Before we move…

I decided to make some cosmetic updates to the house to get it ready to sell, and the boys’ bathroom was next on the list. I wanted to create a space that was not only functional but also full of personality. The challenge? Transforming a small bathroom into a stylish space while staying on budget.

When it comes to small bathrooms, it can feel like there’s no room for personality or charm. But I’m here to show you that even the tiniest spaces can pack a stylish punch—all without breaking the bank!

In this blog, I’ll show you the pieces I used to turn a small bathroom into a space that feels brighter, more inviting, and full of character. I styled the room with hidden gems I found at local thrift shops, vintage treasures from my own collection, and a few budget-friendly finds from Ikea and Walmart.

That’s the beauty of a DIY makeover—you don’t need a massive budget to make a big impact!

Ready to take a peek at the transformation?

The first step in the makeover was adding some DIY shiplap and painting all the walls. I picked up supplies for this part of the project from Lowe’s and Home Depot and chose Sherwin Williams paint for the perfect finish:

• Greek Villa (semi-gloss) for the trim
• White Duck (satin) for the walls

For the shiplap, I decided to cut my own custom pieces using 5mm underlayment instead of opting for pre-made options. This not only made it more affordable but also allowed for a more personalized touch. Since the room had uneven surfaces, I had to get creative with some of the cuts to ensure everything fit perfectly. But overall, I’m really happy with how it turned out!

The most time-consuming part of the process was caulking all the seams of the shiplap slabs. It’s a tedious task, but it’s definitely necessary to achieve a professional finish. I used my finger to smooth it out and baby wipes to wipe away any excess—quick, easy, and effective!

I found this wooden mirror at the Goodwill bins, and it was the perfect size, shape, and style for this bathroom. Although it was pretty dusty at first, I saw its potential and knew I could clean it up to save some money. Thankfully, it cleaned up beautifully, and I think it adds so much character to the space. I’ve linked some similar wooden bathroom mirror options below, but don’t forget to check out your local thrift stores and garage sales for hidden gems like this one!

SHOP [similar hand towels] [similar wooden sink mirror]

I painted the vanity in Sherwin Williams White Duck to create a cohesive, tonal look that blends seamlessly with the rest of the space. It adds a soft, neutral touch while still feeling fresh and bright.

SHOP [Ribber Glass Light Fixtures] [similar wooden sink mirror] [vintage decorative pieces]

The items on the shelves are a mix of decor pieces from my shop and treasures I’ve discovered on thrifting adventures. You can shop all of my curated thrifted home decor finds at www.juliesdesignsandsigns.com/homedecor!

SHOP [similar hand towels] [vintage decorative pieces] [similar wooden sink mirror]

Adding the bright white to the walls instantly made the bathroom feel brighter and more spacious. The 6ft artificial olive tree was the perfect touch, adding height to the room and introducing texture to balance out all the wooden elements. Plus, the black back of the door mirror makes the space look larger too.

SHOP [bath towels] [similar black rectangle mirror] [artificial tree]

I’m obsessed with this coat rack turned towel rack! I found it while thrifting, so definitely keep an eye out at your local shops—I’d love to see someone recreate this look.

For the hooks, I used nameplate hooks from Hobby Lobby, then added labels I made using paper and the IOD Apothecary Labels. This is one of those stamp collections every crafter needs in their stash. It’s so versatile and has the perfect vintage/farmhouse vibe!

SHOP [vintage artwork] [towel rack with hooks] [artificial tree]

I love collecting thrifted books, small paperweights, mini plants, photo frames, and vintage artwork—many of these treasures can be found in my shop. I enjoy hunting for these pieces because you never know when you’ll come across the perfect one to style in your space!

SHOP [vintage artwork] [towel rack with hooks]

For the closet, I grabbed white storage containers at Ikea and used the IOD Apothecary Stamps to label each one.

Small spaces often require some creativity, and this makeover was no exception! The shower was the area that really needed a little extra thinking. I wanted to cover up the yellow/brown tile and knew the glass needed more privacy, so I decided to apply a DIY frosted film to the shower door. It turned out to be much easier than I expected!

To further hide the yellow/brown tile, I hung a shower curtain on a slant to cover the door. I attached a small black rod to the ceiling and tied the curtain along the rod—such a simple fix that turned out great!

SHOP [floating shelves] [white storage containers] [bath towels]

Other items I updated:

• I moved the light fixture higher to make room for a larger mirror; that small change made the space feel so much bigger!
• I also swapped out the frosted glass light fixtures for ribbed glass light fixtures, which add a touch of texture.
• The wicker storage basket on the back of the toilet is actually an indoor/outdoor planter I found while thrifting—it’s a great example of how you can repurpose items for a stylish, functional space!

Takeaway Tips for Your Own Small Bathroom Makeover

• DIY for Budget-Friendly Style: A little paint and creativity can go a long way in transforming your bathroom fixtures.
• Shop Secondhand: Thrift stores and estate sales are goldmines for unique decor and storage pieces.
• Think Vertical: Use your walls to add shelving, hooks, or other organizational elements. Add long mirrors or tall greenery to make the room look taller.

Have you ever completed a small bathroom makeover? I could love to hear about your experience in the comments!

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This blog is all about a Small Bathroom Makeover with Thrifted and Vintage Items!

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