How to Brighten a Boring Bathroom
Nothing makes a bathroom appear smaller and drearier than a misplaced focal point, lack of eye-catching containers, and contents spilling from every surface. Lighten and brighten a boring bathroom by streamlining what you can and getting creative with what's left. You can make this utilitarian room downright cozy. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Stain
- Folding Screen
- Paint
- Wall Mirrors
- Colorful Towels
- New Handles And Knobs
- Paintbrush
- Wooden Chest Or Stacking Wicker Or Rattan Boxes
- Glass Bowl
- Coated-wire Grid Rack
- Freestanding Shelf Or Cabinet
- S-hooks
- Jars, baskets, decorative boxes, colorful mugs
Instructions
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Strip the commode of its furry cover to keep it from becoming the room's focal point. Why dress up the one fixture to which you want to call the least attention?
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Remove that little throw rug to give the illusion of more space.
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Corral personal hygiene items in interesting jars, baskets or decorative boxes--even colorful coffee mugs.
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If space is at a premium, mount a small coated-wire grid rack on the wall and hang personal appliances (such as a hair dryer and curling iron) from it with S-hooks.
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Add a wooden chest or a few stacking wicker or rattan boxes to provide character and storage space.
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Add a freestanding over-the-commode shelf or cabinet and fill it with extra linens or toiletries.
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Place a folding screen between the sink and toilet to add style and privacy.
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If the bathroom is windowless, add wall mirrors.
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Choose cheery colors for bath and hand towels.
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Paint walls in a color other than white. Use light colors to make a small powder room appear larger.
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Paint or stain the cabinets in a complementary color.
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Paint exposed pipes the same color as the walls, or paint on a faux finish in complementary colors.
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Install new handles and knobs in a bright color, silver or matte white.
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Fill a glass bowl with seashells or other neighborhood treasures and place it next to your sink for a natural style.
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Tips & Warnings
To make a room seem larger, decorate with lighter colors such as pale gold, butter and cream.
See How to Spruce Up Your Decor for more decorating tips.
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Comments
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Nov 22, 2005
Bathrooms have the potential to be incredibly exciting spaces. Because of their small size, they are the perfect place to experiment with color, pattern, and theme. For my bathroom, I chose to go with a bamboo theme. I painted the walls a brilliant green (a color that I would probably never choose in any other room of the house). With my theme in mind, I found all sorts of matching accessories, including a bamboo printed shower curtain, natural wood shelves and étagère, candles, and some small Japanese art pieces for the walls. The space looks completely transformed, and has become my sanctuary. Choose a theme that means something to you and inspires you, and then let your imagination take the lead. As long as you are specific and definite in your design choices, a dreary bathroom can easily become an enjoyable space. -
Nov 22, 2005
Bathrooms have the potential to be incredibly exciting spaces. Because of their small size, they are the perfect place to experiment with color, pattern, and theme. For my bathroom, I chose to go with a bamboo theme. I painted the walls a brilliant green (a color that I would probably never choose in any other room of the house). With my theme in mind, I found all sorts of matching accessories, including a bamboo printed shower curtain, natural wood shelves and étagère, candles, and some small Japanese art pieces for the walls. The space looks completely transformed, and has become my sanctuary. Choose a theme that means something to you and inspires you, and then let your imagination take the lead. As long as you are specific and definite in your design choices, a dreary bathroom can easily become an enjoyable space.
