Reader Digest Version Global

Mini-Makeover Ideas for Your Bathroom

Make a big impact in your bathroom with a tiny investment of time, money, and effort.

By Amy Ahlberg
Loading
Paul Irish/Flickr Commons
  • 1 of 10

Add a small stool or chair

A compact chair or low seat injects some spa style while serving as a place to sit or providing an additional surface for folded towels. Choose one that complements your décor.
Watch a video of these tips here >>

Source: Better Homes and Gardens

Jake Setlak/Flickr Commons
  • 2 of 10

Trade up to new towels

There’s nothing more dismal than faded, stained, and scratchy old towels. For the fastest bathroom upgrade, treat yourself to a new, plush set of towels in classic white or in a cheery accent color. Don’t forget a fresh new bathmat!

Source: SheKnows

PlayfulLibrarian/Flickr Commons
  • 3 of 10

Fix your fabrics

A new fabric shower curtain is a quick, high-impact way to freshen up a bathroom. If you can’t find the perfect pattern, try using window panels (the kind with grommets). Treat your window to a new look too: Café curtains can be as simple as hanging clean, coordinating tea towels on an adjustable tension rod with curtain clips.

Source: Better Homes and Gardens

Ken Doerr/Flickr Commons
  • 4 of 10

Try tall, narrow towers

In most bathrooms, space is at a premium. Tuck tall, slender storage towers into available corners and use them to stash toiletries, hair dryers, extra toilet paper, and more. Tip: Use bins or baskets to corral smaller items stored on open shelving.

Source:
Better Homes and Gardens

PlayfulLibrarian/Flickr Commons
  • 5 of 10

Add attractive hold-alls

Store extra rolls of toilet paper or rolled-up bath towels in large, nice-looking straw or wire baskets, heavy glass canisters, wooden bins, or even metal basins or bowls.

Source:
Better Homes and Gardens

Cheryl Marland/Flickr Commons
  • 6 of 10

Focus on fixtures

While a complete bathroom renovation is expensive, simply switching out your bathroom’s old fixtures—such as faucets, knobs, and shower heads—is an easy way to upgrade. Bonus: New shower heads can be more efficient, as well, so you'll save on your water bill.

Source:
SheKnows

Photo by jonahbonahhandmade/Flickr Commons
  • 7 of 10

Work magic with paint

Whether you opt for clean, crisp white or a soothing, spa-like color that harmonizes with your existing fixtures, paint provides a huge payoff for a minimal cost. Tip: Satin and eggshell finishes are good choices for bathrooms, as they’re easy to clean and help hide any wall imperfections. 

Ken Doerr/Flickr Commons
  • 8 of 10

Lighten up

Replace dated light fixtures with affordable finds from your local home improvement center. Tip: Try sconces on either side of your bathroom mirror—this style of lighting placement casts fewer shadows and is more flattering than over-the-mirror lighting strips.

Source:
SheKnows

ChalonHandmade/Flickr Commons
  • 9 of 10

Make over your vanity

If your wood-paneled bathroom vanity or sink cabinet has seen better days, give it a glossy coat of paint, then replace all the old knobs or drawer pulls. It'll look like you installed all new cabinetry.

Source: SheKnows