How to elevate your bathroom from budget to luxury without breaking the bank, according to an expert

Whether you’re gearing up for the day or sinking into a blissful bubble bath at the end of it, bathrooms see a surprising amount of daily use. But is your bathroom giving budget or luxurious vibes?

As one of the most-used spaces in our homes, bathrooms can easily become neglected, showing signs of wear and tear or outdated décor.

Thankfully, Andrea Clewett, a bathroom expert and co-founder of award-winning custom printed bathroom panels brand Showerscape, has shared a slew of simple ways that you can elevate the room without breaking the bank exclusively with the Daily Mail.

‘Bathrooms are having a moment. Style and design-wise for 2026, it’s all about creating a room where you can relax, that you love, and that offers you a place to escape,’ she dished.

‘The bathroom is the place where we can switch off, and imagine we’re somewhere else.’

From old tiles to bad lighting, the expert explained that there are a few of common things that people overlook when it comes to their bathroom that they may not realize are making the space seem cheap.

But she added that there are easy and cheap hacks you can implement to make your bathroom look like it belongs in a five-star hotel instead.

‘You don’t need to over-spend. There are clever ways to revamp your bathroom so it looks and feels luxurious, without breaking the bank,’ she explained.

Here are Clewett’s tips to transforming your bathroom from budget to luxury without forking over too much money.

Paint over old and dirty tiles

Tiles are a bathroom staple, as they’re water-resistant, heat-resistant and fairly easy to clean. 

But even the best tiles can fall victim to soap scum, water marks and grime over time.

‘Cracked tiles, dirty grout or moldy silicone sealant can make a space feel tired and neglected,’ Clewett explained. 

‘Even small imperfections catch the eye and give the impression that the whole bathroom hasn’t been cared for.’

Clewett recommended tile paint as an easy and budget-friendly fix, whether you want to cover yellowing, peeling tiles or just refresh a tired color.

‘A fresh coat [of tile paint] can completely transform your tiles,’ she added. 

Replace shower curtains with panels

They may have been all the rage at one point, but according to Clewett, shower curtains are now totally out of style.

Instead, she recommended shower doors or panels to bring your bathroom to the next level.

‘Shower curtains are terrible,’ Clewett said. ‘They harbor dirt and grime and make the space feel enclosed and more cluttered. 

‘That’s bad for any bathroom, but especially smaller spaces. They’re also just very dated.’

‘A stylish shower glazing screen is not too expensive to install, and if it becomes a bit moldy, they’re fairly affordable to replace,’ she added.

Modernize your faucets 

According to Clewett, fixtures can really make or break a bathroom, setting the tone for the entire space. 

‘Old-style separate hot and cold taps, in particular, can make a room feel stuck in the past rather than fresh and modern,’ Clewett said.

She suggested updating your faucets and said ‘mixer taps are the way to go.’ 

‘Replacing an old, dated set is usually straightforward,’ she dished. ‘If you still have separate hot and cold taps, swapping them for a single mixer tap not only looks modern but is far more convenient to use. 

‘Bear in mind that moving from two taps to one may require a new basin, but it’s a small effort for a big upgrade.’

Invest in some good storage 

A lack of storage can really drag a bathroom down, making it feel cluttered and chaotic.

‘Even the nicest tiles or décor touches get lost amid the mess,’ Clewett said. ‘No matter how small your space is, smart storage solutions are always worth the investment.’

She suggested buying a vanity unit with built-in drawers as it ‘makes use of the often-neglected space between the sink.’

‘Slim drop-down cabinets or versatile wall-mounted units above the basin are also great options,’ added the expert. 

‘A good bathroom wall cabinet can also tackle multiple needs, offering storage, lighting and even a mirror.’

Make sure your shower has good water pressure

You might love the nostalgic charm of a vintage shower, but in reality, a slow trickle of water just isn’t enough for a thorough wash. 

‘A bathroom should be both beautiful and functional, so don’t sacrifice performance for style,’ Clewett warned.

If your water pressure is low, she recommended speaking to a plumber about installing a water pump. 

‘A powerful shower can make you feel energized for the day and wash products out of your hair in next to no time,’ she pointed out.

‘You can also add a new shower head with a waterfall design, which has a very boutique hotel feel to it.’

Get a few nice towels 

Rough, over washed towels that have lost their color, faded or are marked with stains from wear and tear can instantly drag down the look of a bathroom, Clewett said.

‘Even if you’ve invested in a stylish ladder shelf or a heated towel rack, nothing dampens the aesthetic more than tired towels,’ she added.

She said getting a set of nice towels can instantly elevate a bathroom, and pointed out that they don’t have to come with a hefty price tag to be good. 

‘Choose earthy or neutral tones if your bathroom already has strong colors, or go bold against white walls to add a pop of character,’ she suggested. ‘For a playful touch, consider patterns like stripes or checks.’

Add some decor to your walls 

White may seem like an easy neutral color for bathroom walls, but Clewett explained that there’s a fine line between modern minimalist and cold and soulless. 

She said bare, white walls can feel ‘stark and sad,’ adding that a simple piece of decor or painting can add so much to a room.

‘‘White on white on white can quickly feel cold and clinical. While the aesthetic is meant to be calm and minimalist, it can come across as uninspired when it’s overdone,’ she said.

‘Try adding some prints to the walls or include a feature shower wall,’ she suggested.

‘Maybe create a gallery wall or add a print alongside a hanging plant and a simple shelf. Small touches like this can really make a difference.’

She suggested you ‘inject color’ through your ‘decor choices’ and suggested ‘bringing the outdoors in with touches of greenery.’

Don’t forget about the lighting 

Bad lighting in a bathroom can make even the most beautiful of spaces feel instantly uninviting.

‘Harsh, overhead lights create unflattering shadows, while dim or uneven lighting can make it difficult to see clearly for tasks like shaving or applying makeup,’ Clewett explained. 

‘Yellow-toned bulbs can make colors look muddy and flickering or poorly positioned fixtures look.’

She suggested keeping the main light bright but warm, and to try ‘backlit mirrors or halo-style ceiling lights for a modern feel.’     

‘You could even make the main light dimmable to suit the vibe you’re going for,’ she added.