Tiny & awkward bathroom - How to make bigger on $200 budget?

Question

My husband and I are purchasing our first home -- therefore we won't have a whole lot of money at the start to renovate some of the less-than-optimal portions of the otherwise incredible home.

This is going to be 'my bathroom' primarily because it's small, has a sloped ceiling in the shower, and currently has no shower. I'll add a hand held shower head, but I'd love to hear your opinions on some updates I can make on a VERY low budget ($200 max!) What would you do to this space to make it more inviting?

Hde4347222 · Answer

First thing I would do is take down the lighting and mirrored cabinets. Although mirrors give the illusion of a bigger room - in this case all of that is in your face. I would put a smaller mirror over the sink and nice open shelving over the toilet. Ikea have great shelving with stainless brackets that add a little 'modern' touch to the bathroom and the shelves are nicely finished to make cleaning easy. You might consider painting the vanity a nice soft colour and adding hardware. A few towels and perhaps a mat in the matching or complimentary colour to your cabinet and 'presto' ....a tiny but yet inviting bathroom.

Pri4759878 · Answer

Get rid of the lighting and mirror. They are too big for the space.  A pedestal sink would be more appropriate and add storage above the toilet.  Use light colored paint, but adding color will detract from the size.

Janet Pizaro · Answer

I agree on removing the mirror and lighting.I would also remove the canisters that are on the toilet. If you are going to paint the bathroom keep it on a lighter color scale.Personally I would not add shelving as the room is to small for that.

Mel5166327 · Answer

Remove vanity for a smaller  pedestal sink, remove mirror and lighting for a single ones instead of taking up the whole wall.

Betty · Answer

Definitely remove mirror and lighting.
Replace with RECESSED medicine cabinet with mirror above sink.
New lighting of your style choice.
Multiple Floating shelves above toilet to hold baskets, toiletries, decor.
KEEP vanity cabinet, but paint or stain another color.
IF there is another interior wall, cut out between studs and build a recessed area for towels.

Kit · Answer

$200- Paint is your answer for now.
Choose what you love whether it be light or dark for the vanity. If you can find lights in your budget then go ahead and change them out . Pick a shower curtain and towels that you love and pick a paint that coordinates.
Later when your budget allows you can change out the mirrors etc. I know it is hard with a $200 budget so adding some color for now will make you happy and you can save for other renovation for later down the road.
Enjoy your new home!

Ouina · Answer

Keep one section of the mirror and frame it. Paint the frame a contrast to the wall. That will save on buying another mirror! Google framing mirrors to see what others have done. Beautiful area to work with - have fun!

William · Answer

A pedestal sink would fit the space just right, but you still need storage. Home Depot, Lowes, Menards have sink and top combinations for under $100. I would get a 24' wide one. I also agree in removing the mirrors and lighting ( too big for the space). Save one mirror, frame it, and mount it over the sink. Open shelving over the toilet or an over the toilet cabinet (Walmart has some nice ones for under $40).

KatAych · Answer

I agree with everyone about replacing the current sink/vanity with a pedestal one...to save money, check your local Habitat for Humanity Restore and Craigslist - oftentimes when people remodel you can get a deal on appliances! I also agree with just having a single mirror - use that extra wall space for storage! Use shelves, baskets, hooks, whatever - wherever you can!

MN Mom · Answer

Pedestal sink, smaller decorative mirror and a new lighting fixture. Look for clearance items at big box home improvement stores. $200 can go a long way if you really watch sales and take your time !

Qcy4744066 · Answer

When we moved into our house the bathroom still, sink cabinet and tub all touched. We replaced the sink with a pedestal sink and it really opened up the space!

Chris aka monkey · Answer

@Katie nash and murph both have big habitats and you can get sinks,toilet, paint,tile etc i think i would even get some vinyl flooring of course paint will give you the biggest bang for your buck hope this helps and congrats on your new home xx

Maura · Answer

depending on the other things you have to do with a new house...( I am sure you have a LIST! and congrats it is exciting!) Choose your color scheme and style. is there one you want to use through out the house? Rustic, country etc...keep it in mind. Add new curtain, towels, art etc. maybe a wooden tray or shallow box on toilet seat to hold things and add texture. At least all is white so you can quickly add color with accessories. Paint vanity or sand if it is wood and it will give some contrast. If time is limited paint one wall a color or use wall decals/stencils. If the light fixture is dated change it. Pict did not reveal floor but vinyl wood planks would and a nice touch they are inexpensive and durable. Definitely add texture. you would be surprised how nice it will look. Go on line for inspiration. a quick tile backsplash with tile remnants in the area from sink to mirror would really pop. I recently discovered mastic and now want to tile EVERYTHING hee hee. I tried those glass beads from the dollar store as a backslash blue and white and my daughter loves them in her bath. Have fun, remember to pace yourself esp if you are living in a reno. You don't want to end up exhausted.

Chloe Crabtree · Answer

I would paint the walls and paint the cabinet and add some nice hardware to the cabinet for a start.

Tiny & awkward bathroom - How to make bigger on $200 budget?

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Tiny & awkward bathroom - How to make bigger on $200 budget?

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