The average bathroom remodel costs between $10,000 and $30,000. Before asking your bank for a loan or increasing the limit on your credit card, consider making smaller changes that will help you achieve a luxurious look in your bathroom.
Luckily for all of us, it’s easier than ever to fake the fancy for a fraction of the cost of a complete renovation. We’ve consulted with design experts from coast to coast to cull their favorite tips for making a bathroom look luxe for less.
1. Framed Mirrors
Elevate your bathroom with framed mirrors. Choose a style that has a unique or interesting shape and/or frame. Scale can help you to make a strong style statement, so consider an oversized mirror — it will add visual space and drama.
2. Oversized Art
An easy luxurious bathroom update is a single oversized selection of artwork. Whether your bathroom is large or on the smaller side, a large piece of art will visually anchor the space. Whatever you choose, be sure it is appropriately framed to inhibit moisture damage.
3. Metal Accents
A moderately easy bathroom update is changing fixtures. When it comes to finishes, you have lots of choices — from shiny chrome to brass and everything in-between. Are you surprised we mentioned brass? Sure it was big in the 1970s and 1980s; after a more than 20 year absence from design, it is back in a big way! Touches of gold-toned metals can infuse your bathroom with warmth and elegance.
If replacing fixtures makes you nervous, consider metallic accent pieces like wastebaskets, soap dishes, vases and other vanity products. These items will help you to achieve the luxurious look without making a big commitment.
4. Towels
If your bathroom towels are a bit worn or dated, consider replacing them. Look for towels with luxurious details like embroidered edges, interesting trim, and monogramming. Turkish towels are a great option because they have a light-weight luxe feel, dry quickly and tend to hold up well after multiple washings.
5. Containers
Of course your bathroom accessories, like soap dispenser and toothbrush holder, should match. The next step in elevating your bathroom is to complement those accessories with dispensers for your shampoo, body wash and lotion. Rehoming those types of toiletries will help bring cohesion in your bathroom.
6. Plants
Your bathroom might seem like the last place you would expect to put a plant. However, there are plants that will thrive in your bathroom due to the moisture. Depending on the type of natural light you have, consider orchids, aloe vera or Boston ferns. If live plants are not an option for your bathroom’s conditions, faux plants are not a good alternative.
7. Lighting
Large-scale light fixtures, like flush-mounted chandeliers, can make a big impact without taking up usable space in your bathroom. If you are swapping out a small light fixture in your bathroom ceiling for something larger, be sure to consult with an electrician. You need to be sure the new fixture will have proper support.
8. Tile
If you are willing to take on the bigger task of retiling your bathroom, consider placing the new tile diagonally. This visual trick will instantly give the room a more luxurious and bespoke feel.
Another visual trick is to tile at least one wall all the way to your ceiling. It will help to add dimension and shine to an otherwise lifeless surface.
9. Shower Curtains
If your bathroom has shower curtains instead of glass doors, try using bedroom curtains instead. You will have a larger selection of curtains to choose from. Fabric like silk well help amp up the luxe factor, but be sure to add a fabric shower curtain liner.
10. Paint or Wallpaper
A fresh coat of paint in a modern hue is one of the most popular luxurious bathroom updates. A lighter color can help brighten a dark space and make a smaller space seem larger. Darker colors help to create drama. For added drama, consider painting your bathroom ceiling in either the same color as the walls or a complementary color.
Wallpaper can also help you to elevate the luxurious feel of your bathroom. From natural fibers to those with sparkle, you have lots of choices.
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading our 10 top luxurious bathroom updates. If you decide to go for a full renovation, check out our 5 Bathroom Remodeling Tips.
