Bathroom Renovation 101: 10 DIY Bathroom Ideas You Can Totally Pull Off

By doing the work yourself, you have more money to splurge on upgraded fixtures and features. Check out these DIY bathroom ideas that you can totally pull off.

Ninety-two days. That’s about how much of your life you’ll spend on the commode.

Coming in at 2,208 hours, that’s roughly equal to one season, meaning you’ll spend the equivalent of an entire summer on this task alone. 

Bathroom Renovation 101: DIY Bathroom Ideas You Can Totally Pull Off

Take a look around your current bathroom. Do you want to spend the summer here?

If you’re shaking your head no, take heart. There are plenty of DIY bathroom ideas you can try to transform your space into an escape-worthy oasis. 

If you’re more of a get-in-and-get-out type of person, keep reading. Today, we’re sharing 10 ways to make your bathroom as comfortable and classy as possible. If you’re going to spend more than three months there, it might as well look great.

Ready to learn more? Pick up that toolbox and let’s get started.

 Ditch the Tub (If You Want)

 There’s nothing like taking a long soak after a hard day. A great garden tub or claw-foot beauty can be a great centerpiece and add a spa-like feel to your bathroom.

Yet, there are some people who invest in these monoliths and never end up using them. They sit mostly unused for decades, collecting dust. 

If this is the case for you, consider replacing your bathtub with a walk-in shower instead. 

Especially if you’re older, this step can boost the safety of this space, as well. No more worrying about tripping or falling as you hoist yourself in and out. 

You can choose from among myriad material types and design styles for your shower. Add a piece of glass to partition it off and your room will feel bigger, too.

Upgrade Your Lighting 

Still rocking those wall sconces from the 1960s that were original to the home when you bought it? While vintage style is back and hotter than ever, there are some fixtures that are better left in the past. 

If yours look obviously outdated or aren’t producing efficient light, upgrading them is an inexpensive and quick way to modernize your bathroom. 

Install a chandelier in the center of the space to add instant glam. Replace the pendants by the mirror to better illuminate your vanity. Remove any scratched or broken hardware and you’ll see your bathroom in a whole new way.

Ditch the Paint for Tile

Does the idea of removing that age-old floral wallpaper give you hives? Are you looking at paint chips and feeling your head swirl over the 1.2 million shades of white available?

Don’t worry. You have a third option.

Why not replace the wall covering with tile? It’s easier to clean, looks great, and you can customize it to fit your aesthetic. Try this DIY bathroom trick behind your vanity for an easy, chic upgrade, and expand out from there. 

Update Your Cabinetry

Your cabinets might just need a fresh coat of paint. If this is the case, why not go bold and incorporate a bright hue? Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2019 is Living Coral, which would add a splash of nautical-inspired serenity to any space!
Or, it might be time to replace your old, worn and splintering cabinets with new ones. This might be a bigger expense, but you’ll appreciate the facelift it provides.
Update your cabinet hardware too, while you’re at it! Oil-rubbed bronze and chrome are great, modern choices.

Your cabinets might just need a fresh coat of paint. If this is the case, why not go bold and incorporate a bright hue? Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2019 is Living Coral, which would add a splash of nautical-inspired serenity to any space!
Or, it might be time to replace your old, worn and splintering cabinets with new ones. This might be a bigger expense, but you’ll appreciate the facelift it provides.
Update your cabinet hardware too, while you’re at it! Oil-rubbed bronze and chrome are great, modern choices.

Invest in a Towel Warmer

Sometimes, the smallest touches really do make the biggest difference. Case in point? A towel warmer.
It might not look like much, and most will run you a few hundred dollars or less, but installing a towel warmer is quite possibly one of the most luxurious bathroom projects you can do.
No one likes stepping out of a warm shower into a cool room. When your towel is already heated and waiting for you to wrap up, this final step isn’t so bad, after all. You can find more information about various styles of towel warmers here, as well as other classic bathroom furniture to enhance your space.

Dress up Your Mirror

Sure, a piece of beveled glass mounted to your wall is simple and gets the job done. The downside? It doesn’t pack much of a design punch. 

Why not frame yours instead? You’ll be surprised at how much of an impact a simple wooden accent can make. You can either frame your existing one or spring for a new, decorative one if your budget allows. 

Look for frames that correspond with your vanity and flow seamlessly with the rest of the room’s design. Round mirrors are especially trendy and can add a sweet retro touch.

Build a Storage Ladder

Plenty of people get by with a storage spot over their commode. While this is convenient, you can make more of a custom impact by building a storage ladder instead.

Similar to the blanket ladders that are taking living room design by storm, these are narrow versions that lie against your wall. Use them to house your jars, candles, toiletries, and rolled-up towels.

Just be careful not to make this space a catch-all. Keep it neat and use matching containers where possible.

Repurpose a Dresser

You know that dresser you’ve been meaning to get rid of? The one with the wobbly legs that doesn’t provide sufficient storage upstairs?

Before you toss it or give it away, think of how it would look repurposed as a bathroom vanity. This is one of the most popular DIY bathroom remodel ideas, and for good reason.

With the right tools and a plan to follow, you can be well on your way toward adding a craftsman-style touch to your space. This is an excellent way to make use of those heirloom pieces that are too sentimental to lose but currently aren’t serving a functional purpose.

Rethink Your Sink

Do you have a one-bowl bathroom sink that’s taking up too much square footage in your bathroom? Why not save some space and install a pedestal sink, instead?

Adding tons of charm and character, these are available in many different styles and sizes. Research one that makes sense in your home and be sure to factor in any changes you’ll need to make to the flooring, as well. 

Pedestal sinks work especially well in half-baths that don’t require extensive counter space

Hang a Gallery Wall

Most people don’t think about hanging photographs or artwork in their bathroom, but this can be a great place to get creative!

To add a visual element, try grouping a set of like prints together and forming a gallery wall. For instance, you might have six seashell prints that correspond well, or a series of black-and-white family photographs you’ve been hanging onto for ages.

Frame those beauties and give them a place to shine! Just be sure not to hang them too close to the tub or shower, as you could risk warping the prints if they become moist.

Try These DIY Bathroom Ideas Today

While none of us particularly want to camp out in our bathroom, we do want the time we spend in there to be as enjoyable as possible.

This is where these DIY bathroom ideas come in handy. Regardless of the space you’re working with, these are simple tricks that can fool anyone into thinking you spent a ton of money on your upgrade.

Want more advice on how to pick the best products for your home? 

That’s where we come in.We’ve scoured the options to bring you the very best in home goods, from appliances to hand tools. After you’ve tried a few of these bathroom projects, you may feel empowered to take on a larger-scale, whole-home renovation. Tackle this living room upfit next!

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