Whether you’re craving a practical bathroom for a busy family, or a spa-style sanctuary to unwind in at the end of a long day, you’ll need to make sure your budget covers all the bases.

From plumbing and installation to tiles, brassware, storage, and more, we’ve rounded up the bathroom essentials worth paying more for, and some clever ways you can save on your remodel, without compromising on the end result.

Click or scroll to discover these savvy saving and spending tips...

It’s worth splashing out on a professional fitter, to ensure your bathroom looks fabulous and functions properly. An experienced plumber who has worked on a variety of different projects will save you time and money, by advising on the best layout and products for your space and budget.

Most importantly, they’ll ensure your bathroom has a quality finish that’ll last for years to come, avoiding any costly issues later down the line.

Featured wetwall tiles available from Wilsonart.

A key way to spread your budget is to stick to the layout of your existing bathroom. Relocating your sink, toilet. or bathtub to somewhere else in the room can be more costly than you think, as pipework will need to be moved and you could end up with escalating plumbing and building costs.

As a rule, it’s cheaper to keep plumbing to a single wall – ask your fitter for some tips and tricks to make the most of the current setup.

Featured freestanding cabinet available from B&Q.

It’s worth spending on installing underfloor (or radiant floor) heating, for that luxurious, cozy feel underfoot. Whether you’re planning on piped or electric systems, both are relatively easy to retrofit and not costly to run.

While tile and stone are the most compatible flooring for underfloor heating systems, there are plenty of other suitable materials to choose from to suit your budget and style, including vinyl, engineered wood and laminate.

Featured floor tiles available from Porcelain Superstore.

If flooring has been relegated to the bottom of your budget, you can still create a big impact on a shoestring, with a statement linoleum, terrazzo-effect panels, or even ceramic tiles that mimic marble.

A simple can of paint could do the trick, too. Choose from a block color or get creative with stencils. Remember to use a specialist paint and test a few small areas of your floor with two coats, to ensure a quality, long-lasting finish. Tile stickers are another low-budget, DIY option.

Featured terrazzo-effect tiles available from Tile Warehouse.

Smart tech is revolutionizing every inch of our homes and the bathroom is one area where it can streamline your routine and boost your wellbeing.

Digital showers offer greater control and flexibility, thanks to key features. Some come with a remote control, so you can warm up the water from your bed, others have customizable temperature and time presets (handy for families with children), or low-flow eco settings and easy-to-read digital displays.

Featured smart shower available from GROHE.

Shower panels are a popular and cost-effective alternative to tiles. With a sleek, grout-free finish, they’re waterproof, simple to clean, and available in a vast choice of colors and finishes, including marble and stone.

Easy to cut, fit, and install, shower panels are ideal for wetrooms, bath surrounds, and cladding entire walls, for a high-end boutique look. You can buy panels in a variety of materials, including acrylic, limestone, and porcelain.

Featured eco wall panels available from Naturewall.

It’s tempting to cut corners on the cost of brassware, especially with so many styles and finishes available at purse-friendly prices.

However, when it comes to taps and showerheads, it pays to invest in a well-known brand that uses quality components and offers a generous guarantee – it’ll end up being more economical in the long run.

Featured brassware available from Burlington.

If you’ve blown the budget on premium brassware, you can still have the tub of your dreams – just opt for an affordable acrylic one.

Far from looking like a budget option, acrylic baths come in all shapes, styles, and finishes, from classic back-to-wall models to showstopping freestanding tubs.

Featured acrylic bathtub available from Sanctuary Bathrooms.

While not the most glamorous part of the bathroom, it makes sense to spend extra on premium sanitaryware, if you want it to stand the test of time. A poorer quality ceramic sink and toilet will be prone to cracks, chips and stains. It might even need replacing sooner rather than later.

When it comes to design, floor-standing models are less pricey but more imposing in the room, while minimalist wall-hung models will free up floor space in a compact room.

Featured sanitaryware available from Retrobad.

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If you’re planning a complete bathroom upgrade, purchasing sinks, toilets, baths, and furniture individually can often end up being more expensive than snapping up a deal on a matching suite.

Many of the major bathroom retailers offer a range of affordable, entry-level packages on basic designs, which can be given a luxury lift when teamed with premium fittings, such as statement tiles or a brass tap.

Featured bathroom suite available from Drench.

Adding multimedia entertainment to your bathroom turns it from a functional space into a room you really want to spend time in.

From Bluetooth speakers to breakthrough home tech that monitors your health and wellbeing, bathroom mirrors have come a long way.

Featured smart mirror available from Roper Rhodes.

Anyone who's done a bathroom remodel on a budget knows that a certain Scandinavian store can deliver serious style, while making the pennies stretch much further.

Flat-pack storage is handy, since, most of time, you can take it with you when you move.

Featured storage cabinet available from Nöa & Nani.

If a beautiful spa-style tub is at the heart of your scheme, you’ll need to allocate your budget accordingly. Spending more will give you a greater choice over the shape, size, material, and color of your bath, to create a stunning focal point in your room.

Think about how much space you’ll need to install your dream bath, too, and carefully research materials, as quality designs tend to be heavy and might require a reinforced floor. Lastly, finish the tub with some showstopping brassware.

Featured bathtub available from BC Designs.

Bath eaten up your budget? Don’t worry, you don’t have to lose the shower if you opt for a reasonably priced exposed system. Unlike concealed designs, where the pipework is hidden in the wall to give a minimal aesthetic, a more cost-effective approach is an exposed design, where the plumbing is left on show.

These showers look just as beautiful and, should the shower break or begin to leak, you'll be able to access it without removing any tiles. Be sure to shop around for one that suits your scheme. 

Featured shower available from Matki.

It’s worth spending on quality tiles that will stand the test of time, while being non-slip, waterproof, and stylish. Porcelain is more durable than ceramic, as it’s made of denser clays and fired at a higher temperature.

Natural stone (think marble, limestone, travertine, slate, and granite) is luxurious and incredibly hardwearing, but around twice the price. You also need to shop around for the right kind of stone, that includes a protective waterproof sealant.

Featured tiles available from Ca' Pietra.

Add a splash of color, pattern, and texture to your space with economical ceramic wall tiles. Thanks to the huge variety of shapes and sizes available, you can keep it pared back with a classic single-tone metro tile, or flex your creativity with an eye-catching pattern.

Many tile retailers are happy to advise on the latest trends and different patterns, that will add another dimension to your scheme.

Featured ceramic tiles available from Tile Mountain.

Whether you’re looking for space-saving ideas or craving a sharp, minimalist look, wall-mounted furniture has become the go-to choice for contemporary bathrooms. Floating designs free up the floor, creating a pared-back aesthetic to make your bathroom appear more streamlined and spacious.

Many furniture ranges are available in a choice of colors, finishes, and handle options for a bespoke look. 

Featured furniture available from Big Bathroom Shop.

If your favorite furniture or fittings are just out of budget, or you want to snap up a bargain, there are a few savvy ways to make sizable savings. For example, why not time your bathroom renovation to coincide with the annual sales, or when manufacturers are launching a promotion?

Keep your eyes peeled for clearance sales, ex-display stock, or discounted price tags on last season’s designs. Lastly, shop around, as another retailer may have the same (or similar) designs for less.

Featured faux wood shutters available from Shutterly Fabulous.

Storage is the holy grail in most bathrooms, as we look to stash and conceal towels, toiletries, cosmetics, and more. With made-to-measure cupboards and cabinetry, you can make the most of tricky spaces, awkward angles, or the full wall height.

Plus, tailor your interior storage to match your needs, while achieving a slick and unobtrusive look. The finish makes the solution worth the money!

Featured fitted furniture available from R2 Bathrooms.

A great way to save on your spend, while adding unique character to your room, is by working in some pre-loved or repurposed furniture.

With the growing popularity and availability of on-trend countertop sinks, revamping an old dresser, chest of drawers, or reclaimed industrial piece into a glam vanity unit can be a straightforward upcycle project. Plus, it will give your room a bespoke, luxury edge.

There’s nothing more uplifting than a room flooded with mood-boosting natural light – and when it comes to bathrooms, the benefits don’t stop there.

If your space is dark or cramped, it’s worth considering installing a larger window, rooflight, or sun tunnel, as not only will the access to fresh air improve ventilation, but the increased daylight will make the space feel bigger and help cut the cost of energy bills, incurred by artificial lighting.

Featured brassware available from Varied Forms.

We often limit the amount of decorative accessories in our bathrooms. After all, a humid space prone to splashes and steam is not the best environment for treasured trinkets and wall art.

However, going for an interesting mirror, cabinet or even a statement sink will elevate the look of your bathroom and won't cost a fortune. Once you know what you want, keep an eye on eBay, Facebook Marketplace and local sellers' groups; you're likely to bag yourself a bargain before too long.

Featured basin available from Thomas Crapper.

Inject some heart and soul into your bathroom with a stunning piece of standalone furniture.

Investing in a well-made freestanding piece – such as a cupboard, dresser or vanity unit – will not only provide your space with a storage boost, it will give you the flexibility to move it around the room when you fancy a change. You'll also be able to take it with you when you move. 

Featured vanity and basin available from Drench.

Controlling the clutter in any bathroom can be an uphill task. Fixed storage furniture, such as cupboards and vanity units, are ideal for housing towels and linens, but it doesn’t cost much to snap up some portable storage accessories to take care of smaller items like wash kits and hair brushes.

Consider wooden, lightweight caddies, bath racks, and baskets that can easily be moved around the space.

Featured baskets available from JYSK.

If you’re designing your bathroom from scratch, it’s worth popping some recessed shelving into the wall. While the building work might eat into your budget, handy niches are a great way to boost your storage when space is at a premium.

Best located inside a shower enclosure or beside a bath within arm’s reach, they’re a convenient perch for toiletries and can be clad in stylish tiles or waterproof panels, for an eye-catching and practical finish.

Featured shower available from R2 Bathrooms.

Looking for an easy way to make a saving? Why not give your tub a nip and tuck with a fresh lick of paint? Classic cast-iron roll-top baths lend themselves well to a quick color makeover, but specialist paints are also available to transform contemporary acrylic baths, too.

Make your tub the center of attention with an eye-popping vibrant shade, or choose a toning hue to blend in with your walls.

Featured painted bathtub available from Annie Sloan.

If your bathroom is poorly lit, it’s worth putting aside a chunk of your spend to boosting your lighting scheme. At an early stage of your renovation, plan where lights are needed, then budget for fittings and control options.

Experts recommend a layered approach, with a combination of dimmable recessed ceiling lights for ambient illumination, pendants, and wall lights for targeted task lighting, highlights via under-cabinet LED lights, and downlights to create atmosphere.

Featured tiles available from Tiles of Spain.

You don’t have to splurge on lights to add a dash of glamor to your bathroom. Whether you’re looking for wall fittings or pendants to suit a modern or traditional scheme, there are a multitude of different styles to give your space wow-factor.

Before you buy, double check whether the fitting is safe to use in a bathroom and especially near water. This is essential for health and safety. Finally, is it made of a material that will stand the test of time in a humid, splash-prone space?

Featured lights available from KES Lighting & Home.

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