6 Renter-Friendly Bathroom Updates You Can Do in a Weekend

Living in a rental should not prevent you from showcasing your style and personality in your home. To make it your own, you can make plenty of easy upgrades that won't affect the security deposit. Swapping the showerhead, adding peel-and-stick tiles, refreshing the paint, and adding plants and accessories are some of the renter-friendly hacks to update your bathroom while working within the limits of a lease.

These hacks are also simple and affordable to DIY, so you won't feel much financial strain from undoing them when it's time to move. Better still, you can even reuse some of the furniture and fixtures in your new place. So all is not lost.

Experts share six renter-friendly hacks to update your bathroom and create a space that reflects your personality

Swap the Showerhead

Showerheads are easy to replace and an exceptional way to start each day with a spa-like experience.

Seamus Nally, CEO of TurboTenant, says this is a project that is easy to do and can make a big difference in your rental. But make sure to check your lease to make sure that it doesn't prohibit this kind of upgrade.

“You can also talk to your landlord and ask if this is something that can be done permanently. Otherwise, just hold onto the old shower head and reinstall it when you move out," Nally advises.

Add a Fresh Coat of Paint

Bare white walls aren't everyone's cup of tea. Painting is one of the most accessible and affordable ways to transform any space, including the bathroom. A little pop of color can change the mood of any room.

Cori Pfaff, Senior Designer of Ashby Collective, says, "Color is an important element in creating a luxury retreat-like esthetic in your bath, so when updating, make those natural colored white walls work to your advantage—pair with natural materials and softer tones rather than less bold patterns to create a soothing and elevated look."

This is another change that requires checking with your landlord. Most homeowners are okay with paint if the tenant repaints it back to the original color before moving out.

Try Peel-and-Stick

Peel-and-stick tiles and wallpaper are an inexpensive and straightforward way to cover up outdated or bland tiles. If painting is not an option, you can use removable peel-and-stick tiles or wallpaper to add that needed pop of color or texture in an otherwise boring bathroom.

Available in various colors, patterns, and styles, there are lots of options. Just check online reviews for ones that are easy to remove, as some may adhere more loosely or tightly in moist and humid spaces—like a shower room. Powder rooms, however, are a surer bet.

In addition to the wall coverings, you could use similar products for flooring. Pati Robins, a UK Renter and DIY-er, says vinyl flooring is also a great addition to any renter’s bathroom.

“These don't have to be glued down—double-sided sticky tape should hold them down," she adds. But the same rules apply. Do your research on how easy they are to remove without damaging the underlying floor materials.

Enhance With New Decor

“Play with decor items and art—even boring bathrooms can be uplifted with playful accessories,” says Robins. Use mirrors, DIY artwork, plant holders, and other colorful accessories to add personality to your bathroom.

A mirror is often the focal point of most bathrooms. So, if the existing one is removable, consider replacing it with one that makes a statement. If it's permanent, you can level up your mirror by adding a custom wood frame or peel & stick accent tape. Also, dimmable vanity mirror lights could enhance functionality even in the smallest bathrooms.

Pfaff says that you can also add sheer draperies to soften window blinds, use luxurious textures in towels and large wool area rugs instead of standard bathmats.

Minor tweaks like scented candles and, if space permits, a comfortable stool or chair can make your bathroom feel like an oasis.

“Add a touch of green space like a lush plant in a beautiful vase," Pfaff suggests.

When choosing bathroom plants, consider ones that thrive in humid environments. Ensure that any accessories you add can be easily moved when needed.

Replace Hardware and Upgrade Fixtures

Swapping hardware is a budget-friendly hack that gives your space a fresh look within the confines of your lease. Replace outdated hardware, including old faucets, cabinet or drawer handles, knobs, towel racks, and lighting fixtures with modern alternatives.

Robins suggests adding suction hooks, which can be easily removed and packed for your next move. Always opt for hardware or fixtures that can easily be installed and removed without drilling holes or altering the plumbing or electrical wiring.

In addition to holding on to the old hardware, take before pictures, so you can return everything to its original place if your landlord doesn’t want to keep your style changes for the next renter.

Declutter

Not necessarily an update, but decluttering is a sure fire way to upgrade your bathroom.

Consider installing floating shelves to tackle messy countertops. Then, organize toiletries in uniform containers to free up the vanity. If you have extra room, consider adding a wicker hamper with multiple compartments that can efficiently serve as both décor and storage for sorting clean and dirty towels.

In some cases, landlords may be willing to share the costs if your renter-friendly changes improve the future rentability of the home or apartment. Regardless, these reversible renter-friendly hacks allow you to update your bathroom without risking your security deposit.

Read Next: 5 Ways to Personalize Your Apartment, According to Longtime Renters

Read the original article on The Spruce.