5 Bathroom Updates to Do This Weekend

A bathroom with a shower curtain and a vanity.

Remodeling expenses make bathrooms challenging to update. Like it or not, bathrooms are a normal part of daily life and are often in need of a change. Although tackling major renovations, like adding a new tub or marble tile, might be outside the budget, there are affordable updates you can do to the bathroom that won’t break the bank. Refresh your bathroom with these five updates that only take a weekend to complete.

1. Add a Fresh Coat of Paint

A wall being painted gray with a paint roller.

Painting is an easy and affordable way to really spruce up any room. With the right color schemes and a little bit of time, you can make a bathroom look like a completely different space. Choose a lighter color to liven up a space or a more neutral tone for a clean feel. You can also add texture to walls and adapt the color to meet any existing decor. The best part about painting is that you can always choose a different color if things do not go exactly as planned, so experiment with different options and have fun!

2. Replace a Mirror

For a fast bathroom update, consider switching out an old mirror and replacing it with something that really makes the room pop. It’s a good idea to take measurements before you go out mirror shopping and replace the existing unit with a similar-sized mirror. If your bathroom has an old medicine cabinet, you can transform these spaces into a nook to place bathroom necessities or plants. Pulling out medicine cabinets is an easy process, but remember to purchase some molding to hide the gap between the wall. Paint the molding to the desired color to complete the look.

3. Swap Out Fixtures

A bathroom sink with silver faucets and a marble counter.

Replacing old fixtures is a great way to instantly update any sink in the house and installation is typically straightforward. For bathrooms, the right kind of fixture can transform the entire look of the room. Whether it’s brushed nickel or a gold look, choose a color scheme that goes well with the rest of the bathroom. There are many different features that come with modern fixtures, including detachable heads, automatic water feeds, and eco-friendly models, so make sure to browse through all of the available options in your area before making a final decision.

4. Install a Luxurious Shower Head

When it comes to comfort, adding a new shower head is an important update that will look good and help you feel even better. Not only are shower heads more affordable than ever, but they will make your morning routine a welcome part of your day. After all, what beats a refreshing shower that you can customize to fit any need? Installing a new shower head is an easy process that can be accomplished with a good wrench and some plumber’s tape. While you are at it, consider updating the shower curtain and adding non-slip shower mats to complete the new look.

5. Update Light Fixtures

A wall sconce in a bathroom.

Whether it’s installing a new light over an existing mirror or switching out a dated light fixture, updating the lights in your bathroom can go a long way in transforming a space. Many bathrooms come equipped with standard mirror lighting, but you can replace these with an elegant pendant light, a small chandelier, or even a decorative sconce. Just make sure the lighting option you choose properly illuminates the bathroom and does not leave any dark spots. Remember, lights that point upward are softer to the eye but cast shadows, while downward lights are often brighter and work better for daily prep.

Tips and Tricks

Thrift stores and vintage shops are great places to look for a unique mirror and other bathroom ideas. If the walls in your bathroom are in need of a desperate update and new paint is not doing the trick, try adding texture. Textured surfaces, like beaded boards, can add a new level of architectural interest, especially when paired with a good color scheme. Whenever you do any bathroom updates, make sure to take proper safety measures, like turning off the water and power, to stay safe and avoid unpleasant accidents along the way.

To get more ideas or ask an expert questions about your own bathroom updates, The Home Depot offers free workshops on a variety of DIY topics, including easy bathroom remods.