To renovate a small bathroom on a budget, focus on cost-effective upgrades like repainting (€30–€60), vinyl flooring (€15–€25/m²), and swapping taps or showerheads (€40–€100). A full small bathroom refresh in Ireland can cost as little as €1,500–€3,000. Explore more affordable, space-saving ideas to transform your bathroom without overspending.
Low-Cost Upgrades That Make a Big Impact
Repainting Walls and Ceilings
One of the quickest ways to transform a small bathroom is a fresh coat of moisture-resistant paint. We typically use mid-range brands like Dulux Easycare or Fleetwood Bathroom+, which cost around €30–€60 per 5L tin and hold up well in Ireland’s damp climate.
Light, neutral tones (think soft whites, pale greys, or even sage green) help bounce natural light around and make tight spaces feel open. In older homes with poor ventilation, we’ve found mould-resistant primers to be essential—especially on ceilings.
Budget Flooring Options
Flooring is another area where you can save without compromising durability. Vinyl flooring, priced around €15–€25/m², is waterproof, warm underfoot, and easy to install. We’ve installed it in dozens of apartments where the client wanted a tile look without the tile price.
Other options include laminate with water-resistant cores or even click-lock tiles, which mimic stone but install without adhesive. We’ve tested these in busy family homes, and they’ve held up surprisingly well—especially when paired with good underlay.
Replace Fixtures, Not Plumbing
You don’t need to rip out pipes to modernise your bathroom. In fact, keeping your plumbing layout as-is can save you €500–€1,000 in labour and materials. Instead, focus on updating the visible fittings—it’s what most people notice first.
Quality mixer taps start from €40, while rain-style showerheads can be found for €60–€100 and instantly lift the space. We prefer brands like Triton and Mira—they’ve proven reliable in multiple projects across Dublin rentals and family homes alike.
If your toilet or sink looks dated but still works, consider just replacing the seat or pedestal rather than the whole unit. We’ve refreshed dozens of small bathrooms this way, cutting waste and cost in half.
The key takeaway: visible upgrades create high perceived value, even if the plumbing underneath stays exactly the same.
Space-Saving Layout Ideas
Wall-Mounted Storage & Fixtures
In tight bathrooms, every centimetre counts. One of the best ways to free up floor space is to go vertical. We often install wall-mounted sinks and toilets in Dublin apartments where the floor area is under 4m². Not only do they look cleaner, but they also make the space easier to mop and visually less cramped.
Wall cabinets with mirrored fronts offer dual functionality—storage plus added light reflection. We often fit mirrored units with LED backlighting in narrow bathrooms, which creates a softer glow and avoids the harshness of a single ceiling light.
Smart Shower Solutions
If your current shower has bulky sliding doors or a chunky tray, it might be eating up precious space. We recommend frameless glass panels or curved corner units, which open up the room visually.
In extremely tight layouts, a wet room setup is worth considering. We’ve converted several 2m x 2m bathrooms into wet rooms using tanked membranes and non-slip tiles. While it adds a bit more to the labour bill, the long-term space gain is significant—especially in older Irish homes where bathrooms weren’t built with flow in mind.
DIY vs. Professional: Where to Save, Where to Invest
Some parts of a small bathroom refresh are perfect for DIY—others are not worth the risk. After 16+ years in home renovation across Dublin, we’ve seen both smart savings and expensive mistakes.
What You Can Do Yourself
Painting is an easy win. With the right primer and a few hours, you can refresh walls and ceilings for under €100. Replacing toilet seats, mirrors, and even vinyl flooring (with click-lock systems) is also beginner-friendly if you’re handy and have time.
We’ve had clients save up to €600 doing their own prep and painting—but only if they used mould-resistant products and didn’t rush the job.
What You Should Leave to the Pros
Tiling, plumbing, and electrics? These need to be done right. We’ve been called in more than once to fix botched DIY grout jobs that caused leaks, or dodgy wiring that failed inspection. Waterproofing is especially critical. Cutting corners here can lead to structural damage and mould—costing you far more in the long run.
If you’re unsure, partial DIY works too: prep and paint yourself, then bring in a contractor for the tiling or plumbing.
Bonus Tips to Maximise Style on a Budget
Use Tile-Effect Wall Panels
Tile-effect wall panels offer a budget-friendly alternative to traditional tiling. They’re quick to install, waterproof, and easy to clean—perfect for busy Irish bathrooms. We’ve tested several brands during our projects and found that high-pressure laminate panels provide excellent durability without the tiling price tag or grout maintenance.
Add Natural Accents
Incorporating plants or natural materials, like wooden shelves or bamboo accessories, adds warmth and a spa-like feel without expensive renovations. Irish homes with small bathrooms often benefit from moisture-loving plants like ferns or spider plants, which also help improve air quality.
Consistent Finishes for a Cohesive Look
Choosing consistent finishes—such as brushed nickel taps and matte black fittings—gives your bathroom a polished, coordinated look. This simple trick enhances perceived value even if the overall budget is tight. We recommend sticking to one finish style throughout for a professional feel.
Final Remarks
In conclusion, reducing the cost of a bathroom renovation requires meticulous planning, opting for budget-friendly materials, considering DIY options, hiring affordable professionals, and employing smart shopping strategies. Remember, every decision in the renovation process impacts the overall budget.
