18 Small Bathroom Ideas on a Budget that Actually Work

Small Bathroom Ideas - The Home Atlas
29+ Small Bathrooms, Design Ideas for Tiny Spaces | Part 3

Small Bathroom Ideas

Use the Right Colors

small bathroom ideas on a budget
Photo by Revival Designs/Pinterest

When it comes to choosing the color scheme of your bathroom, stick to light and bright colors. Why? Light colors tend to open up space. Think white, off-white, peach, etc. Just because you have a small bathroom, it doesn’t mean that it has to look small.

You can also stick to light-colored fixtures such as bathtubs, sinks, etc. These will make the bathroom feel more open, airy, and spacious than it is.

Mirror, Mirror(s) on the Wall

small bathroom design
Floor & Decor

Adding mirrors is one of the best small bathroom decor ideas on a budget. Mirrors reflect light and pattern, which creates the illusion of a larger space while doubling the effect of any lighting.

You can either mirror a whole wall, preferably the area above the vanity. If you don’t have a vanity, you may consider adding multiple mirrors above your sink space.

Use Awkward Spaces

small rustic bathroom ideas on a budget
Photo by Pinterest

If you have a small bathroom, you’re more than likely to have an awkward corner or too. These awkward corners are either too big or too small for something significant to be placed. At least, that’s what they look like.

However, these spaces are perfect for innovation. For instance, a corner sink is the best fixture to install in an awkward space. Not only does it make use of this redundant space, but it also frees up the rest of the bathroom for other fixtures.

Use a Pocket Door

ideas for small bathrooms on a budget
Photo by Gretchen Drobnyk/Pinterest

While swing-in doors are the norm, they consume quite a lot of space. Space, however, is a dear luxury in small bathrooms. To make the most of your bathroom space, replace these doors with nifty pocket doors.

Granted, you do have to open up your wall, and the process is a bit labor-intensive. However, you can gain upto nine sq.ft of usable space in your small bathroom.

Get Rid of Your Tub

Large bathtub
Photo by Curtis Adams on Pexels

Tubs take up considerable space in your bathroom, often twice as much as showers do. Not only are showers more practical, but they also save a ton of space. If you have a small guest bathroom, you might want to consider doing this. Showers are ideal for older people, kids, people with disabilities, etc.

However, if you must install a tub, consider a low-profile one. Low-profile tubs are easier to get in and out of. They also make the bathroom feel more open than a standard tub.

Be Creative with Tiles

small bathroom makeover ideas on a budget
Photo by Decoholic/Pinterest

Just because you have a small bathroom doesn’t mean that it has to be perceived as little. How? Continuous tiling is the name of the game. Continuing the flooring into the shower space or on the tub’s back wall is a great way of providing the illusion of a larger space. If you have a shower space, consider transforming it into a curbless shower. 

The now eliminated curb will further highlight the continuous flooring and its effect. 

Choose the Right Furniture

small bathroom decor ideas on a budget
Photo by Pinterest

There’s nothing worse than oversized furniture in a small bathroom. Large furniture is enough to dwarf all your efforts to design your small bathroom. 

Choose vanities and other fixtures that are proportional to the size of your bathroom. Otherwise, moving around your small bathroom will be quite a challenge for you and your family.

You can opt for smaller sinks and floating vanities to make it easier for you. These choices will help you save a ton of space in your bathroom without compromising on functionality.

Choose Smart Storage

small bathroom storage
Photo by Terry Magallanes/Unsplash

Storage is a necessary evil in bathrooms. Recessed shelves and shower cubbies are your best bet. They do not take any extra space and do the job just fine. For other storage options like cabinets, stick to the walls.

Floating vanities, glass-front cabinets, open shelves are your best choices when it comes to storing essentials in your bathroom.

Keep It Simple

subway tiling
Photo by Andrea Davis on Unsplash

Looking for design ideas for small bathroom on a budget? Well, it’s relatively easy to get carried away while designing your small bathroom.

However, it’s always better to keep things as simple as possible. Clean lines and simple designs will give your bathroom a sharp look. On the contrary, if a lot is going on with patterns, designs, and fixtures, it will look more crowded and compact than it needs to be.

Add an Accent Wall

small bathroom remodel ideas on a budget
Photo by Harpreet K/Pinterest

Keeping things simple doesn’t mean that it has to be boring. An accent wall is one of the small bathroom renovation ideas on a budget. It is a great way of introducing some color and brightness in your bathroom space.

Ideally, the back wall should be the accent wall. You can choose to color the whole wall or simply a patch. Here, the idea is to introduce a break from the monotony of the standard bathroom design and add a focal point to space.

Printed Shower Curtains

small bathroom decorating ideas on a budget
Photo by Shelterness/Pinterest

One of the small bathroom remodel ideas on a budget is to hang a shower curtain in a bold print or bright patterns. shower curtain. The curtain wouldn’t just work as an accessory but will also perk up your plain, neutral looking bathroom.

Improvise the Light Fixtures

bathroom remodeling ideas for small bathrooms on a budget
Photo by Katrina Chambers/Pinterest

The right kind of lighting can change the contours of a room, making it appear large than it really is.

Invest in LED mirrors, flush mounts, or recessed lights to brighten up the space. These are great options to lit up rooms that have limited space.

You can also install strip lighting under the cabinets or get a lighted mirror medicine cabinet.

See Also
bodern boho bathroom decor

Declutter 

design ideas for small bathroom on a budget
Photo by Projects for Tomorrow/Pinterest

This is one of the necessary steps to open up any space. When your bathroom is compact, you need to ensure that things are organized so the space doesn’t look cluttered.

Get rid of those unsightly plastic toiletries and replace them with decanters. To give your bathroom a luxe upgrade, you may store your shower gels, lotions, and shampoos in matching glass dispenser jars and line them on a ceramic tray.

This way, your space is tidy while also showing some character

Window Treatments

small apartment bathroom decorating ideas on a budget
Photo by Pinterest

Windows are often taken for granted in a bathroom, but they can add some nerve to the room besides offering privacy.

For a compact bathroom, window films can be a affordable and suitable option. They are fuss-free adhesives that can be easily attached to your window. Before sticking them over the window glass, just make sure the surface is clean and dry.

You can also consider roller blinds to style windows in a small bathroom.

Accessorize

small basement bathroom ideas on a budget
Photo by Clever Farm & Home/Pinterest

That’s right! You don’t have to give up on accessorizing your bathroom just because it is small.

Some suitable accessories to enliven your space include caddies, bath trays leaning ladders, compact stools, quirky bath mats, multi-functional shelves, etc. While these items let you organize your toiletries, they do not take up much space while also elevating the vibe and look of the room.

Install Glass Shower Doors

Walmart

Instead of a shower curtain, consider installing clear glass shower doors. Glass allows light to pass through and creates a seamless look, making the bathroom feel larger and more open. Frameless options give an even sleeker look and can be relatively affordable.

Add a Vertical Garden

TLC Interiors

Incorporate greenery into your small bathroom with a vertical garden or a few hanging plants. Plants not only add a refreshing touch but also improve air quality. Choose moisture-loving plants like ferns or spider plants for an affordable, spa-like ambiance.

Use Metallic Accents

Edward Martin
Edward Martin

Metallic finishes on hardware, mirrors, and fixtures can add an upscale feel without a huge cost. Look for gold, brass, or chrome finishes to give the bathroom a modern, polished look. These reflective surfaces can also help brighten the space by reflecting light.

Designing a small bathroom is as simple as it is tricky. The key is to make smart decisions and to work with what you have. We hope our bathroom remodeling ideas for small bathrooms on a budget will help guide you in the process. Remember, just because the space is small, doesn’t mean that you cannot make it beautiful and functional. By following these tips and small bathroom ideas, you can get a good head-start on your next bathroom project.