyptus also possesses anti-anxiety properties, which make it an incredible addition to your shower after a long day. This is one bathroom-on-a-budget idea that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional.

Additional Tips for Budget Bathrooms

There are many other affordable bathroom decor ideas that can help you create a more beautiful, functional space.

You can update your bathroom storage and get more organized. It’s not only affordable, but also a small change that can make your space feel completely different. In any house, clutter is one of the biggest distractions, especially in rooms like the bathroom or bedroom. When you go into your bathroom, chances are you want to relax, unwind, and take a nice hot shower or warm bath. Don’t let disorganization stress you.

You can add storage bins beneath your counters or on your shelving (depending on how your bathroom is set up), and you can put everything where it belongs. No more searching for what you need—and no more stressing over the clutter. 

You can also change the lighting, including the fixtures and the placements, for a quick bathroom refresh. If your bathroom is spacious, a small chandelier hanging from the ceiling can create a stunning focal point. You can also replace bulb strips around the bathroom mirror with stylish sconces for an instant update.

Simple Bathroom Decor Ideas for Small Spaces

Going to your local home-improvement store and searching for materials that are affordable but look expensive is a great place to start. With a smaller bathroom, you won't need as much material. Therefore, if you can find something you love for the right price, it might be worth the purchase.

Try finding inexpensive yet eye-catching tile, natural stone, or brick to use as an accent wall in your bathroom. You can also check to see if they have any good deals on flooring materials that meet your budget. Check for discounted fixtures and hardware to swap out with what you currently have.

The bottom line: There are plenty of ways to update or freshen up your space without going over budget.

Ready to turn your bathroom into your own personal retreat? Use our affordable bathroom decor ideas to make small and simple swaps—or do something extreme for a full transformation. It depends on the price point you have in mind. 

Whenever you are ready to make a change in your bathroom, Bath Fitter has a wide array of customizable options to ensure your bathroom remodel is simple and enjoyable. We’ll help you through the process every step of the way. Book a free consultation today.