7 Budget-Friendly Tricks to Spruce up your Bathroom*

If your bathroom looks outdated and tired, it is probably high time to roll those sleeves up and start planning a bathroom upgrade. Below are some handy tricks and tips to help spruce up your bathroom even if you are on a tight budget.

1. Update the Fixtures
Replace a leaky faucet, a worn-out tap and anything else that feels out-of-date. You may need to have a plumber do this work for you, but it will definitely cost you much less than if you had a total bathroom makeover. Pedestal sinks usually maintain their great looks for decades so if you don’t already have one, you may want to consider replacing that boxy vanity with a sleeker alternative. To save more money, first, select all your fixtures and then ask a plumber to come and do the job. That way, he will only need to come to your home or apartment once.

2. Replace Your Bath
If your tub looks stained, chipped or faded then you may want to consider replacing it. There is a host of sizes available to suit your space including small baths to larger corner style options. This update can make a huge difference to the look of the space and provides a clean and fresh feel for your home. If you don’t have a trusted plumber yet, make sure that you work with someone that’s reliable and has experience. You don’t want to end up with a botched bathroom renovation job that costs hundreds of pounds. Additionally, choose a local plumber. If you live in Glasgow, find a plumber in Glasgow. If you live in Manchester, find one in Manchester.

3. Ditch Outdated Light Fixtures
Playing with light the right way will allow you to refresh a tired bathroom. Start by swapping your old light fixtures with modern versions. An even more economical alteration is to update the existing fixtures with replacement shades. If, for example, you no longer fancy the metal finish of your sconces and feel that the colour does not coordinate well with the rest of the décor, giving your light fixtures a coat of metallic spray paint will breathe in new air to the space (don’t forget to tape off the surrounding areas).

4. Adorn your Bathroom Window(s)
Add a distinctive style to the bathroom and ensure privacy by installing window treatments. For a romantic note, fabric Roman shades and drapes in an eye-catching pattern are a great pick. For something more contemporary, you may consider wooden blinds. As for those that wish to give a cottage feel to their space, shutters are excellent options. The only thing you must focus on is in regards to the materials that will be used – ensure they are moisture-resistant. For instance, vinyl window treatments are both warp- and mould-resistant (and demand minimum upkeep).

5. Update Cabinetry Hardware
A simple update of your cabinetry door knobs, hinges, and handles can go a long way in creating a refreshed bathroom look. The good news is that you can find an incredible plethora of cabinetry hardware to suit every pocket. Before you install new hardware, clean the cabinet drawers and doors thoroughly. To up your game and enhance the overall aesthetic appeal, you could also consider giving them (the cabinet doors and drawers) a nice paint job. This will help the new accents to pop out!

6. Add a Punch of Pizazz with Plants
A humdrum bathroom can instantly transform with a few houseplants. Head out to the nearest garden centre or florist and ask them for plants that can flourish and look beautiful in a bathroom. Considering the unique conditions of that particular room (think of the high levels of moisture, for example), orchids may be a good fit for a bathroom, especially a sunny one. Go through the suggestions of a professional and try to add two or three different kinds of plants to brighten the space with texture and colour, which will give the bathroom a stylish look.

7. Replace Grout
Instead of replacing your bathroom floor tiles, which will cost you quite a lot of money, taking a closer look may reveal that the only thing they need is a good clean-up. In this case, you have two possible options (1) remove dirt from the grout lines and the surface with an eco-friendly acid etcher or (2) replace the grouting. If you need to go with the latter, it is best to call in experts to handle the job, who will clean and regrout your bathroom floor tiles while also ensuring that the grouting is sealed properly to prevent leaks.

Other Ways to Freshen-up your Bathroom

• Implementing a beautiful décor will add hints of glamour. Think of stuff like small framed prints, floating shelves filled with little plants, and a whimsical wallpaper that are perfect for a high-impact update.
• Painting the bathroom walls to match the floor will create a fantastic monochromatic effect.
• Moisture-resistant, easy-to-clean decorative containers of matching colours and designs to store neatly folded towels create a practical and eye-pleasing display.
• If changing your bathroom fixtures or painting the room is not an option, the next best thing to do to add a splash of colour and revamp the space is place a colourful area rug with a non-slip back. Creating comfort underfoot will also warm up the space.

There are many ways to reinvigorate a bathroom that looks dated or old without having to break the bank. All it needs is some creativity!