How to Instantly Refresh Your Bathroom Without Breaking the Bank, According to Designers

Let’s be honest: bathrooms are one of the most overlooked spaces in a home, and it’s easy to spend our time—and money—on decorating busier areas like a living room or kitchen. But as the room where we refresh every single day, there’s no doubt our bathrooms deserve a little refresh of their own, too.

If you have a small bathroom, budget, or amount of time for DIYs, our design experts have you covered with quick, easy, and affordable upgrades for your bathroom that can be completed within a day or a weekend.

Focus on the Vanity

When it comes to making a big impact for less, interior designer Jan Odesanya recommends focusing your bathroom upgrade budget on one eye-catching element.

“If you’re going to splurge anywhere in a bathroom, make it the vanity area,” she says. “It’s like the kitchen island of the bathroom—the place that gets the most visual attention and sets the tone for the whole space.”

If an entirely new vanity isn’t realistic, Odesanya says refreshing your current one with new drawer handles and a calming color can be just as effective.

“If you have a perfectly functional vanity but it’s looking a little tired, give it new life with paint,” she says. “Moody greens, rich navy, or even a fresh white can make it look brand new.”

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Upgrade the Mirror

While making over the vanity area, or if you’re a renter working with a blank canvas of a bathroom, Odesanya says to look at the mirror as a piece of decor, not just a functional getting-ready essential.

“Don’t underestimate the bathroom mirror,” Odesanya says. “Ditch the builder-grade one, and hang a framed mirror instead. It’s an instant glow-up, and you can find affordable options at thrift stores, or even the online big box retailers. I once snagged a vintage brass mirror for $45, and my client swore I must have spent $500.”

Swap Out Fixtures

According to designer Luis Carmona, the smallest details can make the biggest difference when decorating a bathroom on a budget, and he recommends investing in new faucets, handles, and shower heads for major impact.

“Swapping out the plumbing fixtures will elevate a space without the big investment,” Carmona says. “Mixing metals or simply adding a fresh set of hardware with a different design aesthetic, texture, or embellishment will add a touch of luxury to the space and make it feel brand-new.”

Create Cozy Lighting

Lighting is key in setting the atmosphere of a room, and designers say ambient light sources like wall sconces, shower lamps, and around-mirror or under-cabinet strips in a bathroom can instantly make the space feel more soothing and relaxing.

“Swap out harsh overhead lights for a soft, warm glow,” Odesanya says. “I’ve been known to pop in a dimmer switch—a super easy upgrade—and add wall sconces to get that soft, peaceful, glowy moment. It’s one of those changes that feels subtle but makes everything feel more high-end.”

Add Spa-Style Details

Very few things feel more luxurious than a spa-style bathroom—and according to interior architect Inara Tirkkonen, they don’t have to come with a price tag to match. Her top ways to get the look are towels, textiles, and textural pieces.

“Towels aren’t just functional; they can also be a key part of your decor,” Tirkkonen says. “Invest in soft, plush towels in neutral or calming colors, a soft rug to make the space feel cozier, and wooden elements like a small stool or storage basket to add a touch of natural warmth.”

Limewash the Walls

The natural textures of wood, marble, and stone all make a bathroom look expensive and feel more sanctuary-like— and Odesanya says a unique wall treatment can help to capture the essence of a bucket list-worthy spa hotel at home for less.

“Want the look of stone but don’t have the budget for slabs of travertine? Use limewash paint,” Odesanya says. “It adds that soft, organic, stone-like texture to walls, and it’s way cheaper than tile. Plus, it’s very DIY-friendly.”

Refresh the Decor

Although it’s often the most overlooked, bathroom decor can make a world of a difference—and our design experts say certain styling choices can even make a small bathroom feel bigger.

“Little touches like new picture frames or a trendy lamp can also add personality and warmth, and adding plants that thrive in a bathroom’s humidity will help freshen up the space and make it feel more cozy and serene,” Tirkkonen says.

“Opt for a ceiling-mounted shower curtain rod so your curtain hangs higher, which instantly makes the ceilings look taller,” Carmona adds. “It’s like heels for your bathroom.”

Paint or Wallpaper

Carmona believes one of of the best ways to upgrade a bathroom on a budget is also one of the simplest: a new shade of paint—or wallpaper—can completely transform the room’s look and feel.

“Changing the walls is is another great way to help a bathroom feel new and fresh without spending too much,” Carmona says. “Even choosing wallpaper for an accent wall or just painting the ceiling can give the room new life.”

Try Peel-and-Stick Tiles

A makeover for rental bathrooms can be a little more challenging. But Odensaya says a big change is still within reach with the help of an underrated decor element.

“If ripping up tile isn’t an option, go for high-quality peel-and-stick options,” she says. “They’ve come a long way in design (no more old-school ‘grandma’s linoleum’ vibes) and can completely transform a bathroom floor or accent wall in just an afternoon.”