If you own an older home, chances are the bathroom still has some of its original charm—and some of its original challenges. Our 1950s bathroom had solid bones with vintage wall tile, a cast iron tub, and a layout that worked well. Instead of spending tens of thousands of dollars on a complete gut renovation, we focused on saving what we could, updating what mattered most, and doing as much of the work ourselves as possible.
The result was a bright, updated bathroom that kept its classic character while staying within a realistic budget. One of the biggest lessons we learned was that you don’t have to do everything yourself. Save money by tackling projects you’re comfortable with and hire professionals only for the specialized work that requires experience.
The result was a bright, updated bathroom that kept its classic character while staying within a realistic budget.
Start With a Plan
Before purchasing a single item, make a complete list of everything your bathroom needs.
Separate the project into three categories. This helps prevent surprise expenses and allows you to spread purchases out over time.
- DIY projects
- Professional work
- Materials and finishing touches
What We Chose to Keep
Keeping existing features can save thousands of dollars. We kept the original wall tile and kept the cast iron bathtub. We kept the basic bathroom layout and rather than replacing these expensive items, we had them professionally refreshed.
Professional Jobs Worth Hiring Out
Some jobs are simply worth paying for. These services can make a bathroom look almost brand new for a fraction of the cost of demolition and replacement:
Plumber:
- Update interior wall plumbing
- Install new shower valve and fixtures
- Replace aging pipes if needed
- Reconnect vanity and toilet
Tile and Tub Glazing Professional:
- Repair damaged grout
- Glaze existing wall tile
- Glaze the bathtub
Electrician:
- Install or update lighting
- Replace outdated wiring if necessary
DIY Projects That Save Hundreds
Once the professionals are finished, there are many jobs homeowners can confidently tackle. These smaller projects can dramatically improve the room without requiring expensive labor:
- Repair drywall after plumbing work.
- Paint walls.
- Paint the ceiling with mildew-resistant paint.
- Install wainscoting.
- Install new window molding.
- Install ceiling molding.
- Replace towel bar.
- Replace toilet paper holder.
- Hang a new mirror.
- Install a medicine cabinet.
- Install shower curtain rod.
- Install shower curtain.
- Install decorative hooks.
- Caulk around the vanity.
- Finish trim work.
Choosing Budget-Friendly Updates
You don’t have to buy luxury fixtures to create a beautiful bathroom. Many items were purchased from big-box stores like Home Depot while watching for seasonal sales. Our updates included:
- New vanity
- New toilet
- New sink faucet
- New shower fixtures
- New mirror
- New medicine cabinet
- New light fixture
- Chrome towel bar
- Chrome toilet paper holder
- Magnifying mirror
- New shower rod
- Fresh shower curtain
Updating the Floor Without Overspending
The floor makes a huge visual impact. Instead of installing expensive stone flooring, consider peel-and-stick vinyl tile in a herringbone pattern. It’s affordable, beginner-friendly, and can completely change the look of an older bathroom.
If you’d like a step-by-step tutorial, check out our guide:
How to Install a Herringbone Pattern Peel-and-Stick Vinyl Tile Floor
Bathroom Shopping Checklist
- Vanity
- Toilet
- Sink hardware
- Shower hardware
- Light fixture
- Medicine cabinet
- Mirror
- Floor tile
- Window molding
- Chrome towel bar
- Chrome toilet paper holder
- Magnifying mirror
- Hooks
- Shower curtain
- Curtain rod
- Marble threshold
Materials You’ll Want Before You Begin
- Mortar
- Grout
- Tile
- Tile tape
- Utility knife and extra blades
- Liquid Nails
- Epoxy
- Clear silicone
- Spackle
- Window caulk
- Oil-based white enamel
- Sherwin-Williams paint
- Mildew-resistant ceiling paint
- Marble threshold (saddle)
- Replacement toilet wax ring
- Replacement spring bar
- Chrome replacement bolts for light fixture
- Plastic scrapers
- Scotch-Brite sponges
- White vinegar
- Green cleaner
- Mineral spirits
- Acetone
- Plexiglass shelves
- Aerator screens
- Replacement washers for toilet handle
Project Checklist
- Repair grout.
- Schedule tub and tile glazing.
- Update plumbing behind the wall.
- Install new shower fixtures.
- Repair drywall after plumbing.
- Paint walls.
- Paint ceiling.
- Install floor tile.
- Install marble threshold.
- Remove old towel bar.
- Install vanity.
- Install toilet.
- Install sink hardware.
- Install shower hardware.
- Install mirror.
- Install medicine cabinet.
- Install window molding.
- Install ceiling trim.
- Install wainscoting.
- Install towel bar.
- Install toilet paper holder.
- Caulk vanity.
- Touch up paint.
- Final cleaning.
Budget-Friendly Tips That Make a Big Difference
- Reuse quality materials whenever possible.
- Repair instead of replace.
- Watch for sales on fixtures.
- Purchase materials over several months.
- Complete demolition only when absolutely necessary.
- Do cosmetic improvements yourself.
- Hire professionals only for plumbing, electrical, and specialty refinishing.
- Don’t underestimate the power of fresh paint and new hardware.
The Finished Result
A 1950s bathroom doesn’t have to be completely demolished to feel fresh again. By preserving quality vintage materials, refinishing rather than replacing, and taking on manageable DIY projects, you can create a beautiful, updated bathroom while keeping your budget under control. Sometimes the smartest renovation isn’t the biggest one, it’s making thoughtful improvements that honor the home’s original character while adding modern comfort.
