How to add bathroom colour on a budget – updates under £50 using paint, fabric, tiles and more

If you're wondering how to add bathroom colour on a budget, you'll be pleased to hear there are plenty!

During the winter, the bathroom becomes a place of comfort and solace for many of us. A long bath on a dark evening provides a time to destress and take a break from the chaos around us.

To create the perfect environment, colour is all important. But switching up the atmosphere with deep, dark shades or pops of bright colour needn't be as expensive as you might think.

We've pulled together some top tips to achieve the hottest colourful looks on a budget. And if you're looking for more inspiration, pop over and see our ideas for bathroom colour schemes.

1. Upcycle old furniture with paint

One of the simplest ways to revamp a bathroom on a budget is to work with what you already have. Perhaps you have an old bcabinet that isn't quite the tone of wood that you like or maybe you have a mirror that could be spruced up with a bit of colour.

A lick of paint is all you need - just make sure you do the proper prep on the furniture so that it lasts in a room with moisture.

2. Add a colourful decal

Tile stickers – or decals – that can be easily adhered to the walls and will cope with splashes of water for a shower or sink – are an instant way to add both colour and pattern. Why not paint your vanity unit to match? And use the stickers on storage baskets and more to create a more united theme.

Love this bathroom's wealth of storage? Check out these bathroom storage ideas.

3. Paint the bathroom ceiling

Colour drenching is one of the biggest paint trends and it's an easy way to make a big impact in your bathroom. This includes painting not just the walls but also the skirting boards, architraves and even your ceiling in the same statement shade.

This helps to draw the eye upwards which is great for small spaces, but it will also create a cosy feel that is perfect for long evening soaks.

4. Tile a basin splashback

While tiling the whole bathroom could set you back hundreds of pounds, picking your favourite design and covering a small area above the sink is much more cost effective.

Doing it yourself? Read our guide on how to tile a splashback, and learn how to grout tiles yourself to save on installation costs.

5. Pop in more plants

The best indoor plants are the best way to breathe new life into an old space. If painting the walls or tiling is too much work, or perhaps you live in a rental, then adding a plant might be just what you need.

Pops of green will suit any existing colour scheme and will pull an entire look together.

6. Switch your shower curtain

Aside from using leftover paint, switching your boring old shower curtain for something more snazzy has to be the least expensive way to add colour we can think of.

This ruffled shower curtain from Anthropologie will keep the space light and airy with a primarily white look, with the addition of a trendy touch that will bring your bathroom up to date.

7. Lay bright vinyl flooring

One of the most affordable flooring types money can buy, vinyl flooring is easy to lay yourself and comes in tile or sheet format. Many designs mimic the look of encaustic tiles and at a fraction of the cost. Try B&M or The Range for some smart budget options.

8. Use wallpaper

Contrary to popular belief, you can use wallpaper in a bathroom. However, due to the moist and humid conditions, you should either buy specialist bathroom wallpaper, or treat standard wallpaper to a layer of decorator's varnish for protection.

It's also a great way to add colour to a small downstairs W.C - we love going super bold in a compact space as it feels like an easier way to delve into a playful palette.

9. Paint a feature wall... or two

It's perhaps an obvious solution, but if you're still wondering how to add bathroom colour on a budget, you can always reach for the paint brush and paint non-tiled walls in a deep shade of blue or green.

To stop condensation from staining your handiwork, use a paint formulated for bathrooms.

FAQs

What are the best colours to use in a bathroom?

According to psychologist and wellbeing consultant Lee Chambers MSc MBPsS, reds, oranges, and yellows are best for a morning energy boost, and bright blue, green and purple will encourage you to relax and find serenity.

'If you want to start the day with a stimulating boost, bold shades of warm colours like reds, oranges and yellows can really get you energised, and this can be incorporated through accessories and decoration on a more muted colour,' says Lee.

'When it comes to helping us find a calmer moment of serenity in the evening or as you rush around in the morning, cooler colours that still have a bright element, such as brighter blue, purples and greens can help us feel assured in ourselves and convey a message that we can handle the day's challenges,' he adds.

However, like the Ideal Home team, Lee ultimately feels that any colour can – and should – go in a bathroom. 'If there's a particular shade that you feel expresses you, you have a personal connection, and that is powerful when deciding what colour to use,' he says.

'Just ensure that the colours you choose let you have that moment of peace in a place that feels like home.'

We couldn't agree more.