Your Decorating Hotline welcomes guest author Tim Labas as he shares information about updating a bathroom affordably. Tim is Chief Editor and VP Sales and Marketing for Discount Bathroom Vanities.com. Located in Central New Jersey, Discount Bathroom Vanities is among the category leaders for online furniture shopping. Here he offers some great tips for quick results in freshening your bathroom look.
5 Ways to Update Your Bathroom
There are times when I look at my bathroom and think: “I want it all gone! Start new”. However, I quickly come to my senses and realize that embarking on a home improvement project is simply not within my means. Besides, there is nothing really wrong with the bathroom; I’m just tired of it. Luckily there are a few things that can be done without going all out and tearing down walls. Sometimes a simple change or improvement is all that’s needed to freshen up your bathroom.
Photo via Rate My Space
Give it a Good Cleaning
That’s right, get down and dirty with your bathroom! Most bathrooms see a lot of foot traffic; in fact it could be the most used room in the house! First step in the 24 hour bathroom transformation is to get a clean, fresh canvas. That means, cleaning it! Scrub the grout in the tub, maybe even get a tube of new sealer and fill in those gaps. Scrub the floors, the bathroom vanity sink and counter top. Make sure you use a nonabrasive cleaner, as that can damage surfaces which allows for discoloration. Discoloration will make your bathroom look dingy even when it’s perfectly clean. Take care of those cobwebs in the corners and, of course, don’t forget the mirrors.
Photo via ragsndust.com
Check the Floors
If your bathroom is old and the floors are starting to feel not-so-fresh no matter how many times you clean them, maybe it’s time to replace them! Sure, it sounds like a project and a half, but in reality there are many flooring options out there right now that can make changing your bathroom floors a very simple and short project. It’s usually the smallest room in the house so it’s not a huge financial investment. Pick out a pattern that is fun and easy to take care of and your bathroom will look as good as new!
Photo via HGTV.com
Ditch the Curtain
The first thing I notice when I walk into someone’s bathroom is their shower curtain. Make sure that yours is fresh, clean, and pressed (if cloth). Shower curtains have a tendency of attracting soap scum and dirt and are usually very difficult to clean. Thankfully, they are cheap and getting a replacement curtain will not break the bank. Curtains come in so many colors and patterns, plastic or fabric, formal or casual…..there’s really something for everyone. So, have fun with it and change the curtain regularly (seasonally?) and it will be sure to brighten up your bathroom.
Photo via Overstock.com
Accessories
Another simple way to have fun with your bathroom décor is to update your accessories. Why not go with a seasonal theme? I am not saying that all your toothbrush holders should be heart-shaped for Valentine’s day and then switch over to eggs and bunnies the following month (unless you have lots of storage space to keep all the ones you are not using, of course). But having accessories that go hand in hand with the season will allow your bathroom to change at least four times a year. In addition to the traditional soap dish and toothbrush holder, accessories like vases, accent towels, small artwork, and perfume bottles can really set the tone for the room.
Photo via artidanses.com
Fixtures
When replacing your bathroom vanity or tub is completely out of the question, you can always freshen them up with new fixtures. A new faucet will run you only around $100 and will do wonders for the look of your bathroom. Faucets, handles, mirrors and other hardware are simple to install and any DIY enthusiast can do it in a matter of minutes. So why look for a new tub when you can simply change the tub spout or add a beautiful new shower panel for a relatively inexpensive way to get a spa look.
Photo via Trendir.com
Photo via Amazon.com
Photo via houzz.com
Will you be cleaning and switching things around this weekend? Cindy and I want to again thank our featured contributor, Tim Labas, for all these great ideas. Discount Bathroom Vanities adds to the online shopping experience by providing the shopper with not only the largest selection of products on the web , but an all-in-one experience, adding tutorials, informational articles, DIY lessons, and FAQ section for your benefit. (info provided by Tim)
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Thanks for the post Terrie.
By the way do you know anything about oriental rugs? I’ve heard about Rugman.com.. does anyone have any experiences there?
Love the clawfoot tub. I have always wanted one. Although my personal style is more country, cottage, I love the cool faucets!
I love your blog!!
My bathroom is very tiny, and walls, floor and bathtub are made of beige plastic… I pay rent so cannot change it. I decided not to use a shower curtain, because probably will make the space look even smaller. There is no place for a cabinet or plants either, so I am struggling with it. Even though I want to give it an asian look, I’m stuck with uncertainty about what should I do. Can you recommend something? (I have a small mirror and light green bath rug in a simple design, so I am thinking to use green accents with some wood accessories… )
Best, Doriana
Doriana: Green and wood are a great place to start. Since there is no floor space, think vertical. Is there a wall which can hold a small display of air plants (they require no soil or watering so they are light and a light weight plastic container could be attached to the plastic wall with double sticky sided foam tape)? And don’t forget the back of the door – a clear, hanging organizer can stash items you need to have close at hand and a floating shelf over the door can stash a few extra rolled towels or toilet paper. The trick is go vertical and use double stick foam adhesive or the Command hooks that are easy to install and remove (no damage to your plastic walls).
Cindy
Thank you so much! Surely, I could use hooks and adhesive tape, as you suggested. I’ll try my best!