Dreaming of turning your bathroom into a relaxing oasis, but a little shocked at the cost of a full renovation?
Fear not! You can totally transform your bathroom without burning a hole in your wallet. With a budget of $5000 or less, you can freshen things up in a big way—even if you’re rolling up your sleeves and tackling some of the work yourself.
Now, this budget won’t cover knocking down walls or installing a fancy sunken tub, but it can work wonders for updating walls, fixtures, and lighting. Whether you’re picking a few of these ideas or bundling them together, you’ll be amazed at how far your dollars can stretch.
Let your walls wow
Wallpaper magic
Want an instant “wow” factor? Wallpaper is your new best friend! It hides blemishes and can even reflect light if you choose something with a metallic or satin finish. And the best part? You can switch it up whenever your budget allows. Can’t afford to paper the entire room? No problem—go for a stunning feature wall.
While DIY is an option, calling in a pro can give you that flawless finish, especially with more intricate designs. If you’ve got a small bathroom or just one wall in mind, the total cost (including installation) might surprise you.
Cost: Starting around AU$90 (for a 10-meter roll, paste, and a brush).
A splash of paint
The easiest way to revive a bathroom is with paint. But don’t stop at the walls—give the ceiling, cabinetry, or old wood panelling a fresh coat too! Paint makes everything feel new without replacing anything.
DIYers, be sure to prep your surfaces, prime, and finish with two coats of paint (go with satin or gloss for durability). Not feeling confident? A local painter might be able to do it within budget.
Cost: Starting around AU$100 (for sandpaper, brushes, primer, and paint).
Tasteful tiles
Want to make a splash? Tiles can completely transform your bathroom. Opt for large, glossy white tiles to make the space feel bigger and brighter.
Plus, larger tiles mean less work for the tiler.
Cost: Around AU$715 (including tiles and installation for a six-square-metre area).
Turn your floors into a feature
Recover floorboards
If you’re lucky, you might uncover beautiful floorboards beneath old vinyl or laminate. Sanding and staining these natural beauties will give your bathroom a cozy, warm feel. You can go for a clear finish or tint it to match your style.
Cost: Starting at AU$165 (for tools like a sander, varnish, and stain).
Seal in your concrete slab
For a sleek, trendy look, concrete floors are a winner. If you’ve got a concrete slab hiding under those old tiles, grind it back and seal it with polyurethane for a smooth, modern finish. Just keep in mind it’ll need resealing every few years.
Cost: Around AU$45 (for a litre of polyurethane).
Tile transformation
Porcelain tiles are great for bathroom floors—durable, non-porous, and easy to clean. While some may come with a hefty price tag, you can still find affordable and stylish options like ceramic or cement tiles.
Cost: Approximately AU$715 (for six-square-metre flooring, including tiler’s fees).
Finding fresh fixtures
Bathtime bliss
If you’ve got room in your budget after tackling the basics, why not indulge in a freestanding bath? It’s a gorgeous, luxurious touch that can still fit under your $5000 budget.
Cost: Around AU$2,380 (for the bath, fixtures, and installation).
Vanity fair
Replacing your vanity is easier than ever thanks to the readymade options on the market. You’ll find a variety of styles that won’t blow your budget. Or, get creative and repurpose an old chest of drawers or console for a one-of-a-kind piece.
Cost: AU$900 to AU$1,350 (including furniture, carpenter, and plumber fees).
Shower power
Swap that tired shower curtain for a sleek, frameless glass shower screen, and you’ll immediately modernize the space. Pair it with new fixtures like a shower rail or rose for a stylish upgrade.
Cost: Around AU$2,170 (for the screen, fixtures, and installation).
Bright ideas to refresh your lighting
Pendant perfection
A stunning pendant light can totally change the vibe of your bathroom. Whether you go for a chic chandelier or something more industrial, swapping out your old light for a fresh new fixture is a fast and easy update.
Cost: AU$450 (for the light and electrician’s fee).
Sleek wall sconces
Wall sconces around the mirror not only look fabulous, but they’re also super functional. They’ll brighten up your morning routine, and your electrician will have an easier time installing them on plasterboard than on tiles.
Cost: AU$450 (including electrician’s fee).
LED love
LED strips around your mirror or recessed ceiling downlights can give your bathroom a modern, ambient glow. Plus, LEDs are energy-efficient and much safer because they don’t get too hot.
Cost: Around AU$570 (for four LED strips and four downlights, plus installation).
