You can get the look and feel of a new bathroom with a few fast DIYs. While bathroom renovation costs can be up to or over $30,000, homeowners can achieve dramatic before-and-after results in as little as a day. This guide will give you DIY ideas to quickly transform your bathroom.
Bathroom Update vs. Remodel
A bathroom update is a quick and affordable set of DIY projects that enhance your bathroom’s existing features. An update includes projects like painting, changing fixtures and hardware, and hanging a new shower curtain. Bathroom updates are perfect for homeowners who want to keep the existing layout and functionality of their bathroom.
A bathroom remodel might have a larger budget and longer timeline. The scope may include projects that take several days or weeks to complete. Professionals are often required to safely finish remodeling projects according to local building codes. This may include:
- Refinishing or replacing the shower or tub
- Adding a standalone bathtub
- Installing seamless glass paneling
- Adding an extra sink or showerhead
- Installing new ventilation systems
- Relocating plumbing or electrical features
- Tiling the shower, walls and backsplash
1. Paint the Walls
A fresh coat of paint will help your bathroom look clean and new. Choose a shade of white, ivory, or cream because these reflect the most natural light for your morning mirror routine. A soft pink can give you a flattering flush of color without applying blush.
Bold, bright wall colors may cast unflattering reflections on your skin. Blues can exaggerate undereye circles or bring out blemishes by contrast while green can give you a sickly pallor. A light and neutral color is usually the best bet for you and prospective buyers.
Look for popular mold-resistant paints and primers at your local home improvement store. Use a primer to prevent peeling. A primer will bond and seal the paint to the wall, blocking moisture from seeping through and separating the two.
2. Install Beadboard or Wainscoting
Barren bathroom walls are an opportunity to add dimension and texture that elevate the space. Installing beadboard or wainscoting around the bottom half of the room is quick and easy with the right tools and materials. Save yourself time and look for prepared beadboard paneling or peel-and-stick wainscoting.
3. Paint Vanity Cabinets
Paint vanity cabinets and built-ins gray, smoky blue or eucalyptus for a modern look. If you’d like to use a bold color in your bathroom, under-sink cabinets are a safe place to use it since you don’t see them in your reflection. Apply contact paper to the interior for extra pattern and flare.
4. Upgrade the Bath Fan
Replace your loud old bath fan with a quieter model or one that reduces humidity, wicking away moisture that accumulates and drips down bathroom surfaces. Bath exhaust fans cost anywhere from $15 to $200 and can include LED lights, heaters and even Bluetooth speakers.
5. Replace Your Showerhead, Faucet and Hardware
Replacing your shower head is perhaps the fastest way to make your bathroom feel new. When you replace bathroom hardware, don’t forget:
- Shower hooks or rings
- Towel racks or rings
- Shower rod
- Toilet paper holder
- Drawer pulls
- Cabinet knobs
- Mirror frame
- Toilet flushing lever
- Tub spout
- Shower handle(s)
- Tub stopper
- Sinkhole covers
Match the finish of hardware that shares a function or space. Replace hardware if they’re out of date or clash with your new colors and theme. Choose styles that share similar shapes or effects (such as mixed metals or textures).
6. Change Light Fixtures
Do the lights over your vanity mirror and shower cast unflatteringly orange or blue light? The solution may be as simple as new temperature light bulbs with a compatible wattage. If the old fixture casts dark or distracting shadows around the room, consider replacing it with a new style that complements or matches your hardware.
7. Clean and Paint Old Hardware
If you like the shape of old hardware, there’s no need to buy a new set when you can spend as little as $30 to revive them. Uninstall the hardware, take it to a well-ventilated area, clean, sand with steel wool to remove any rust. If you want to change them from silver to bronze, for instance, simply prime and paint. Brands like Rust-Oleum specialize in products that will protect bathroom hardware from rusting.
8. Upgrade to Reusable Containers
Reusable soap, shampoo and conditioner pumps elevate the look and feel of your bathroom. Instead of leaving products like cotton swabs and hygiene items in their store-bought packaging, put them in reusable containers. This way you can recycle plastic and cardboard packaging at one time.
9. Hang a New Shower Curtain
Like a large painting, a shower curtain can add color, pattern and texture to your bathroom. To keep your bathroom light and bright, buy a textured white shower curtain. If you don’t have a light or window in your shower, try a transparent curtain. Always pair a cloth curtain with a vinyl liner. Mildew-resistant liners will make cleaning easy and reduce waste.
Change out other fabrics, such as bath mats and towels, to complete your bathroom transformation.
Source: forbes.com ~ Images: Canva Pro
