Asked on Oct 10, 2015

Bathroom needs refresh-Help!

Beth Van
by Beth Van
My bathroom needs updating. I don't want to spend a lot - we want to use what we have if we can, but refresh the look. I've looked up some ideas. I'd like to paint the bathroom but haven't painted a bathroom before. Ideas suggestions would be great!! Thanks!!
P.S. i was thinking of taking the towel bars down - painting the board a chalk blue and putting coat hangers instead of the bar for towels. Use the board above maybe to hang small baskets from. I'd like to take the stickers out of the bathtub and put down something new. Was thinking a shelf above the door to add a space for some decoration and storage. I want to paint the ceiling since its peeling with some bathroom paint. Its all so blah and dated. believe it or not it used to have pink carpet over the flooring. I pulled that up and got the blue rugs. Thanks for all the suggestions i really appreciate it!
Thank you for all the great suggestions!!!
Thinking of putting a shelf above the door
what kind of shelf can put up ?
bulbs seems so dated
want to take this down paint the board chalk blue and put coat hangers up instead for the towels.
How do you get these stickers up???
What kind of paint for bathroom ceilings? Should i make the ceiling a different color then the walls?
should i paint the vent cover?
  32 answers
  • Marlene Haigh Marlene Haigh on Oct 11, 2015
    to much beige, pick your favorite color and bring it in. Replace or paint your cabinets and mirror frame also. grey is hot right now with pops of your favorite color. check out better homes & gardens.
  • Maggie Connor Maggie Connor on Oct 11, 2015
    PAINT is the easiest and least expensive way to update any room. You are going to need a few different colors and few different kinds of paint! Remember to have fun with this! You are making your own personal SPA ROOM out of your bathroom! Start with your ceiling! Paint it a very light sky blue, so it looks like it opens to the sky. Ahh…better already! Then tape of your cabinets and medicine cabinet and paint your wood cabinets a nice bright white in satin so it's easy to cleaned and wipe down. I would get new hardware handles for the cabinet that matches your silver towel racks. Oh…and paint the back of that door white! Instant brightener : ) After the cabinet fully dries, tape off your sink bowl and walls and use a Krylon 'granite stone affect spray paint' on your counter top. I really like the light grey one a lot! Be sure to really do a good job taping around your faucet. All 3 of these colors set your stage for the star of the show - in this case...your wall color! I recommend you choose a color that flatters all skin tones when you are …how do I say it…in your birthday suit! After all, we usually use bathrooms to wash up our bodies, face and teeth so why not choose a color everyone will look and feel great and cheery in?! This color is chosen much easier when we consider who uses the bathroom? Do both men and women share the bath? Then go for a very cool gender neutral everyone will appreciate like…a deep eggplant or a rich teal. Perhaps you want to feel some heat in this room...then go for a true red. If you want to feel downright beautiful go for a lovely dusty rose hue. All 4 of these wall colors will look good on every skin tone AND go beautifully with a very light sky blue ceiling, white cabinetry and your new light grey marble sink counter color. Put a new shelf the entire width of the space above your door! This can be a great storage solution for additional rolled towels and / or basket of toiletries. By 1 study small basket for each person who uses bath. Have them keep their personal items in their basket and place it either on the new shelf above the door or under the sink. This way everything is out of sight. Clutter is never luxurious or relaxing. A new bath rug, shower curtain, and to top off making your bath feel 'spa like' - invest in some great Egyptian bath towels all in pure white. You can always buy a few smaller towels in whatever wall color you choose. I like having them in rolls in small basket on top of toilet. Take all your old towels and cut them into same size rags and or donate them somewhere. Never put your old towels in your newly painted room. It will take away the whole affect you are attempting to achieve. And if you are really feeling like going for it, spray paint that waste basket metallic silver and get rid of the plastic bag in it. Just fold a piece of paper towel to fit in bottom of your basket. Put your epsom salts in a pretty container with a good scoop inside - place it by the tub! VOILA! Remember, go with a favorite color on your walls. You can't go wrong with that. And remember to have fun with this project! Be sure to post photos when you are done!
    • Laura Laura on Oct 11, 2015
      EVERY animal shelter will be ecstatic to receive donations of old towels, blankets & sheets.
  • Maggie Connor Maggie Connor on Oct 11, 2015
    One last thing…without knowing your budget…i went with paints and new towels, shower curtain…however…if you really want to go for it…i would also suggest new light fixtures and a bigger prettier medicine cabinet. Of course, all within your budget if you are able. Look for sales! Good luck Beth!
  • Sparkles Sparkles on Oct 11, 2015
    From the photo's I can see valuable space wasted. Over the toilet you could put one of those instant shelves and cabinet set-ups from Walmart.Put that towel rack on the other wall and maybe add another high or low You will have to insist everybody hang up their towels and maybe even issue towels,storing the extra in your linen closet.Take advantage of the cabinet under the sink and organize with individual cubby boxes/basket with a "put back when your done" order. Family members will like this and see the advantage's quick. Reward this with a nice soft pretty colored rug. Over a few weeks you can bring in tooth-brush holder's,new shower curtain,a hang-up over the door mirror. Keep it simple,maybe paint a accent wall and simple decor for toilet paper,etc..It will then be easy to see and remind who isn't doing their part to having a nice bathroom for everyone to use and enjoy. 5 stars for you for showing your bathroom to everybody,lol. Take charge !!
  • Francine Nault Francine Nault on Oct 11, 2015
    I would think to lighten up the walls with paint and change the mirror to a medicine cabinet so you can store more things in there and de-clutter the counter. If possible, change the floor tile to match the color of the walls.
  • Michelle Allgood Young Michelle Allgood Young on Oct 11, 2015
    To add to Maggie's ideas ( all what I was going to say! Great minds...!) In your shower- replace the rod with a chrome or white one & reuse the old across the back wall of the shower to hang baskets for everyone's shower needs. New flooring wouldn't be out of the question if you watch for sales/coupons/clearance & check out the remnant section-bath floors are small. Take your time. Wait for the bargains- don't settle.
  • Janet Pizaro Janet Pizaro on Oct 11, 2015
    I would start by spray painting the medicine cabinet if a new one is not in the budget. Paint with a very pale shade of a color you like. Change out the shower curtain towels and carpet> This is not very expensive and will give your bathroom a new look. I would put a shelf on the wall behind the toilet and put your necessary items on the shelve to open up the space on the vanity.
  • Kini Kini on Oct 11, 2015
    Paint is the easiest and the least expensive way to change the room. Use semi-gloss paint on the walls and ceiling. It is moisture resistant and will relect the light in a small area. Second would be to change your towels and shower curtain. I like hooks better than towel bars.
  • Rachel Rachel on Oct 11, 2015
    I have the same designed bathroom.I have an above the toilet shelve unit and on the opposite wall a matching shelving unit.
  • Liliana Wells Liliana Wells on Oct 11, 2015
    Ilike Maggie's ideas. However, light colors will brighten you room. If this is a small room, dark colors will make it feel closed in. Also, check out Restore Humanity stores for inexpensive supplies, like light and plumbingfixtures. You may also find rugs at thrift stores. Some Hometalkers have made Shower curtains from sheets, which would be less expensive. I hope you will come back to show us what you have done. Good luck.
  • D fuhrman D fuhrman on Oct 11, 2015
    i have a shelf that is on the left wall next to the sink. it holds a lot of products and makes my sink look so much neater. i have also seen a shoe holder, the hanging kind, put behind the door to hold your products. i would paint the walls and a new mirror and shower curtain. sometimes just a little is all you need.
  • Johnchip Johnchip on Oct 11, 2015
    Put up as much cheap storage shelving first.. Paint "everything" a light neutral color (beige, sage, grey) in different finishes, satin, semi and gloss, then step back and find what you want to accent with a complimentary shade. Clear shower curtains let the light in and make room bigger. Stay away from patterns in all things will help make room bigger.
  • Beth Van Beth Van on Oct 11, 2015
    Was thinking a shelf above the door. Take towel bars down and paint the board a lite blue chalk paint then put coat hangers up for towels to be hung on. How do you get shower fish sticks off?
    • See 1 previous
    • Mir Graham Mir Graham on Oct 12, 2015
      Be careful when using Goo Gone, wd-40 and other harsh products on porcelain tubs. You can ruin or eat through the porcelain finish if you aren't careful.
  • Sharon Sharon on Oct 11, 2015
    Benjamin Moore carries paint made to wear well & be mildew free in a bathroom. It's pricey BUT I visit a BM retailer often and buy "oops" paint for half price. Buy a short handled Purdy brush to cut in with. They make the job so easy I rarely need to use painters tape. buy some Krud Kutter and clean the oak. It will make it look new again. Sign up at SierraTradingpost.com for email deals. I've scored many name brand items, incl a $50 fabric shower curtain for $3.48! You can also get some new towels, rugs & fabric bins there also. But the biggest issue I see is lack of storage. I would eliminate the towel rack above the toilet & install shelves deep enough to hold fabric bins. Or, get the fabric bins made for closets that have a hole. Simply use hooks to hang them off the towel rod (similar to Ikea) Or, buy an over toilet rack. Check Craigslist for used ones. Roll your towels up high and either store items in the bins by product type/use or by person. Hang a piece of art above the towel racks on the other wall. Once you do that, your bath will feel more fresh & relaxing when you walk in. Take your time and you will keep your costs low and get the look you want.
  • EB EB on Oct 11, 2015
    Paint is always a winning option.....First, clear all the clutter from your sink counter, tub area and the back of the toilet....upgrade the fish shower curtain to a solid or simple patterned one and replace fish decals in tub with bath mat which are not expensive.....look around your home for decor to go on your sink and toilet tank...and replace mix n match hand/display towels with ones that match...and lastly, hang pic or two on walls....check out your local thrift stores for home decor items also.....Happy decorating!
  • Dorothy Hoskins Dorothy Hoskins on Oct 11, 2015
    I've always loved the idea of bead board and since you already have the horizontal slat up I would take off the top one. Paint the walls and leave the breadboard whit on the bottom or the opposite. IKEA makes an organization system out of pipe with s hooks and baskets that might be an idea for more storage. Maybe don't go with them but copy their ideas. Rustic but yet functional.
  • Connie Connie on Oct 11, 2015
    Looks like the majority of what you need is stylish storage. A cabinet over the toilet would come in handy. The medicine cabinet could be painted along with sink cabinet. You could also get the storage things that go over the cabinet doors under the sink. Clearing the clutter would do wonders for the space and improve your feelings regarding the space. Updating the light fixture would go a long way with refreshing the space. Have fun and be sure to post pictures of the end look.
  • Pat Pat on Oct 11, 2015
    I too, think that lack of storage is your problem. All the things on your sink should have a different home. Is there anything in your bathroom that would fit in a closet elsewhere....things you do not need every day? Like towels, Epsom Salts, etc. I would get a larger medicine cabinet for the toothpaste, hair stuff, and lotions. I would get a cupboard for over the stool for the rest of the things that are in the bathtub now. I know it is hard when several people use a bathroom. If you have a carpenter (I know, budget), they can put a cupboard between the studs of your walls...handy for bottles of things. I would paint the ceiling white and the walls taupe or something that goes with your floor and walls. Then with pretty towels....maybe beige or light green or or even dark brown but that would be my last choice. New rugs to match your towels and a new shower curtain would be good also. You will be surprised how just painting everything will make your bathroom shine.
  • Anna Anna on Oct 11, 2015
    Painting the ceiling white, and the wall a light color, will make the room appear larger. I would also paint the vanity and recessed the medicine cabinet into the wall.
  • Michelle Harbee Michelle Harbee on Oct 11, 2015
    Your mirror above the vanity is way too small! It's making the bathroom appear not only outdated, but so much smaller than it likely is. It would really make a huge difference if you installed a much larger, framed mirror. As far as storage, I would remove the towel bar above your toilet and install a large cabinet instead. I would get a more neutral, cloth shower curtain and replace the towels. Like I wrote above, changing out that mirror/medicine cabinet is going to make the biggest impact.
  • Sherry Fram Sherry Fram on Oct 11, 2015
    I agree with the above suggestions and would add that you make sure your paint is one that is formulated for the bathroom. I used one that is for the kitchen and bath specifically and it has done very well.
  • Mary Jo Mary Jo on Oct 12, 2015
    Look to see if there is a Habitat for Humanity Restore near you. They sell dirt cheap extras from their home construction projects. You can get sinks, faucets, cabinets, lighting, etc. at a fraction of the cost.
  • Nancy Gallin Nancy Gallin on Oct 13, 2015
    i just completed work in my very small bathroom. I changed the swing of my door . Instead of swinging in to the room it now swings in to the bedroom. It makes a huge difference and makes the bathroom feel much bigger. Also change the light and add some cool shelves
  • HouseLogic.com HouseLogic.com on Oct 13, 2015
    Hello Beth, you'll find some easy, low-cost bathroom ideas here: http://goo.gl/YYoyKh
  • Laura Hatchett Laura Hatchett on Oct 13, 2015
    Before you do anything or make decisions de clutter the room first! Thatll give you fresh eyes to see the possibilities of the space . The robe hooks are a great idea. I did that years ago and way more practical than towel bars. Or if youve got room try a ladder type shelf to corral the clutter! And keep the walls neutral ! You can add color with accessories towels shower curtain bath mat etc.. Painting that small piece of trim chalk blue is too specific. Good luck with it all!
  • Lori Cannon Brewer Lori Cannon Brewer on Oct 14, 2015
    Hi Beth! I do a lot of repurposing of things myself and a lot of remodeling. Paint and decluttering are key here. I would add a shower rod in front of the shower liner just for the decorative curtain. If you want to change curtains you can use a regular curtain and slide it on our use the one you already have and split it in half and use part on each side of the tub like a window curtain. You don't have to sew, just fold over and hot glue so it won't unravel or fray. Pick a bright white eggshell paint for the ceiling and the baseboard trim, the door and the trim around the door. This will pop with whatever color you have on the wall. A light blue on the wall would look great with the wood cabinet and medicine chest if you leave it like it is or if you decide to paint the pieces white. I was also thinking that if you had room you could move the medicine cabinet to the wall where you have the towel ring and get a regular larger mirror over the sink. You can get another light fixture at a thrift store such as mentioned in other posts or at good will stores. A shelf over the door would be a great idea and also above the toilet and replace some of the towel bars with the coat hooks too. You can mount your towel ring on the wall between the mirror and toilet. A shallow shelf across from the toilet toward the ceiling could also hold extra things and be decorative. I would do away with the rugs and just have the bath mat in front of the tub. Finally in the right corner in front of the tub you could place a storage box or basket or even a galvanized wash tub for extra towels rolled up or a crate turned sideways with the towels inside and set the items in the edge of the tub on top but handy for when in the tub. Look around the house for things that you could hang up like a shelf or hang sideways. You can paint anything to match.
  • Beth Van Beth Van on Oct 16, 2015
    Thank you for all the great ideas!! it really helps!!! I'm excited to get started!!
  • Marion Nesbitt Marion Nesbitt on Oct 17, 2015
    I think the light fixture is too long for the width of your vanity.
  • Denise Boyce Denise Boyce on Oct 17, 2015
    New light fixture and get rid of that medicine cabinet and replace with a nice framed mirror to start.
  • Denise Boyce Denise Boyce on Oct 17, 2015
    I think one of the nicer over the toilet shelving units might help with the clutter. You can get a lidded box for each member of the family and have them keep their toiletries in them then a stack of wash cloths,hand towels and a few nick knacks. Keeping the sink top clear is going to do so much. Get one large rug to go from the sink all the way to the tub instead of those little ones. A nice shower curtain, coordinating soap dispenser and towels. So pretty....
  • Sharon Kavanagh Sharon Kavanagh on Oct 20, 2015
    Ditch the towel bars. Pick a new shower curtain and color scheme. Check out Target . They have some fresh looking things for a reasonable price and then pick your paint.
  • Deb K Deb K on Feb 19, 2023

    Hi Beth, you can brighten it up by painting for sure! Even paint the inside of the bathroom door as well, it will brighten things up. Add in an over the toilet storage unit and multiple hooks on the door. New bright shower curtain, and a new towel rack for storages as well.

    https://www.amazon.ca/SODUKU-Towel-Storage-Mounted-Bathroom/dp/B07GZ88W4H/ref=asc_df_B07GZ88W4H/?tag=googleshopc0c-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=335190130048&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1784671024299026212&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9001397&hvtargid=pla-572342087019&psc=1