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Budget-Friendly Small Bathroom Remodel Idea for Less Than $500.00

Are you looking for Small Bathroom Remodel Ideas on a budget? Remodeling can be expensive, but with some creative ideas, you don’t have to break the bank. These budget-friendly remodeling ideas were used to update our tiny beach cottage bathroom.

We have a tiny beach cottage built in the 1940s, and it’s only 460 sq. ft.

You may have followed along as we remodeled the bedroom, living room, and kitchen last year. Each project was accomplished with a limited budget, and we are happy with the results.

I recently shared my faux wallpaper technique for this space, so you already have a preview of this remodel. This was one of the biggest money saving ideas we used.

First, let’s take a look at the before photos.

New-faucets-countertops-Faux-wallpaper-and-new-mirror-in-Small-Bathroom-Remodel-

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Before Small Bathroom Remodel with Budget in Mind

This space was last updated 17 years ago, and I was into textured faux finishes for the wall.

The entire bathroom was remodeled with a new tile shower and new fixtures.

Because everything was replaced during the last remodel, several things could be used again.

Before Tiny bathroom remodel.   Faux finish wall from 17 years ago. Before tiny house bathroom remodel

What’s The Cheapest Way To Remodel a Small Bathroom?

First, analyze what needs to be replaced and what you can reuse.

What can be reused?

Begin with a list of items that can be reused or repurposed. Here is my list and comments.

  1. The tile still looks great, with no cracks or damaged areas. No need for new tiles.
  2. The light fixture is still in good shape, and although I’d like to have new ones, I can live with them.
  3. Although the toilet seat needed an update, the toilet didn’t need replacing.
  4. Finally, we originally planned on a new vanity cabinet; however, upon closer inspection, it was reusable with some paint and hardware updates.

Any items that can be reused were huge money savers on bathroom renovations.

What Must Be Replaced?

Most of this remodel is cosmetic, which is always a saving when tackling a renovation. Here are the items that would need replacing.

  • The wall paint colors definitely needed to be updated.
  • The vanity countertop had a small crack, and the sink was stained. Therefore, both needed replacing.
  • A new, updated mirror was needed.
  • New hardware and paint for the vanity cabinet.
  • A new shower curtain and towels would help to refresh the area.

(Posts on The Ponds Farmhouse may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See the full disclosure details here.)

Small Bathroom Ideas on a Budget

One of the most significant savings was the Wall Stencil technique I recently shared for faux wallpaper.

Because I had most of the supplies, I saved $123.00 on this one area of the project.

Wall Stencil Faux Finish Wall Techique & round mirror for Small Bathroom Ideas on a budget

Shop For Budget Prices in Bathroom Renovation

Another significant savings was the replacement countertop and sink.

By shopping for budget prices, the bathroom renovation costs much less.

First, we planned to replace the vanity cabinet, which would have been over our budget.

After inspecting the cabinet, we felt it was worth saving.

Bathroom Renovation was complete with Updated vanity with new hardware, countertop, faucet &round mirror

All we needed was a new sink, vanity top, and faucet.

The best deal was purchasing a ready-made countertop with a sink attached.

Luckily, we found one that was discontinued. It was over $100 less than other options.

The faucet was replaced with a slick new Pfister option.

Change out the vanity cabinet Top with new faucet for budget friendly bathroom remodel ideas. wall stencil & new mirror

Replace Hardware for Budget Bathroom Makeover

The original vanity cabinet was still in great shape, but the hardware showed signs of wear.

Adding new hardware was a budget-minded update that greatly impacted the cabinet’s appearance.

DIY Faux Wallpaper with blue and white paint stencil & update vanity for small Bathroom remodel

Choose What Will Make the Most Impact When Planning a Bathroom Remodel

Saving money using the previous towel holder and light fixture allowed me to splurge on a new mirror for the tiny bathroom space.

Renovation costs will escalate quickly if you replace everything.

Determining what will make the most impact during the renovation planning process is essential when on a budget.

Faux finish DIY wallpaper idea for  Small Bathroom Remodel with blue and white stencil and rattan round mirror

The woven rattan frame and large round shape make the space look larger and more up-to-date.

The existing light fixture is hardly noticeable.

Beach cottage small bathroom remodel ideas with faux walllpaper technique with wall stencil & repurposed vanity

Other Small Bathroom Remodel Ideas for the Beach Cottage

Here are some other small bathroom remodel ideas that saved us money.

The bathroom shower and toilet area also received an update. With a new coat of Balboa Mist paint and a $5.00 thrift store shower curtain find, the space looks fresh and new on a dime.

Small Bathroom remodel ideas in the beach. cottage remodel for the bathroom with a vintage shower curtain.

The entire house has been updated, and all the rooms feature similar paint colors for a cohesive look.

The view from the remodeled kitchen now shows a bright and airy small bathroom with updated features.

Tiny house remodel for beach cottage  small bather with updated vanity and round rattan mirro. new hardware &  faux finish like wallpaper idea.

Resources

More Remodeling Ideas Used in the Tiny Cottage.

In case you missed seeing these projects, here is a list for your convenience.

Plus.. you may enjoy this article.

cropped-Guest-Bathroom-Refresh-Tips.jpg

Pin It To Remember It

Did you find some great ideas you’d like to save for future reference? Hover over the images you’d like to save and pin to your favorite Pinterest Boards when you see the PIN button.

Tiny beach cottage bathroom remodel.  Small bathroom remodel on a budget with DIY Projects

Leanna

Monday 13th of March 2023

Proof positive that a tiny space can be made beautiful. Such a nice update of the bathroom. I enjoyed the image of the main room everything is cohesive making it all appear bigger and you know its been done with a purpose in mind.

Rachel

Tuesday 14th of March 2023

Leanna, I appreciate your kind words of encouragement. Thank you for stopping by.

CoCo

Saturday 11th of March 2023

Love, love, love the way this reno came together, Rachel! It literally doesn't even look like the same space. From the stenciled walls to the new sink every detail is perfection and it looks amazing with the rest of the beach house too. Great job sweet friend, you totally nailed it! Hugs, CoCo

Rachel

Saturday 11th of March 2023

CoCo, Thank you so much for checking it out. We are very happy with it.

Anne from Simply2Moms

Friday 10th of March 2023

Wow! What a makeover! I think the stenciled walls are my favorite. Pinned!

Rachel

Saturday 11th of March 2023

Anne, I'm so glad you like it. one small thing can make such a difference and it doesn't have to cost a lot of money.

From the Front Porch –

Friday 10th of March 2023

[…] finished the bathroom in her beach house and it’s […]

Rachel

Friday 10th of March 2023

Thanks for sharing.

Bonnie Baker

Thursday 9th of March 2023

You guys have done a remarkable job updating your darling beach house. I've enjoyed watching the progress with before, during and after pictures. You're a great team!

va in nc

Thursday 9th of March 2023

@Rachel,

Excellent job on all you have done at the beach house...saving pics to share with granddaughter who recently purchased older home and both bathrooms need serious updates. Thank you for sharing photos.

Rachel

Thursday 9th of March 2023

Bonnie, I appreciate this so much.