Small Bathroom Remodel: 10 No-Demo Ideas

Just because your bathroom is small doesn’t mean it can’t look high-end. Here are 10 small bathroom remodel ideas on a budget with NO-DEMO required!

For under $500, I was able to DIY my way to a luxury look in a small bathroom.

It’s hard to believe I accomplished this low budget remodel without doing ANY demolition or tiling!

This isn’t your basic small bathroom remodel, but one that completely transformed everything.

Paint was at the heart of most of it…I hope I inspire a DIY small bathroom makeover at your house!

$500 Bathroom Remodel Budget: Small Bathroom, Big Style

When I tell you I understand wanting to makeover a small bathroom on a budget, I do.

Recently I tackled a DIY small bathroom renovation for less than $500! What?

This bathroom remodel and makeover was EXTREME taking it from boring beige tile and brown stained cabinets to having big style!

No ripping out tiles, flooring or countertops with these small bathroom ideas on a budget.

Here are all of the items I was able to update in the bathroom PLUS through the article I’ll link my paint tutorials for you to follow.

No expensive labor, tiles, flooring or countertops. I was able to save a TON by relying on paint for most of the makeover.

If you didn’t know it, I am the QUEEN of Painting EVERYTHING! With a career at one of the world’s largest paint manufacturers and an ACT (architectural coating technologist certification) there’s nothing I can’t or won’t paint.

You’ll be completely surprised that these budget small bathroom ideas were accomplished by painting over ceramic tile and granite!

You can create the look of marble with paint saving a FORTUNE on a small bathroom remodel!

Frankly the room is so small…it was hard to get good pictures of the transformation.

Contains hand selected products, with affiliate marketing links where I may earn a small commission if a purchase is made. {full disclosure here}

Small Bathroom Makeover: 10 Budget Friendly Ideas

Here 10 ways you can update your small bathroom on a budget. Small changes can create big style for a limited amount of money.

If you have the time, tackling the projects yourself will save on labor costs.

Since everything I am recommending doesn’t require the expense and mess of demolition, DIYing it is your best option.

4 Ways to Makeover a Bathroom Shower or Tub

If you small bathroom has a built in ceramic tile shower with or without a tub, there are inexpensive updates to try.

1. Paint the shower tiles and/or repair the tub
2. Cover over ugly tiles or shower with a tall shower curtain
3. Paint outdated or worn plumbing fixtures
4. Create an inexpensive “rain shower head”

Painting the shower is one of the EASIEST ways to update the look of the bathroom.

The shower and tub are typically a focal point, so changing the color with completely transform the look.

You can simply paint the shower tile a new color or give it faux marble look with a painted finish.

Have a bathtub that’s looking a little dated or worn. Use a Tub and Tile makeover kit to change the color or refresh the look.

Not feeling like painting? Simply change out the shower curtain and rod for a whole new look.

To make the room appear larger by drawing the eye up, find a longer length shower curtain and hang the rod close to the ceiling.

Another idea is to update the shower plumbing fixtures. Want to change the color of your shower fixtures? Why not spray paint them?

• SILVER
• SATIN NICKEL
• SATIN BRONZE
• PURE GOLD
• CHAMPAGNE MIST
• ANTIQUE BRASS
• OIL RUBBED BRONZE
• HAMMERED BURNISHED AMBER
• DARK BRONZE
• BLACK STAINLESS STEEL

It’s easy to install a “rain shower” in your small bathroom. All you need is a shower head extender and large inexpensive shower head.

I’ve done this in both of my showers and it adds an amazing spa-like look and feel to a small bathroom.

DIY Vanity Cabinet Makeover: 6 Inexpensive Updates

One of the best small bathroom ideas is updating the vanity area instead of replacing it.

If the ONLY thing you do is update the vanity, you’ll will have created a major change in a small bathroom.

Just refresh the existing cabinets and counter…voila you’ll create a new pretty focal point in the bathroom.

You can always tackle the DIY updates in stages as time and money allows.

Paint is the most cost effective option and will make all the difference on outdated bathroom cabinet vanity.

When looking at updating a countertop, an affordable alternative to replacing it is to paint the granite or laminate surface (if it’s in good condition).

Above is my final painted finish, where I completely transformed the brown granite to a beautiful black marble!

Not only can you give the vanity counter new life with a new paint color, but also create a faux marble look.

Changing out the faucet is also a DIY option, but you can also spray paint it a new color using the same tutorial as above.

Swap out the standard builder-grade light fixtures for more stylish options (here’s mine).

Look for sales or secondhand fixtures to keep costs low, aiming to stay under $100.

One of my favorite updates is LED motion lighting under the cabinet base. You can see how I installed them in a purse organization project.

It turns on when you walk into a dark bathroom for safety and looks cool too! My mom loves the light for nighttime trips to the bathroom.

Have a screw driver? Swap out the cabinet hardware and toilet paper holder for something more modern.

I LOVE the acrylic pulls on my newly painted blue bathroom vanity. They pull the whole look of the room together.

Another low cost option is to spray paint the existing knobs and pulls a new color. Both options are quick vanity unit hardware updates.

If you have a recessed medicine cabinet, one of the best budget small bathroom ideas is to pull of the medicine cabinet door and hang a pretty new mirror (here’s mine) over it.

Invest in chic, affordable bathroom accessories and decorative items like a mirrored tray for the vanity.

Discount stores and online marketplaces often offer great deals on these items, allowing for a fresh look for $25 or less.

Update the Walls of Your Small Bathroom: 4 Ideas

Of course I’m going to recommend a fresh coat of paint in a new color as one of my favorite budget small bathroom ideas!

Nothing will update a small space faster than a whole new paint color. During my small bathroom remodel, I painted the beige walls a bright white.

It INSTANTLY made the room feel bigger by choosing a lighter paint color: Sherwin Williams, Pure White.

Lighter paint colors in a small bathroom naturally reflect more light and visually push out the walls to make the bathroom look larger.

If you like more color and pattern, you can install peel and stick wallpaper to add character to a small bathroom remodel.

Peel and stick wallpaper will be more expensive than paint.

Stick to just applying it strategically like on the main bathroom wall with the vanity unit in a bold design for maximum visual interest.

I’m a BIG fan of spray painting or even hand painting light and electric switch plates. You can paint them to match the walls, just apply a spray bonding primer first.

In the picture above, I just painted over the existing oil-rubbed bronze wall plates with white spray paint.

Covering Ugly Bathroom Floor Tile

An easy budget bathroom makeover, if the existing tile is less than attractive, consider placing a stylish and budget-friendly rug over it.

This will conceal the bathroom floor tile and add warmth to the space. All without spending money on a small bathroom remodel involving replacing the actual tiles.

Choose indoor/outdoor rated rugs that can withstand cleaning and are water resistant too.

If you are willing to take on a DIY solution to revamp the floor tiles, covering over the existing flooring with peel and stick tile (my favs) is perfect for a small room.

It’s a cost effective way that won’t require much flooring material, but will instantly make the space feel more updated.

Vinyl stick on tile is becoming increasingly popular with a wide variety of options that look like hardwood floors. Click the picture to shop.

You can always paint the floor, but I don’t recommend it.

My other two options take way less time and you won’t have to worry about repairing it later.

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After: Simple Small Bathroom Remodel

Now it’s time to plan your own small bathroom with big style transformation (on a budget).

Remember, just because your bathroom is small doesn’t mean it can’t look and feel high-end.

I’ve shared 10 affordable and DIY-friendly bathroom remodel ideas that have the power to completely revamp your bathroom’s style, all for under $500!

In addition, I’ve detailed over 15 ways to add personality with small updates throughout the room. There’s no need to tear down walls, rip out tiles, and or pay for expensive labor.

Instead, rely on the magic of paint, creativity, and some ingenious hacks to breathe new life into your bathroom.

The result? A bathroom that looks like it an interior designer did it, yet it’s entirely your own masterpiece.

Recap: Budget-friendly small bathroom remodel ideas:

1. Paint is your best friend, allowing you to reimagine everything from walls to tiles and even countertops. It’s incredible how a fresh coat of paint can make a space feel larger and more inviting.
2. Think outside the box and cover ugly bathroom floor tiles with stylish rugs or peel-and-stick options
3. Don’t underestimate the impact of updating your bathroom hardware, light fixtures, and other accessories. It’s the details that count!

Drawing on a little creativity and a can-do attitude, you can successfully unlock big style in your small bathroom.

With just $500 and a touch of DIY spirit, you can revamp every aspect of your bathroom, from the walls to the floor and everything in between.

Painting, innovative solutions, and a keen eye for design will play a key role in your bathroom remodel.

Proving that even the smallest spaces can radiate style and sophistication 🙂