Schoolhouse
No Reno Refresh: 3 Easy Ways to Spruce Up a Small Bathroom
Here's how to update a small, outdated bathroom without remodeling.
This article originally appeared on Schoolhouse, a Portland-based company in the Food52 family of brands.
Given that hosting season is almost upon us, we’ve been getting serious about making sure our home is guest-ready. Last week we started in the living room, and today, we’re moving on to arguably one of the most important rooms of the house—the bathroom.
To start, we're going to be honest and say bathrooms are tricky (for a number of reasons)! The most common challenges we find—during photoshoots and in our own homes—are that most bathrooms are small, have little to no natural light, and come with outdated features like old tile or hardware. Well today, we're here to tell you, if you have an unideal washroom situation (with little square footage to work with), there's hope! Read on for three easy, impactful ideas to refresh a small bathroom without renovating.
Shop This Look: Linen Shower Curtain; Ceramic Salt Jar; Classic Cotton Bath Mat; Everyday Tray
1. Upgrade Your Shower Curtain
If your bathroom has a shower curtain, consider swapping it for a fun, patterned option. Alternatively, if you have a shower enclosure, updating the doors or handle set can provide a fresh look.
Consider the mood or ambiance you want to create in your bathroom. Do you want it to feel serene and spa-like, vibrant and energetic, or cozy and inviting? The shower curtain can help set a focal point and inform your interior style. As a general rule of thumb, stripes and solids feel more modern, while floral and gingham prints lean traditional.
Shop This Look: Thistle Shower Curtain; Blooming Field Shower Curtain; Gingham Shower Curtain; Market Stripe Shower Curtain
2. Replace Outdated Lighting
Changing out your lighting may sound daunting at first, but hear us out. All you need is a light fixture and a little electrical know-how (although we always recommend the help of an electrician as a first option) to make a lasting interior impact (read our how-to here). As an alternative to rewiring, you can also opt to swap out your light fixture shades for an easy upgrade.
Shop This Look: Fran 2.25" Wall Sconce; Alabax Surface Mount; Morris L Sconce; Harlow 3 Wall Sconce
3. Change Out Existing Hardware
Swapping out old cabinet knobs, drawer pulls, towel bars, and hooks for newer, more stylish options can give your bathroom a fresh look relatively quickly. Consider finishes like brushed nickel, matte black, or brass for a modern touch.
Other ideas include, upgrading your mirror (which will make a small bathroom feel brighter and bigger), installing floating shelves as a storage option, or hanging small hooks for towels and bath accessories.
Shop This Look: Grant Mirror; Mara Wire Hook; Cascade Pull; Please Wash Hands Sign
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