Here are simple upgrades to make your bathroom look more expensive and inviting. From lighting and mirrors to towels and scents, there are many small changes that can spruce up a bathroom without a remodel.
10 Little Things That Update a Bathroom Fast
You don’t have to spend a lot of money or go through a messy renovation to give your bathroom the makeover it deserves.
Sometimes it only takes a few minor changes, like a different lightbulb, a new towel, or three pendant lamps instead of two, to nudge the bathroom in a new direction.
Bathrooms are generally neglected in most households anyways.
They get the least decorating love, but the most daily attention.
When done properly, a small bathroom can be soothing and uncluttered while also serving as a comfortable room.
SEE ALSO: How to Use Wallpaper to Give Your Bathroom a Whole New Look
Here are ten inexpensive bathroom upgrades that make a significant difference without breaking the bank.
1. Change Your Lighting
PHOTO by @calm_and_cozy_moments on Instagram
One of the quickest ways to transform a room’s look and feel is through lighting.
In most bathrooms, bright, cool-toned bulbs turn everything you can see into something harsh and jarring.
Replace them with warm-white bulbs or add a dimmer so you can control the brightness based on the time of day.
If possible, give softer light by adding a small lamp to the vanity or wall sconce.
The idea is to create radiance that complements, not drowns.
Think about how hotels and spas light their bathrooms—warm, comfortable, and relaxing.
If you’ve ever tried to make your bathroom feel more chill without a full remodel, start with the lighting.
SEE ALSO: Inspiring Bathroom Vanity Ideas You Can Easily Recreate
2. Give Your Mirror a Little Love
PHOTO by @carlaelliman on Instagram
The mirror in the bathroom is one of the first places you look in the morning and the last place you check before going to bed, but it is not a source of inspiration for most people to keep things interesting.
If you desperately need storage in your bathroom, a mirrored cabinet can be a quick solution.
If you have a plain builder-grade mirror, frame it yourself using peel-and-stick molding or wooden trim.
Simply hanging a small vintage-style mirror over the basin can provide a completely new perspective.
Doing just this will feel like a minor upgrade that makes your bathroom feel more personalized and deliberate.
3. Add a Touch of Greenery
PHOTO by @place_ofmy_taste on Instagram
Don’t forget that bathrooms require a small amount of life to feel refreshed, too.
Did you know that there are certain shower plants that love living in the shower?!
A plant automatically softens and defines a bathroom, making it appear well-kept.
Even if you don’t have a green thumb, a pothos, snake plant, or peace lily will thrive in the humid bathroom environment.
If your bathroom lacks natural light, fake greenery can also help.
A single plant on a shelf or windowsill changes the entire atmosphere of a room, especially in smaller spaces where there isn’t much you can do to spruce up the place.
4. Refresh Your Towels and Linens
PHOTO by @nasz.stuletni.dom on Instagram
Nice, clean towels are one of those little things that completely transform the way your bathroom feels.
So do yourself a favor and donate those raggedy old hand towels that have seen better days to a pet shelter!!
And then replace them with thick, fluffy alternatives in coordinating colors.
White is always polished and crisp, but muted neutrals or even coastal tones can look high-end.
Roll them or stack them neatly on open shelves or in a basket.
It’s such a simple change, but you will feel like you’re in a little bathroom spa.
If you’ve been curious about how to make a bathroom look expensive without buying a new house (or laying out serious remodeling cash), fresh towels and linens are an absolute must.
SEE ALSO: Four Unique Bathroom Plants That Can Boost Your Health
5. Replace the Bath Mat With Something Nicer
PHOTO by @thomasloof on Instagram, this is an outstanding example of a unique rug that brings warmth into the bathroom.
Replacing a conventional bath mat with a woven rug or a Turkish-style rug is a simple way to add warmth and texture.
A bathroom is awash with hard surfaces, and a soft, patterned rug introduces a break in all that coursing smoothness—like when glittery eyeshadow adds a layer to your eyes.
Choose washable or shake-out-easy options. Extra credit if the hues complement your towels and décor and are inspired by nature.
6. Declutter the Counters
This tip is free, and it may offer the biggest payoff. A lot of bathrooms are cluttered for no good reason, but a vanity with doors can help the mess disappear.
Go through what’s sitting in your sink or on your shelves and pitch anything you don’t use every day.
Categorize what’s left into small groupings—a soap dispenser, a candle, and maybe one of the pretty jars for cotton pads.
When your surfaces are clean, you maximize the space in your bathroom, and it suddenly feels larger, cleaner, and calmer.
If wondering how to make a small bathroom look less claustrophobic is stopping you right now, start here.
7. Upgrade the Little Hardware Details
Minor changes can make a significant difference, especially in hardware.
By coordinating your faucet, towel bar, drawer pulls, and shower hooks, you can give your bathroom a cohesive, finished appearance.
Choose a finish and stick with it; matte black, brushed brass, and polished chrome will all look clean and modern.
A simple soap pump or tissue holder replacement can subtly improve the space.
It’s one of the quickest ways to make a bathroom look fresh and new without doing anything major.
8. Refresh Your Scents
PHOTO by @projectreno14 on Instagram, this is a fantastic example of using greenery to evoke smells in a bathroom.
Bathrooms need to smell clean as well as look clean.
There are 42 ways you can make your home smell good, but you only need a few for your bathroom.
And rather than relying on infuriating sprays or fake scents, be a purist and go with something natural that will last.
Eucalyptus leaves hanging from your showerhead emit an invigorating scent every time you run the shower.
Reed diffusers, soy candles, or a few drops of essential oil on a cotton pad can also keep things smelling clean without being super harsh on your system.
A signature scent is what makes the bathroom feel like a room you actually want to linger in rather than race through.
9. Add a Small Personal Touch
Bathrooms can easily feel cold and generic so adding one or two personal details makes all the difference.
Hang a small framed print or photo that you love, add a decorative tray for your jewelry, or place a book near the tub for when you want to unwind.
The key is to include something that reflects you.
A bit of personality goes a long way toward making a bathroom feel welcoming.
10. Rethink Storage
PHOTO by @puerilismus on Instagram, this is a good example of utilizing storage or extra space, such as the laundry in the bathroom.
Good storage doesn’t have to mean bulky cabinets.
If you’re short on space, think vertically!
Use floating shelves or wall hooks to free up the counters.
Glass jars for makeup, woven baskets for extra towels, and a tray for skincare items keep things organized but still visually appealing.
When your storage looks as good as it functions, it becomes part of the decor.
How to Make Your Bathroom Look Expensive on a Budget
PHOTO by @iamhayleystuart on Instagram —this is a good example of framing art on a budget!
If you’re looking to achieve a more elevated feel in your bathroom, pay attention to texture, color, and consistency.
Select a unified palette of soft whites, greys, or warm neutrals. Match the hardware and accessories.
Swap the plastic storage for glass, ceramics, or a woven material that adds texture and weight.
One splurge item, such as a framed mirror, a new faucet, or a luxurious shower curtain, will set the tone for the entire room without breaking the bank.
What Can I Update in My Bathroom Without Remodeling
If you’re not ready to renovate, start with the simple things.
Change your towels, add a rug, update your mirror, and replace your lighting.
Declutter your shelves and add greenery or art for warmth.
These low-effort upgrades can completely transform how your bathroom looks and feels, often in a single afternoon.
How to Make a Small Bathroom Feel Bigger
PHOTO by @iamhayleystuart on Instagram — this is a good example of creating small DIY projects that can make a tiny bathroom feel useful and cozy!
The secret, of course, is simplicity. Use light tones to create a sense of openness and avoid clutter.
Mirrors give you twice the visual space, and vertical storage uses every inch.
Soft lighting, matched hardware, and clean surfaces also contribute to a sense of spaciousness in a small bathroom.
The little things can be the game-changers in a bathroom.
Whether you add a new towel color, a better lightbulb, or the same plant in the corner, these small changes can revitalize your bathroom and make it feel more peaceful and inviting.
You don’t need a big budget or fancy materials.
With just a few simple elements and some care, your bathroom will go from just another room to something very nice.
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Author: Everything Abode
Welcome to Everything Abode, your daily inspiration for every activity at home!
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