Our bathrooms get a lot of use, from showering to brushing our teeth to primping in the mirror for date night. Over time, though, we start to pick out areas we would improve if we had the time.
The good news is that giving your bathroom a makeover is easy and can be done in a weekend—unless you’re gutting it. If you’re looking for simple ideas to change its appearance and give it a fresher look, you’re in luck.
Simple jobs like updating the paint, lighting, or vanity can take you from drab to fab in just a few hours or days.
Update the Paint
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If you’re tired of the color of your bathroom, painting is an easy solution, and it’s something you can complete in a weekend. While some people bemoan the task, it’s one I love, because I get to see a room become something entirely new.
A fresh coat of paint, whether you go lighter or darker, or even if you keep the color the same, can bring your bathroom back to life.
Upgrade Your Lighting
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Upgrading your lighting, whether the bulbs or the fixtures, is a good way to brighten up the space. There are so many cute fixtures out there today, too, ranging from classic to luxe, at all different price points, so finding your perfect piece is easy, even on a budget.
Consider elegant sconces on the wall for evening use or a relaxing night in the tub. Leave the bigger fixtures over the vanity to help with mirror visibility.
Replace the Hardware
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One of the quickest ways to update the look of your bathroom is to replace the hardware. This includes your faucets and the cabinet handles. With so many styles and finishes available, you might just have trouble deciding which option to go with.
Changing out the faucets is a relatively simple job to do by yourself, but if you’re not sure where to start, there are plenty of tutorials online.
Add More Storage
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Bathrooms tend to be on the smaller side, and if you’re struggling to find a good storage solution, it might just be time to add some options.
The simplest way to do this is to purchase standalone cabinets or shelves and install them to take advantage of vertical space. However, you can also add elements in and under your existing cabinets.
Replace the Vanity
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Vanities take a beating over time, which makes sense because they’re always in use. Sometimes, however, they’re outdated and clash with your idea of what your bathroom should look like. You can find new vanities in your local home improvement store, but be warned: you might have trouble picking out your new one among all the options.
Removing a vanity is a bit more involved than just taking the piece out of the room. It’s connected to your plumbing and, if installed properly, the wall. You’ll need to shut off the water, disconnect the pipes, and then install the new one. While you can do this by yourself, if you have someone to help, it’ll go much smoother.
Install Beams
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One of the most unique bathrooms I’ve ever been in had wooden beams on the ceiling. When I asked the homeowner about it, she told me she loved the idea and installed them on a whim. Well, it worked! It’s a great conversational starter for sure, but it’s also a unique way to spruce up your bathroom. The best part is you can stain or paint them any color.
Hanging beams isn’t difficult, but if you don’t know how to do it, it’s best to leave it to the pros. The last thing you need is for one to come down in the middle of the night.
Hang New Mirrors
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If you need more visibility — because, let’s face it, a medicine cabinet-style mirror isn’t enough these days — spend the weekend updating your mirrors. You can combine panels to take up the whole wall or opt for a decorative one that gives you more of an upscale look.
A new decorative one will only take moments to hang, but paneling could take a few hours.
Install Wainscoting
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Wainscoting is a type of wood paneling often installed on the lower half of a wall. It can add a whole new look to your bathroom, too, in just a weekend’s work. The biggest task will be cutting the wainscotting to size.
Wainscoting creates a traditional look, but you can blend it with a touch of elegance with a coat of paint or wallpaper on the wall above.
Redo the Floors
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Sometimes you just need to change up the floor in your bathroom to overhaul its look. If you have old linoleum, for example, you’re probably way past due.
When it comes to the type of flooring, consider the environment. It’s often humid and wet in bathrooms, so hardwood floors may not be the best option. Tiles, on the other hand, tend to weather nearly any element. You can create a classic look with black and white tiles, or go for a touch of earthiness with stone. If you are set on wood, choose an engineered one that can stand up to moisture.
Hang Wallpaper
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If you don’t want to paint but want a whole new look, consider hanging wallpaper. Today, it’s easier than ever with peel-and-stick options. No more messing around with glue.
You’ll find plenty of wallpaper options, from borders that accent the space to full panels in various colors and patterns. Choose from whimsical stripes or elegant ornate patterns.
Organize
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This may seem silly, but sometimes we can’t see the gems our bathrooms are for all the clutter in them. Take the time, like you would any other room, to declutter and organize the space.
You can add many organizational aids, such as baskets, shelves, and drawers, to the cabinet, vanity, or wall. Feel free to get creative!
