24 Easy Bathroom Upgrade Ideas to Transform Your Home

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If you are looking for easy bathroom upgrade ideas to transform your home – read on! We’ve got you covered!

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Table of Contents

• 1. Select the Perfect Bathtub Upgrade for Your Needs and Bathroom Size
  • The acrylic soaking tub is family-friendly
  • Walk-in tubs for safety
  • Whirlpool tubs for relaxation
• 2. Consider Selecting a Shower-Only Bathroom Upgrade Option
  • Popular standup shower-only features:
  • Best for budget: A prefabricated shower
  • Best for luxury: Steam shower
• 3. Make a Bathroom Upgrade Statement with Tile and Grout
  • Budget-friendly tile option: Peel and stick
  • Mid-level tile option: Mosaic
  • Luxury tile option: Glass
• 4. Bathroom Upgrade Flooring Adds Function and Style
  • Best bathroom flooring for families and pet owners: Vinyl Sheet
  • Best bathroom flooring for budget-friendly upgrades: Peel-and-stick
  • Best bathroom flooring for style: Waterproof Hardwood
• 5. Transform Your Bathroom with a Fabulous Vanity Upgrade
  • Corner vanities
  • Double sink vanities
  • Floating vanities
• 6. A Vanity Top Upgrade Adds Style and Function to a Bathroom
• 7. Bathroom Vanity Hardware Adds Style and Function
• 8. Replace the Light Switch Plate for Easy Bathroom Upgrade
• 9. Upgrade Your Bathroom With the Best Kind of Paint
• 10. Easy Bathroom Upgrade with Big Impact is the Paint Color
• 11. Transform Your Bathroom with a New Medicine Cabinet or Mirror
  • Limited space bathrooms
  • Modern-looking bathrooms
• Popular types of bathroom mirrors
  • Popular types of medicine cabinets
• 12. Light Up Your Bathroom with an Upgrade to the Lighting Fixtures
• 13. Selecting a Theme is a Great and Easy Bathroom Upgrade Idea on a Budget
• 14. Accent Towels are an Easy Bathroom Upgrade Idea on a Budget
• 15. Upgrade the Bathroom with a Bright Night Light
• 16. Bathroom Floor Mats are an Easy Bathroom Upgrade Idea on a Budget
• 17. Transform Your Bathroom with the Best Shower Curtain
• 18. Upgrade the Bathroom Shower Head
  • Best for a budget-friendly showerhead: Fixed showerhead
  • Best for mid-level showerhead: Dual showerhead
  • Best for higher-end showerheads: Rainfall showerhead
• 19. Invest in a Quality Shower Caddy for an Easy Bathroom Upgrade
• 20. A Toilet Paper Holder is a Great and Easy Bathroom Upgrade Idea
• 21. A Quick and Easy Bathroom Upgrade Idea is a Plug-In or New Scent
• 22. Upgrade Your Bathroom Door Handle for a Budget-Friendly Change
• 23. Upgrade Bathroom Wall Art
• 24. The Toilet is the Perfect and Easy Bathroom Upgrade Idea

Upgrading your bathroom is a wise investment that goes beyond looks, but enhances both functionality and property value.

Modernizing and upgrading bathroom fixtures and amenities not only elevates the overall look but also introduces advanced features, such as water-efficient appliances and smart technologies

Moreover, an upgraded bathroom provides a refreshing and rejuvenating space, promoting a sense of comfort and well-being, making it a worthwhile endeavor for both personal enjoyment and potential future resale value.

I know this first hand.

When we purchased our new-to-us 1960s home the main bathroom was missing a bathtub.

In fact, there was no bathtub in the entire house.

A couple of months after we moved in, we decided to upgrade the main bathroom add a bathtub and new fixtures, and upgrade the bathroom amenities.

So, after upgrading our bathroom, I compiled some easy bathroom upgrade ideas to help transform your home, too.

So, let’s get into it and help get your bathroom looking amazing!

1. Select the Perfect Bathtub Upgrade for Your Needs and Bathroom Size

Whether selecting a bathtub for kids, or pets or for a relaxing evening at home – make sure to pick the bathtub that best suits the household’s needs. 

Select from bathtubs like these:

• Soaking 
• Whirlpool
• Walk-in 
• Japanese Soaking Tub
• Air 
• Combination
• Heated
  

The acrylic soaking tub is family-friendly

This inexpensive choice is a no-frills option that is perfect for children and pets.

It provides all the necessities for bath time without adding unnecessary and expensive features.

Acrylic is a better choice over fiberglass as it’s resistant to fading, chipping, cracking, or peeling.

Walk-in tubs for safety

If slipping in and out of the bathtub is a concern – check out a walk-in tub.

Providing great peace of mind these tubs have a door that opens and secures while taking a bath.

Often, there are handrails and a seat for added stability.

These are ideal for those needing to relax but also having mobility issues.

Whirlpool tubs for relaxation

Taking a nice deep soak in a bathtub after a long day is known to be relaxing.

In addition, taking baths is known to improve sleep, reduce stress, improve cardiovascular health, burn calories, relax muscles, and provide pain relief.

Adding jets in a whirlpool tub can amplify the relaxation as well as provide additional muscle and pain relief.

2. Consider Selecting a Shower-Only Bathroom Upgrade Option

If climbing over a bathtub is no longer a safe or wanted option – or if the standup shower is just plain dated – consider upgrading the shower-only portion of the bathroom.

At our home, we have a stand-up shower in the downstairs bathroom and it’s very nice.

It features marble-like tiles and built-in benches.

This is great for a modern and functional shower-only bathroom.

There are many types of stand-up shower-only choices that cater to the needs of homeowners.

Popular standup shower-only features:

• Corner 
• Prefabricated
• Walk-in 
• Neo-angler 
• Steam
  
  

Best for budget: A prefabricated shower

A prefabricated shower is the most budget-friendly option.

Produced as a supplier-ready this shower can be dropped into the area of the bathroom simplistically and cost-effectively.

An ideal choice for contractors and budget-conscious homeowners, a prefabricated shower is known for its ease of installation.

Best for the mid-level shower: A walk-in shower

The walk-in shower is a very updated and popular choice for today’s bathrooms.

They often feature a small step-up to protect the main flooring area from water and moisture.

Walk-in showers typically have tile which offers a beautiful look.

The price level can change from mid to high based on the tile or wall materials. 

Best for luxury: Steam shower

Steam showers are usually stand-alone, self-contained showers often made of glass.

The price tag is generally high for this type of shower; however, it has many health benefits.

Steam showers can potentially help alleviate sinus and congestion issues as well as provide an upgraded relaxing feel.

They are also helpful in relieving chronic stress as well as improving sleep quality.

3. Make a Bathroom Upgrade Statement with Tile and Grout

Selecting the right color scheme and tile can take a bathroom from drab to wow.

It’s important to pick a tile color scheme that goes well with the rest of the bathroom decor.

In addition, make sure the tile matches the floor and the grout.

Choices for bathroom tiles include:

• Ceramic
• Vinyl
• Mosaic
• Pebble
• Slate
• Glass
• Marble

Budget-friendly tile option: Peel and stick

Peel and stick are budget-friendly, easy to clean, and a great DIY choice. 

Mid-level tile option: Mosaic

Mosaic tile is a mid-level choice that can be customized easily and is generally simple to clean.

There are so many different mosaic tiles that can come together to create a cohesive, stylish bathroom look and feel.

4. Bathroom Upgrade Flooring Adds Function and Style

Between showers, baths, and sink usage the bathroom floor takes on lots of water.

Selecting a waterproof floor is necessary for health, cleanliness, and preventing structural damage.

The five most popular floor choices are:

• Vinyl sheet
• Tile
• Laminate
• Waterproof hardwood
• Peel-and-stick vinyl flooring
  

Best bathroom flooring for families and pet owners: Vinyl Sheet

If a child or pet loves to splash around and have water flowing all over the place, vinyl flooring may be a good choice.

Through its design, it is water resistant or waterproof.

Best bathroom flooring for budget-friendly upgrades: Peel-and-stick

This vinyl flooring is trendy for an easy, cost-effective bathroom upgrade.

It’s simple to peel the back off and press directly over the existing flooring.

Simple to cut with a craft knife or even scissors – this is an ideal way to upgrade the bathroom floor quickly and cheaply.

Best bathroom flooring for style: Waterproof Hardwood

Hardwood flooring creates a natural beauty in any room, however, it’s not typically waterproof.

This generally makes it a poor choice for bathrooms.

Enter waterproof hardwood or wood look vinyl panels.

There are several new brands on the market that create specially engineered flooring to allow for the beauty of hardwood while still taking on moisture and water without damage to the bathroom. 

5. Transform Your Bathroom with a Fabulous Vanity Upgrade

Known for both function and style, upgrading a vanity is an important step in any bathroom renovation. 

Vanities come in several different colors that can transform any bathroom.

Whether you want a modern, traditional, or rustic farmhouse theme – there are endless choices.

Make sure to consider the size of the bathroom and the need for storage before selecting a vanity.

Choosing the best type of vanity upgrade depends on the size, needs, and function of the bathroom.

Corner vanities

Ideal for powder rooms, oddly sized bathrooms, and small spaces. 

Double sink vanities

These are great for shared bathrooms when two people need to get ready at the same time.

Floating vanities

A number one choice for most bathrooms that are on the smaller size.

6. A Vanity Top Upgrade Adds Style and Function to a Bathroom

The top of the vanity is extremely important as it’s a well-used portion of any bathroom.

From brushing teeth to getting ready with curling irons – the vanity top can take abuse. 

It’s important to select a vanity top that can withstand years of use.

Some choices of vanity tops are:

• Glass
• Natural or cultured stone
• Solid surfaces
• Marble

7. Bathroom Vanity Hardware Adds Style and Function

It’s often said it’s the little things in life that can be big.

This is true with bathroom vanity hardware.

When purchasing a vanity be sure to check and see if the hardware is included.

There are so many fabulous choices of handle pulls that can really transform a bathroom.

Select from pulls like:

• Modern 
• Farmhouse 
• Rustic 
• Cup 
• Birdcage 
• Mixed material 
• Handle/bar 
  

Nicole from Behind the Classroom says to consider changing the hardware for a more personalized and upgraded look.

There are also knobs like:

• Crystal 
• Clear 
• Bronze 
• Black 
• Oil-rubbed 
• Chrome 
  

There are several knob designs as well like:

• Round
• Square
• Novelty
• Unique
• Glass

8. Replace the Light Switch Plate for Easy Bathroom Upgrade

Upgrading the light switch plate or plug plates is a simple and inexpensive upgrade that will make a big statement.

After upgrading the vanity hardware consider upgrading the light switch and plug plate to match.

For example – if an oil-rubbed knob was selected then upgrade the switch plates to be oil-rubbed as well.

When upgrading the light switch and plug plates be sure to count the number of slots needed to accommodate the light switches.

9. Upgrade Your Bathroom With the Best Kind of Paint

As the bathroom is a wet, moist area picking the right type of paint is important.

Consider latex paint as it offers improved durability as well as moisture resistance.

The components of latex paint resist moisture penetrating the surface making it easier to keep clean.

10. Easy Bathroom Upgrade with Big Impact is the Paint Color

For a personalized feel and vibe, the paint color choice is an important thing to choose for an upgraded bathroom.

Some great paint color choices include:

• Bright white: For smaller bathrooms, bright white is an ideal choice as it creates an open, airy feel – even in tiny bathrooms. It’s classic, and sophisticated, and can work with any bathroom theme.
  
• Light blue: Light blue is an open, airy choice that can be reminiscent of the sky. Choosing light blue provides a relaxed and comfortable feel. There is much evidence showing blue can be a calming color making it ideal for a bathroom.
  
• Brown: Depending on the theme, brown can be an ideal choice. It provides a spa-like feel and pairs very well with specialty wall tiles as well as floor tiles.
  
• Soft grey: An ideal choice for modern bathrooms, soft grey pairs extremely well with white tiles and white vanity fixtures. The pops of white color combined with soft grey achieve a bright, modern bathroom.

11. Transform Your Bathroom with a New Medicine Cabinet or Mirror

Whether selecting just a mirror, a mirror with a medicine cabinet, or a medicine cabinet without a mirror, there are various options providing both style and function for any bathroom.

Limited space bathrooms

For a bathroom, with limited space and storage, a medicine cabinet with a mirror is an excellent option.

This provides additional places to tuck away bathroom necessities while providing a place to get ready for the day or night.

Modern-looking bathrooms

There are several new modern-looking mirrors that light up from the inside providing a brighter bathroom.

Popular types of bathroom mirrors

• Farmhouse
• Frameless
• Lighted
• Rectangle
• Circle
• Oblong
• Square

Popular types of medicine cabinets

• Frameless
• Recessed
• Farmhouse style
• Framed with stylish borders

12. Light Up Your Bathroom with an Upgrade to the Lighting Fixtures

Nothing is a greater calling card to the days of yesteryear than dated lighting fixtures.

This is especially true in the bathroom.

Often dated lighting fixtures were thick and cumbersome which didn’t allow much light to come through ultimately creating a darker bathroom.

To create a bright space or spa-like bathroom, lighting fixtures can play a pivotal role.

Here are a few popular bathroom upgraded lighting fixture options.

• Contemporary
• Farmhouse
• Industrial
• Rustic
• Modern
• Mid-Century
• Mediterranean
• Southwestern
• Tropical
• Victorian

13. Selecting a Theme is a Great and Easy Bathroom Upgrade Idea on a Budget

To pull all the previous bathroom upgrades together, create a bathroom theme for decorating. 

Choosing a theme for your bathroom is an exciting step toward personalizing your space and creating an oasis that reflects your style.

The bathroom theme you select can set the tone for the entire room, influencing everything from color schemes to decor choices.

Whether you’re drawn to a spa-inspired retreat with calming tones and natural textures, a vibrant and energetic tropical paradise, or a sleek and modern aesthetic with clean lines and minimalist elements, finding the right theme can transform your bathroom into a sanctuary.

Consider factors like your personal preferences, the existing design of your home, and the mood you want to evoke.

Some popular bathroom upgrade theme ideas:

• Beach
• Flowers
• Characters for kid’s bathrooms
• Plaid
• Black/white
• Forest

14. Accent Towels are an Easy Bathroom Upgrade Idea on a Budget

After selecting a theme for the bathroom upgrade, invest in quality accent towels.

Purchasing a high-quality hand towel is essential since it’s often used multiple times daily.

This is also a great place to pull together a color scheme from the theme chosen. 

Whether upgrading the bathroom hand towel or towel bar in the bathroom, be sure to pull from the primary colors of the overall theme to make the accents flow together properly.

15. Upgrade the Bathroom with a Bright Night Light

Adding a nightlight to your bathroom can offer a ton of practical benefits.

This makes it a simple yet helpful upgrade to your bathroom.

It can help with safety by providing gentle illumination during nighttime visits, preventing fumbling in the dark, and reducing the risk of accidents.

A bathroom nightlight is particularly beneficial for households with children or older family members.

Additionally, the soft glow of a nightlight contributes to a calming ambiance, promoting relaxation during late-night trips to the bathroom.

Moreover, a well-chosen nightlight can also serve as a stylish accent, adding a touch of warmth and character to your bathroom decor.

A nightlight can be great for kids and adults, but make sure the level of brightness is adjustable.

Nothing is worse than stumbling to the bathroom at 3 AM and being completely awoken by a bright light. 

This nightlight is a favorite of mine as it adds three additional plugs for my bathroom.

It also has an additional awesome feature that when toggled on, the light only switches on when the room is dark.

16. Bathroom Floor Mats are an Easy Bathroom Upgrade Idea on a Budget

While a bathmat might seem like an insignificant upgrade to a bathroom, it really isn’t. 

Adding a bath mat to your bathroom not only brings an element of comfort but also offers several practical advantages.

Bath mats provide a soft and warm surface underfoot, offering a luxurious sensation as you step out of the shower or bath.

Importantly, they enhance safety by preventing slips and falls on wet surfaces, promoting a secure environment in what can be a slippery space.

Beyond functionality, bath mats can elevate the aesthetic appeal of your bathroom, adding texture and color to the floor and tying together the overall design.

They also act as a protective layer for your flooring, shielding it from water damage and stains.

With a variety of styles, materials, and sizes available, a bath mat is a versatile accessory that not only enhances the comfort and safety of your bathroom but also contributes to its visual charm.

There are a few types of floor mats that can provide a grip or absorb water to the bathroom floors.

• Memory foam
• Non-slip grip 
• Quick drying
• Plain cotton 

17. Transform Your Bathroom with the Best Shower Curtain

Although we waited some time to fully upgrade our bathroom after purchasing the house, I had started working on a theme before closing day.

I decided on the flamingo theme early on and my first purchase was the shower curtain. 

The shower curtain is generally the first thing noticed when entering the bathroom.

It’s important that the shower curtain is upgraded and ties in with all the other elements of the bathroom. 

Make sure the shower curtain has a nice shower liner to go with it.

I upgraded the liner recently to a multi-magnet liner.

I got tired of the liner blowing on me in the shower. Adding additional magnets, the upgraded liner stays put.

18. Upgrade the Bathroom Shower Head

A good shower starts with the shower head.

If a substandard shower head is installed, the water pressure and stream can be of lower quality.

To ensure a solid shower invest in a quality showerhead. 

Some shower head types available today include:

• Dual 
• Rainfall
• Handheld
• Low-pressure
• High-pressure
• Ceiling
• LED
• RV
• Wall mount
• Shower panels
• Filtered
• Fixed
  

Best for a budget-friendly showerhead: Fixed showerhead

This is by far the most cost-effective and easy on the wallet showerhead.

This no-frills shower head has a single-function spray and is a traditional style.

Best for mid-level showerhead: Dual showerhead

Upgrading to a dual showerhead in your bathroom is a game-changer for your daily shower experience.

It offers a luxurious and spa-like sensation with its dual streams of water.

This innovative addition not only maximizes efficiency by providing a more thorough and customizable cleansing but also transforms your shower routine into a refreshing and indulgent escape.

Best for higher-end showerheads: Rainfall showerhead

The rainfall-style shower head can transform a bathroom both visually and in addition to increasing the function of the shower.

Many feature energy-conserving adjustable water flows as well as multiple function settings.

19. Invest in a Quality Shower Caddy for an Easy Bathroom Upgrade

Incorporating a shower caddy into your bathroom brings notable benefits by decluttering your shower space and enhancing organization.

With designated compartments for toiletries, shampoos, and soaps, a shower caddy helps keep everything within easy reach, eliminating the need to search for items during your shower.

20. A Toilet Paper Holder is a Great and Easy Bathroom Upgrade Idea

The toilet paper holder might not seem like it should get its own category of bathroom upgrade tips, but – there are such cool new ones on the market – I included it.

For example, I upgraded the toilet paper holder that the previous homeowners had to a new, cool double-roll holder with a shelf.

The shelf is handy to create a little extra space in a small bathroom.

Types of toilet paper holders include:

• Freestanding
• Wall mounted
• Recessed

Many of the new toilet paper holders can hold one to four rolls or more of toilet paper at a time.

21. A Quick and Easy Bathroom Upgrade Idea is a Plug-In or New Scent

The bathroom can be a well-used room that can take on a variety of smells.

Counteracting this can be helpful with powerful scents. 

There are countless ways to change the smell in a bathroom.

Consider adding a plug-in for decor and scent.

There are countless ways to change the smell in a bathroom.

Consider adding a plug-in for decor and scent.

Consider adding the following scents to upgrade the aroma in the bathroom.

• Lavender
• Vanilla
• Bergamot
• Cinnamon
• Chamomile
• Jasmine
• Orange 
• Sea and ocean
• Summer
• Fresh
• Cotton and linen
• Coffee
• Spice

22. Upgrade Your Bathroom Door Handle for a Budget-Friendly Change

One of the little upgrades we made that made a huge statement in our home was upgrading all the door handles.

We purchased inexpensive privacy multi-pack box door handles and changed them all out. 

We did have to make some minor changes to the inside of the old-fashioned, 1960s-doors that originally had ball knobs, but in one afternoon we switched out all the door handles in the house.

I love the look of a modern wave-style door lever.

However, there are many different types that can upgrade any home.

Types of doorknobs like:

• Straight door lever
• Ball knob
• Wave door lever

23. Upgrade Bathroom Wall Art

Nothing brings together your entire bathroom like wall art.

Incorporating wall art into your bathroom is a transformative touch that adds personality and character to the space.

Beyond mere decoration, carefully chosen art pieces can create a focal point, injecting style and flair into an often overlooked area of the home.

When selecting bathroom wall art make sure to consider:

• Type of material as it will be in a moist area
• The size of the art in comparison to the size of the bathroom
• Color scheme
• The theme jives with the rest of the bathroom

24. The Toilet is the Perfect and Easy Bathroom Upgrade Idea

Last but certainly not least is the toilet.

Upgrading your toilet can significantly enhance both the functionality and look of your bathroom.

Modern toilets often come equipped with water-saving features, promoting efficiency and sustainability.

Additionally, sleek designs and advanced technologies, such as touchless flushing or bidet options, not only elevate the overall look of your bathroom but also introduce innovative and convenient elements to your daily routine.

This all comes together to make a toilet upgrade a worthwhile investment for both style and performance.

There are so many types of toilets available in today’s marketplace such as:

• Standard
• Bidets
• Chair-height
• Urinals
• ADA compliant
  
  

In addition to the toilet itself, picking a seat creates function. 

Seat choices include:

• Heated
• Raised
• Slow-close
• Padded
  

Final thoughts

As we’ve covered, upgrading your bathroom is more than a cosmetic enhancement; it’s a transformative investment in comfort, efficiency, and style.

From practical improvements like water-saving bathroom fixtures to the modern appeal of bathroom designs and thoughtful accessories, each upgrade contributes to a space that goes beyond basic functionality.

As you begin your own bathroom upgrade, we hope you embrace the opportunity to create a sanctuary within your home, where daily routines are elevated, and moments of self-care become a pleasure.

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Your turn!

I hope this bathroom upgrade tip list was helpful and gave a vision for your bathroom upgrade.

Are you thinking of upgrading your bathroom? Which of these 24 easy bathroom upgrade ideas on a budget is your favorite?

Let me know in the comments!

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