Your bathroom is your cozy retreat away from the rest of the world. If it’s feeling a bit dated – or simply doesn’t fit your vision for what you want your bathroom to look like – it may be time for a luxury remodel or upgrade. And, thankfully, you can still do it on a budget!
Try These Inexpensive Luxury Bathroom Upgrades
Outside of the kitchen, the master bathroom might be one of the most important rooms in the house (in terms of where you spend time and how much value you extract at resale). But you don’t have to break the bank to upgrade your bathroom and make it look luxurious. All it takes is a few simple, inexpensive upgrades:
- Accent Walls
An accent wall in the bathroom is a great way to break up some of the monotony of painted walls and create a distinct and unique look. Because they look so impressive, they feel like they should be expensive. However, you can do a small accent wall for just a couple hundred bucks or less.
Accent walls can be made of anything. They can be wallpaper, reclaimed wood, brick (faux or real), tile, or even just a different paint color. Pick something that fits your eye and goes well with the overall design scheme of your bathroom.
- Stick-On Wallpaper
Wallpaper is back! And it’s easier than ever to install. No more messy glue and complicated application techniques. Many retailers sell wallpaper in a stick-on format that makes it easy and cheap to apply.
Start by picking out your wallpaper and then pre-cutting panels to the appropriate height for your bathroom. You’ll most likely want to start along the edge of the largest wall and move over from there.
“Prior to applying your first panel, clean the surface by wiping with a damp cloth or wet rag, making sure the surface is fully dried before application,” Tempaper advises. “For an easier install, remove switch plates and outlet covers prior to installation making sure to turn off electricity at the source prior to removal.”
Once the panels are cut and the walls are clean, you align the first panel and use a squeegee tool to smooth the paper (working from the center out). Take your time and make sure you get each piece right before moving on to the next.
- Vintage Clawfoot Tubs
Clawfoot tubs make a big statement! They’re beautiful, practical, and look a lot better than a traditional tub (which comes across as cheap and basic).
A brand new clawfoot tub will likely cost you $1,000 or more. But it’s actually quite easy to find vintage clawfoot tubs at antique shops and other stores for pennies on the dollar. They might require some cosmetic refinishing to restore any lost luster, but you’ll save a lot of money.
- Bidet Attachments
Nothing says “luxury” quite like having a bidet in your bathroom. It’s extremely practical and makes you feel pampered. But you don’t have to install a standalone bidet, which might require you to reconfigure your bathroom layout and/or run new plumbing. Instead, you can install a bidet attachment to an existing toilet.
Bidet attachments are available for as little as $40 and provide all of the same benefits as a traditional bidet. They simply affix to your existing toilet and give you more versatility and options.
- Smart Lighting
Lighting isn’t usually the first thing homeowners think about when designing a bathroom. Yet, it’s one of those components that makes or breaks the look and feel of the space. You can make a statement by including large fixtures.
“Consider using a chandelier to brighten the entire bathroom and make a fashionable statement,” Angi.com suggests. “A chandelier hanging in the middle of the room or as a centerpiece above the bathtub will make every day feel like a special occasion.”
Lighting around your bathroom mirror is another area to focus on. The key is to make these lights dimmable so that you can control the ambiance of the room at any time.
Adding It All Up
You don’t have to do everything (or anything) on this list. It’s meant to offer up some easy ideas – options, if you will. Ultimately, you’ll have to decide what style you want. However, if you’re smart about choosing the right upgrades, you can change the entire look and feel of your bathroom without spending thousands of dollars. Good luck!
