5 easy budget bathroom ideas

By Alex Brooks

No money to splash around in that sanctuary we call the bathroom? Try these ideas.

1. Light right

Whether brushing your teeth or bathing in bubbles, a bathroom needs the right light. Nothing beats natural light, so if the bathroom is dark splash out on a solartube or skylight, which you might be able to get installed for under $1000 (depending on access to your ceiling and construction methods!). To create soft, ambient light, installing a dimmer switch can be the go. It will cost around $100 or so - plus the call-out fee for the electrician.

2. Tile tempters

Tiles are the material that can easily date or dag-ify a bathroom. If you can't afford to replace bad old tiles, you can try painting them in White Knight's tile paint - it won't last a long time, but it will give your spirits a lift if you are planning a renovation further down the track. You can also look at tile sheeting or waterproof sheeting that you can line the walls with - again, it's a cheap fix that won't last as long as a thorough renovation but it can work wonders cosmetically. Consider using a few beautiful tiles as features to spruce up a bathroom.

3. Fancy fixtures

Mirrors add depth to a small bathroom, so why not try a mirrored wall? If you are craving top of the line European bath and toilet fittings but can't afford them, splash out on ONE expensive item (ideally positioned where you first walk in the room) and then use mid-range fittings elsewhere. 

4. Tap, tap, tap

Taps are the jewellery of the bathroom - the bits that sparkle. Shower heads are now becoming a design feature but be careful that you don't end up having to pay extra plumbing costs for the high-falutin' fitted styles that are popular. Mounting a shower head from the ceiling is not cheap if you have to retro-fit it. Check that your taps have the best WELS rating available, as that will save your water bills in the long run.

5. Smart plumbing

Avoid relocating the loo, shower or bath as rerouting existing pipes is instrusive and expensive rebuilding. Don't forget to get the Triple A rated showerhead put in - every 15 litres of water that is heated for a shower contributes 1kg of greenhouse gas. Efficient showerheads are the best way to prevent that - and they'll save you money. It could also be worth investigating rebates for a new solar or heat pump hot water service -it might cost less than you think!