Mini Bathroom Makeover on a Budget: Create a Moody Retreat

A bathroom makeover doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming, especially if you’re working with a small space. With a few strategic upgrades and budget-friendly choices, you can transform your bathroom into a moody, stylish retreat. Here’s how to achieve a mini bathroom makeover on a budget with a dark and cozy aesthetic.

1. Dark and Dramatic Walls

A fresh coat of deep, rich paint like charcoal, navy, or forest green can instantly set a moody tone. If you want added character, consider peel-and-stick wallpaper in dark florals, textured finishes, or geometric designs for an accent wall. I went with a forest green in our bathroom, and I couldn’t love it more!

2. Upgrade the Fixtures

Replacing outdated fixtures such as faucets, showerheads, and drawer pulls can make a big difference. Opt for matte black, antique brass, or oil-rubbed bronze finishes to complement the moody aesthetic. Check for sales at home improvement stores or consider secondhand options. Gold is my aesthetic. I just love the pop of color with the dark moody paint. All our fixtures were purchased through Amazon to save cost. By piecing out cabinet handles, faucets, towel hooks, etc., I was able to save quite a bit instead of buying the full “kit”. But be sure to read reviews and check out the return rates for products. Another tricky situation, I found, is matching the actual fixture tones and hues. If you’re very detail oriented like me, I recommend going to your local hardware or home store and sourcing these items first if you want a perfect match.

3. Maximize Storage with a Chic Touch

Small bathrooms often lack storage, leading to clutter. Utilize vertical space with dark wood floating shelves, wall-mounted baskets, or an over-the-toilet storage unit in black or deep wood tones. Thrift stores often carry budget-friendly baskets and organizers that can be spray-painted for a custom look. I didn’t spend any money on our storage, as I’ve collected bins and baskets over the years. The dark floating shelving was a simple DIY project for us over a weekend. I bought the wood, stained it, and mounted them with simple black brackets for the appearance of “floating shelves” without the cost and labor. Be sure to find the studs behind the drywall with a stud finder or use drywall anchors to ensure the shelves are sturdy and safe.

4. Swap Out Accessories

Simple swaps like a dark-hued shower curtain, plush bathmat, and rich-colored hand towels can make a dramatic impact. Choose jewel tones, deep neutrals, or monochrome patterns to create a cohesive look. Look for budget-friendly options at discount home stores or even repurpose what you already have. I opted for a simple white shower curtain from Target. Cheap, and machine washable. And I love the boho-chic look!

5. Enhance the Lighting

Soft, ambient lighting is key in a moody bathroom. I prefer bright lighting in my bathroom for getting ready in the morning, but nobody wants those blazing bulbs on them when they’re trying to relax in the tub. Swap out outdated light fixtures for dimmable LED options or install a stylish sconce with warm-toned bulbs. Adding candles or LED strips under cabinets can enhance the cozy atmosphere. Who doesn’t love some ambience when soaking?

6. Add a Touch of Greenery

Dark spaces can benefit from a pop of greenery. Opt for deep green, low-maintenance plants like snake plants, ferns, or artificial options. Hanging planters or small succulents on floating shelves add an organic feel while maintaining the moody vibe. I keep Aloe Vera next to the tub. I love the vibe, but it’s also helpful for those scrapes and burns that come along with life sometimes.

7. DIY Countertop and Cabinet Makeover

Instead of replacing cabinets, give them a fresh coat of black, deep blue, or dark-stained wood paint for a rich transformation. If your countertop needs a refresh, consider a peel-and-stick marble or dark concrete-look film for an easy and inexpensive upgrade. I painted my cabinet black, added the gold faucet, handles, and toilet paper holder - and voila! - you have a brand-new cabinet! Be sure to lightly sand the cabinet prior to using the cabinet paint that can be found at your local hardware or home store.

8. Install a Statement Mirror

A stylish mirror can be a game-changer in a moody bathroom. Swap out an old mirror for a vintage-inspired, black-framed, or round mirror with a brass finish. Thrift stores, clearance sections, and online marketplaces often have affordable finds. I found our simple but elegant gold framed round mirror at a local secondhand store, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, here in Des Moines. Brand spankin’ new, in the package. Be sure to look around these places while you’re there – they have great finds a lot of times! And what a great cause!

9. Re-Grout and Deep Clean

Sometimes, all your bathroom needs is a deep clean. Re-grouting tiles, scrubbing the shower, and polishing fixtures can make everything look fresh and new. A little elbow grease goes a long way and costs next to nothing. I found this grout pen in white on Amazon. Super cost-effective, and something I can do myself without having to regrout our entire shower and floor tile.

10. Personalize with Dark Decor

Incorporate small decorative elements like framed vintage prints, dark candles, amber glass soap dispensers, and moody artwork to add personality. These minor details can elevate the overall look and complete your moody retreat. I chose to keep our wall space for the towels only, as I prefer less “clutter”. Most of our accessories are on the shelves to keep things easier to clean and maintain the appearance of more space.

With these budget-friendly ideas, you can give your small bathroom a bold, sophisticated makeover without spending a fortune. A little creativity and some DIY effort can go a long way in making your bathroom feel like a luxurious, moody sanctuary!