Struggling with a small bathroom makeover on a budget, especially without natural light? I was in the same boat when I decided to tackle the challenge of transforming my small, basic, builder-grade bathroom into a stylish, functional space — all for under $400. In this post, I’ll walk you through my DIY process, sharing practical tips, tricks, and budget-saving ideas that you can easily apply to your own home. Whether you’re looking for small bathroom counter decor ideas or need inspiration for small bathroom paint ideas for no natural light, you’re in the right place!
When we moved into this house, the first-floor bathroom was one of the first spaces I wanted to update. It’s the bathroom guests see the most, so I wanted it to make a great impression. While the bathroom wasn’t horrible, it was very basic and lacked any personality, with cheap, builder-grade fixtures that didn’t reflect my style. I knew I wanted to give it a fresh look without doing a full remodel or spending a fortune. That’s when I decided to embark on this affordable DIY bathroom makeover journey.
Before the Makeover: A Basic Builder-Grade Bathroom
When we moved into this house, the first-floor bathroom was one of the first spaces I wanted to update. It’s the bathroom guests see the most, so I wanted it to make a great impression. While the bathroom wasn’t horrible, it was very basic and lacked any personality, with cheap, builder-grade fixtures that didn’t reflect my style. I knew I wanted to give it a fresh look without doing a full remodel or spending a fortune. That’s when I decided to embark on this affordable DIY bathroom makeover journey.
Tools I used
Supplies
- Paint pail
- Paint (Chantilly Lace from Benjamin Moore)
- Spray paint (for outlet covers)
- Acetone (to clean up and spilled paint)
- Optional supplies if patching a hole in the wall is required
- Drywall compound (I used this one) / premixed drywall compound
- Wood for shelf
Decor / Accessories
Cost Breakdown for My Small Bathroom Makeover
- Paint: $67
- Primer: $20
- Light fixture: $30
- Faucet: $50
- Cabinet handle: $15
- Toilet paper holder $14
- Towel hook: $12
- Shower head $23
- Round modern mirror $50
- Shelf bracket and wood for shelf: $20
- Baseboards: $20
- Hand Towel $10
- Bath Towel $10
- Decorative basket $8
- Rug $15
Replacing the Builder-Grade Mirror
One of the biggest challenges I faced was removing the large, glued-on builder-grade mirror. I learned the hard way that removing a mirror like this often leads to damage. Sure enough, I had to patch the drywall. Patching is straightforward, but it takes time and practice to get a smooth surface.
I ended up patching the drywall, which is straightforward but can take some time to get perfectly smooth. Different approaches should be taken depending on the size of the hole.
I replaced the bulky mirror with a sleek round modern mirror, which instantly modernized the space and added a focal point.
Fresh Coat of Paint: Small Bathroom Paint Ideas for No Natural Light
I changed the greige wall color to bright white, which completely brightened the space — I used “Chantilly Lace” from Benjamin Moore. The original builder-grade paint had a flat finish, which made it nearly impossible to clean.
Here’s a tip: When going from a darker color to a lighter one, always use a primer. Primers cost a fraction of the price compared to good quality paint, which means you don’t have to apply as many coats of the final paint color. I learned this the hard way, but it would have saved me both time and money if I had primed first!
Upgrading the Light Fixture
The next step was upgrading the light fixture. I decided on a modern gold fixture, which made a huge difference in the overall ambiance. Good lighting can dramatically change a room’s feel, especially one without natural light. I prefer cool lighting, so I went with these light bulbs, which made the room look even brighter. If you’re tackling a small bathroom like mine, upgrading the light fixture is a simple but effective change.
Replacing the Builder-Grade Faucet
The builder-grade faucet had to go! I replaced it with a sleek, modern gold faucet. This simple change made a huge impact, tying together the gold elements from the light fixture and mirror. It also enhanced the bathroom’s overall aesthetic, making it feel more cohesive and well-designed.
Adding New Cabinet Hardware and Towel Hook
New cabinet handles and knobs were easy yet impactful updates. I chose black hardware. For the towel hook I chose a modern brushed goal to match the faucet
Adding a Shelf Above the Toilet
One of the easiest and most effective ways to maximize storage in a small bathroom is by adding a floating shelf. I decided to install a simple wooden shelf above the toilet, which not only provided extra space for essentials like towels and toiletries but also added a decorative touch to the room.
For the shelf, I chose a light, natural wood finish that complements the black hardware and the neutral color palette of the bathroom. The floating design keeps the space looking clean and modern, and it was an easy DIY project that made a big impact without breaking the bank.
Replacing Baseboards
Finally, I replaced the baseboards. This might seem like a minor detail, but it’s the finishing touches that can make a room look polished and complete. The new baseboards added a clean, crisp edge to the room, further enhancing the fresh, modern look.
Final Thoughts on My $400 DIY Small Bathroom Makeover on a Budget
Updating a small, builder-grade bathroom on a budget can be a rewarding and transformative experience. From replacing the mirror to installing a new light fixture, every change I made brought the space closer to the stylish and functional bathroom I envisioned. With under $400, I was able to turn my bland, builder-grade bathroom into a bright, modern space that feels like a true retreat. Have any questions or want more tips for your own bathroom makeover? Drop them in the comments below or check out my other DIY projects!
If you loved this bathroom makeover, you won’t want to miss my Water Closet Makeover blog post using Benjamin Moore’s 2024 Color of the Year, Blue Nova! I tackled our water closet in the master bathroom, transforming the builder-grade space into a stylish room with budget-friendly DIY updates. Check out the post for more tips, tutorials, and inspiration for your next small-space project!
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