When renovating a bathroom, there’s a lot to consider when it comes to function, design and budget – not to mention finding ways to make the room more water-efficient and “green”. Here, we break down where you can save and where you should spend when planning an environmentally conscious bathroom renovation in 2021.
![Tub Time Simple chic bathroom with a dark grey vanity, gold circular wall mirror, a white toilet and a white bathtub shower combo with marbled wall tile](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/1-save-spend-bathroom-2021-splashes-hgtv-bathtub.jpg)
Tub Time
Save
: If you’re a shower person, it may be tempting to skip putting in a tub altogether; for resale reasons, though, every house should have at least one bathtub. But you can keep it simple – no jacuzzi jets, whirlpool air bubbles or in-tub lighting systems needed. A basic fiberglass or acrylic model gets the job done while saving energy and water.
Related: We Ranked the 10 Most Extraordinary Bathtubs in the World
![Looking Glass Chic modern bathroom with large dark grey tiles on the floor and walls, a floating wooden vanity with a vessel sink, and a walk-in shower with glass doors](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/2-save-spend-bathroom-2021-splashes-hgtv-shower-glass.jpg)
Looking Glass
Spend
: Glass shower doors – especially frameless ones like these – will cost a pretty penny upfront but they reduce the potential for mould build up and leaks in the long run. Plus, you never have to buy a replacement shower curtain and liner again, keeping needless waste out of the landfill and, ultimately, more money in your pocket.
![Showered With Love Chic white bathroom with white square floor tiles, a towel stand with two potted plants, a white toilet to the right, and a walk-in shower with woven white tile and a Spectra Filtered 4-Spray Hand Shower Rail System from American Standard found at Splashes Bath & Kitchen](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/3-save-spend-bathroom-2021-splashes-hgtv-american-standard.jpg)
Showered With Love
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: You don’t need to spend a fortune (or waste precious water) to get the shower of your dreams. Spectra Filtered 4-Spray Hand Shower Rail System from American Standard, found at Splashes Bath & Kitchen stores, sells for less than $300 and is loaded with features, such as a built-in chlorine filter and four spray functions. Your hair and bank account will thank you.
![Under Foot Chic modern bathroom with grey hexagon floor tiles, a wall ladder towel warmer, a walk-in shower with glass doors, and a round wall mirror above a floating ceramic and wood vanity with a vessel sink, folded towels and accessories](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/4-save-spend-bathroom-2021-splashes-hgtv-tile-floor.jpg)
Under Foot
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: When it comes to bathroom design, utility is key. So having a floor that holds up to a lot of (wet) foot traffic and is easy to keep clean is a must. Rather than going for an undeniably beautiful but costly, high-maintenance material (hi, marble!), consider that standard porcelain and ceramic tiles are inexpensive, eco-friendly and also offer endless design options.
Related: Our Most Popular Bathroom Design Ideas on Pinterest
![Walk This Way Bathroom wall clad in large dark grey tile and a small white control panel for underfloor heating](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/5-save-spend-bathroom-2021-splashes-hgtv-underfloor-heating.jpg)
Walk This Way
Spend
: While installing underfloor heating is a splurge at first blush, the savings from this energy-efficient heat source add up quickly once you start calculating. It’s ideal for bathrooms on the smaller side or in colder zones of the house that need a little extra heat to feel comfortable.
![Soft Glow Show Beautiful chic bathroom with a long mirror above a large grey quartz vanity top with two vessel sinks, two potted plants and a group of green bathroom accessories](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/6-save-spend-bathroom-2021-splashes-hgtv-lighting.jpg)
Soft Glow Show
Save
: Lighting in a bathroom is important not only for the feel of the space but also the functionality – the goal is to not create dark, unflattering shadows anywhere in the room. You don’t require the latest models or expensive fixtures to achieve this; proper placement (above the vanity and overhead) and sensitive dimmer controls are the priority.
![The Future is Now Beautiful bathroom with grey and white tile floors, walk-in shower with grey and white tiles, green grey painted walls, and Toto Washlet® C200 Bidet Toilet Seat with PreMist™, found at Splashes Bath & Kitchen, with two framed paintings above it](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/7-save-spend-bathroom-2021-splashes-hgtv-toto-bidet.jpg)
The Future is Now
Spend
: For nearly 500 years, Europeans have been using bidets in their bathrooms; in fact, thanks to a 1975 hygiene law, every house in Italy must have one bidet. Installing a Toto Washlet® C200 Bidet Toilet Seat with PreMist™, found at Splashes Bath & Kitchen locations, not only means you’ll feel fresher, but you’ll also be drastically reducing the amount of paper used and wasted each day.
![Accessorize This Beautiful bathroom with a large steel pedestal bathtub sitting in front of a large black framed window, wide plank wooden floors, a stool topped with soaps and lotions, a bamboo ladder leaning against the wall with towels hanging on it, a large plant, and a set of three shelves hanging from the ceiling with role filled with potted plants, bottles and objets d’art](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/8-save-spend-bathroom-2021-splashes-hgtv-accessories.jpg)
Accessorize This
Save
: Don’t go out and spend money on those finishing decorative touches until the bathroom reno is complete. Live with the space as is for a few days to see how you use it before filling it up with accessories, plants and art. You may find that less actually is more.
![Fixture of the Scene Very modern bathroom with yellow floors, marble tile on the wall, a long yellow floating vanity with two black vessel sinks and two large round mirrors on the wall about them](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/9-save-spend-bathroom-2021-splashes-hgtv-fixtures.jpg)
Fixture of the Scene
Spend
: Investing in high-quality fixtures is like having insurance for the future – choosing high-grade materials and trusted brands means less maintenance and fewer replacements down the road. Tip: Single-handled faucets are space saving and easier to maneuver than their two-tap counterparts.
Related: Find out How Much This Beautiful Bathroom Reno on Salt Spring Island Cost
![It’s All Vanity Beautiful white bathroom with large white floating vanity with quartz counter and six drawers, two sinks with silver coloured hardware, a vase of pink flowers, and a large wall mirror about it](https://assets.hgtv.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/10-save-spend-bathroom-2021-splashes-hgtv-vanity.jpg)
It’s All Vanity
Spend
: The vanity and countertop are the centerpiece of the bathroom, so spending a bit more to get exactly what you want will be worth it. Look for a vanity style that maximizes storage space and cleverly hides plumbing in behind without obstructing drawers or doors, and a solid countertop that can handle the wear and tear of everyday life.
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