7 Low-Lift, High-Impact Changes to Make Your Bathroom Look New, According to Designers (2025)

Room Design

Bathroom Design

• 01 of 07

  A Fresh Coat of Paint

  

  “Paint is usually a relatively easy and inexpensive upgrade to any space, but especially a bathroom because of its size,” designer and color strategist Dawn Bane says.

  There are lots of bathroom paint colors to choose from. Interior designer Megan Hersch suggests brightening and lightening with a soft, pale green, going moody and bold with a deep, dark blue, or selecting a ruddy red for an immediate dramatic change.

  The best types of paints for bathrooms tend to be damp- and mold-resistant semi-gloss varieties.

• 02 of 07

  Switching Out Hardware

  

  “Replacing [bathroom] hardwares (e.g. towel rings, toilet paper holders, robe hooks, faucets, and shower hardware) that are dated, tarnished, or not flowing optimally can have a big impact,” says Bane.

  Interior designer Malak Bellajdel suggests looking for a finish that contrasts your bathroom cabinets.

  “For example, matte black pulls against a light vanity or beautiful brass ones against a dark one,” she says.

• 03 of 07

  Swap the Sconce

  

  Bad bathroom lighting can make the space feel dull and drab, and it’s not conducive to accurately applying makeup or achieving a clean shave.

  “Look for fixtures that provide both ambient and task lighting,” Bellajdel says. “If you don’t go for the mirror with built-in LED lights, you could install a pair of wall sconces flanking your mirror. It doesn’t just look great; it also creates even lighting for your face.”

• 04 of 07

  Add Artwork

  

  While you want your bathroom to be a sanitary space, it doesn’t have to have a clinical ambiance. Incorporating thoughtful bathroom artwork or decorative accents is one easy way to add personality and warmth to the space.

  You don’t have to hang pieces from every wall.

  “It can be small, perhaps hung over the toilet or the towel bar,” Hersch says.

  Whatever you pick, consider whether it’s a good fit for the steamy space. Select canvases without glass coverings or inexpensive, easy-to-replace items. Scented candles add a fresh and cozy quality, and sculptural pieces fit on floating shelves.

  Continue to 5 of 7 below

• 05 of 07

  Try Some New Textiles

  

  Bellajdel suggests adding new towels and a plush bath mat to give your bathroom an inviting, spa-like feel.

  “The right textiles can do wonders for your bathroom,” she says. “Go for high-quality, fluffy towels in a color that complements your existing decor.”

  A shower curtain is a big bathroom focal point. Changing this low-cost item or using one to hide an old glass door can dramatically impact the overall feel of the space—especially if the existing curtain is faded, outdated, or ingrained with mold.

  “A patterned shower curtain can easily add some personality to your space, so if you’re feeling bold, try that out,” Bellajdel suggests.

• 06 of 07

  Place Some Plants

  

  Adding some bathroom-friendly plants is one of the easiest and most cost-effective upgrades. Interior designer Angie Kreller says that bringing the outside in with some greenery gives your bathroom that ‘in touch with nature’ feeling.

  “A lush fern or quirky plant on your windowsill can work wonders for the bathroom aesthetic,” she says. “Not only will they purify your air and boost the mood, they’ll also turn the room into a mini spa.”

  Some popular plants for bathrooms that thrive in humidity include lucky bamboo, calathea, pothos, begonias, and parlor palms.

• 07 of 07

  Peel and Stick Wallpaper or Tiles

  

  “Peel and stick wallpaper or tiles are your new best friends for a mini bathroom makeover,” Kreller says. “If you don’t want to commit to one style or if you like changing things up, these will be a go-to.”

  These cost-effective and rental-friendly additions can instantly transform a tired-looking bathroom. Plus, learning how to hang peel-and-stick wallpaper is a cinch.