Five Low-Cost, Easy Ways to Update Your Bathroom
If your bathroom could use a refresh but your budget may not be feeling especially cooperative, this one’s for you. Here are five simple updates that can make a surprisingly big impact with no demo of your space or bank account required.
Five Easy Bathroom Updates (Affordable too!)
Paint the Vanity
If your vanity is still structurally sound but feeling a little too beige, consider a fresh coat of paint. A bold navy, soothing sage, or even a creamy off-white can completely change the vibe from beigey to bougie.
- Choose a durable paint that stands up to humidity and daily splashes
- Swap out the hardware while you're at it (more on that below)
- Want to get really wild? Try a two-tone look with a contrasting top drawer or trim.
Bonus points if you don’t paint your pet in the process. They’re less enthusiastic about design statements.
Upgrade the Hardware
Those brushed nickel drawer pulls from 2005? They've had a good run. Time for something new.
- Look for hardware in modern finishes like matte black, warm brass, or soft gold
- Match your faucet or mirror frame to pull the look together without being too matchy-matchy
- Most hardware swaps take under 30 minutes and require only a screwdriver and some determination
TIP: Don’t have the budget for brand new hardware? Grab a can of good spray paint and update the color that way. For 10 bucks or less, you can give a whole new, modern look to your draw pulls and cabinet handles.
Add or Update Lighting
Lighting is the unsung hero of every bathroom. It’s responsible for how well you can see your face and how lovely your bathroom looks when guests stop by.
- Try replacing dated light fixtures with sleeker, brighter options
- Consider wall sconces beside the mirror if you’re dealing with shadows
- Updating your light bulbs to something warmer or whiter to change up the atmosphere
Rethink the Mirror
Swapping a builder-grade mirror for something with personality is one of the easiest ways to elevate your bathroom’s style.
- Look for arched frames, round mirrors, or vintage finds at thrift stores or online marketplaces
- Mirror’s frames can echo other elements in your bathroom to create cohesion
- If you already love your mirror’s size and placement, consider alternative framing methods.
Style It Like You Mean It
Your bathroom deserves more than a sad soap pump and a faded towel. A few well-placed accessories can make it feel intentional, even spa-like.
- Get new hand towels for something textured, patterned, or colorful
- Add a small piece of art or a hanging plant to soften the space
- Use pretty containers for everyday essentials like cotton rounds, toothbrushes, or bath salts
Conclusion: A Great Place to Experiment
A few small, strategic changes can make a big difference—whether you’re prepping for guests, staging to sell, or just craving a space that feels more like you. And because most bathrooms are small, you have more flexibility to experiment without a large outlay of time or money. So why not pick one idea from this list and give it a try?
Now, what will you do next to love where you live?
Please feel free to reach out to us at The Redesign Habit and ask questions or simply share a project that you are working on or have completed.
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