12 Small Bathroom Decorating Ideas on a Budget Under $300
Small bathroom design ideas can make a dramatic impact that can not only enhance your bathroom but also provide it with a new look that improves both comfort and style. With careful decisions such as new paint, trendy hardware, and matching storage, even compact spaces can feel updated, sleek, and more welcoming.
From faux plants and framed artwork to new fixtures, it's all about the little things. In this post, we’ll share 12 creative and affordable small bathroom decorating ideas to help you elevate your bathroom space, all without breaking the bank.
Small Bathroom Decorating Ideas on a Budget
1. Brighten Up with New Paint ($40–$70)
One of the quickest and most stunning things you can do in any room, especially in a small bathroom, is to give it a fresh coat of paint. Lighter hues like pale gray, light blue, or clean white help reflect light and create a sense of openness in the room.
Important factors to consider during painting:
Use pale, light colors such as pale green or pale beige to take advantage of reflected daylight and create an airy, open appearance in your bathroom. Additionally, paint the ceiling the same color for an invisible effect.
Select good-quality, bathroom-grade paint that is moisture-resistant to avoid problems such as mold, peeling, and mildew caused by humidity.
Prep surfaces with sandpaper to apply paint easily, particularly in moist conditions.
Use semi-gloss or satin finishes on bathroom walls; they resist moisture and are simple to clean without sacrificing look and feel.
2. Upgrade Your Shower Curtain ($15–$50)
Your shower curtain is a big canvas in a small room. To make the room appear larger, choose one with a pale background and muted designs or vertical stripes.
Important factors to consider for a large tub curtain:
Mildew-resistant, water-resistant material that machine dries easily and quickly, perfect for bathroom humidity.
Use rust-proof grommets or hooks and install the rod near the ceiling for a dramatic, contemporary appearance.
Choose neutral or tone-on-tone patterns with crisp, definite color and subtle motif for an elegant, calm appearance.
Ensure that the width and length of the curtain fully cover the area, with a weighted hem so that it does not sag or wrinkle.
3. Add Peel-and-Stick Wall Decals or Wallpaper ($20–$50)
You don't need to commit large amounts to expensive tiling or significant changes. Removable decals or wallpaper are an excellent way to add color, texture, or a chic pattern.
Where to add wallpaper?
Mirror or toilet accent walls add style and depth, making small bathrooms feel more personalized and visually appealing without occupying much space.
Use recessed space, in-bathroom shelves, or the back of the vanity as accent spaces to add texture, color, and storage function while adding depth to the bathroom design.
Behind freestanding tubs and along window frame spaces are excellent locations for accents that call attention to architectural features and serve as bathroom focal points.
Use moisture-resistant wallpaper behind showers or waterproof wallpaper as a backsplash for a sink to protect surfaces and add color or pattern.
4. Install Floating Shelves ($30–$60)
Maximize vertical space by installing two or three floating shelves above your toilet or beside your sink. To create an impact, display rolled towels, jars, or decorative items like candles or small plants atop each. You can find cheap MDF or bamboo options at IKEA, Target, or Amazon.
Here are five ways to use your walls and corners most effectively:
Make use of the vertical space by having towers or tall, skinny cabinets on either side of your vanity. This will provide extra storage space without occupying floor space.
Mount hooks or racks on unused wall space to keep towels, robes, or baskets within reach and organized.
Install corner shelves in vacant bathroom corners to offer storage without taking up a lot of space, perfect for toiletries or keepsakes.
Consider installing a ladder shelf against a wall for a chic, multi-level storage piece that holds towels, plants, and bath supplies.
5. Update the Mirror Frame or Install One ($25–$70)
A boring builder-grade mirror can do very little to uplift the room. Instead of replacing it (which can be costly), try to reframe it using a peel-and-stick design to create a different shape (oval, arch, etc.).
Here are a few benefits of updating your bathroom mirror:
Peel-and-stick trim in a variety of styles and finishes allows you to update the appearance of your bathroom at an affordable price.
Adjusting the shape of your mirror to that of a frame—ovoid or arched, for example—adds architectural depth and rounds out the entire appearance of the room for a contemporary, updated look.
With peel-and-stick frames, you can experiment with bold colors or metallic coatings and quickly transform an empty mirror into the focal point of your room, perfectly reflecting your décor.
They are easy to install and uninstall, making them perfect for renters or those who like to constantly change the appearance of their bathrooms without making any permanent alterations.
6. Change Lighting Fixtures or Light Bulbs ($30–$80)
Lighting can completely transform the feeling and look of your bathroom. Changing out old light fixtures or replacing old light bulbs with daylight LED light bulbs can illuminate a small bathroom instantly.
Ideas for bulbs and fixtures:
Replace outdated vanity lights with modern, sleek fixtures to transform your bath's style instantly while adding brightness and energy efficiency.
Employ dimmable bulbs to tailor light to the task at hand, from subtle ambiance when bathing to bright, high-intensity task lighting for grooming and makeup.
Hang a chic pendant or mini chandelier to transform your bath into an elegant retreat, adding glamour and visual interest to the space.
Utilize wall sconces on both sides of the mirror for symmetrical, complementary lighting. This will reduce shadows and make daily functions easier and more enjoyable.
7. Replace Hardware and Hooks ($20–$60)
Towel bars, cabinet handles, drawer pulls, and hooks are often overlooked in overall design, so replacing them with new ones can give your bathroom an entirely different feel. Popular options include matte black, brushed gold, or polished chrome finishes. Use a single metal tone for a cohesive look.
Consider the following tips to refresh your bathroom’s hardware:
Replace old cabinet handles and towel bars with brushed gold for a warm, upscale finish that pairs perfectly with classic and modern bathroom designs.
Replace the drawer pulls with shiny chrome pulls to achieve a light, reflective look that instantly brightens the room.
Use one metal finish on all the pieces of hardware to have an uninterrupted, streamlined look that is considerate and sophisticated.
Use an understated, minimalist hardware design to make your bathroom renovation timeless and fit most decor styles.
8. Add Artificial Plants ($5–$25)
Adding a splash of greenery—even with fake plants—instantly lightens the mood in your bathroom. Opt for realistic-looking fake plants that add freshness and style without requiring sunlight, water, or maintenance.
Consider the following tips to add some green to the bathroom:
To achieve a bright, natural appearance, add small faux potted plants to windowsills. Opt for realistic succulents, mini ferns, or pothos.
Suspend plants from ceiling hooks with macramé or ornamented planters to save space and add an airy feel with the floating greenery.
Plants should be put on floating shelves or over the toilet to utilize dead spaces and introduce natural decor without crowding countertops or floors.
Put a corner floor stand to display taller plants, adding softness and vertical drama to corners that would otherwise be bare or empty.
9. Invest in Matching Storage Solutions ($20–$50)
Mess creates a sense of a small space, making your bathroom look even smaller. Pull the room togethor with matching storage sets—think woven baskets, clear plastic containers, or fabric boxes.
Consider the following to expand your bathroom space:
Use wicker baskets under the sink to store toiletries and cleaning supplies without an untidy mess. Clear plastic containers should also be placed on floating shelves to store small items.
Hang bins or baskets for fabric storage on the door to create extra room for towels, hair tools, or personal grooming items without cluttering the countertops.
Symmetrical or identical storage units give visual depth, reducing the tight feel in compact bathrooms and making a space feel more open and inviting overall.
Choose storage units of the same color and material to create a cohesive, streamlined look that will blend well with your overall bathroom decor.
10. Choose a Matching Rug or Bath Mat ($15–$35)
A nice rug or bath mat adds warmth, texture, and personality to your bathroom. Choose patterns or colors that complement your overall decor (including the wallpapers) while providing comfort underfoot and slip resistance. Look for patterns that instantly elevate the space without overwhelming it.
Remember the following while selecting a rug or bath mat:
Choose quick-drying materials to keep your bath mat fresh and mold-free, especially in high-traffic, damp bathroom environments.
Opt for anti-slip backing for better safety and stability. This prevents slips on wet floors and provides secure standing after a bath or shower.
Select boho, geometric, or vintage-printed rugs that add personality without over-accessorizing the space and complement your bathroom style.
Utilize Turkish-style rugs for added sophistication. They add warmth and texture, and their superb quick-drying makes them both elegant and functional.
11. Upgrade the Faucet (DIY-Friendly Options: $40–$100)
This might sound dramatic, but installing a new faucet is simple, even for a DIY novice. Updating an old, tarnished faucet can give your sink space a luxurious ambiance that will uplift the entire room.
Consider the following while upgrading faucets:
Matte black faucets offer a clean, minimalist contrast. They appear beautiful against white sinks or countertops, do not print, and are both functional and stylish.
Brushed nickel finishes create a warm, enduring look that will work with most bathroom styles—perfect for customers who want timelessness with low upkeep.
Low-flow faucets save water without compromising on pressure and are an eco-friendly, cost-effective option for small, medium, or large bathrooms.
Single-handle faucets are sleek, easy to install, and easy to operate—perfect for tight spaces and those who desire the cleaner, more streamlined bathroom look.
12. Add Art or a Gallery Wall ($10–$50)
A bathroom doesn't have to be bare! To give it a more upscale, personalized feel, include framed art, printed quotes, or a small gallery wall of family photos
Here are some considerations for artwork in your bathroom:
Add personality and inspiration with typography prints or framed quotes. Black-and-white art makes it timeless and adds more depth to modern or minimalist bathroom decor.
Create a cohesive gallery wall by printing black-and-white family photos and using the same frame for a classy yet emotionally moving look.
Suspend a large piece of art above the tub or toilet—one for minimalist bathrooms with a single dramatic focal point.
Print free digital art from websites like Canva or Etsy and add inexpensive frames to transform bare bathroom walls into work-of-art, customized spaces.
Tips to Stretch Your Budget Further
Shop secondhand: Thrift stores and Facebook Marketplace can help you find discounted mirrors, shelves, or small furniture pieces.
Make do with what you have: Paint an outdated frame, reuse glass jars as cotton swabs, or recover an old footstool.
DIY where you can: Simple upgrades like framing a mirror or installing new cabinet pulls can be done in one afternoon. For high-end upgrades like bath to shower conversions, consider a pro.
The Wrap-up
Your bathroom might be small, but your creativity doesn't have to be. with our carefully-planned small Bathroom decorating ideas on a budget, you can dramatically transform your bathroom's look, feel, and functionality. These ideas aren't just budget-friendly; they're also easy to execute and completely customizable.
Remember, a well-planned room isn't about spending money but rather about carefully selecting and implementing each piece to bring the entire room together.
Ready to transform your space? Explore our portfolio for design ideas, or visit our services page to learn more about elevating small bathrooms.
Not sure how to get started? Check out our bathroom renovation services and see how we can help you transform your bathroom.