How to make a bathroom cheaply by yourself? TOP tips in 2025

The bathroom is one of the most important and heavily used spaces in a home. Many people want a stylish and comfortable bathroom, but often there is not enough opportunity to spend a large sum on renovations. If you are looking for how to make a bathroom inexpensively, what to cover the bathroom with, or how to design a bathroom without compromising on quality and aesthetics, this article is for you. We will consider step by step the main aspects of renovation, the most popular materials, and ideas that will help you create a bathroom by yourself on a budget.

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1. Planning the renovation and preparatory work

Before making a bathroom or even just updating its appearance, it is worth considering a few important steps.

1.1. Assess the condition of the room

1. Check the walls and floor for cracks, mold, or fungus.
2. Inspect the plumbing pipes, connections, and drainage. If necessary, plan to replace worn parts.
3. Determine which parts (ceiling, walls, floor) need additional waterproofing.

1.2. Create a budget

1. Consider the cost of basic materials (for cladding, sealants, paint).
2. Add funds for plumbing (toilet, sink, faucets, etc.) and accessories.
3. Leave a reserve (10–15%) for unforeseen expenses.

This approach will help you stick to the plan and not exceed the planned budget.

2. What to cover the bathroom with: overview of available materials

One of the key questions during renovation is what to cover the bathroom with to make it inexpensive, practical, and at the same time visually appealing. Let’s consider the most popular solutions.

2.1. PVC panels

• Advantages: low price, ease of installation, a wide range of colors and textures, moisture resistance.
• Disadvantages: relative fragility, may lose appearance with strong impacts or sharp temperature changes.
• Ideal if you want to cover the bathroom quickly and with minimal costs.

2.2. Waterproof drywall + painting

• Advantages: even walls, the possibility to use any paint for wet rooms, straightforward installation.
• Disadvantages: requires additional waterproofing and careful protection from moisture.
• Recommendation: use special waterproof paint that adheres well to the surface and is easy to wash.

2.3. Porcelain stoneware

• Advantages: durable, withstands high humidity, has a long service life.
• Disadvantages: usually more expensive than PVC panels or wallpaper, installation is more complicated.
• Optimal for flooring, as porcelain stoneware is resistant to wear and damage.

2.4. Waterproof wallpaper

• Advantages: affordable price, a wide selection of designs, quick application.
• Disadvantages: may be damaged with constant contact with water, require perfectly even walls.
• Tip: if you decide to wallpaper, choose vinyl with increased moisture resistance and use waterproof glue.

3. How to cover the bathroom: step-by-step instructions

Have you already decided what to cover the bathroom with and want to do everything yourself? Here are the main steps:

1. Surface preparation
   • Remove the old covering (tiles, paint, panels, etc.).
   • Level the walls with putty or battens if you will be attaching panels or drywall.
2. Waterproofing
   • Use special waterproofing mixtures or roll materials (especially in corners and at joints).
   • Seal the joints with sealant to prevent water from entering the structures.
3. Installation of the chosen material
   • PVC panels: secure mounting profiles around the perimeter, insert panels into each other.
   • Waterproof drywall: attach sheets to the profile, putty the joints, then paint with moisture-resistant paint.
   • Porcelain stoneware: lay on special glue, level the tiles using spacers, grout the joints with moisture-resistant grout.
   • Wallpaper: after leveling and priming the walls, apply wallpaper following the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Finishing touches
   • Check the tightness of the joints and connections, and add silicone sealant if necessary.
   • Install baseboards (if needed), corners, and decorative covers to hide joints and give the bathroom a finished look.

4. Choosing plumbing and accessories: budget solutions

In addition to the question of what to cover the bathroom with, the choice of plumbing fixtures remains important. Even if the budget is limited, it does not mean that quality has to suffer.

4.1. Budget plumbing fixtures

• Toilet with a dual flush system
  Choose two-button models that allow you to control the amount of water used for flushing.
• Shower cabin with water-saving programs
  Look for models with special nozzles that reduce water consumption.
• Thermostatic faucets
  Although they cost a bit more than regular taps, they help save water and electricity (if a boiler is used).

4.2. Affordable accessories and storage elements

• Plastic or metal accessories
  Towel holders, soap dishes, hooks – all these items can be found at affordable prices.
• Wall shelves and cabinets
  Choose models made of moisture-resistant materials or plastic. They will help organize the space without significant expenses.
• Inexpensive storage solutions
  Baskets, organizers, wall pockets – all of these can easily fit into the interior and be purchased cheaply.

5. How to design a bathroom stylishly and inexpensively

It is important not only to cover the bathroom and install plumbing but also to create coziness. Even budget solutions can look attractive if colors and accents are chosen wisely.

1. Light tones
   • Use white, light gray, beige, or pastel shades. Such colors will visually expand the space and create a sense of freshness.
2. Accents
   • Add contrasting details: bright towels, a mat, a shower curtain, or small decorative elements. This instantly refreshes the interior.
3. Mirrors
   • A large mirror above the sink will visually enlarge the room. You can choose a model with backlighting to improve lighting.
4. Lighting
   • Combine the main ceiling light with additional spot or wall lights. This will add coziness and functionality to the room.
5. Plants and decor
   • If space and ventilation allow, consider moisture-resistant plants (such as ferns). They will make the bathroom more lively and pleasant.

6. Useful tips for those planning a DIY renovation

1. Conduct an inventory of old plumbing
   • If you have an old bathtub, sometimes it is cheaper (and faster) to replace it with a new acrylic or steel one than to restore an old cast iron one. However, quality restoration can also be an option if the structure is intact and there is no rust.
2. Use partial tiling
   • Instead of tiling the entire bathroom up to the ceiling, you can tile only the most vulnerable areas (around the bathtub or shower), while painting the rest of the walls with moisture-resistant paint or covering them with panels.
3. Optimize furniture placement
   • If the room is small, use corner sinks, wall cabinets, and shelves – they will help save space and maintain aesthetics.
4. Pay attention to promotions and sales
   • Stores often offer discounts on leftover collections of tiles or plumbing. This is a great way to get quality materials at a lower price.

Conclusion

Thus, how to make a bathroom inexpensively by yourself is a completely achievable task if you carefully plan the renovation, choose practical and inexpensive materials, and pay attention to budget plumbing models.

• Decide what to cover the bathroom with – PVC panels, waterproof drywall, porcelain stoneware, or wallpaper.
• Choose plumbing with economy modes – this will help reduce water and electricity costs in the long run.
• Decorate the bathroom with light tones, add mirrors and functional lighting – the space will seem more spacious and modern.

With these tips, you can make a bathroom not only budget-friendly but also comfortable and pleasant for daily use. A bathroom by yourself is a real way to implement your design ideas while saving money and making the space unique and cozy.