How to Renovate Your Bathroom on a Small Budget

Making your bathroom feel brand new doesn’t have to cost a fortune.

As one of the hardest-working rooms in the house, you need sturdy features that can hold their own and look good doing it. Think quality tapware, smart storage and simple swaps that are kind to your wallet without skimping on style.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through planning a budget bathroom renovation and cover some simple upgrades you can make without starting from scratch.

How much does a bathroom renovation cost?

How much money you’ll have to spend while renovating depends on what you’re changing. That said, you’d be surprised at the impact a few low-cost tweaks can make.

The average bathroom renovation cost in Australia is $15,000–$35,000, depending on the size of your space. This includes bigger layout and feature changes like retiling or getting a new shower. Once plumbing or waterproofing gets involved, the price can go up quickly.

However, that’s not to say you can’t do it cheaper. A budget bathroom renovation can start at a few thousand dollars for things like swapping out your vanity, redoing your splashback or getting new fixtures.

Figuring out a budget for your bathroom renovation

Now that you have an idea of standard renovation costs, it’s time to decide on your budget.

When working within a tight price range, you have to separate your needs from your wants.

Scope out your bathroom and pinpoint what works and what doesn’t. Are you short on storage? Are your fixtures a little outdated? Or are your tiles looking worse for wear?

Then, figure out what you can tolerate for a bit longer, what definitely needs replacing and what upgrades will give you the biggest bang for your buck. Small changes often go further than you think. Even though it’s not renovating per se, replacing your tapware and hardware or getting a new mirror can make a big difference to the look of your bathroom.

It’s also smart to leave a bit of wiggle room in your budget for any surprise expenses.

Low-cost ways to renovate your bathroom

You don’t have to rip out your whole bathroom to give it a refresh. When doing a budget bathroom renovation, focus on small, impactful changes. Let’s take a closer look at some low-cost changes you can make for a bathroom that’ll go the distance.

Vanity

If you want to improve your bathroom’s flow and function, install a new bathroom vanity. It may not seem like the most budget-friendly upgrade, but it’s one of those things that once you get it right, you’ll be set for years or even decades. Remember to look at your measurements to find the vanity that fits best to avoid making any expensive mistakes.

Toilet

When you’re keeping costs low, a good toilet doesn’t have to break the bank. In-wall and back-to-wall toilets give you a simple, modern look at a reasonable price. They’re also easier to clean around, which saves you time and effort day to day.

Shower head

The right shower head can take your daily showers up a level. You don’t need to rip out the whole shower if it’s not part of the plan. A handheld shower hose is a quick add for an easier-to-use bathroom. It gives you extra flexibility in washing and cleaning the shower itself.

If you’ve got a little budget wiggle room, try a waterfall shower head for an everyday, spa-like experience.

Tapware and hardware

Replacing your tapware and accessories is a simple way to upgrade your space without a full bathroom renovation.

Choose tapware in colours and finishes that match the rest of your hardware for a thought-out space. Pick from Chrome, Matte Black, Warm Brushed Nickel, Brushed Brass, Antique Brass or Gunmetal.

Every detail matters in bringing together your perfect bathroom, so remember to match subtle features like toilet roll holders, towel rails and your door hardware.

Mirrors

The right mirror can instantly make your bathroom feel more spacious and open. It’s a pretty affordable upgrade; just choose a mirror size and shape that complements the space and makes it feel more inviting. Match the frame of your mirror to your tapware and hardware to tie the space together.

Storage

Smart storage doesn’t have to be expensive. Simple add-ons like open shelves, towel rails or a mirror cabinet make your bathroom more practical without a big spend. They give you space for everyday essentials and a few styling touches, all while keeping your vanity clear.

Small budget bathroom ideas

When you’re tight on space, every corner counts. From vanities to colour schemes, here are some things to think about when renovating a smaller bathroom.

Choose a floating vanity and toilet

By lifting your toilet and vanity off the floor, you free up space underneath for a streamlined, sleek look. This works well in small spaces and makes cleaning easier for a low-maintenance bathroom.

While wall-mounted options can look high-end, there are plenty of affordable options out there. Just make sure you balance price and quality; you don’t want to waste money replacing your vanity before it’s due.

Focus on light colours

Paint is one of the most affordable ways to make a big change to your space. If you’re short on space, repaint your bathroom using a space-opening colour palette. Light colours bounce more light around the room and make it feel bigger.

We don’t just mean stick to white; neutral, organic tones work too and can add warmth to your bathroom.

Add simple storage

Extra storage doesn’t have to cost much. Open shelves, wall hooks and a mirror cabinet can give you more room for essentials without cluttering your vanity. Even a small basket or tray can help keep things organised on a budget.

Ready to upgrade on a budget?

You don’t have to spend big to get a bathroom that works well and looks good. With the right mix of practical updates and clever design choices, a budget bathroom renovation can go a long way.

Explore our range of tapware and bathware to find high-quality pieces for a bathroom you’ll love.