A Designer’s Guide to Easy Bathroom Upgrades (That Don’t Require Renovation)
Photo: Kara Mercer
I hear it all the time: “I hate my bathroom, but I can’t afford to renovate.” And my response is always the same: you don’t need to renovate. You need to swap about 8 things, and your bathroom will feel like a completely different room.
Everything below takes less than an afternoon. No contractor. No permits. No tile saw. Just a screwdriver, some adhesive strips, and a little bit of taste! Here are 15 easy bathroom upgrades that punch way above their weight.
For more bathroom tips, check out the Best Towels on a Budget and How to Easily Add Personality to Your Bathroom.
Photo: Sara Ligorria Tramp
easy bathroom upgrades
1. Swap Your Mirror
The builder-grade plate mirror is the single worst offender in most bathrooms. Replace it with a round mirror, an arched mirror, or a framed rectangular mirror. The upgrade is immediate and dramatic.
2. Upgrade Your Hardware
Towel bars, towel rings, robe hooks, and the toilet paper holder. All of it. Match the finish (matte black, brushed brass, or brushed nickel) and buy from the same line so everything coordinates.
Photo: Veronica Crawford
easy bathroom upgrades
3. Replace Your Shower Curtain
Waffle weave, linen-look, or a simple white cotton. Not the clear plastic liner with mildew spots.
4. Get Real Towels
Not the thin, scratchy ones that came in a 6-pack. Thick, absorbent, hotel-quality towels in a color that coordinates with your bathroom.
Shop Bathroom Upgrades
Photo: Tessa Neustadt
easy bathroom upgrades
5. Add a Bath Mat That Isn’t Falling Apart
The soggy fabric mat needs to go. Options: teak, a quick-drying stone mat, or a thick cotton mat.
6. Decant Your Products
Pour shampoo, conditioner, and body wash into matching dispensers. Pour hand soap into a ceramic or glass dispenser. The visual clutter disappears.
Photo: Kara Mercer
easy bathroom upgrades
7. Add Real Storage
Over-toilet shelving, floating shelves, or a small cabinet. Your counter shouldn’t be the storage solution.
8. Update Your Lighting
If your vanity light is a Hollywood-style bar from 1998, swap it. Modern sconces or a clean 3-light fixture change the entire feel.
Photo: Kara Mercer
easy bathroom upgrades
9. Add Peel-and-Stick Tile
Behind the vanity, on the floor of a half-bath, or as an accent. Modern peel-and-stick tiles are thick, waterproof, and convincing.
10. Style Your Counter
A tray to hold soap, lotion, and a small candle. A small plant or vase. A pretty cup for toothbrushes. That’s it.
easy bathroom updates
5 More Quick Wins
-
New toilet seat
One that gently closes!
-
Eucalyptus shower bundle
All-natural scent with every shower
-
Robe hooks on the back of the door
Get command hooks for easy install.
-
Small art print
For a bit of personality
-
A rechargeable wireless sconce
If you don’t have vanity lighting
