Bathroom Makeover Ideas: 20 Ways to Makeover Your Bathroom
Refresh your space with these bathroom makeover ideas.
Are you thinking of tackling a bathroom makeover? We've gathered our top 20 ways to revive a lackluster bathroom, whether you're tearing everything down to the studs or are looking for a small, budget-friendly update. Read on to find bathroom makeover ideas to inspire your next refresh.
1. Install a Soaking Tub
If you've got the space (in your bathroom and in your budget), an indulgent soaking tub is a must for a luxurious master bath. In a full renovation, make a new tub the focal point of the bathroom. A classic-style clawfoot tub adds vintage elegance, while an air or whirlpool bathtub offers spa-like treatment in your own home. There's a tub for all styles, so take the time to research before selecting one by reading our guide How to Choose a Bathtub.
Eco-friendly products are good for the earth and for your long-term spending. While they might cost a bit extra upfront, they'll save you on water bills for decades. Look for “WaterSense-certified” to find models that use 20% less water than typical models. Toilets are the biggest source of water use in a home, so opt for a low-flow toilet to cut costs. Water-efficient shower heads and faucets also help reduce unnecessary water usage.
As one of our favourite bathroom makeover ideas, tile is a great opportunity to show off your personal style. Eye-catching patterns and vibrant colours will make a big statement. If you're not ready to commit to colourful tile in a large master bathroom, try it in a powder room or guest bath. To make a big impact in a stately bathroom, install large-format tile from floor to ceiling. Or, be playful with youthful patterned tile.
When doing a complete overhaul, especially on a basic builder bathroom, architectural details can bring character to the space. Try incorporating crown molding, wainscoting, paneling, or mirrors with traditional details for an ornate design.
Have a small bathroom? Get more counter space by replacing your counter-mounted faucet with a wall-mounted version. This makes room for necessities like soap and toiletries. Wall-mounted faucets come in all styles and finishes to fit any bathroom. A vintage style and finish will add character, while a more modern faucet will offer a sleek, clean look.
If you have room, treat yourself to a vanity with enough storage for toiletries and makeup. This can be as easy as removing an under-counter cabinet, replacing it with a vanity model like above instead, and then sliding in an armless slipper chair. Instead of a standard wall-to-wall mirror, hang two vanity mirrors for an elegant appearance.
Start by choosing your shower head. For an organic look, pair a rain-style shower head with earthy pebbled tile. Looking for something sleeker and more glamorous? Try a therapeutic shower panel in an all-marble shower. Need more help? Read our guide How to Choose Shower Fixtures for Your Bathroom.
Remember to include built-in or wall-mounted shelves to place your soaps. And for a finishing touch, add a bench to make this the shower of your dreams.
If you have the space, add a stool, bench, or chair for a beautiful yet functional accessory. A chair will give you the ability to sit down while fixing your hair, applying your makeup, or drying off after a shower.
Tip!
Put a garden stool beside the bathtub and place folded towels, soap, candles, or plants on top for a cute make-shift bathroom table.
Need extra storage for all your bathroom necessities? Find a bathroom vanity with lots of under-the-sink storage to help corral clutter and use vertical space by incorporating wall-mounted cabinets, over-the-toilet storage, or over-the-door racks. Go for a freestanding bathroom cabinet for extra storage without a renovation.
As the final touch, a beautiful light fixture hung in the middle of the bathroom or over a tub creates a truly decadent retreat. Try a traditional chandelier to give a sense of old-world appeal, especially if hung over a clawfoot tub, or go for a vintage-inspired schoolhouse pendant for a timeless touch (like in the photo above).
Lighting plays a key part in a bathroom makeover, so sconces can be an excellent way to elevate the space. Look for sconces that work well with the shape and style of the vanity mirror. Pick fixtures with a glass shade for a bright glow, or opt for a fabric shade for softer, more diffused lighting.
One easy way to give your bathroom a makeover is to replace old hardware. Try swapping your knobs for a set in a different finish for a subtle refresh, or upgrade your vanity with sleek drawer pulls to give the space a more modern feel. We love how the streamlined drawer pulls in the image above complement the classic silhouette of the vanity.
When working with a small bathroom, the limited space is the perfect opportunity to play with interesting patterns. Line the floors with a fun geometric tile, or incorporate a bright painted tile into the vanity backsplash. To make a stylish statement, use the same patterned tile on the floors along the walls to create a continuous line for the eye to follow.
Whether your bathroom needs a renovation or just a refresh, bathroom faucets are an excellent way to give your bathroom vanity a boost. There are a wide variety of bathroom faucet styles to choose from, so it's easy to find one that works with your existing sink or your renovation plans. Pick a sleek single-hole faucet for a minimal look, or opt for a classic centerset faucet to add a bit of timeless appeal.
Tip!
Not sure how to select a new faucet? Check out our Bathroom Faucet Buying Guide to learn more about installation types, handle options, and helpful features.
15. Choose Soothing Hues
Your bathroom should be a place that makes you feel relaxed. Focus on choosing calming colours, such as earth-toned neutrals or soothing blues. Pick floor and wall tiles that complement each other, such as moss green and warm beige or soft grey and muted blue. Opt for tiles with slight colour variations to add a sense of layered dimension.
Because your bathroom is your own at-home retreat, window treatments are an essential. Not only do they add texture, they also make sure that your bathroom feels private. Pick a set of blinds that are easy to adjust or layer a light-blocking curtain with a sheer curtain so you can customize the amount of natural light.
Like patterned tile, wallpaper is a great bathroom makeover idea. There are an endless amount of wallpaper designs, ranging from dainty florals to bold geometrics patterns. Choose a botanical print to bring a bit of nature indoors, or try a thick stripe for a classic design that you can style in a variety of ways – from farmhouse to coastal.
Want to warm up your bathroom vanity? Gold details add the right amount of warmth and shine to dress up cool-toned wood or crisp white tile. Go for gold cabinet hardware to elevate the bathroom vanity, or install vanity mirrors with gold frames to make your morning routine feel a little more polished.
Add a bold statement to your shower with statement tile. Select an eye-catching shape or style to set the shower tile apart from the rest of the bathroom. Choose a marble herringbone mosaic to create a timeless look, or pick a colourful honeycomb-patterned design to pop against a simple white wall (like in the photo above).
Complete your bathroom makeover with a set of fresh towels and a new bath mat. Pick plush white towels for a spa-like feel, or go for a set of towels that match your bathroom accent colour. In the photo above, we love how the bluish-grey textiles pair with the decor to create a cohesive look.
Tip!
Need help finding the right bath towels? Read our guide Types of Towels: How to Choose a Bath Towel to learn more about types of towels, towel materials, and towel weight.
