How to makeover your bathroom on a budget

Making over a vanity unit

Vanity units often play a central role in the bathroom. However, these pieces can quickly look tired or even become unfit for purpose.

Luckily it's never been easier to give your vanity unit a brand new look with several options to choose from. Simply pick the method that best suits your bathroom and style:

• Depending on the kind of budget you want to dedicate to your bathroom makeover, you may want to simply swap out the old vanity unit for a new model. When choosing a vanity unit, be sure to pick hardwearing materials specially designed for bathroom use to ensure the unit lasts. Opt for a minimalist, timeless design and there's less chance you'll get tired of the new vanity unit a few months down the line.

• Giving an existing vanity unit a quick lick of paint can be just as effective – and much less costly – than buying a new one. Be sure to choose special bathroom furniture paint designed to cope with moisture and wear and tear. It may also be possible to simply change the basin or the taps for something a little more modern. To avoid leaks, check out our advice on installing a new basin in the bathroom.

• It's the little details make all the difference. Change out the cabinet knobs or handles or furniture legs and your vanity unit will be transformed!

Refinishing a vanity unit

Want to play around with materials and textures? Peel and stick vinyl can fill this role perfectly, giving you the chance to get creative. From wood effects to terrazzo, metal finishes to solid colours, there's an endless range of possibilities.

Peel and stick vinyl is easy to apply and works on any smooth surface. For a watertight and durable surface, it's a good idea to caulk around the edges of the vanity unit as well as the contours of the basin.

For a raw finish that'll last even longer, you can even use a microcement or waxed concrete kit to refinish your countertop.

Painting over bathroom tile grout

The years aren't usually kind to tile grout. Often, grout will end up covered in built-up grim and even mould which can make deep cleaning an arduous task. Unfortunately, these little details add up and can start to make your bathroom look less than fresh. For an easy way to whiten the joins between your tiles, you can use a special type of paint designed to restore grout. This type of product often comes as a pen for greater precision.

Painting bathroom wall tiles

If restoring your tile grout hasn't quite done the job at lifting your old bathroom, you can opt to use a special bathroom tile paint. The area surrounding your bathtub or shower is easy enough to paint and a lick of white paint may be all that's needed to make everything feel new again.

Painting the bathroom floor

A few pots of paint can work miracles! It's even possible to paint wood – even though the charm of an old wooden floor is hard to beat – or redecorate tiles that you no longer love.

Replacing an old bathroom floor involves a fair amount of work. Fitting a wood floor or laying new tiles can also be costly and the process requires skill. A good alternative could be to cover up the existing bathroom floor with vinyl flooring. Vinyl floors are quick to lay and suitable for bathroom use. They also come in a wide range of styles from faux parquet to cement tile or even marble finishes.

For more details, follow our guide on how to lay floor tiles or planks in the bathroom.

Seagrass can offer a great alternative to changing your bathroom floor entirely. You can choose between a large rug for underfoot comfort as you step out of the shower or even wall to wall carpet.

If you're looking for a fresh, contemporary look in the bathroom, forget about chrome-plated taps – it's time to look for something a little bolder! From matt black basin taps to a brushed brass shower kit, a range of modern, elevated designs can rejuvenate your bathroom in the blink of an eye.

First time you're tackling this type of job? Study our guides on how to install a new shower tray or how to replace your basin taps.

Cleaning up old bathroom taps

Sometimes a deep clean can be all that's needed to make you forget about making a change. A little bit of elbow grease and some tips and tricks, and your bathroom will be glimmering in no time!

• How to clean ceramic or marble bathroom tiles

• How to remove limescale from a shower screen

Some decorative items are best kept to other rooms of the home. However, a few carefully selected accessories can make your bathroom feel more welcoming and pleasant to use on a daily basis. After all, the time we spend in the bathroom does add up!

Shower curtains vs. shower screens

A shower screen can cost a bit more – budget for around £150 to £200 – but it does make for a more modern looking bathroom. A black framed shower screen, for example, can add real charm to the space. It'll be like waking up in a hotel every morning! To get started, have a look at our shower doors and screens.

Opt for a contemporary shower curtain

Don't worry, we're not talking about those old-fashioned white see-through shower curtains which always seem to be hung on a plastic rod that threatens to fall down every time you shower! Go for metal shower curtain rails with a matt black finish and a washable, thick shower curtain in a colour or pattern you love. When it comes to picking the best shower curtain, a high-quality curtain is a good place to start. But it's also possible to add extra lining to the outside of the curtain. Choose a thick cotton material similar to the type used for regular curtains.

Still stuck between a shower curtain or screen? We'll help you to find the perfect solution for your lifestyle.

How to choose bathroom plants

If you're lucky enough to have a window in the bathroom, you can dot around a few plants. For plants that love light and moisture, the bathroom is the ideal place to flourish. There's nothing more peaceful than a bit of greenery to start your day the right way. If you don't have any natural light in the bathroom, you can always pop a few eucalyptus branches or some dried flowers in a pretty vase.

How to pick essential bathroom accessories

Bathroom towels and bath mats

Old mismatched and faded towels can be replaced by beautiful fresh linen. These little changes can make a huge difference when it comes to making a bathroom feel more contemporary and welcoming. For a coherent look, go for a single colour or several shades of the same colour with different patterns from stripes to spots. If you're looking for a more vibrant look, go for bold colour combinations like terracotta and pale yellow, beige and eucalyptus green, or pale pink and dusty pink. To show your new linen off to its best advantage, why not throw a towel holder into the mix. And to finish off, keep your toes cosy with a contrasting bath mat.

A few wicker baskets can be used to avoid having too many products sitting on the side of the bath or around the sink, and to keep your bathroom organised and a pleasure to use. The everyday bathroom accessories like soap holders, toothbrush holders or even laundry baskets aren't usually attention grabbers. But choosing the right ones can change everything!

Final touches in the bathroom

To keep your bathroom a place you enjoy going every morning, add a few finishing touches. From frames to candles and new towel hooks, these little decorative touches don't have to be kept to other rooms of the house.

Changing your mirror can also add a little extra something to the bathroom. Play around with mirrors in different shapes for a contemporary look, install a large mirror over the vanity to add depth to the room or gather together a range of small mirrors for a fun, vintage look.

With a few good ideas and a bit of love and attention, your bathroom can look brand new without you having to spend a fortune!