No room can get grimier, and in need of some TLC, faster than the bathroom. If you are not in the market for a complete remodel, or you would love one but it is not in the cards budget-wise, there are plenty of easy fixes that can freshen things up quite nicely. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:
Clean Up the Grout
Grout can get quite grimy and a good cleaning can do wonders for the overall look of your bathroom. Bust out a toothbrush and a mild bleach solution—10 parts water and one part bleach. After it is gleaming again, coat it with a grout sealer. If it is really damaged or stained, you can remove and apply fresh grout.
Get New Fixtures
If your fixtures are a bit outdated or looking worn down, purchasing new bathroom fixtures is a great inexpensive fix. This may not seem like a big thing, but paying attention to the smaller details of the bathroom can make all the difference. So, get some new faucets, towel racks, light fixtures and drawer pulls.
Get a New Lid and Toilet Seat
For better or worse, the toilet is one of the focal points of the bathroom, and a new seat and lid can immediately create a new look in this room. Be sure to consider comfort as well as color and overall design when selecting a new seat.
Get a New Showerhead
A new showerhead can not only be a great fix for updating your bathroom’s look, you can make your showers more luxurious and relaxing. You can find many great budget-friendly showerheads that have rainfall-style heads, adjustable heads and pulsating sprays. You can easily remove the old and install the new on your own. Use pliers or a wrench if it is too difficult to unscrew the old head yourself, and use a rag or towel when tightening the new head to avoid scuffing it.
Slap on a New Coat of Paint
When it comes to sprucing up any room on a budget, a fresh coat of paint can do wonders. It is one of the cheapest fixes, yet most effective for really altering the look. While the bathroom is one of the smallest rooms in the house, it can be one of the more delicate paint jobs, having to paint around cabinets, the mirror, shower, vanity, etc…so make sure you have plenty of painter’s tape and take your time. Because this room is a breeding ground for mold and mildew, invest in high quality paint with a satin finish. You might also consider putting on a coat of special moisture-resistant paint on the ceiling, where mold and mildew are most likely to crop up.
While deep pockets are always nice when it comes to redoing a room, it is not necessary to create a dramatic difference. When sprucing up your bathroom on a budget, it is a good idea to carefully think about what you want to do, and have a game plan in mind to get the most mileage out of your money.