5 Easy Bathroom Upgrades That Instantly Make a Home Look Good, Designers Say

If you’re wishing you could easily upgrade your bathroom, you’re not alone. While there are plenty of design ideas that involve remodeling or significant construction, sometimes the best upgrades are also the simplest.

To find out which small-scale changes make the biggest difference, we asked three interior designers to name a few of the best, easiest bathroom upgrades that can instantly make your home look better—no major remodel or demolition required.

Changing Your Lighting

One overlooked feature that can make all the difference in any room is lighting, and your bathroom is no exception. “Lighting can completely shift the mood of a bathroom,” says Lauren Saab, founder of Saab Studios. She says you can “start by changing your bulbs to a softer tone and add dimmers if possible. It lets you control the light intensity throughout the day, and that flexibility is exactly what people want.”

You don’t need to overhaul all of your lighting to make a change. According to Saab, even tiny changes in your lighting can make a major difference because you’ll create a softer, more relaxing atmosphere.

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Switching Out Your Hardware

Another simple way to easily upgrade your bathroom? Replacing the plumbing fixtures and hardware with something more upscale. “These elements are the jewelry of your bathroom, and allow for personalization,” says Reanna Channer, founder of Design to Elevate, so “choose a style and finish that will complement your design theme and flow seamlessly with the rest of your home.”

If you’re not sure where to start when it comes to making hardware changes, consider your faucets, shower heads, and cabinet hardware. It’s important to consider your bathroom’s colors and design, but keep in mind that picking hardware options in colors such as gold, silver, or bronze bring an instant touch of elegance to any room. You can also consider choosing options with more embellishment. Thrifting your hardware is another great idea—you can find fixtures with tons of history and personality to liven up your space.

Swapping Out Your Mirror

One of the main focal points of a bathroom is the mirror, and according to our experts, swapping your mirror for a bigger size can make a massive difference in the look of your space. Whether you want to create a statement or make the room look larger, you have options.

“Choose a bold mirror and a decorative light fixture that complement each other. This combination not only enhances the look of the bathroom, it also creates a focal point that draws the eye,” says Channer. Though if you prefer to keep things more simple, Saab says to choose an oversized mirror with a rounded or simple frame—both make a big impact. “An oversized mirror bounces light everywhere, and suddenly the whole space feels open again. That one little change can make a small bathroom feel much larger and well-designed,” says Saab.

Try Adding Paint

A tried and true method for a room upgrade is as simple as adding some paint mix, according to Nancy Davilman, principal designer of ND Studios. “Paint is a great tool for a quick refresh—you can paint your vanity to brighten it up,” Davilman says, but if that’s not your vibe, you can paint many other pieces of furniture in your bathroom to bring in a pop of color.

You can also paint the walls. Whether you incorporate a sleek, sophisticated pattern or a bold hue to make a statement, paint is a simple, easy way to transform a room. If painting is too permanent of a solution but you’re still feeling ready for a big, bold change, opt for wallpaper as a renter-friendly solution instead.

Choosing a New Rug

If you haven’t bought a new bathroom rug recently, you should. Making the switch to a newer one can be a quick, easy way to refresh your bathroom.

“A standard bath mat gives off dated vibes,” says Channer. “Transition to a soft area rug or runner with color and pattern. This upgrade feels grounding and inviting, a welcome contrast to the cold, hard surfaces in a bathroom.”

You can also think about replacing other fabrics, such as towels or shower curtains, to give the space a fresh feel. Softer textures like cotton or silk-cotton blends can create a spa-like atmosphere, while plush bath mats can make the space feel luxurious.