9 Cheap Ways to Update Your Bathroom

By Pro.com

Of all the rooms in your home, the bathroom may be the most frequently visited. With all that use, it’s easy for your bathroom to become a victim of wear and tear, but keeping it up to date can be done quickly and affordably. Here are nine easy ways.

1. Paint Your Walls

A fresh coat of paint in a modern color can liven up any room, especially your bathroom, and is an easy DIY. You can make a bold statement with a vivid and rich color or keep with a crisp pastel or neutral color for a clean, bright feel.

(Credit: Iriana Shiyan/Shutterstock)
(Credit: Iriana Shiyan/Shutterstock)

2. Replace the Mirror

This may be the easiest fix for your bathroom. With an abundance of mirrors on the market, have fun choosing one that reflects not just you but your personality. Place multiple small mirrors together in a collage or use an oversize ornate one. The best part is that you can switch the mirror as often as you like.

(Credit: Ioana Davies (Drutu)/Shutterstock)
(Credit: Ioana Davies (Drutu)/Shutterstock)

3. Replace Your Grout

Grout grows dull so slowly that it can be hard to notice it change. But over time it dirties and loses its appeal. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, replacing your grout can give your counter, bath or shower a new lease on life without completely redoing the room.

(Credit: CSImagemakers/Shutterstock)
(Credit: CSImagemakers/Shutterstock)

4. Switch the Lights

If you look around your bathroom and think to yourself that it needs to be brighter, or that the light fixtures don’t quite fit in, you can change them out as quick as anything. Brass wall sconces are a fun and modern take on vanity lights, and a dainty chandelier will upgrade any bathroom lighting fixture.

(Credit: Iriana Shiyan/Shutterstock)
(Credit: Iriana Shiyan/Shutterstock)

5. Install a Vanity

Stores like Home Depot have wonderful prefabricated vanities that you can install yourself. Not only do they add sophistication and completely change the look of a bathroom, but they also add storage.

(Credit: Iriana Shiyan/Shutterstock)
(Credit: Iriana Shiyan/Shutterstock)

6. Refinish Your Tub

Refinishing your bathtub is much easier and cheaper than replacing it altogether. You can buy all the tools separately or in a convenient kit if you want to do it yourself, but since this takes a little bit of skill to get an absolutely smooth finish, we’d recommend bringing in a professional.

(Credit: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock)
(Credit: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock)

7. Replace the Toilet Seat

Skip the terry cloth or faux fur covers your great-aunt used to spruce up the porcelain throne. Instead, replace the seat all together. If you have a screwdriver, you can easily replace the lid and seat to make it look like new.

(Credit: Thanaphat Somwangsakul/Shutterstock)
(Credit: Thanaphat Somwangsakul/Shutterstock)

8. New Plumbing Fixtures

While this upgrade can fall into the more expensive range, an elegant, quality plumbing fixture will enliven your bathroom for years. Show off your personal style with brushed nickel, a farmhouse-style faucet or vintage-inspired fixtures that will last.

(Credit: Gyorgy Barna/Shutterstock)
(Credit: Gyorgy Barna/Shutterstock)

9. Add Texture to Walls

If your walls look flat and boring, consider adding paneling like wainscot or beadboard. You can apply it to all of your walls or just one as an accent point. Paneling a wall adds dimension to your bathroom.

(Credit: Iriana Shiyan/Shutterstock)
(Credit: Iriana Shiyan/Shutterstock)
 
 

Pro.com is a website founded in 2013 by service industry entrepreneurs and former Amazon executives to simplify home services -- especially research on contractor fees and qualifications.

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