How to Decorate a Bathroom Cheaply

Plants add a decorative touch to any bathroom.

You can decorate a bathroom cheaply with fresh paint, a splash of color and a little creativity. Turn a dull bathroom into a relaxing spa with luxurious towels, clean surfaces and a inviting tub. Wallpaper will turn a small bathroom into a charming room. A decorative mirror gives the bathroom character. A hand-painted mural or a child's artwork can make your bathroom stand out. Painted wooden chairs, small tables or cabinets make interesting storage for towels, toilet paper and supplies. Use your creativity to make over a bathroom on a small budget.

Things You'll Need

• Attractive recycled cup or glass
• Shower curtain
• Small rug
• Baskets
• Towels
• Ribbons or lace
• Finials
• Silk flowers or live plant
• Candles
• Recycled or repurposed thrift items such as an attractive picture frame or coat rack
• Rug or rug-sized carpet sample with nonskid pad attached

Instructions

1. Clean the bathroom thoroughly before decorating. Discard the clutter and remove items that do not belong in the bathroom. Clear the counters, keeping makeup, hair supplies and lotions in a drawer or under the sink. Leave just a few items on the counter, such as a toothbrush holder, cup and soap dispenser. You can repurpose a recycled cup or glass as a toothbrush holder.

2. Select a color scheme that coordinates with the shower curtain or bathroom fixtures. Paint or wallpaper the walls if needed. Creative a fun children's bathroom by painting colorful handprints on the wall.

3. Add color to a neutral bathroom with a colorful shower curtain and towels. Make your own decorative shower curtain out of a sheet or inexpensive fabric. Use a solid plastic shower curtain to give the bathroom a clean look.

4. Roll your bath towels for a decorative touch. Roll the towels neatly and stack on the counter, or place in a basket. Layer colors of bath towels, hand towels and wash cloths together. Sew decorative custom trim to your towels such as ribbon or lace. Fold the towels in thirds lengthwise and hang on a towel bar. Add finials to the towel bars for extra flair.

5. Brighten the bathroom with a bouquet of flowers or a live plant. Place the plant on the back of the toilet or in a corner on the counter. Add a few candles to create a relaxing atmosphere.

6. Visit thrift stores to find wall hangings, soap dishes, baskets or knickknacks. Frame the mirror with a large recycled decorative picture frame. Use coat hooks or a coat rack for hanging towels.

7. Select a rug to bring warmth and color to the bathroom. Buy an inexpensive rug sample from an interior design studio or a carpet store. Place a nonskid pad under the rug.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean the bathroom daily to keep it fresh and inviting.

References

• Good Housekeeping: Bathroom Décor Ideas
• Country Living: The Big Guide to Bathroom Design
• Country Living: Thrifty Bathroom Redo

Resources

• hgtv: Bathrooms On a Budget