How to Update a Bathroom on a Budget

Eww! Update it!

Do you have a bathroom that is in need of updating? Perhaps the paint on the vanity cupboards is peeling, or the mirror has--heaven forbid--those 70s gold flecks on it. Maybe your shower curtain with the fishes on it was cute when your baby was one, but he is turning 21 soon. And let's not talk about those bright gold lighting fixtures, shall we? Don't despair. With a little money and creativity, you can do wonders for your bathroom.

Things You'll Need

• Shower rod and curtain
• Faucet
• Light fixture
• Mirror(s)
• Glass bowls
• Rocks and candle
• Soaps or bath salts
• Paint
• Shelf
• Bath mat

Instructions

1. Paint. If you have old, ugly wallpaper, either remove it or paint right over it. Use bathroom wall paint and choose a neutral color for a soothing, spa-like effect. Paint is inexpensive but has an instantly dramatic effect.

2. Change out your bathroom faucet and light fixture. It's fairly easy to do this yourself. A shiny new faucet and light fixture will enhance the look of your bathroom.

3. 

   Change out your shower curtain and hooks. A shower curtain is inexpensive, but rarely replaced. You will be amazed at the difference this makes in your bathroom. Choose a solid or softly patterned curtain for a soothing effect.

4. Hide the flaws. If your bathroom has old shower doors, consider hiding them with a shower rod and curtain. Simply place the rod on the outside of the doors, and hang a simple, pretty shower curtain in front of them. In the same vein, if you have scratches or stains on your floor, buy a new bathroom rug to cover them up.

5. Replace the mirror. Discount stores such as Wal-mart and Kmart offer nice, wood-framed mirrors for under $20. Alternately, consider hanging several unframed oval mirrors of different sizes in a grouping on the wall above the sink. This is a modern, inexpensive look.

6. Add some inexpensive accessories. Place a glass bowl full of smooth rocks on a shelf above the toilet, and add a candle to the middle of the bowl. Place another bowl full of bath salts or pretty soaps near the sink. These are all inexpensive things that can go a long way to updating the look of your bathroom.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have some extra money to spend, consider splurging on a nice, new set of large fluffy new towels.

Resources

• More bathroom decorating ideas