11 Easy Ways to Update Your Bathroom—No Remodeling Required
Beautify your bathroom without going over budget.
When it comes to projects around the house, "update the bathroom" is close to the top on many homeowner's to-do lists. But if a major remodel isn't on the horizon or in your budget, it's a task that gets pushed back for years. There are plenty of ways to create a new space in your bathroom without tearing down walls. From a bright paint color and new hardware to updated lighting and décor, improving your bathroom is easier than you think.
Related: 14 Bathroom Paint Colors Interior Designers Love
Repaint the Walls
In any room, including the bathroom, a coat of paint is one of the easiest ways to give the space a new look. If you have a small bathroom or if the lower half of the walls are tiled, you likely only need a single gallon of paint. For less than $100 (including new brushes and rollers), you can revamp this room. Pick a hue that works with what's already in the space, keeping in mind the wood tones, tile colors, and flooring. A light blue shade will make this room feel serene, while a pale peach color is romantic and flattering. Consider a satin finish, which is easier to wipe clean and will repel moisture more than matte paint.
Switch Out the Hardware
When replacing the vanity and cabinets isn't possible, changing the hardware is a cost-effective bathroom update idea. Before you shop for new handles and knobs, measure the ones you already have. Look for handles that are the same length as the ones you own so you can avoid drilling new holes and filling in the old ones. Unscrew a couple of knobs to see if the area underneath is discolored. If it is, shop for replacements that will cover the same area. Changing the hardware in a bathroom is like accessorizing an outfit—it's a finishing touch that can upgrade the entire look.
Replace the Shower Head
Not only can a stylish shower head make a bathroom look more modern, but it can also elevate the experience of using the bathroom. Plus, a new low-flow shower head can reduce the amount of water you use, saving you money on utility bills. To improve the flow of your current shower head without replacing it, remove mineral buildup by soaking it in white vinegar, following these steps.
Upgrade Your Shower Curtain (and Bathmat)
The shower curtain demands a lot of visual real estate in a bathroom, so swapping out this one detail is perhaps the easiest bathroom update idea. A colorful curtain can change the color palette of the room (no painting necessary), while a white shower curtain makes a room feel clean and calm. If you've had the same curtain rings for a decade, consider switching those out too. Pair the new curtain with a coordinated bathmat and hand towel to complete the instant makeover.
Improve the Lighting
To introduce ambient lighting in the bathroom without having to replace the fixtures, consider installing a dimmer switch. That way, you can adjust the light as needed. Dim the lights for a soothing bath, or brighten them when you're getting ready in the morning.
Introduce Extra Storage
If toiletries are overflowing from the medicine cabinet and toilet paper is stacked out in the open, adding some stylish storage to the bathroom will enhance the space. In a spacious bathroom, consider a freestanding cabinet that can stash toilet paper, hair styling tools, and clean towels. In a tiny bathroom, let a slim rolling storage cart hold spare bottles of shampoo and bars of soap. Once everything has a storage spot, you can keep the counters clear.
Tip
Stylish fabric or wicker baskets are great storage solutions to hide bath products out in the open if you're pressed for space.
Refresh the Grout
You don't need to retile the entire room to give old tile a new look. In fact, even giving the grout a good scrub can dramatically improve its appearance. Another option: change the color of the grout. If you want to change light grout to dark gray for a more modern look, consider grout colorant. The colorant is brushed onto the grout lines to change their color, and then the excess is wiped off the tile using a sponge or cloth. This process is tedious and time-consuming, but if you DIY the job, you can upgrade your bathroom for less than $50.
Apply Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper
If your bathroom has a fan and decent airflow, it is possible to install peel-and-stick wallpaper and keep it looking good. Select a removable wallpaper that's labeled "moisture-resistant," then adhere it to one accent wall (or all the walls) of the bathroom. Have tile on the lower portion of the walls? You're in luck—this project will require half the amount of wallpaper.
Refresh the Vanity
Another way to introduce color is to update your existing bathroom vanity with a coat of paint. Depending on the material, you can sand down the finish, and paint it with furniture paint. To take it up a notch, try a stencil or fun design aesthetic. Be sure to choose an appropriate sealant to prevent damage from water.
Add Some Décor
The trick to turning a bathroom from a washroom to a retreat is making it a place you want to spend time in, and timeless décor can help with that. Hang a mirror to add dimension or opt for some fresh flowers (or faux) in a vase to soften the space. Candles and wall art round out these homey additions.
Focus on the Window
Updating or removing a window treatment can also change the look and feel of a bathroom. If you need to give the appearance of a larger space, opt for blinds or keep the window bare (if privacy allows). If you want to make your space more intimate or add a design element somewhere else, curtains or a patterned window covering can help.
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