Budget Bathroom Redecorating Tips

Before you start thinking about any decorating you would like to do in your bathroom, you need to make sure that it’s in good shape.

Make Sure The Caulk Is Tight

It’s important that you make sure there are no leaks, and that all the caulking is tight.

You do NOT want to complete the redecoration of your bathroom, only to find a leak, and that you will have to completely redecorate after it has been fixed. What a disaster!! My friend had that happen to her. TWICE!!

photo credit: acaaron816

So, if you think the caulk might be slightly pulling away then it’s best to simply cut it all away and re-caulk the whole thing. Of course you want it to be completely dry before you do that! So cut away all the caulk, clean the space completely (I put a bleach solution in a spray bottle for this) and then wait 4 to 5 days to let that space get aired out. THEN fresh caulk!!

Or…if you see some cracks or holes in the old grout…simply reapply a fresh layer to the whole thing. Again…clean it first, let it dry and then new grout layer.

Now… Let’s Redecorate The Bathroom – On A Budget!

Unfortunately, although the bathroom is one of the easiest and least expensive to decorate, it is often the most neglected. For many of us, redecorating our bathroom consists of replacing an old shower curtain with a new one and that’s it.

But hopefully, using the tips provided below, you should be able produce a whole new and inviting look to your bathroom without breaking the bank.

photo credit: New Internationalist

1. You can make a huge impact on this room by getting rid of any dark wood and old hardware on cupboards. Just by using some paint and replacing the handles on the doors, you will give the room a completely different look. Remember, not just the hardware stores have handles! Even Target has them now.

2. Why not put some plants in your bathroom? They’ll thrive in the humid environment. Not a plant person? Silk works great, too, and can tie in with a theme.

3. Bright colors will create the illusion of space even in the smallest of spaces (which many bathrooms are). Paint the walls a simple but clean color like lemon or pale blue. Lemon tooooo YELLOW? Shoot for “butter”. Pale blue sound toooo boring? How about a soft blue SAGE!

4. Change the light fixtures. The right type of lighting can make a huge difference to any bathroom. Instead of one big “bar” light what about using two single lights? Use a light not really intended for the bathroom like a wall sconce. Or find an old fixture and recycle it! Second hand stores and flea markets can be a treasure trove for these.

5. Why not consider replacing the faucets/taps to your bath and sinks. Just by replacing the tired, old looking taps to your bath, you will give it a completely different look, and it’s an inexpensive way of updating an old room. Some great items can be find often on clearance at those big box home improvement stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot. But don’t overlook your smaller hardware stores either.

6. Instead of buying a new shower curtain, why not instead choose to use a regular curtain?

This can be hung from a tension rod and backed with a shower curtain liner. Such liners come in a variety of colors and are inexpensive to buy. Consider a clear one or a clear “frosted” liner to add more light to the space. Many of these liners can be purchased for just 99 cents!!

AND..even better…you can throw them in the washing machine once a month or every other month to get all that build up and stuff off. To dry them, just take them outside, shake off the extra water and drape it over the clothes line or a chair or even a tree branch. Or, after shaking off the water just take it back in the bathroom and hang it back up!

7. Get a few candles. Not only are they attractive, but they instantly add warmth (even when not lit to a space). Also, there is so much variety of colors, shapes and sizes of candles available, that I think you’ll find it difficult to choose exactly what you want.

It’s always best if you buy ones which will co-ordinate with the decor of your bathroom. Buy some simple ceramic candle holders or simple saucers or clay pots to put them in. Make them different heights to make for greater appeal. Plus, add a few bars of scented soap and your bathroom will soon feel warm and luxurious.

8. Use light. Add large mirrors to amplify any available natural light. And by large I mean LARGE!!! Sometimes you can find some GREAT deals at second hand stores or flea markets! Another place is that big box home improvement store!

Yes, I know. Not where I’d first look, but amazingly enough, you can find them there. Even if you find a plain but large mirror you can add your own frame to it! You can either make one using trim from that some big box home improvement store! OR..you can often find FABULOUS frames at 2nd hand stores on not so fabulous art work. Ditch the fox hunt scene and use the frame to showcase the new mirror!

Can’t find ONE large mirror? How about grouping several antique mirrors?

9. A skylight can lighten what can be a dark cramped space. Consider putting in a sky light tube like I did. An interior bathroom with no windows is suddenly transformed in to a brighter, lighter place.

10. Towels. Yup…simple as that. Replacing those old worn out towels can make all the difference in the world. And you don’t have to spend a fortune to get some fabulous and fun new towels that look like expensive decorator items. At a membership type store – like Sam’s Club or Costco – buy a package of those BULK white towels.

Take them home wash them and then, pull out your grosgrain ribbon. It comes in all types of shades and widths and with dots or stripes or flowers or cars or whatever you like. Simply stitch it on to the bottom of the towel. Lay the ribbon so the bottom edge lines up with the bottom edge of the towel and then sew it at the top edge. Done!

Before long, just by using the tips provided above, your bathroom will look fresh and bright. Don’t forget to change out those rugs to complete the look and remember…you don’t HAVE to use “bathroom” rugs!

If you’re trying to spruce up the bathroom so you can sell your home the #1 thing I’d do is – obviously – paint it. Clean and crisp and fresh looking. And DO replace the old shower curtain and put out some of those fresh towels. It’ll make all the difference in the world. Three candles cluster on the vanity and you’re all set with your new budget bathroom redecorating.

Tagged as: budget bathroom redecorating, paint bathroom walls, plants in bathroom, replacing faucets