Low Budget Bathroom Design: 3 Chic Ideas That Don’t Break the Bank
Bathroom renovation quotes got you clutching your pearls (and your wallet)?
You’re not alone.
Even a modest makeover can have you spiraling into “how-is-this-so-expensive-for-a-5x8-room” territory.
But take a deep breath—we’re here to help you create the bathroom of your dreams without falling into a nightmare of a budget.
Welcome to your go-to guide for bathroom design ideas on a budget. Whether you're updating a guest bath or reimagining your kiddo’s space, these low budget bathroom design tips are big on style, low on stress, and full of clever designer tricks.
1. Creative Tile + Clever Countertops = Budget-Friendly Brilliance
Let’s start with the obvious: tile can get pricey—fast. But with a little creativity and a good tile saw, you can make budget tile look totally bespoke.
💡 Lark Tip: Take an affordable tile—like classic subway or penny tile—and apply it in an unexpected pattern. Think vertical stack, herringbone, or checkerboard. Instant charm, minimal spend.
Here in Dallas, we love sourcing tile from Bedrosians and Floor & Decor. Most basics clock in at under $5 per square foot, and when installed with a little flair, they feel anything but basic. We used this trick in a sweet girl’s bath with incredible results—high impact, low cost, and our installer didn’t even upcharge for the pattern. Win. Win. Heart happy.
Now about those countertops...
Quartz is your best friend. It’s affordable, durable, and classic. In one of our favorite budget-friendly bathrooms, we added a scalloped edge detail to a simple white quartz slab. The result? High-end vibes for a mere $150 upcharge.
2. Skip the Fancy Shower Glass (Seriously, You’ll Survive)
We know. Frameless shower glass is in every inspo photo. But guess what? It’s also one of the priciest line items in a bathroom renovation.
If you're designing a low budget bathroom, consider skipping the glass entirely and going with a tub/shower combo and curtain in secondary baths. Prefer the glass look? Limit it to a single fixed panel instead of a full enclosure. We’ve done this in several projects and it still gives that sleek, open look—minus the fancy hardware and the fancy price tag.
💡 Bonus: No squeaky doors. No water spots. Just clean lines and more dollars in your pocket.
3. Keep Plumbing Simple (But Make It Pretty)
Plumbing is one of those sneaky places where your budget can spiral without warning—especially if you fall in love with a shower system that requires a valve made of unicorn tears.
✔️ Golden Rule: Before you commit to a faucet or shower fixture, always check the price of the valve it requires. Some are $40. Others? $300+.
Our go-to for budget-friendly, good-looking plumbing fixtures is Delta. We’ve used their pieces in kids’ baths (and yes, we’ve tested the water pressure ourselves—chefs kiss 🤌). Stick to matte black or polished nickel for a high-end look. The golds and brasses from budget lines can skew a little too “Vegas hotel suite.” Chrome? Technically the cheapest, but often too cold and clinical unless your aesthetic is full-on minimalist.
💡 Want more bathroom guidance? Check out our full-service approach to home renovations in Dallas.
Bonus Tip: The Real Secret to Low Budget Bathroom Ideas That Actually Work? Hire a Designer.
Yes, even for budget projects. Why? Because designers know where to splurge and where to save, how to prevent costly mistakes, and how to stretch every dollar while keeping your bathroom looking like a million bucks.
💡 Curious about how we can help? Read our post on the benefits of hiring an interior designer—even (especially!) on a budget. (Psst: You can actually save money doing so!).
Final Thoughts: Budget-Friendly Doesn’t Mean Boring
There are so many smart ways to achieve beautiful low budget bathroom design that still feels thoughtful and elevated. Whether it’s a clever tile layout, a modest but stylish plumbing pick, or a well-edited material palette, these low budget bathroom ideas prove that great design doesn’t have to be out of reach.
And if you’re ready to get serious about making your bathroom beautiful—without losing your mind or your savings—reach out to us at Lark Interiors. We’re kind of great at making the impossible look effortless.
LARK INTERIORS
An interior design and residential architecture firm based in Dallas, Texas and focused on liveable luxury. We believe in comfy sofas, performance fabrics, and coffee tables you can put your feet on.