Renovating an Outdated Bathroom Cheaply

Lighting

• A simple bulb replacement can have a significant impact on the overall atmosphere of your bathroom space. Replace fluorescent light bulbs with warm frosted light bulbs or energy-efficient halogen bulbs. Update any outdated light fixtures, including light switch plates, and replace them with fixtures in your chosen design. Dimmer switches are a nice touch and allow you more control over light levels. If you can stretch your budget far enough, consider adding recessed lighting or strip lighting along the mirror to really change the look.

Paint

• A fresh coat of paint is an inexpensive and effective way to change the tone of any room. If your bathroom walls are currently covered in an outdated paint color or wallpaper, new paint may be all you need to decrease your bathroom's cringe factor. You can usually strip wallpaper with special solution available at home improvement stores. Use primer to increase the quality of your paint job, especially if you are painting over bold colors. And don't forget the cabinets. Although replacing a bathroom vanity or other fixtures is probably out of your price range, a new paint job can make an immense difference.

Flooring

• When it comes to flooring, there's vintage ... and then there's outlandish. If your current flooring falls into the latter category, consider replacing it with a more contemporary product. Most bathroom floors are small and don't require a lot of flooring materials. For example, in the "Budget Bathroom Makeover" featured at My Home Ideas, replacing the bathroom floor only cost $144. If you don't have enough money to redo your flooring, consider using it to your advantage. For example, if you have colored tiles, you can choose complementary and attractive colors for the rest of the bathroom to create a coordinated feel without breaking your budget.

Countertops and Wall Space

• Finish off your newly painted bathroom vanity with a tile countertop. As noted at This Old House, a tile countertop is an easy weekend project that costs less than re-tiling the floor or shower. Caulk around sinks to protect the tiles from water damage. After the paint has dried, spruce up your walls with decorative sconces, wall art and even photography. Use decorative and functional items such as shower hooks or towel racks that fit the overall theme of your bathroom to keep you organized and enhance the appearance of your bathroom.