Affordable Basement Bathroom Renovation: Tips for a Stylish Upgrade
Renovating a basement bathroom doesn’t have to break the bank. With a bit of creativity and resourcefulness, you can create a stylish and functional space that enhances your home’s value. Here are some affordable tips to help you get started on your stylish basement bathroom renovation.
We continue on in our house update journey with this dated basement bathroom reno. Along with our painted staircase update and major kitchen upgrade, this bathroom renovation made a huge impact on the feel of our home.
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Affordable Basement Bathroom Renovation: Tips for a Stylish Upgrade
1. Plan Your Layout Wisely
Before diving into your project, take the time to create a detailed plan. Consider the existing plumbing and how it can best serve your new layout. This can save you money by avoiding major plumbing changes.
When we bought our 1990’s home back in 2023, the basement bathroom was sad, dingy, and not at all practical. There was an awkward space along the wall next to the toilet, perhaps for a washer and dryer at some point.
After a few months of planning, we decided to add a shower/bath combo to give us another full bathroom to our home and a place for our guests to use when staying over. Thankfully, that empty space was the perfect fit for a shower/bath insert!
We had the drywall completely replaced too since the existing drywall was heavily textured and dingy. The drywall was removed during the initial demo of our house and the ceiling in that bathroom was replaced with a hard lid instead of the panels that were there. We chose to install a vent fan during this time since we planned to add a shower eventually.
We did outsource the shower installation to plumbers, but we chose to do everything else ourselves!
This included:
- Drywall install, taping, spackle, wall texture, and painting
- Vanity re-finishing – painting and new knobs
- Install new sink faucet
- Install a new light fixture
- Tile and grout around the shower surround
- Hang all hooks and decorative items
- Paint bathroom door and frame and replace hinges and doorknob
- Lay vinyl flooring and install baseboards
2. Focus on Essential Upgrades
If your budget is tight, focus on essential upgrades that will have the most impact. Updating fixtures like faucets, lighting, knobs, and hinges can significantly modernize the space without costing a fortune.
3. Consider Paint Over Replacement
A fresh coat of paint can transform an outdated bathroom. Instead of replacing tiles or fixtures, consider painting them. For example, specialized paint can give your cabinets a new life or make old tiles feel modern.
4. Shop for Affordable Materials
Visit local home improvement stores or search for online deals on building materials. Sometimes, you can find beautiful tiles, countertops, or sinks that are on clearance or slightly imperfect at a fraction of the price.
We chose to keep the existing vanity but swapped out the faucet for a modern and fresh look.
We also changed the toilet paper holders to match the faucet.
Wall paint color – Alabaster
Vanity paint color – Accessible Beige
5. DIY Where You Can
If you have some handy skills, take on DIY projects such as installing a new mirror, changing out fixtures, or even tiling.
During this process, we installed the drywall and finished it by taping, mudding, and texturing the walls.
My husband handled most of this job but I tackled the wall texture with a large sponge and watered down spackle. This was easier than I thought it would be and turned out great!
I also refinished the existing vanity with a simple paint job.
My husband added the tile around the top and side wall of the shower to give a custom look that looks great. We used a gray gloss subway tile with white grout for a timeless finish.
From replacing the flooring in the basement we have leftover vinyl planks, so we decided to lay those over the existing tile in the bathroom for a seamless look that was easy to install. Since the flooring was not flush to the rest of the basement we added a transition strip to make a seamless finish.
6. Use Budget-Friendly Decor
Accessorizing with budget-friendly decor can elevate the look of your basement bathroom. Look for stylish shower curtains, rugs, and towels that add personality without a hefty price tag.
Using stylish hooks and shelves I already had created an elevated look to this small space. I also found this small mirror on sale for $9!
7. Incorporate Storage Solutions
Basement bathrooms can often feel cramped. Use vertical space for storage by adding shelves or cabinets that can help keep the area organized without cluttering the space.
8. Lighting Matters
Good lighting can make a small space feel larger and more inviting. Consider replacing outdated fixtures with modern, energy-efficient options that fit your style.
We replaced the lighting with this vanity light fixture.
9. Add a Touch of Greenery
Plants are an inexpensive way to bring life to your basement bathroom. Choose low-light, moisture-loving plants that thrive in a bathroom environment, such as ferns or pothos.
10. Think About Resale Value
If you plan to sell your home in the near future, consider choosing neutral colors and classic finishes that will appeal to a wider range of buyers. This is an investment that can pay off down the line.
Final Thoughts
With a bit of planning and creativity, a basement bathroom renovation can be both affordable and stylish. By focusing on smart choices, DIY projects, and budget-friendly options, you can create a space that adds value and comfort to your home.
Seeing the before and after pictures of this basement bathroom, I can hardly believe it’s the same space!
Our renovation started from scratch and cost us around $3,500, primarily due to the plumber’s fees for installing the shower.
If you have an existing bathroom with a shower you can make most of these upgrades for significantly less!
Renovations may not seem worthwhile during the process, but months later, you realize they are worth it, especially when you put in your own hard work.
Let me know if you have any basement bathroom renovation questions in the comments.
Or tell me all about your favorite DIY house project!
I Rejoice About this stylish basement bathroom renovation every time we have guests staying with us and even when I have to clean it 😉
Want more DIY? Check out the posts below!
Happy renovating!
