Paint the Walls

• Paint is an obvious suggestion for updating a bathroom on a budget. A whole new color scheme can take an outdated bathroom a long way, especially if the bathroom walls are covered in wallpaper from decorating styles of years ago. White trim against solid colored walls presents a clean, fresh look for the bathroom but other combinations of trim and wall color can paired to work with permanent fixtures such as the sink or tub.
  
  

Update the Cabinets

• Many bathrooms are equipped with inexpensive wood cabinetry that does little to enhance the look of the room. Replacing the cabinets can be costly and is counterproductive to the idea of updating a bathroom on a budget. Prime then paint outdated cabinets to give the bathroom a dramatic face lift. Replace cabinet hardware to create a more modern look.
  
  

Replace the Linens

• A boldly styled shower curtain and coordinating hand towels and bath towels can lend themselves to the updating of the rest of the bathroom. If completely replacing all of the bathroom towels is not in the budget, even a few new towels reserved for "company" can do the trick.
  
  

Add a Mirror

• Hanging a mirror in the bathroom adds depth to the room. A strategically hung mirror can make a small bathroom seem larger, a dark bathroom brighter and a large bathroom more interesting. A mirror from the home goods store can be stylish but sometimes too costly for the budget. If the funds are extremely tight, paint a framed mirror from a garage sale or second-hand store.
  
  

Consider Plants

• If the light in the bathroom is sufficient to support plant life, add one or several plants in to update the bathroom at a low cost. Even small bathrooms can accommodate a plant when the plant is hung from a hook on the ceiling. If there isn't enough light, use a realistic silk plant.