Remodeling a bathroom comes with its costs, but it turns out there are some things you can cut out of the budget. And don't worry, you won't have to compromise on style.
It can be so easy to get sucked into the trend of creating a luxurious design filled with high-end decor, but designers say there are some things in your bathroom that aren't worth spending money on.
If you're planning on updating your bathroom ideas, we've asked interior designers where to save your dollars without impacting the aesthetic of your scheme.
5 things in your bathroom that aren’t worth spending money on
From smaller accessories to big bathroom features, this designer advice will help you spend your budget in the right places in your bathroom for a stylish and functional space.
1. Tiles outside of the shower
When you're designing your space, it's important to consider the big ticket items. If something is on the more expensive side, like bathroom tiles, how much of it do you really need?
'Wall tile outside of the shower really isn’t worth the expense. A bathroom should feel like another room in your home where you also happen to be able to bathe, and an excess of tile or stone can feel cold,' says Susan Galvani, of Spruce Interior.
'Instead, try plaster walls which are inherently waterproof and lend a more intimate feel. Investing in high-quality plumbing fixtures and fittings will allow the bathroom to be highly functional and stand the test of time.'
2. Fussy towel radiator
We always talk about the finishing touches that elevate your bathroom design, but you want to avoid opting for pieces that are too trend-led, as you'll end up spending a lot of money on something you'll enjoy for the short term.
'Avoid a gimmicky designed towel drying radiator. They're trendy for two minutes and then you'll be bored of it. Instead, choose a classically good-looking simple towel-drying radiator,' says interior designer Benji Lewis.
If you want your towel rail to still feel luxurious, opt for an aesthetic design in a finish that matches the rest of your hardware, or paint it the same color as the walls so it blends into your design.
3. A bathtub
A freestanding bathtub feels like the epitome of a luxury bathroom, but an elevated design looks different in every space. And if you're working with a smaller footprint or you're simply not someone who enjoys a bath, it's probably not worth the spend.
'While freestanding baths are often a focal point in bathroom designs, they aren’t for everyone. Many people rarely take baths, so we always make sure to understand how our clients will actually use the space,' says interior designer Lauren Gilberthorpe.
'If a bath isn’t a priority for their lifestyle, we prefer to focus the space and budget on creating a truly luxurious shower area instead. Investing in a large, well-designed shower with beautiful fixtures and thoughtful storage can often provide more everyday value and enjoyment than a bath that goes unused.'
4. Expensive tiles
Similarly to overusing tiles, it can be tempting to go for the obvious luxury tiles on the walls and floors to create an expensive-looking bathroom. But there are so many beautiful tile options at affordable prices these days.
'While it’s tempting to splurge on every element in a bathroom, there are lots of beautiful, budget-friendly tile options that can still create a stunning impact. I love to create visual interest by using an unexpected tile pattern to elevate the overall design,' says interior designer Marie Flanigan.
'By choosing a gorgeous marble option or undulated ceramic tile, you can achieve a timeless look without overspending, leaving room to allocate your budget more thoughtfully.'
5. Automatic, wall-mounted soap dispensers
Our homes are becoming more smart and tech-filled than ever, but the bathroom is one space where it's good to take a step back and keep things a little bit more simple.
Automatic and sensor-activated soap dispensers have been cropping up more and more recently, but the designs are often slightly clunky and somewhat of an eyesore.
Instead, try introducing beautiful countertop soap dispensers that tie in with your decor and bathroom scheme without creating a visual interruption in the space. This can be bottles you refill, or soaps from brands offering beautiful packaging.
Playful yet sophisticated, this soap dispenser features and abstract pattern and topped with gold hardware – a stylish addition to your vanity.
If you prefer something plain and more natural in aesthetic, this stone-look soap dispenser is a charming choice – and is part of a matching collection.
Introducing interesting, organic shapes is a great way to add visual interest. This soap dispenser with curved edges and black trim is a perfect choice.
How you design your bathroom should revolve around your personal needs and requirements of the space. From there, you can decide which of these bathroom elements are and aren't worth spending money on.
