Light blue modern bathroom interior with glass shower door and white cabinet with mirror

Bathroom Upgrades That Don't Require a Complete Renovation

Tired of waking up every morning and going to sleep every night using the same drab bathroom? Are you ready to give your bathroom a refresh that won’t break the bank? We have some simple ways you can update your bathroom and still stay within a limited budget.

Creating a fresh, new look for your bathroom doesn’t have to cost a lot of money. If fact, there a several, low-cost things you can do that will transform your bathroom from drab to fab. All it takes is a vision, some imagination, and a little effort. So, let’s get started!

Choose Your Design

A great place to start with your bathroom refresh is to choose a new style or theme, one that sets the mood and tone you want. Do you prefer light and airy, or something a little darker? Before you make a final decision there are a few things you should consider. Is this a kids’ bathroom, a master bath, or a guest bathroom? Also, the size of the bathroom will influence the style and design you choose. If the bathroom you are refreshing is on the smaller side, stay away from dark colours. Dark coloured walls tend to make a room appear smaller. And try to avoid adding too many accessories that clutter the space and make it hard to move around. You should also take into account who will use the bathroom most and create your design accordingly.

Kids Bathroom

If the bathroom you are refreshing is used most often by the kids, then choose a style and design that is fun and inviting. Consider adding some fun wall art of wall stickers to lighten the mood during bath time. Avoid adding things like candles or other fragile items that could get broken or become a hazard. Keep it fun, simple, and as functional as possible for the kids. A brightly coloured bathmat and shower curtain will do wonders to brighten the room and lighten the mood. Consider adding an easy to access towel rack and storage so the kids can grab a towel and hang it up to dry, if needed.

Master or Guest Bathroom

If you have your sights set on revamping your master or guest bath, then you probably prefer a design that is a little more elegant and stylish. Some darker tones or even a nice wallpaper (one that can withstand humidity well) might be the way to go. Adding some portable shelving over the toilet or in the shower can double your storage space and allow you to add some nice accessories, like candles or your favourite décor. A stylish rug, bathmat and shower curtain can be the finishing touches that bring it all together. You might also consider a fresh coat of paint, which can do wonders to transform a room. Whether it’s one wall or the entire bathroom, a paint job can completely change the look and feel of your bathroom.

Finally, consider changing the light fixture in your bathroom. If you’re in an older home your bathroom may still have the single row of round vanity bulbs. They are bright, but not very stylish. Try some softer lighting or change out the fixture completely. If this is your master bath, you can always add a lighted portable makeup mirror if the main fixture you choose is not bright enough.

Function and Safety

Once you have settled on your style and design it’s time to think about including a few lesser-known additions that can really improve the functionality and safety of your bathroom.

Upgrade to 2-Inch Drain

This small and inconspicuous improvement can make a big difference when it comes to the functionality of your bathroom. Most bathroom plumbing use a 1.5 or 1.25 inch (3.17-3.81 cm) diameter PVC drainpipe, which can clog more easily. Installing a 2-inch (5.08 cm) diameter drainpipe will dramatically improve the drainage in your bathroom, especially if you have several family members using the same shower and/or bath.

Anti-Scald Device Another addition that most people don’t think to include as part of their bathroom makeover is an anti-scald device. Adding such a device can help prevent accidental burns to small children and the elderly. Again, this is not a glamorous addition, but it’s a good one if you have small children or older family members who use this bathroom.

Need Help?

Changing the look and feel of your bathroom doesn’t have to involve tearing down walls, repositioning tubs or starting from scratch. Sometimes a few, relatively inexpensive changes can transform your bathroom and give it the new look and feel you desire. If you have questions, need help, or decide you want to do a complete bathroom remodel, call the plumbing professionals at Mr. Rooter. Our good, better, best service options can help you get it all done, and within your budget.