How to Redecorate Your Bathroom for Less Than $250

Whether we realize it or not, most of us spend a great deal of time in the bathroom. Whether it is fixing our hair, doing our makeup, washing up for dinner or taking a shower or bath, we spend a lot of time there. For that reason, it needs to be one of the most comfortable rooms in our home. However, redecorating a bathroom shouldn't have to cost a small fortune. With the tips provided in this article, you will find ways to do it at very little cost.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Bathroom redecorating books and articles
• Pictures of bathrooms that you like from magazines and other sources
• Plumbing books or articles (if needed)
• A color scheme
• An idea of what style you want to use
• A list of the things you "need" to change
• A list of things you "want" to change

1. Determine what you want to change about your bathroom. Obviously, large changes like new tubs, showers, sinks, and toilets will not fit into a $250 budget. This article is about redecoration, not overhaul.
2. If you want to change your bathroom walls, determine what type of change you would like to make. Some of the most obvious changes would include painting, wallpapering, special wall treatments or tiling. Settle on a specific color or color scheme based on your decision.
3. Decide what type of style you want to use. Some examples are modern, antique, Greco-Roman or Tuscan. Make certain that the color scheme you have chosen fits in with your desired style.
4. Make a prioritized list of the things you "need" to change about your bathroom. For example, if your faucets are modern, they won't like look good with an antique style room. Keep in mind that the more drastic the style change you want, the more changes may be required. This might effect your final price tag.
5. Make a prioritized list of the things you "want" to change about your bathroom. For example, you may want to change the color, type of floor tile or add additional or updated lighting.
6. Looking at your "needed" changes versus your "wanted" changes, and decide which items are most important in order to accomplish your bathroom decoration. Make a shopping list of the items you intend to purchase. But keep an eye on the bottom line of your $250 budget, making certain that you stay at or below the set amount.
7. Shop on locally for the remaining items needed for your bathroom redecoration. These might include, but would not be limited to items like:
8. If you can't find everything you want or need to complete your redecoration project, determine other ways to achieve your desired end result. For example, if you want designer towels, but can't afford them on your budget, consider looking for the materials needed in order to make your own.
9. If you are changing the walls of your bathroom, begin your redecoration project with them. Add the paint, wallpaper or other special wall treatment before moving on to the next step.
10. Change any of the fixtures in your bathroom.
11. Floor tile can add interesting texture and tone to your bathroom. Change the floor tile. Be sure to follow the directions for the specific type of tile you are using.
12. Bring any new shelving, cabinets or furniture into the room.
13. Upscale shower curtains often cost no more than cheap, vinyl models. Add or switch out any fabric treatments like shower curtains, window curtains and towels. Make certain the hooks and bars used for these items stay in line with your bathroom's overall style.
14. Artwork can add warmth and texture to a bathroom. Hang new or switch out artwork and/or mirrors (if applicable). Consider adding an anti-fogging solution to mirrors and other glass surfaces to prevent steaming during hot baths and showers.
15. Personal touches add personality to any room. Add the final accessory touches to the room such as decorative toothbrush holders, soap dishes, trash cans, tissue covers and floral or plant arrangements

Tips & Warnings

• Shop thrift and discount stores whenever the supplies you want or need are available there.
• Determine if you can recycle any existing materials for your project.
• Do as much of your own work as you can. Hiring outside workers will quickly eat up your budget.
• For wall treatments and tiling, check home supply stores for discards and seconds that might suit your needs at a discounted price.
• Check with plumbers for old faucets and other used fixtures that might fit your style at a discounted price.
• Whenever possible, refurbish or build your own cabinets, shelving or furniture, or look for used pieces that will suit your needs at a discounted price.
• Stay within your budget by following your prioritized list, eliminating those pieces that you really don't "need."
• If you are ordering anything online or through a catalog, make certain that there is a money back guarantee in the event you are not happy with your purchases. Place your orders accordingly.
• Follow all assembly directions for any item you are adding to your room.
• Be sure to allow enough time for wall treatments and tiling to dry properly.
• Don't try to circumvent plumbing or make plumbing changes that you are not qualified to make. These will most likely end up costing you more money than your overall budget.
• Don't forget to prime walls before painting to ensure a good color coat.
• Don't forget to size wallpaper (if required) so that it won't easily peel from the wall.
• Don't circumvent tiling instructions for either the wall or floor. Failure to follow instructions may result in improper results.
• Don't purchase any materials simply because they are cheap. Make sure the quality of the material is sufficient before purchasing.

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