How To Update Your Master Bathroom On A Budget

Although it’s commonly said the kitchen is the heart of the home, we believe that the master bathroom deserves a special place in your heart as well. It’s where you spend your time getting ready for the busy day ahead or where you go to unwind and relax after a stressful day at work. But if the dated fixtures and cabinets in your master bathroom are a sight for sore eyes, you may be considering a bathroom remodel.

We understand firsthand how expensive a master bathroom remodel can be — but you don’t need to spend all your savings to get your desired look. You may be wondering how you can remodel your bathroom for less. To do this, you can opt for a few budget-friendly upgrades that are sure to elevate your space. Ready to take your master bathroom to the next level without breaking the bank? Follow along as we share our favorite hacks for updating your master bathroom on a budget.

Refresh the Vanity

One of the first things that people notice when they walk into a master bathroom is the vanity. It’s often the main focal point of the bathroom, which is why giving your vanity a refresh can change the entire look of your bathroom!

If your bathroom vanity is feeling a bit dated, you can easily find a new vanity from many local retailers, ranging from big box brands to thrift stores. Instead of your outdated vanity, you can opt for a modern look with sleek, clean lines. Or you may be looking for a vanity with a touch of rustic charm. Whatever aesthetic you’re hoping to create within the space, there’s a vanity to fit the look.

Depending on the condition of your existing vanity, you may be able to get away with painting the vanity a different color instead of replacing it altogether!

Give the Cabinets a Facelift

Your cabinets likely take up a lot of your master bathroom. Along with hiding the plumbing from your sink, your cabinets create ample storage for you to hide your toiletries, extra linens, and hair tools. In most cases, your cabinets offer a fresh slate that you can spruce up to create your dream aesthetic.

Instead of tearing out the cabinets or replacing the cabinet doors, you can add style to the space with a can of paint. Choosing a bold or vibrant color can add some flair to the room. You may prefer to paint them white to create a clean and serene room where you can settle down in the evenings. Changing the outward appearance of your cabinets can take your cabinets from the 90s into the modern day.

Along with painting your bathroom cabinets, you may also want to consider updating the hardware. Instead of classic knobs, install sleek matte black handles for an ultra-modern appearance. Or you may opt for hidden cabinet pulls to emphasize the bold color palette of your cabinet doors. These small adjustments to your master bathroom cabinets can transform the space without costing much.

Add a Backsplash

If the wall above your bathroom vanity is a standard painted wall, we have an easy solution to add some life into the space — a backsplash! While you usually associate a backsplash with a kitchen, you can also incorporate one into your master bathroom to create a focal wall.

With a variety of tile options to choose from in varying colors, sizes, shapes, and textures, you can easily create a one-of-a-kind look that is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Whether you’re a fan of eccentric blue hues or fresh whites, you can find something that suits your fancy. Instead of tile, you may even want to consider installing wood planks for a rustic feel or shiplap to create sleek lines that draw the eye around the room.

By enhancing this one section of your master bathroom, you’ll create an area that attracts the eye and detracts from other elements of the room that may be a bit dated.

Apply Wallpaper

You don’t need to rely on tiles or other materials to create a focal point in your bathroom! A budget-friendly alternative is to install wallpaper in the room. You may decide to add it to every wall in the space, or you might prefer the look of one accent wall. However you decide to incorporate it into your master bath, the choice for pattern and color palette are endless! From subtle patterns to bold patterns, there’s an option for everyone.

If you aren’t sure you want to commit to the wallpaper long-term, you can even install temporary peel-and-stick wallpaper instead! This allows you to get the affordable bathroom update you crave without costing you a lot of money or time if you decide to change it down the road.

Upgrade Your Mirror

In a lot of dated master bathrooms, you’ll find a standard mirror that stretches the length of the cabinets and often the height of the room. More often than not, it has no framing or anything to give it that wow factor you crave.

A quick way to make your master bathroom appear more high-end is to upgrade your bathroom mirror. One of the most budget-friendly ways to give your mirror a refresh is to install a frame around it. In doing so, you’ll add some dimension to the space and make the mirror stand out.

Another option is to replace the mirror completely. Instead of one large mirror, you may decide to opt for two round mirrors with a modern blank frame or an antique-style mirror accented by a luxurious gold frame.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an average master bathroom remodel cost?

A full-scale master bathroom remodel can cost a homeowner anywhere from $10,000 to $25,000 depending on how much is being reconfigured and the fixtures that are selected. In many cases, you can find budget-friendly alternatives to get the bathroom refresh you want without breaking the bank on a full remodel.

What is the most expensive part of a bathroom remodel?

The most expensive part of a bathroom remodel is the labor to transform the space! One of the most cost-effective ways to save on your bathroom remodel is to handle as many of the projects yourself as possible. This will cut back on the amount of time you need to pay a professional to handle — allowing you to put more of your budget into the fixtures and other cosmetic upgrades.

How much does a bathroom remodel increase home value?

??When reselling your home, you can expect mid-range master bathroom renovations to recoup 67.2% of their costs, while upscale bathroom renovations recoup 60.2%.

What adds the most value to a bathroom?

When considering the updates you want to make to your bathroom, you may want to consider which will add the most value. Increasing the square footage or reconfiguring the space makes the biggest impact on the resale value. But if that is out of your budget, you can focus on smaller areas such as upgrading your light fixtures or bathtub and shower.