If you watch any of the popular home improvement TV shows, you know that the options are endless when it comes to remodeling your bathroom. From skylights to heated floors, granite countertops to marble shower tiles, there are countless ways to upgrade and personalize this often-overlooked space. But what if you’re not working with an HGTV budget? No problem! All it takes to give your bathroom a boost for an affordable price is a little planning and creativity. The following bathroom remodel ideas will get you on your way.

Play with Paint

As is the case with any room in the house, a fresh coat of paint goes a long way toward reinventing your bathroom. For most bathrooms, a couple of cans will be plenty, which makes this among the most affordable remodeling tricks. If your bathroom is currently decorated in a neutral palette, consider introducing some bright, bold colors, creating an accent wall, or adding stripes or other stenciling. But remember, it’s not just the walls that can benefit from a new hue; upgrade cabinets, shelves, mirror frames, and more with just the swipe of a brush. Just be sure to apply primer before you paint, and use a semi-gloss, satin, or glossy paint to defend against moisture and make surfaces easier to clean.

Turn a Tag Sale Steal into a Statement Piece

If you’re someone who enjoys the thrill of the hunt, check out a local tag sale and look for an old dresser or table that can be repurposed as a vanity. Simply cut a hole in the top for a sink insert, and a hole in the back to accommodate plumbing. Stain or paint the dresser according to your taste, and voila! You have a personalized, functional piece that makes your bathroom feel brand new. Other ideas include reupholstering an ottoman for use as a dressing stool and refinishing an old bookcase to hold towels and toiletries.

Replace Hardware and Fixtures

While you’re at that tag sale, keep an eye out for unique hardware that can add flair to your existing or new bathroom furniture. New or antique drawer pulls, cabinet knobs, and other touches can completely change the look of a piece at a very low cost. The same goes for fixtures. Changing out the faucets, light fixtures, and towel rods is a simple, inexpensive way to add style and sophistication to your bathroom.

Remodel With Some Accent Tile

Retiling your entire bathroom or shower can be a lot of work and a drain on your budget. So instead of retiling the entire space, consider adding some accent tile for a pop of color or area of interest. For example, you could remove a strip of the existing tile in the shower and replace it with small, colorful mosaics, or you could add a decorative tile border on the walls or floor. Another idea is to create an accent wall above the sink or on one wall of the shower, or retile just the floor of the shower. All of these options will save you money while enhancing the space.

Beautify with Beadboard

Beadboard is a type of wood paneling, also known as wainscoting, that typically goes halfway up the wall and can be either stained or painted. While tile lends a bathroom a spa-like look, beadboard provides a homier, more old-fashioned feel that fits well in cottage, colonial, and farmhouse-style homes. It’s also often cheaper than tile and easier to install. Just remember, as when refinishing bathroom furniture, always prime the beadboard before you paint, and use a semi-gloss, satin, or gloss paint for improved durability. When staining, be sure to apply a polyurethane or other sealing top coat to protect the wood from moisture.

Consider a Steam Shower

Thus far, we’ve shared smaller, mostly aesthetic bathroom ideas, but if your budget allows, you might want to consider including a larger project in your remodel, such as a steam shower. With its many health benefits, adding a steam shower to your bathroom will both improve your quality of life and add value to your home. You have two basic options when it comes to steam showers: buying an all-in-one, prefabricated unit, and building it yourself. There are pros and cons to both, so be sure to do your research before you choose.