Grace Kelly on UnsplashYou know the basic bathroom: White walls, white tile, white appliances, simultaneously way too bright while still feeling dull.
You want to feel at home in a bathroom. After all, you are your most vulnerable there. And while you may not have the funds or capabilities to do a complete overhaul of the space, there are some ways you can make your bathroom feel much better.
Fresh Coat
If you’re allowed to paint your bathroom, pick something that suits your style. Bathroom colors range from neutral and calming pastel hues to dramatic jewel tones, or even black if you’re feeling brave. Smaller bathrooms tend to work well with lighter colors, as they give the appearance of more space.
If you’re living in a rental and are not allowed to change the paint color, even freshening up the existing paint can make a world of difference.
Wallpaper
Wallpaper is an easy way to add a touch of color to your bathroom, without having to tape everything down like you would during a paint job. There are countless pattern options to choose from, and if you decide you don’t love it after a while, you can just pull it down. Choosing the right wallpaper is important, though, as the steam that accumulates during showers can affect the adhesive.
Artwork
You can add your personal style to any bathroom with the right artwork, and warm-toned photos or frames will tone down the fluorescent mania that dominates most standard bathrooms. Glass, metal, and acrylic paintings are preferred, or you can opt for a waterproof canvas print as well.
Lightbulbs
As previously mentioned, the fluorescent light of a bathroom is… a lot. If you’re unable to change the lighting fixture to something more to your style, you can still switch out the harsh color for a warmer tone. If you’re feeling especially funky, color-changing lightbulbs would also add a fun ambiance to the room.
Change Up Your Shower Curtain
So you’ve painted or wallpapered, added your artwork, and changed your lighting, but something is still missing. Of course! A fresh and funky shower curtain to tie the room together. Pick a mold-resistant plastic cover for the shower’s interior, and opt for a breathable fabric like cotton or bamboo for the exterior. Better yet, keep more than one shower curtain in rotation so you can toss your current curtains into the wash.
Glass Shower Doors
If you have glass doors and don’t require a shower curtain, there is still hope! Invest in some frosted glass film for your shower doors to add a pop of color to the exterior, or even for some added privacy.
Change Your Shower Head
Sometimes a new shower head makes all the difference. The process for changing out shower heads is quite simple, and they’re pretty cheap, anywhere from $20 to $50. You can even get water-efficient or filtered shower heads to elevate your bathing experience.
Faucets
The vanity is your central workstation in the bathroom, and a crummy faucet can make or break the space. Luckily, bathroom faucets are also relatively cheap to buy and not too difficult to replace. If you don’t feel confident in your plumbing abilities, bribe your handy friend or neighbor with a homemade dinner so you can get it switched for free.
Update Your Cabinets
Maybe a full paint job isn’t what you’re looking for right now, but a cabinet paint job could be! Paint your cabinets in a color of your choosing, and switch out your cabinet handles with a design and/or finish of your choosing. This is also a renter-friendly option, as it’s much easier to repaint cabinets than it is an entire room.
Add Storage
If your space is lacking a linen closet, a medicine cabinet, or even basic shelving, now would be the time to invest. Storage can be expensive, but you can easily find what you’re looking for via thrift stores, Kijiji, or Facebook Marketplace. If you’re feeling up to the task, you could also custom-build a storage cabinet!
