Skip to main content
Bunnings Warehouse

Sign in or sign up

No Bunnings account? Sign up
or
PowerPass customer?
Visit the dedicated trade website
Lowest Price Policy^
Free delivery* withOnePass_Icon.svg

Five ways to transform an old bathroom on a budget

Header for the article -Five ways to transform an old bathroom on a budget
You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars remodelling your bathroom – there are plenty of easy low-cost ideas to transform the room for less. Here are five quick fixes that can make a big impact.

 

Dark, tired, not enough storage … These are the common complaints of bathroom owners across Australia but transforming a dated bathroom into a fresh functional space can be easier than you think. With some achievable D.I.Y. you can give your bathroom a new lease on life. Here are some ideas to get you started.

Start with a good clean

This hack will instantly upgrade your bathroom, and it costs next to nothing: clean your grout. Not only can grout accumulate mould and mildew, it can also collect dirt, grime and soap scum, which can make the space look dull. Not sure how to clean grout? Follow these steps to get your grout looking like new.

Wipe the tiles clean with a damp cloth. Leave to dry then spray grout cleaner along the grout lines. Let it sit for as long as directed on the packaging. Use a grout brush to scrub vigorously – take your time and really give it some elbow grease. Use the shower head or a bucket of water to wash down the tiles. Wipe with a cloth and leave the area to dry.

Top tip: For effective grout cleaning, the area needs to be completely dry before you apply the grout cleaner.

Before for the article -Five ways to transform an old bathroom on a budget

Budget-friendly tile update

Painting bathroom tiles – rather than re-tiling – is a cost-effective update. Here’s how to paint bathroom tiles.

Give the tiles a clean with a mix of sugar soap and water to remove any dirt, grime and soap residue. Rinse thoroughly then leave to dry. To help the new paint adhere, use a fine grit sandpaper to remove the glossy finish of the tiles then wipe away the dust and let the surface dry. Tape any walls, fixtures and grout lines you don’t want painted.

Paint the tiles with a fit-for-purpose primer. Let it dry completely and then paint with your chosen colour. Make sure the paint is specifically designed for tiles – these are generally water-based enamel paints that are durable and moisture resistant. Do two coats, leaving the area to dry between coats. Finish with a clear sealant.

Top tip: After applying the paint, don’t use the area for 48–72 hours.

Update your bathroom lighting

Lighting can make or break a bathroom so be strategic – consider the direction and placement of the light sources to minimise shadows. Having multiple light sources is also a good option.

The overhead light in the bathroom pictured does a good job of illuminating the whole room, but pedant lights on either side of the mirror light up the ‘work zone’. With the ambient and task lighting covered, the only thing left is to add some accent lighting – the small lamp on the vanity adds warmth and creates atmosphere.

Top tip: Think about the colour temperature of the light bulbs. Warm lighting is great for creating atmosphere, while neutral or daylight-bright lighting is better for task lighting. Always get a qualified electrician for any electrical work.

After for the article -Five ways to transform an old bathroom on a budget

How to add more bathroom storage

Bathrooms are notorious for not having enough storage, but a shaving cabinet is a quick fix. Before selecting a cabinet, measure the space, factoring in door clearance, the height of the users and the surrounding fixtures. For small spaces, go for a cabinet with a sliding door or one door instead of two.

Other considerations are storage capacity and whether you need adjustable shelves. There are also options with integrated lighting and demisting functions. For even more storage, consider a wooden peg rail as seen in this bathroom. It does double duty, covering outdated tiles and allowing for more shelving.

Top tip: Before you install the cabinet, remove the shelves and mirror to make hanging easier.

Invest in a new vanity

Bathroom vanities can be the focal point of the room so this might be where you want to splurge. Once you have worked out your available space, consider things like how much storage you need and whether you want an above vanity sink or inbuilt. Remember, installing a new vanity will be more cost effective if you don’t need to move any existing plumbing, so check this before buying a new unit.

Top tip: Any plumbing work needs to be carried out by a licensed plumber so factor this into your upgrade costs.

Before and after for the article -Five ways to transform an old bathroom on a budget

Ready to renovate your bathroom?

We’ve got the tools and products you need to renovate your bathroom, check out our wide range of bathroom products online or in-store today.

 

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.