Updating your entire bathroom can be expensive, but there are plenty of low-cost changes you can make that only take a bit of elbow grease. With a bit of planning and some power tools, you can totally refresh your bathroom in a weekend without needing to spend a small fortune.
10 DIY Tips and Tricks to Refresh an Old Bathroom
Whether you’re starting from scratch or renovating an existing bathroom, these 10 DIY or do-it-yourself tips and tricks can be helpful when trying to create an attractive, modern look.
1. Change Old Fixtures
Give an old bathroom a contemporary feel by replacing outdated fixtures like faucets, knobs, and drawer pulls to match your new design. If you’re really good with your hands, you can install a shower door to a bathtub, but you’ll need shower door rollers to complete the whole look.
2. Add Extra Storage
Take advantage of all available wall space by installing hanging shelves, towel racks, and shower caddies. Not only are these items aesthetically pleasing, but they’ll also provide ample storage. To maximize your storage space, install an under-sink or toilet tank shelf organizer.
3. Brighten up With Mirrors
Mirrors can open up a small space and make it look much larger. They can also allow light to bounce around, making dark bathrooms look brighter and more inviting. If you have a medicine cabinet, consider replacing it with a large statement mirror or two evenly placed mirrors.
4. Hang Some Statement Art
Add personality to your bathroom with a standout piece of art hung above the tub or toilet. To channel the true DIY spirit, make these paintings yourself. If you’re not the artistic type, find a paint-by-numbers set or paint something in an easy-to-replicate style, like abstract art.
5. Update the Paint
A fresh coat of paint can instantly transform the entire look and feel of the bathroom. Opt for a neutral color or a bright, cheerful hue to create a visual contrast in the space. If you’re planning to sell the house, repainting your bathroom can help you get a high return on your investment.
6. Apply New Tile
Try your hand at stylish tilework in the shower or around the sink. Select a bold pattern, or add an eye-catching mosaic. Alternatively, you could tile your entire floor in a trendy style. For example, you could install geometric, black, color-blocking, or high-contrast floor tiles.
7. Experiment With Fabric
Incorporate pattern and color into your bathroom decor with textile items, such as shower curtains, hand towels, and rugs. If your bathroom is mostly made up of neutral colors, you can go wild here. Consider using bright colors that really stand out from your paint colors.
8. Get Some House Plants
Greenery has the power to totally transform a room. Incorporate a few plants into your space for a calming, natural vibe. Plants that typically grow in a tropical environment, like orchids, do well in bathrooms. If you have a windowless bathroom, use convincing fake plants and flowers.
9. Install Ambient Lighting
Ambient lighting can dramatically alter the tone of a room, so consider installing a dimmer switch. If you don’t want to touch the light’s electrical components, then change up the lightbulb. You can use a solid color, like purple or blue, or install a light that changes color using an app.
10. Rearrange the Layout
Rearrange the layout of the bathroom for a completely new look. Move the toilet to the opposite side of the room and switch up the furniture arrangement. You can easily switch around the layout by moving the sink vanity, but call a plumber if you’re extending the bathroom pipes.
