There’s no doubt that renovating a bathroom may be expensive.
On the other hand, we believe that good style does not have to be costly, which is why we’ve come up with a new batch of cost-effective small bathroom ideas on a budget.
We can’t afford the clawfoot tub of our dreams, but that doesn’t mean we can’t give our bathrooms a dramatic makeover.
We’re sharing affordable yet trendy bathroom styling tips for small bathrooms and small bathroom makeover ideas on a budget to make refreshing, contemporary interiors more affordable.
These budget-friendly bathroom ideas will give you the elevated look and freshener you’re searching for in bathroom ideas on a budget—under $100.
Small Bathroom Ideas On A Budget
1. Small Bathroom Floor Ideas
Roxanne took the $100 Room Challenge, and this is what she created. She started without a design plan, “which is never good when you’re on a deadline,” she said.
Roxanne said,” However, one thing I knew from the start was that I wanted to try something fun on the floor in this little bathroom.”
She chose these removable floor stickers and the pattern that she had envisioned from the start.
She also painted the grout lines, which were brown earlier; she chose the gray color so it would match the floor perfectly.
She also used a wall plaque as decor, which flawlessly fits the space. She also changed the color and handle of the cabinet.
BUDGET BREAKDOWN
| Zinsser Primer |
$13 |
| A Gallon Of Behr Paint |
$24 |
| Wall Decor |
$12 |
| Material For Door Pulls |
$6 |
| Spray Paint |
$6 |
| Grout Renew Paint |
$12 |
| Floor Sticker (cost for a dozen 12” floor stickers) |
$48 |
|
TOTAL |
$121 |
Target: $100
Total Cost: $121 (+21)
2. Use Cheerful Green To Brighten Your Small Bathroom
Meg painted this bathroom in Sherwin Williams’ Ryegrass Green, which makes this bathroom more bright and cheerful.
She used the mirror from Sale Find, and the towel hooks and vanity hardware are from the local flea market.
She also added a few rugs that brighten the floor and warm your feet in the winter. For storage, she used an old ottoman that serves as a coffee table; earlier, she moved that in here.
BUDGET BREAKDOWN
- Wall color: Ryegrass by Sherwin Williams
- White hooks
- White-framed mirror
- Silver towel ring
- Hand towel
- Soap dispenser
- White rug
- Gray bath mat
- Metal wall decor (painted white)
- Brown tissue storage box
- Crystal knobs
Target: $100
Total Cost: $100
BEFORE
AFTER
3. Small Bathroom Remodel
Carrie did an outstanding job with her cramped bathroom. Carrie began by removing the wallpaper that made this bathroom appear small, cluttered, and old-fashioned.
Carrie suggested that if you want to make a room on a tight budget, you should use what you already have.
Valspar Dove White is used to paint the walls a creamy white color she had on hand from a previous project.
Use any leftover wood you have. Use any leftover paint you have. If you have items in your basement or garage that you don’t use, take them out and see what you can do with them.”
In this room, the herringbone wood wall made a significant difference.
I appreciate how it gives the wall texture and interest without being as busy as the original wallpaper. The second thing Carrie did was paint the vanity.
She used General Finishes Milk Paint in Persian Blue and sealed it with General Finish High-Performance Top Coat for extra durability.
She replaced the medicine cabinet and light combo. She also replaced the shiny gold faucet with a nice brushed nickel faucet.
BUDGET BREAKDOWN
| Vintage Mirror (Already Owned) |
$00 |
| New Light (Already Owned) |
$00 |
| New Baseboard |
$10 |
| Vanity Paint (Persian Blue Milk Paint General Finish) |
$20 |
| Vanity Sealer (High-Performance Topcoat General Finish) |
$20 |
| Vanity Hardware |
$00 |
| Wood For An Accent Wall |
$31 |
| Spackling |
$4 |
| Wall Paint: Valspar Dove White (Leftover) |
$00 |
| Shelves (Made From Scrap Wood) |
$00 |
| New Hand Towel |
$6 |
| Faucet And Towel Rings |
$10 |
|
TOTAL | $101 |
Target: $100
Total Cost: $101 (+1)
BEFORE
AFTER
4. Classic Farmhouse Bathroom Makeover
A small bathroom remodel often requires a lot of time and money. But when it comes to updating your bathroom for $100, both budget and time are limited. Erin took her outdated basement for a makeover, and the result of a $100 bathroom remodel is stunning.
She used grey paint to paint the walls, which had leftovers; the chair rail and headboard were in bright white. She removed the medicine cabinet and painted the vanity with leftover Hale navy paint and Aged Brass Spray Paint.
The navy was a leftover, but she did buy the spray paint. She stencils the floor, which looks like cement tile. She updated the light fixtures. She added the shelving above the toilet, the wall art, a new toilet paper holder, and a mirror.
BUDGET BREAKDOWN
| Shower Curtain (Already Owned) |
$00 |
| Tension Rod For Shower Curtain |
$6.82 |
| Brackets For Shelving |
$15.96 |
| Wall Art (Already Owned) |
$00 |
| Soap Dish Spray Paint |
$2.95 |
| Mirror |
$24.99 |
| Toilet Paper Holder |
$3.99 |
| Foam Brush To Apply Polycrylic To The Floor |
$0.99 |
| Floor Stencil |
$40 |
|
TOTAL |
$95.7 |
Target: $100
Total Cost: $95.7 (-4.3)
BEFORE
AFTER
5. Add Shine To Your Small Bathroom Vanity
Patti changed her bathroom look for just $102.31. Let’s see how she did this. The small bathroom vanity makeover was first on the list and it turned out good. This costs nothing to her as she already owns the essentials.
All she did to make the vanity shine. She added a new white shower curtain and a set of plush bathroom rugs which cost her $49.45 almost half of the budget. She gave a facelift to the original window.
She reuses one of the old wall sconces as a mini shelf. She bought an asparagus fern for the window to add a pop of green and nature to the space.
BUDGET BREAKDOWN
|
Vanity Makeover |
$00 |
|---|---|
| Fabric Covered Cornice |
$12.69 |
| Wooden Shelves |
$21.18 |
| Shower Curtain |
$14 |
| 3 Bath Rugs |
$49.45 |
| Asparagus Fern |
$4.99 |
|
TOTAL |
$102.31 |
Target: $100
Total Cost: $102.31 (+2.31)
BEFORE
AFTER
Image Courtesy: Southern Yankee DIY
6. Small Bathroom Remodel Ideas By Lia
Lia’s budget-friendly bathroom remodeling ideas will astonish you. The first thing she did was frame the bathroom mirror using scraps, so it didn’t cost her a single penny.
The addition of board and batten made of 1 sheet of wood MDF was the second major improvement for this small master bathroom. Lia didn’t replace her bathroom vanity; her bathroom vanity was not in bad shape at all; it just needed a little pop of color and a super cool design feature in the form of peel & stick wallpaper.
She painted the vanity in Kettle Black by Valspar. The peel-and-stick wallpaper she added to the fronts of the cabinet. She used metallic gold spray paint to paint the handle of the vanity. A faux marble shelf is used for the shelf above the toilet, which was the most budget-savvy decor hack for her.
BUDGET BREAKDOWN
|
Framed Mirror Scrap Wood |
$00 |
|---|---|
| Board And Batten Walls (1 MDF Sheet) |
$30 |
| Vanity Makeover (Peel & Stick Wallpaper) |
$9 |
| Faux Marble Shelves ($6 – Wallpaper/ $20 Shelf Brackets) |
$26 |
| 1 Towel Hook |
$4.97 |
| Bath Rug |
$20 |
| Ombre Light Globes, $12 x 4 |
$48 |
|
TOTAL |
$137.97 |
Target: $100
Total Before Sold Items: $136.97
Sold Items Profit: $30
TOTAL: $106.97 (-6.97)
BEFORE
AFTER
Image Courtesy: Lemons, Lavender And Laundry
7. Small Bathroom Decorating Ideas By Erin
Erin got those walls painted white, which brightened up the space so much. She also added knobs to the vanity and painted the vanity blue. After taking down her ugly shelving unit, she shopped the “leftover wood section” at her local hardware store and bought two pieces of wood for $1.90 total.
Instead of spending money on shelf brackets, she spray-painted corner braces and used them instead. The total cost of this added shelving was $10.50.
BUDGET BREAKDOWN
|
Hymn Wall Gallery |
$2 |
|---|---|
| Accessories |
$48.44 |
| Vanity Knob |
$17.38 |
| Screws |
$1.18 |
| Turkish Towel |
$10.41 |
| Wire Basket |
$12.99 |
| Wire To Hang Milk Jar |
$1.49 |
| Milk Jar (Already Owned) |
$00 |
| Chicken Wire |
$4.99 |
|
TOTAL |
$98.88 |
Target: $100
Total Cost: $1o2.31 (-1.12)
BEFORE
AFTER
Image Courtesy: Lovely Etc
8. Bathroom Makeover By Carrie
Carrie’s bathroom was not just run down, but she also had serious plumbing issues and water damage. She hired professionals to redo all of the plumbing and replace anything that was broken. It was now her turn to speak.
She spent the following few months refinishing an old dresser, tiling the shower, replacing all of the faucets, adding new lighting, and painting the walls. Her goal was to inject some personality and interest into the world’s most boring bathroom.
It was all about bringing personality, color, and texture, as she said for the $100 challenge. And, of course, for a low price. The addition of board and batten to the walls was by far the biggest and greatest item she accomplished.
The entire space now appears to be more complete, sophisticated, and put together. She also added some functionality that was desperately required. (Isn’tn’t true that she wanted to add some personality?!)
She also took out several items we already had to do the task. Last year, she constructed the sunburst mirror out of leftover wood.
BUDGET BREAKDOWN
|
Paint (Already Owned) |
$0 |
|---|---|
| Wood For Board And Batten |
$37 |
| Caulk And Wood Filler |
$10 |
| Tools, Nails, Sandpaper (Already Owned) |
$0 |
| Towel Hooks |
$12 |
| Tp Holder |
$15 |
| 2 New Hand Towels |
$12 |
| Mirror, Chalkboard, Cow Head, Bath Mats (Already Owned) |
$00 |
| Towels, Metal Basket (Already Owned) |
$00 |
|
TOTAL |
$86 |
Target: $100
Total Cost: $86 (-14)
BEFORE
AFTER
Image Courtesy: Lemons, Lavender And Laundry
9. Black Accent Wall Bathroom Paint Colors
Erin painted the two accent walls black, and the rest were in Worldly Gray by Sherwin Williams. She painted the vanity using chalk paint and wax to get the weathered wood look.
She stencils the floor, looking like cement tile. Erin didn’t like the look of the medicine cabinet, so she took it down. In place of the medicine cabinets, she hung open shelves. The wood was already in her garage, and she spray-painted some corner braces to use as shelf brackets.
Erin didn’t change the mirror; however, she made a farmhouse-style one above the toilet.
BUDGET BREAKDOWN
|
Wood (Already Owned) |
$0 |
|---|---|
| 4” Corner Braces |
$23.46 |
| Oil Rubbed Bronze Spray Paint |
$6.98 |
| Drywall Anchors |
$6.98 |
| Stencil (Already Owned) |
$0 |
| White Floor Paint |
$13.98 |
| Black Floor Paint |
$13.98 |
| Foam Roller (Already Owned) |
$00 |
| Towels, Metal Basket (Already Owned) |
$00 |
| Toilet Paper Holder |
$3.99 |
| Another Paint Roller For Accent Wall |
$3.42 |
| Decor Used On Open Shelves (Already Owned) |
$00 |
|
TOTAL |
$98.51 |
Target: $100
Total Cost: $98.51 (-1.49)
BEFORE
AFTER
Image Courtesy: My Homier Home
10. Guest Bathroom Ideas By Christin
Christin painted the vanity and counterpart in white. She painted the faucet dark gray, which gave it a black finish. She built and hung the mirror frame. The wood surround is leftover trim that went around our door casing.
I spray-painted it using the automotive primer and attached it with 3M picture frame velcro strips. Last but not least, I added a shelf to this space and plan to add more underneath the shelf since there is a big gap, but I repurposed some decor and this shelf that has been kicking around for a while.
BUDGET BREAKDOWN
|
Vanity Paint |
$27 |
|---|---|
| Countertop White Paint (Already Owned) |
$0 |
| Faucet Paint |
$11 |
| Flooring Stickers |
$60 |
| Lacquer Top Coat (Already Owned) |
$0 |
|
TOTAL |
$98 |
Target: $100
Total Cost: $98 (-2)
AFTER
Image Courtesy: The Roots Of Home
11. Kids Bathroom By Dara
Dara removed the wallpaper, which took way longer than she expected. The new white and navy paint make the walls so crisp and fresh. The white paint she used was leftover from a previous project, and that was enough to paint this kids’ bathroom.
It’s Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace, which is in every room in her house. The blue, which is the second tone in the bathroom, is Valspar Indigo. She chose Groutable Peel and Stick luxury vinyl tile for the kids’ bathroom because of the low cost, ease of installation, and durability.
She used 12-in x 24-in Groutable Symphony Gray Peel and Stick Luxury Vinyl Tile from Lowes. A simple frame for the mirror was made out of 3″ wood. To match the remainder of the house’s trim, she used butted joints. She saved a lot of money by solely using ornamental pieces that she already had!
When she finds anything for a decent price, she likes to pick up small items that speak to me.
BUDGET BREAKDOWN
|
Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace (Already Owned) |
$0 |
|---|---|
| Stain Free (Already Owned) |
$0 |
| Shower Curtains (Already Owned) |
$0 |
| Decor (Reused) |
$0 |
| Wood For Chair Rail (Used Scraps) |
$0 |
| Wood For Frame Free (Used Scraps) |
$0 |
| Valspar Indigo Quart |
$11.48 |
| TEC Multipurpose Primer |
$12.97 |
| Luxury Vinyl Tile – 50sq.ft @1.19sq.ft |
$57.12 |
| TEC Grout |
$11.48 |
| White Caulk |
$5.92 |
|
TOTAL | $98.97 |
Target: $100
Total Cost: $98 (-1.03)
BEFORE
AFTER
Image Courtesy: Shop At Blu
12. Bathroom Makeover By Suzzane
Suzzane made the first and most significant modification, which was to lighten the room by choosing a brilliant white paint color. A mirror has the power to make or break a space! Don’t you think so? Suzzane decided to make a frame for her current mirror with a $100 budget in mind.
This shouldn’t be too challenging. She took a couple of pieces of wood, made angled cuts, and voilà! Done! She measured the distance between the edge of the shower tile and the edge of the open bathroom door for the towel bar. She cut a piece of wood that was perfectly centered and had a few inches left on both sides.
She stained the wood and screwed it to the wall at either end, making sure to screw it into the studs. She re-stained the vanity using Java Gel and polished the knobs. For decor, she added a lovely peacock stained glass light worth $40.
BUDGET BREAKDOWN
| 1 Gallon Of Behr Stain Paint |
$26 |
| 1 Toilet Seat |
$22 |
| 1 Quart GF Java Gel Stain (Already Owned) |
$0 |
| 1 Peacock Light |
$40 |
| 1 Shower Curtain |
$11.49 |
|
TOTAL |
$99.49 |
Target: $100
Total Cost: $99.49 (-0.51)
BEFORE
AFTER
Image Courtesy: My Homier Home
13. Small Bathroom Remodel By Christin
Christin remodeled her bathroom on a budget of $99.70, which was left to look ugly for 4 whole years. And now she is satisfied with her job, as it turned out pretty well. She changed the shelves, stenciled the bathroom wall, and added some decor. It’s done!
BUDGET BREAKDOWN
| Paint |
$19.69 |
| Wood For Shelves |
$9.12 |
| Foam Paint Roller For Stencil |
$4.97 |
| L Shelf Bracket |
$11.08 |
| Screws |
$2.30 |
| Large Stencil |
$52.54 |
|
TOTAL |
$99.70 |
Target: $100
Total Cost: $99.70 (-0.30)
BEFORE
AFTER
Image Courtesy: Lemons, Lavender And Laundry
14. Give A Fresh And Calm Look To Kids’ Bathroom
Erin painted the walls in a hue of white. She replaces the bathroom accessories, like a soap dispenser and toothbrush holder. She also changed the shower curtain. She added the artwork cute pictures of kids in the tub. She replaced the plastic waste basket. She painted the vanity and medicine cabinet.
| 1 Gallon White Metal Paint |
$26.48 |
| Paint Roller |
$4.77 |
| Toothbrush Holder |
$7.82 |
| Shower Curtains And Rings |
$12.43 |
| Window Towel Rack |
$41.44 |
| Spray Paint |
$3.87 |
|
TOTAL |
$96.81 |
Target: $100
Total Cost: $99.70 (-3.19)
Image Courtesy: Future PLC
15. Work On Small Bathroom Ventilation
A beautiful wet room idea can help you make the most of a tiny area while also increasing the value of your home. Consider a wet room instead of a bathroom when converting an attic. It’s a terrific way to maximize a limited area, and when it’s done well, like this designer-style one, it’s quite stunning.
Install a good extractor fan to help with ventilation because a build-up of moisture can lead to condensation and dampness problems. Underfloor heating takes up no room yet provides warmth and aids in the rapid drying of surfaces. A partition wall serves a dual purpose by separating regions without completely sealing them off.
Image Courtesy – Future PLC
16. Live Inline
For a streamlined approach, the old green-striped wallpaper was removed and replaced with smart tongue-and-groove wall paneling painted white and duplicated on the bath panel design. The old carpet was replaced with hygienic and aesthetically pleasing industrial-look lino flooring.
Image Courtesy: Future PLC
17. Small Bathroom Tiles Wall And Floor
Using the same tiles on the walls and floor to make a small bathroom appear larger is a brilliant tip. ‘For a seamless effect, use large-scale wall panels or matching floor and wall tiles,’ suggests Nicky Taha, Visual Stylist, VictoriaPlum.com.
The natural stone in this family bathroom not only adds a spa-like touch, but the continuous run of tiles, combined with the wall-hung fixtures, offers a spacious sense.
If natural stone feels too neutral, add dramatic color pops with your towels, storage, and accessories—a cost-effective approach to giving your bathroom flair.
Image Courtesy: Future PLC
18. Bathroom Accessories – Black With White
If you don’t have the funds to renovate your complete bathroom, accessories might help you make the most of a small area. Choose a theme—monochrome is hot right now and simple to pull off, or go for pink tones for a more modern style.
Apply the trend’s style to lighting, mirrors, tiny decorations, and soft furnishings to transform the area in an instant.
19. Replace The Shower Head
Thinking about spicing up your bathroom? Well, guess what? Swapping out your old showerhead for a new one can totally transform the vibe! It’s not just about looks—a fresh showerhead can make your water flow and pressure way better. Plus, it adds a touch of modern flair to your bathroom without breaking the bank. You can snag a cool new showerhead for less than $50, and the best part? You can totally DIY the installation. Easy-peasy bathroom upgrade right there!
20. Replace The Toilet Seat
If your toilet seat is looking a bit tired, here’s a nifty and budget-friendly idea: swap it out! It’s like giving your bathroom a mini-makeover. A new toilet seat can make the whole space feel fresh and cool. And guess what? You can do this quick and easy project all by yourself. Just grab a new seat for under 50 bucks, and you’re good to go. No fancy tools are needed!
Credit: Lana Kenney
21. Transform Your Bathroom With Stylish Tile Accents
Just a few feet of cool tiles, like the penny ones you see here, can make your boring bathroom look fancy. Stick it behind your sink, and bam! You’ve got a super cool backsplash that screams style. Don’t want to deal with grout? No problem! There are peel-and-stick options that give you the look without the mess. Just a heads up, though—these stick-ons might not come off clean from the wall. So, if you’re renting, try using finished nails to attach some fake tin tiles behind your sink for a chic vibe.
Credit: Rikki Snyder
22. Smart Towel Storage DIY
Meet Shana Cohen and her super cozy cottage! She’s got a genius trick for tiny bathrooms or ones without closets: open towel storage. Imagine a cool rack made from copper pipes – you can totally make it yourself! Just grab some copper pipes, t-joints, elbow joints, and a tube cutter from the hardware store, and you’re all set. Easy peasy!
Credit: Brit Arnesen
23. Upgrade Your Drawers Pulls And Towel Racks
Here’s a super easy way to jazz up your space. Do you know those handles on drawers and racks for towels? Well, guess what? You can unscrew them and switch them out for something that fits your vibe better. If you’re renting, just stash away the old ones, so you can take your cool new stuff with you when you move.
Credit: A Kailo Chic Life
Spray Painting Magic
If you dig the style of your handles but want them in a different color—like black instead of silver or gold instead of white—here’s a cool trick: spray paint! Instead of buying new ones, grab a metal-friendly spray paint for the job. Easy way to get the look you want!
FAQS
What Are Small Bathrooms Called?
These are called half bathrooms and quarter bathrooms in terms of real estate. But it varies from place to place.
- In the UK, it is known as a cloakroom (usually found downstairs or off the main hallway), toilet, lavatory (not much used nowadays, quite old-fashioned), and loo.
- In the United States, you will hardly find a quarter bathroom here. It’s known as a toilet.
- In Australia, it is called The Loo, The Bog, The Dunny, etc.
What is a quarter bathroom or a 1/4 bathroom?
A quarter bath has a limited amount of space and only one element. This might be a little room with only a sink and mirror for individuals to use to freshen up. It could simply have a tiled shower next to an outdoor space for washing off after a swim or a trip to the beach. It might also just have a toilet.
By just adding one more part, these bathrooms can be converted to 1⁄2 baths. If there’s already a sink, you can simply add a toilet. You can put a sink in a shower stall if one exists.
What Is The Decent Size Of The Bathroom?
Your bathroom’s size is determined by your demands, preferences, the size of your home, and your budget.
Bathrooms in homes under 2,000 square feet typically contain 93 square feet of dedicated space, excluding the master bathroom, whereas bathrooms in homes over 3,000 square feet might have 146 square feet of dedicated bathroom space.
What Is The Size Of A 1/4 Or Quarter Bathroom?
A 1/4 or quarter bathroom may have a size that is 10–15 square feet.
What is the size of a 1/2 or half bathroom?
A 1/2 or half bathroom may have a size that is 18–36 square feet.