25+ Bathroom Updates That You Should Consider in 2024

With the current state of things, it can be a beneficial time to look at updating your bathroom and starting a new home project that is straightforward and simple.

Below are 25+ ideas that you can undertake at any point during this pandemic, and while many are straightforward and simple, some are more time intensive than others, so keep that in mind.

Also, keep in mind that there is a difference between master and regular bathrooms, as master bathrooms will take much more work to complete than a regular bathroom, so plan accordingly.

Think about a new bathroom theme

A bathroom’s theme can greatly influence it’s initial mood and appearance to guests. Common bathrooms usually follow some form of theme, whether it be modern, nautical, classic or retro. What theme suits your house will be dependent on you, but if you’ve been using a particular theme for a long while, it may do good to change it for something else for a breath of fresh air. This update can be done DIY, although depending on how extensive you want to change your theme, you may require professional assistance if you want to replace bathtubs or sinks.

Painting your bathroom walls

Sometimes, a different color can make all the difference in the world. By painting your bathroom walls, you can drastically affect the mood and feel of the bathroom, either with bright colors for a warmer tone, or darker colors for a more modern feel. The best part about this update is that it doesn’t take too much effort and can be achieved at a very affordable price without requiring any safety precaution besides proper ventilation.

Adding New Mirrors

Mirrors and windows always make a great addition to a bathroom. Although it may add another object that requires some upkeep, having additional mirrors in a bathroom can make your bathroom appear much larger than it actually is. Having multiple mirrors adds a more inviting feel to the bathroom, while also providing a place where multiple people can get ready and organized. This update can be done DIY without any additional assistance.

Organizing Existing Storage

Storage is an important aspect of any bathroom, and it is important that any bathroom contains an area to store any number of useful items. While you can certainly add new cabinets and shelves, you can simply organize your existing storage. This of course helps those in your household find items immediately, but also helps to make your bathroom look more presentable with objects being organized instead of being stored haphazardly. This can be done by yourself with no additional assistance needed.

Installing new sink fixtures

Although it may seem costly initially, new sink fixtures can provide a breath of fresh air to an older bathroom. The existence of polished gold, brass or nickel can do wonders to change the feel and appearance of an old bathroom while ensuring that your sink fixtures are switched out to avoid rusting or maintenance problems down the road. This step can be DIY, but also may require professional help if you are inexperienced.

Adding New Tile Patterns (without replacing)

Updating your tile patterns can be another possible source of changing the feel of your bathroom. Although many tile patterns will require swapping out the existing tile, there are several patterns that do not require replacing your existing tile patterns. This is an easy DIY project that can both change the mood of your bathroom while updating the feel of walking in your bathroom itself. This update can be DIY, but may require professional help if inexperienced.

Painting your bathtubs

As stated previously, adding color to your bathroom is always an added plus. Painting your bathtub can drastically change the mood of your bathroom, with brighter colors adding more life and virility and darker colors adding a more modern flair to your bathroom. Additionally, painting your bathtub also provides a cheaper alternative to installing a new bathtub if you want to update the look of an older tub. This update can be DIY with proper ventilation.

Adding a new bathtub

If you don’t want to paint your bathtub, adding a new bathtub or shower is also another great option. With the addition of a new bathtub or shower, you can add a whole new dimension to your existing bathroom that wasn’t available before. Perhaps you had a wall drop-in, and now you purchased a freestanding tub, providing a greater degree of space to add more fixtures. The addition of a new bathtub can greatly add a whole new avenue of possibilities for you. Professional assistance is recommended for this update.

Installing new sinks

Sinks may not appear as vital as bathtubs or other fixtures, but adding a new sink can greatly improve the tone and appeal of a bathroom. By having additional sinks, you can greatly increase the number of users in your bathroom, which makes your bathroom much more versatile. Perhaps you had just a simple vanity drop-in sink before, and now you have an additional wall-mounted sink installed. In addition to the sink improving the usability of your bathroom, it is also aesthetically attractive and unobtrusive in terms of space. Professional assistance is recommended for this update.

Adding new bathroom rugs

New rugs can be a welcome change. Bathroom rugs in general require constant maintenance as they are in an environment that is constantly wet and damp. By changing your rugs, you are not only improving the mood of your bathroom by adding new designs, but you are also improving the health of the rugs by swapping them out and allowing them to dry. This update is another inexpensive and simple option, and it can greatly enhance the mood of your bathroom by making it seem more welcoming if you have comfortable bathroom rugs available for your guests to walk on.

Updating Shower heads

Low water pressure is a common problem that plagues many showers. A common fix to this problem is updating your shower heads, which provides better options for showering. While many updates on this list are aesthetically pleasing over function, this update is less about changing the atmosphere of your bathroom and more about creating a more pleasurable experience for those in your househ This step can be done DIY without any additional safety measures taken.

Adding Shelves

More fixtures and vanities are always a welcome thing. By adding more shelves to your bathroom, you can increase the number of objects on display. Perhaps you can add live plants to your bathroom, or have it function in a more practical sense, with having more space to store toilet paper or bathroom necessities. With more storage space, you can make your bathroom appear more self-reliant and welcoming to guests. Professional assistance is recommended if inexperienced.

Brighten up your bathroom

Brighten up your bathroom with natural light or artificial light. Adding more light to your bathroom can put a whole new light on your bathroom, no pun intended. With a larger window installed or strategically placed lighting, you can create a more cozy environment to your bathroom as opposed to a poorly lit little room. Lighting makes an area seem more attractive, and either through a natural or artificial source, you can certainly make visitors feel more welcome. This update is DIY but professional assistance is recommended if inexperienced.

Adding new hand towels and accents

New hand towels can provide a welcome greeting to your guests. New hand towels, vanity accents and fixtures can help create a more comfortable setting in any bathroom. Since hand towels are inexpensive, this is a great update to undertake as you can experiment with different colors and designs so that you can ensure that your bathroom displays the correct mood you desire. This update is DIY and very simple and straightforward.

Rethinking your cabinets

Cabinets are a main staple in many bathrooms, both providing storage as well as providing an aesthetic boost. Rethinking your cabinets can greatly improve the mood of your bathroom while being fairly simple and inexpensive. Perhaps you want to do glass doors, so that the contents are displayed easily, or you want to install a mirror door to the cabinet so it has more function. Perhaps you want to do away with the cabinet together and just have shelves and racks for storing. There are a multitude of options available that can both boost your bathroom’s appeal while improving its function. This update is DIY thought professional assistance is recommended if inexperienced.

DIY Ideas

Paint walls or vanity cabinets

A fresh coat of paint can drastically update your bathroom’s look and feel. Over time the colors on your walls and cabinets will inevitably fade, so updating them can breathe new life into your bathroom. This also presents a new opportunity to change the theme of your bathroom and go from bold, bright colors to something more subdued and change the aesthetic how you see fit.

Upgrade bath fan

Consistent use of your bathroom will eventually create a large degree of moisture. Upgrading your bathroom fan can help to clear up the heavy humidity, improving your air quality and preserving the health of your bathroom. 

Replace showerhead, faucet

Replacing your showerhead or updating your faucet can be a great way to change up your current setup with minimal work. A new faucet can provide better control over your water stream, allowing for more enjoyable showers, and a new faucet setup can do the same, offering better hot and cold options. 

Shower hooks or rings

Shower hooks can provide extra storage, doubling as a towel rack or a storage area for scrubbers and other bathroom essentials. If you find yourself with an excess of shower hooks, remember that they can help to clear up some of your bathroom’s clutter.

Towel Storage or Racks

Like shower hooks, towel racks can double as a storage area. Accents such as plants, lighting or toiletries can be placed on the towel rack to add additional storage to your bathroom.

Toilet paper holder

Although it may seem innocuous, toilet paper holders present another opportunity to show off your unique style. You can go with the classic finished nickel or brass, or opt for something more abstract such as glass or create your own for some added flair.

Drawer pulls & cabinet knobs

Another often overlooked element of your bathroom is drawer pulls or cabinet knobs. Many drawer pulls are available in sleek and slim designs with various finishes. Since you will be handling them often, update your drawer handles and cabinet knobs to pair well with the rest of your bathroom.

Mirror frame

Adding a mirror frame is an easy and cost-effective way to update the mirror without having to remove or replace it. The new frame is incredibly budget friendly and can significantly emphasize the features of your mirror.

Toilet flushing lever

A pervasive problem with your toilet, not flushing is related to the lever. Replacing the lever is very straightforward and can easily be DIY for less than $20. 

Tub spout

Your tub spout will eventually wear out over time, leaking when the washer is cracked or worn out. To replace your tub spout, loosen the setscrew, and pull the old spout off. Then slide in the replacement and tighten the setscrew.

Shower handles

Your shower handle controls the hot and cold aspects of your shower. Updating the handle ensures that you have better control over the temperature of your water, leading to better showers.

Tub stoppers

A tub stopper helps maintain water to a certain level in your bathtub. Updating your tub stoppers is integral for the health of your bathtub but also can greatly improve your bathing time.

Sinkhole covers

Sinkhole covers provide you with a better way of managing the water flow in your sink. Updating these covers is essential as they will begin to wear down through continual use.

New Shower curtain

A new shower curtain can add some much-needed privacy to your bathroom. It can also provide another opportunity to update the aesthetic of your bathroom and go for a different color and pattern to help blend the bathroom’s ambiance. 

Clean and paint old fixtures.

Through general use, fixtures will start to wear and fade over time. Remember to maintain them to prevent deterioration. Be sure to clean your old fixtures, such as cabinet doors, and update them with new paint. 

Condense and organize toiletries

Organizing your toiletries will help keep your bathroom from becoming a chaotic mess. Use cubbies and storage bins to keep your toiletries and other bathroom essentials together. Additionally, it will save you space by allowing you to condense existing items into one area.

Additional ideas

Bathroom updates may seem daunting, but you can update any bathroom, regardless of size or style. Here are some tips for updating your bathroom:

• Start small, updating small elements such as adding frames to your mirrors or organizing your existing space. 
• Clean and paint old fixtures
• Keep a general theme in mind and work towards it
• Pick a color scheme and build around it
• If you are stuck, just begin organizing
• Replace hardware if they’re out of date or clash with your theme
• Choose styles that share similar shapes or effects

Updating your bathroom can create a whole new atmosphere for your guests and the rest of your household. As discussed above, there are a multitude of options available and you are welcome to spend as much as you are comfortable with, so don’t hesitate to update your bathroom today. 

Eric Jensen

Eric is the founder and president of Badeloft USA. He has been the president of Badeloft’s US division for over ten years and oversees all marketing and branding aspects of Badeloftusa.com.
His expertise lies in small business development, sales, and home and bathroom industry trends and information.

Contact us with any business related inquiries.