?make this bathroom updated?

Kimadrian
by Kimadrian

This bathroom needs updating from a rental...What should I do to bring it up to date?

  20 answers
  • It depends on your budget. Sometimes just a coat of paint and some pretty accessories are enough. You could also paint the vanity and replace the faucet,

  • 17335038 17335038 on Apr 18, 2021

    I understand that you are not asking for remodeling ideas which would require removal of the tub, tile surround, and flooring.


    So here are some changes I would suggest that do not involve any major demos, or new construction.


    -replace light fixture with updated style, one with globes pointing down

    -replace mirror with a new large framed one, or a lighted mirror, as Mogie suggests below

    -replace vanity with a new larger white one, with drawers if possible; a style that fits right up against the walls and into the corner

    -install a single lever, single hole, deck-mounted faucet

    -move tp holder to side of vanity wall where it is more discreet


    -install floating shelves, or cupboard type storage unit on wall above toilet

    -remove large towel bar beside sink; replace with a smaller round loop style

    -install large towel bars on wall across from toilet

  • Michelle Michelle on Apr 18, 2021

    My bathroom is similar. I like the old tile etc

    We had the bathtub reglazed . Yours doesn't look like it needs it. A new light fixture. We had sconces , so we did the reproduction porcelain sconces from Rejuvination. Changed the paint color , a new vintage looking vanity and antique oak wood framed mirror on the cabinet. Shelving also either with black supports and glass shelves or black supports/brackets with wood shelves.

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Apr 18, 2021

    Hello. A new shower curtain floor rugs and towels in color or aesthetic that you find pleasing is a great starting point. Are you allowed to change the light fixture? That might be another big upgrade to consider If it’s allowed in a rental situation.

  • 17335038 17335038 on Apr 18, 2021

    Kimadrian,

    Do I understand your question correctly that the bathroom is in a house that was formerly a rental property, and now that you as the owner are living there, you want to update it?

  • Redcatcec Redcatcec on Apr 18, 2021

    Paint 2 different colors in the bathroom, 1 above the horizontal strip and 1 below to add definition to the walls.

    A new faucet set up, something more modern.

    Replace the light fixture.

    Take out the tp holder and put it on the vanity side wall, if you don't want to drill into the vanity, then use one that sits on the floor or place it on the tub.

    Was wondering what the dark object is between the vanity and the toilet, is that a permanent fixture?

    Of course new towels and shower curtain.

  • Annie Annie on Apr 18, 2021

    Remove vanity, mirror , towel holder , door and trim moldings, Paint it and put new items...

  • Mogie Mogie on Apr 18, 2021

    If you want to spend some money I have got some ideas for you.

    Paint. We settled on a color after finding the perfect shower curtain and pulling the color from that.

    New lighted mirror. These also have anti fog features.

    Some pops of color. Not a lot but a little added interest.

    Shower curtain to bring out those pops of color.

    Throw rug that also plays on your new added colors.

    Perhaps some hooks to hang towels on. I have seen some foot long clothes pins at amazon for this and they are adorable.

    A cute light. One that resembles something fancy and not just the standard ceiling wart.

    I like using that space above the toilet for storage. Check internet for ideas.

  • Cheryl A Cheryl A on Apr 18, 2021

    are you a renter? I would not do anything until I spoke to the landlord and they may even help with the expenses... you can paint or wall paper, you could add a round mirror you could add pops of color with the towels

  • The bathroom could be super charming. If you're the renter and don't want to spend a lot go on Pinterest or Google and find a shower curtain you like. Start there for color and style inspiration. Then I would add some pretty hand towels to that bar. I would also add a new, larger mirror. Maybe something oval for more charm. If your budget allows, I would replace the light fixture and the bathroom faucet. If not, no big deal, get white frosted bulbs and a pump shop dispenser. You'd be amazed at the difference. You could also hang a shelf above the toiled and put a plant on it or hang a picture with command hooks if you don't want to have to patch and pain the wall when you leave.

  • Dee Dee on Apr 19, 2021

    From what I understand you bought a rental house and want to update. I absolutely love the black and white tile. As long as it is in good shape keep it. You can either paint your vanity Black or you can get larger vanity at Home Depot. If you have a Builders Surplus store in your area, they have beautiful vanities with the tops and not expensive. Take down that light, go to HD or Lowes and get a new light. Kirklands has beautiful mirrors at a reasonable cost. I would take the molding off and get a beadboard kit from HD or Lowes, actually I did that in my bathroom. Put a nice thick moulding around the top of the beadboard. Move the towel hanger to the wall near the tub. Either put some shelves above the potty, or get a small cabinet at HDor Lowes. Where the towel rack is now I would get something decorative. Of course buy a beautiful shower curtain or make your own with drapes. Black's and yellows would look stunning. New towels and you are finished.

  • Kimadrian Kimadrian on Apr 20, 2021

    Thank you, great ideas!

  • Holly Lengner - Lost Mom Holly Lengner - Lost Mom on Apr 20, 2021

    You can paint the walls or use removable wall paper to update the walls: Home and Garden DIY Ideas | Hometalk

  • Jbird68 Jbird68 on Apr 20, 2021

    I'm in the process of redoing the walls of our downstairs bathroom. I chose to do white faux shiplap on the bottom half of the wall and wallpaper on the top. I am replacing all the old brass fixtures with polished chrome fixtures. This also meant a new corner shower to replace the old limed up enclosure. I am far from finished. I also painted the base cabinet gray and all other cabinets white...which were all oak finished. Good Luck.

  • I would add some decorative shelves and display some items on them or some prints/paintings. You could get some towels that match the color of the decor on the towel bar. I'm not sure if the mirror comes off the wall, but Hobby Lobby has some really cute mirrors you could replace it with.

  • Maura White Maura White on Apr 22, 2021

    Well it could be worse. But if you by chance can take down the mirror over the sink and replace it with a modern mirror, that would make a huge difference. Also the shower curtain you choose can really pull in the old tile style and make it look good - maybe something like this: https://amzn.to/3sFOXxf. It's a boho style that can work with the pattern on the floor and try and pull it together to update the appearance. You also may be able to get a medicine cabinet that you can take with you when you move and put that over the toilet - maybe something like this: https://amzn.to/3gtHcYZ

    You can see if command hooks has velcro strips that will hold the weight so you don't have to drill into the wall.

  • Marion Nesbitt Marion Nesbitt on Apr 26, 2021

    I'd replace the taps and towel bar. Maybe the light fixture although it isn't shown. You need some colour. Your room is already wainscotted - I'd do a wallpaper on top or bottom or both. ( I have wallpaper in my bathroom - no problem.) Maybe a faux grass cloth on bottom would be nice -depends on what look you want. Hang a piece of art above the toilet. Add some artificial greenery in a colourful vase (double-face tape) on the toilet lid to offset all the lines in a bathroom.

  • Lindsay Aratari Lindsay Aratari on Apr 30, 2021

    Add removeable wallpaper

  • Agnes Chrzanowska Agnes Chrzanowska on Jul 31, 2021

    it all depends on your budget

  • Chloe Crabtree Chloe Crabtree on Nov 03, 2021

    I would add peel and stick wallpaper above that line and replace the vanity and the mirror and the towel rod.