Update Your Bathroom On A Budget With 14 Tips From HGTV's Property Brothers

While Drew Scott and Jonathan Scott, the stars of HGTV's "Property Brothers", acknowledge it's quite easy to clean out your bank account with a bathroom remodel, they've stressed that you don't want to mindlessly flush your money down the drain. When it comes to any renovation, Drew admitted on the brothers' eponymous blog, drew & jonathan, "Mostly everything is a splurge, but you have to splurge the right way." He added, "Don't go spending ridiculous amounts of money because of ego or you want to show off for your friends."

Instead, sink your cash into areas that make a real difference. "I say if you're going to have a limited budget in the bathroom, spend it on something like the countertop material, if you're going to put on a stone or something like that," Jonathan explained on "Today". And to make room for a splurge like this, Jonathan shares a money-saving tip: "I almost always save the vanity when I can, just paint it out, change your sink." Besides these pieces of sage advice, the brothers are, uh, flush with other ideas. From simple tweaks like swapping out hardware to their secret for giving the tub a glow-up, their tips can transform a tired bathroom into an updated, fresh space on the cheap.

Wallpaper, it's not just for Grandma's home anymore. It's officially taken the design world by storm again. "People say all the time, 'I hate wallpaper; wallpaper's terrible; it's what my grandma used to have in her house," Drew noted on the brother's blog. But wallpaper is back, and the brothers love it. "Removable wallpaper is a beautiful non-permanent way to add some style to your home," explains Drew. "What I love about this is that anybody can do it ... Wallpaper can add a stunning look to a space — it can define a room; it can bring depth to a space; it can make it feel bigger. You can also put wallpaper on a ceiling!"

But while wallpaper is a great way to add instant drama to your bathroom, take into account the environment before going full steam ahead. Even with proper ventilation, humidity can be high in bathrooms, so your best bet might be a vinyl-based option that's both steam- and moisture-resistant. It's still smart to install it on a wall away from splash zones and follow the proper prep. To prevent peeling, apply a one-to-one ratio of isopropyl alcohol and water to your intended surface, allowing it to dry fully.

While window coverings are a must for most bathrooms, they can be more than just a practical privacy solution. "There are so many different ways you can go when it comes to different window coverings," Jonathan noted on the brothers' blog. He explains that for most spaces, "the easiest thing you can do to add a little color; a little warmth; a little personality is to put up some beautiful curtains."

But you'll want to avoid this big mistake when buying window treatments for a bathroom. Since bathrooms can create some steamy situations due to the humidity from showers or baths, it's best to avoid fabrics or materials that absorb moisture and become a breeding ground for mildew or bacteria. Wooden shutters can warp or crack, and heavy fabrics that don't dry quickly could become moldy and musty. Instead, look for shutters, blinds, or shades made with water-resistant materials like PVC, vinyl, or imitation wood. If you want fabric curtains, a cotton polyester blend will likely be your best bet. 

An easy way to upgrade a boring bathroom (while keeping a handle on your budget) on things is to swap out basic knobs, drawer pulls, and even faucets with an upgraded set. "Hardware: Super easy upgrade for the house, and it can make a space look great," Drew noted on the brothers' blog. "Whether it's hooks, doorknobs, hardware — wherever you need a change, this can freshen up a space." And since the mixed-metal look is very much in at the moment, you can shop around to find the most budget-friendly picks. "Now is a great time to upgrade your hardware and accessories because the use of color is back and so are mixed materials," Jonathan explained to MyDomaine. "Using brushed brass, nickel, and golds together is totally acceptable in design. However, be cautious not to go so overboard that your home becomes a crazy distraction to the eye. Balance is key."

In other words, while your bathroom features don't have to be a single type of metal, you don't want them to be a hodge-podge of shades either. The (wink) gold standard is to stick to two different types of metals — one as a base, the other an accent — and go from there. Cooler silver or chrome play nicely with warmer tones such as bronze, copper, or gold. Brass fixtures are a great contrast to matte black pieces or polished nickel hardware.

When giving your bathroom a facelift, don't forget about the functionality. The right hardware can transform your shower from basic to blissful. "Even a new shower head with a massaging wand can freshen up the bath," Drew explained to AARP Magazine. "Little things like that are very important." Because who doesn't want to wash away the stress of a hard day? Noting that swapping out a shower head is "an easy, easy way to add a little bit more oomph to your bathroom," Drew shared on their blog that the right pick can give you multiple setting options, increased pressure, and even help you save on your water bill. What's more, "This may seem like a big plumbing job, but it's not," he insisted. "You need a little plumber's tape, you screw this off, you screw it back on, and you can absolutely transform how you shower."

Some things you should consider when picking out a shower head (beyond the aesthetics) include: Whether you'd prefer one that's permanently mounted or if you'd like the flexibility of a hand-held option. You'll also want to take into account water flow rates (2.5 gallons per minute is standard, while the more conservative 2 gpm is necessary to earn a WaterSense label from the Environmental Protection Agency) and your ideal spray pattern. Depending on your preferred rinse, you can find one that's more of a rainfall, a massaging option, a jet sprayer, or some combination of all the above.

Provided you the job yourself, repainting a bathroom is a super cost-effective yet transformative) upgrade. "Just freshening up with a bit of paint can go a long way because it can make the bathroom feel like a brand new space," Drew noted to AARP. Really top range paints can of course get pricey, but you don't have to select the most expensive option at the paint store. "Get a good quality paint, but don't feel like you have to go and spend an absolute fortune," Jonathan instructed on the twins' blog. 

If you go the DIY route, you'll also want to avoid these common mistakes when painting your bathroom. Since grease, grime, and other residue can make it difficult for paint to adhere to your wall, you'll want to commit to a thorough scrubbing with a degreasing product such as trisodium phosphate (like Savogran TSP). It's also crucial to address any mold issues, ensure the room is fully dry before you apply the first coat, and choose a paint designed for humid rooms like kitchens and bathrooms. 

Allow us to paint you a picture: You settle in for a decadent bubble bath, look up at your wall, and spy a piece of artwork that makes you smile. Life is good. And the brothers swear you can absolutely score quality work on the cheap. "When you see our shows — all the decor, a lot of the stuff, photography we put up — we do that for very little money," Jonathan noted on their site. "You can get a beautiful aesthetic for not a lot of money."

While there are a slew of places to buy incredibly affordable art for your home (some options include Etsy, Zazzle, and Art.com), there are plenty of other creative ways to fill your home with art you actually love. You can often score a great deal by visiting independent artists' websites directly or browsing thrift stores, garage sales, or art festivals. Another option is to seek out pieces you love and download them as a high-resolution file. You can even get creative by framing beautiful paper, wallpaper samples, or illustrations from old, damaged books. 

Among the brothers' brightest ideas: Leaning into quality lighting in the bathroom, an area in which it's pretty crucial to be able to see what you're doing. "Lighting is key, especially in smaller spaces like bathrooms," Jonathan explained to MyDomaine. "I always include recessed lights in a bathroom, even if there is a chandelier." And when it comes to the vanity mirror, a simple sconce bulb isn't going to cut it. "Anyone trying to use a mirror or apply makeup knows that most sconces do not give you the best light," the brother added, which is why he recommends installing a mirror with built-in light fixtures: "It gives you the perfect glow when applying makeup or taking a selfie."

And for those times you don't want ultra-bright illumination, consider this bathroom lighting trend that'll add a touch of comfort to your shower. When you want to turn the wattage and the energy down, a table lamp can create that perfect magic hour glow. The TikTok-approved trend sets the right mood for your evening shower or bath while still ensuring you can, you know, see. You'll want something small enough to sit atop your vanity or a cabinet. Or, you can add a dimmable waterproof lamp to your shower, like Lotitol's Outdoor Waterproof Table Lamp.

Though custom can often seem like the gold standard for cabinets, bathrooms are an area where it might be wiser to go with a one-size-fits-most option. "To stretch a dollar, use prefab cabinets, which are higher quality than they used to be and are less expensive than custom," Drew suggested to MyDomaine. "At big-box stores, you can typically find preassembled units, including sinks and fixtures, countertops, and vanities." For a bit of extra storage space, he added, "You can also build in open shelving. If you have two vanities with a small space in between or dead space to one side, construct some open shelves and paint them to match your vanity."

And just because you don't go the custom route doesn't mean your vanity can't look bespoke. Add a little something extra to prefab cabinets with a bit of molding. "It costs next to nothing," Drew explained on "Today". "A couple of dollars just to get some detail. Pop it on here with a nail gun, you're good to go." Another option to consider is this bathroom trend you'll see popping up in 2026: Furniture-style vanities offer a unique, retro-inspired look that feels very personalized at a much lower price tag than anything made-to-order. Look for a freestanding piece with visible legs, a unique base, or another distinguishing detail that makes it read more furniture than bathroom vanity. Or, if you're feeling handy, find an actual antique cabinet that can be fitted with a sink and other plumbing features.

A key line item that tends to get overlooked during bathroom renovations is the storage space. But even if you don't have the square footage for tons of cabinetry, or the budget for things like built-in laundry hampers — "there are creative solutions like kickplate storage, hanging racks that can go inside your cabinets or on the backs of doors, and organizers in your drawers," the brothers shared with MyDomaine. By getting inventive, you can preserve a more elegant, streamlined look, without spending a fortune. Nothing drags down a space like clutter, so incorporating clever storage solutions is a smart way to proof your design for daily life.

Sometimes that means considering the totally unused bathroom space you should be transforming into storage. (Hint: You can build cabinets under your bathtub.) Another trick is to create the hidden bathroom storage that looks like a magic trick. Initially, it appears to just be a standard wall panel or mirror, but it slides open to reveal an extra set of shelving for all your necessities. If you have the space, scooting a spare chest of drawers or shelf unit into an unused corner could be another option. Alternatively, look into things like slim rolling carts, or mounting some shelves over the toilet. 

Just because tile can make a big impact doesn't mean it needs to come with a big price tag. "You will always be able to find a sale on a great selection of tile," Drew told MyDomaine. "Use this to stretch your dollar when tiling your tub." For a more elevated look, he added, "You could even consider using a small-scale version of the same tile on your bathroom floor." To choose a print that will truly stun, "We look for interest in shape, pattern, and color," added Jonathan. "Tile is one of the easiest ways to make a bathroom pop."

If replacing the tiling isn't an option, it's still possible to give it a glow-up. As Jonathan detailed on "Today", you can have the tiles professionally reglazed. Or, he noted, "A lot of times it's just the grout that looks really bad. You can scrape the grout out and redo it." If you're not willing to shell out up to $2,500 for a pro to do it, and choose to DIY, make sure to avoid these mistakes when regrouting bathroom tile. The biggest is not mixing the grout to the proper consistency. If it's too liquidy, it won't set; too dry and it could become crumbly. You're aiming for something peanut butter-like in texture. 

Ugly tub dragging down your bathroom? While swapping out your bathtub for the claw-footed version of your Pinterest dreams can require deep pockets, Jonathan shared a more budget-friendly upgrade while appearing on "Today." Detailed the pro, "Instead of pulling out a tub, which is incredibly expensive, if you have those dull tubs along the front, we say you can actually build an apron on the front and make it really elegant, really classy."

Though it sounds like an involved project, the update your alcove bath needs for that high-end look can be just a few clicks away. There are plenty of ready-made versions available for purchase, like Comfortflo's Acrylic Tub Skirt. If you're feeling up for a project, though, just "build a nice frame," Drew instructed. "Get some beadboard in behind, and if you actually use PVC, it's waterproof, so it's something you can have around the tub." You can also bring more basic paneling to the next level with wainscoting or bathroom tiles.

Your bathroom countertops don't have to be set in stone. If a marble slab is not in the budget, you can still give a more standard countertop a boost with laminate paint. "If you have laminate counters, you can't afford to change it, you can paint it any color you want," Jonathan detailed during the brothers' "Today" appearance. However, he warns, "This is just a quick fix." 

The paint can chip over time, especially if you don't choose the right type of paint for your laminate countertops. Epoxy paint or a water-based acrylic covered in a high-gloss acrylic top coat are some options for laminate. Prep is also key: After you clean and sand the surface with a medium-grit sandpaper, prime, then paint using a high-density roller for better control. Allow each coat to dry fully, finishing with two layers of top coat.

Vanity mirrors are natural focal points. If you have a builder-grade frameless rectangle of mirror glued above your vanity, you can easily upgrade the look without shelling out for a luxe version. "A lot of people have a big mirror, but the mirror itself isn't in bad shape, it's just dull," Jonathan noted during their "Today" appearance. "So, we suggest people just frame it out."

For their example, the HGTV stars simply added painted wood trim. But there are a plethora of DIY bathroom mirror frames that won't break the bank. Depending on your desired vibe, you can dress up an otherwise plain sheet of glass with wooden arches, peel-and-stick trim, chair rail molding, rhinestone tile, fabric-covered trim, etc.

Form over function? Not when you can have both. Even in the smallest of bathroom spaces, you can choose items that both spark joy and serve a definite purpose. The brothers advised in a 2024 Instagram post, "Find pieces that speak to your taste and make the space more functional."

Since you need items like a small hamper to hold towels and wash cloths, a soap dispenser or dish, and all of the baskets, bins, and jars to keep your space organized, take the time to find ones you truly love. A small stool (like this Millwood Pines solid wood footstool) can add style, while being the perfect bathtub-adjacent spot to set a book or beverage.