This article is sponsored by Wayfair and incorporates affiliate links.
If you possess an outdated restroom that you wish to revamp within a budget, today’s article is for you! I’ll be presenting the finest DIY bathroom renovation conceptsto assist you in achieving a refreshed appearance.
These bathroom improvement suggestions are ideal for compact areas. Painting the walls, adding new fixtures, or refreshing the bathroom vanity hardware can result in a significant transformation! Best of all, you can maintain labor expenses low by undertaking these straightforward projects yourself.
I have redesigned all of our bathrooms at this stage, so I’ll be showcasing numerous images and examples from our residence as well! I hope this article proves beneficial if you are seeking simple bathroom updates.
1. Fresh Layer of Paint
The primary aspect to consider when orchestrating a room transformation is the color palette. In numerous situations, a fresh layer of paint is the ideal starting point for a DIY bathroom renovation.
Generally, it’s wise to utilize a subdued or neutral hue on the walls, while introducing vibrant shades through decorative accents. However, if a striking color is what you desire, go ahead! Paint is cost-effective and simple to alter in the future.
In our guest restroom (image above), I selected a muted green referred to as Sage Gray. Additional colors I have employed in bathrooms encompass Postmodern Mauveand Village Green, which you will observe in images below!
Irrespective of the color you opt for, I suggest acquiring a paint sample and testing it on various walls in the bathroom to perceive how they appear. Paint colors can look vastly different depending on lighting, so obtaining a sample is always a prudent move.
2. Wallpaper for a DIY Bathroom Remodel
Next, if you aim to create a considerable effect with your compact bathroom renovation, contemplate adding wallpaper! This is a relatively uncomplicated DIY endeavor that you can handle for an accent wall or small space.
Wallpaper serves as a fantastic method to refresh powder rooms and water closets (the petite toilet space in a primary bathroom). These areas typically do not face moisture challenges, so any wallpaper will suffice.
I recently revamped our tiny toilet space with this peel and stick wallpaper from Wayfair. I adore the dark and atmospheric appearance and that it can be easily removed later if I wish to experiment with something different.
If you decide to cover bathroom walls in a space containing a shower, just ensure the wallpaper material is appropriate for a bathroom. This should be indicated in the product description.
3. Molding for Bathroom Walls
Another method to infuse visual appeal into an entire bathroom is through wall molding, often referred to as wall trim or wainscoting. There are numerous options available, including picture frame molding, board and batten, beadboard, or a simple chair rail.
I have employed wall molding in several bathroom enhancements in our residence. For instance, I recently installed wall trim as a chair rail in our toilet room (image above). This is an excellent strategy to minimize wallpaper costs and avoid wall covering behind a toilet, haha.
Moreover, our primary bathroom features picture frame molding! For a comprehensive tutorial, refer to my post about simple DIY picture frame molding that does not necessitate a saw. You can also acquire convenient wall trim kits from Wayfair.
4. New Light Fixtures for a DIY Bathroom Remodel
One of my preferred tricks to achieve a designer bathroom aesthetic on a budget is to install new light fixtures. Lighting often serves as a focal feature in bathrooms, and replacing outdated fixtures is an effortless way to acquire a completely new appearance!
This task does necessitate electrical wiring; therefore, unless you possess expertise, I do not recommend installing light fixtures on your own. I employed a handyman to place our gold sconces (similar), and despite the additional labor cost, I still believe it was worthwhile!
Additionally, I upgraded the double vanity in our primary bathroom with new lighting to achieve a high-end appearance. These light bar-style sconces are among my favorites for bathrooms!
5. New Faucet for a DIY Bathroom Renovation
An alternative DIY bathroom renovation concept to refresh your area is a new faucet.
We have fitted these brushed nickel bathroom faucets from Wayfair in a couple of our bathrooms and adore them! The faucet swivels side to side and enables you to fill a taller cup or water bottle compared to the low profile faucets our contractor installed.
I also enjoy the appearance of a brass bathroom faucet. This one is gorgeous!
6. Floating Shelves
Next, be sure to incorporate shelving for functional storage and decor in your bathroom. The ideal choice is to utilize floating shelves above the toilet to store additional toilet paper and necessities. Alternatively, you can also consider a corner shelf or a compact cabinet if you have extra room!
I painted our floating shelves (similar) to align with the wall for a cohesive appearance, as we already had wood-toned mirrors. However, wood floating shelves would also be fantastic to introduce a warm wood element!
Lastly, I adorned my shelves with wooden mushrooms, vases, and a picture frame from Wayfair.
7. Toilet Paper Holder
Proceeding to bathroom fixtures, a minor alteration that creates a significant impact in any bathroom is replacing the toilet paper holder. This simple DIY task only requires a few tools (screwdriver and drill) and approximately 15 minutes.
Recently, I purchased this gold toilet paper holder from Wayfair, and it appears so upscale compared to the old hardware! I also favor this design of toilet paper holder that facilitates roll changes for kids.
8. New Shower Head
The most effective method to refresh your shower on a budget is to replace the shower head. This is still on my list of projects, but I would love to install this gold shower head in our bathrooms to replace the builder-grade fixtures!
Changing a shower head is another straightforward DIY project suitable for novices that can be completed in a short duration.
9. Bathroom Wall Art
Besides replacing the shower curtain, think about incorporating wall art to bare bathroom walls. If you don’t require floating shelves for storage, you can position two framed artworks on the wall above the toilet. Here is an illustration from our compact powder room.
On the other hand, in a lengthy and narrow bathroom, you can display one oversized canvas on the wall opposite the vanity. I did this in our guest bath, and I love how the large artwork balances the mirrors on the other side of the bathroom.
10. Peel and Stick Bathroom Flooring
In addition to walls, you can also install peel and stick bathroom floor tiles! This is an excellent DIY bathroom remodel suggestion if you have existing floor tiles that are functional but need a design update.
Peel and stick floor tiles come in squares with an adhesive backing that you apply to your current flooring. Just ensure you read the product description before ordering to confirm that the product is suitable for your floor.
My personal preferences are checkered floor tiles, faux wood tiles, and patterned tiles from Wayfair.
Our residence featured roll-out laminate flooring in the bathrooms, which we subsequently substituted with French oak LVP. Nonetheless, I certainly would have opted for the peel and stick option had we begun with square floor tiles!
11. Peel and Stick Tile for Walls
Another excellent choice for bathroom walls is peel and stick tile. This is not advisable for shower walls, but would be ideal for an accent wall behind a vanity and mirror (akin to peel and stick wallpaper).
If you wish to give your sink area a contemporary appearance, consider installing peel and stick wall tile for an economical bathroom transformation that you can handle yourself! Popular designs include subway tile or marble appearance.
Experienced DIYers might contemplate laying real ceramic tile by themselves, but personally, I haven’t reached that expertise! Peel and stick suits me more, and there are so many fantastic choices to achieve the appearance of new tile.
12. Vanity Mirrors for a DIY Bathroom Remodel
Speaking of mirrors, replacing the bathroom mirror is a simple method to provide any bathroom with an interior design enhancement. I opted for wooden frame mirrors with a distinctive quatrefoil design (similar from Wayfair).
Our guest bathroom initially had one large frameless mirror. I chose to replace it with two mirrors, however, you can also utilize a mirror frame kit to update your existing mirror!
13. Cabinet Hardware
Another DIY bathroom renovation suggestion for a vanity is to install new hardware. This project is uncomplicated and requires only a screwdriver!
These gold ball knobs are among my favorites, but I also appreciate classic drawer pulls. Alternatively, try something distinctive like leather pulls.
The ideal upgrade for a limited budget, you can replace the drawer pulls or knobs on your existing vanity for a fresh new look.
14. Bathroom Vanity for a DIY Bathroom Remodel
Most of the bathroom makeover suggestions in this article are on a smaller scale, but if you seek a stylish and budget-friendly vanity, I must share a few from Wayfair!
This green vanity is absolutely gorgeous, and this single bathroom vanity is another economical choice.
15. New Bathmat and Bath Towels
And now for some final DIY bathroom remodel accents! Fresh bath towels bring a touch of elegance to any bathroom and make visitors feel at home. I’m considering these plaid bath towels for our guest bath! Also adoring these floral towels and solid essentials.
Similarly, a new bathmat is one of those minor adjustments that can make a significant difference. After many years, our bathmats started to look rather shabby, so I just ordered this one from Wayfair. It feels wonderful underfoot and is a budget-friendly option.
16. New Shower Curtain
And now for a few more DIY bathroom remodel finishing touches! When it comes to bathroom improvements, changing the shower curtain is always a wise choice.
The shower curtain often serves as the centerpiece of a guest bathroom, so trying a new style is one of the most economical methods to make a considerable impression.
I also wanted to bring up a simple walk-in shower enhancement if you’re dealing with a builder-grade shower similar to the one in our main bathroom. Some time ago, I opted to take off the glass shower doors and replace them with a shower curtain rod. Although I dream of renovating the shower eventually, this DIY approach was a budget-friendly method to tackle the unpleasant doors issue!
17. Final Details for a DIY Bathroom Remodel
As we wrap up this compilation of DIY bathroom renovation concepts, remember to shower your area with a bit of affection through decorative touches.
I adorned a black vase sourced from Wayfair with artificial leaves and blooms for a striking accent. Other wonderful suggestions include a tissue box cover, soap dispensers, or containers for cotton swabs and other necessities.
DIY Bathroom Remodel Resource List
Lastly, here is a comprehensive catalog of the Wayfair items I utilized to refresh our bathrooms, keeping on budget.
Click here to view the items featured in my LTK shop!
DIY Bathroom Remodel Summary
To sum up, I hope you found this article beneficial if you’re aiming to undertake a DIY bathroom remodel!
Whether you possess a new builder-grade residence or a fixer-upper, there are plenty of affordable DIY projects available to personalize your area. I composed this post with a realistic financial plan as someone constantly striving to combine quality and affordability.
If you have any inquiries at all, please drop a comment below!
