100 Inexpensive Ways To Improve Your Bathroom - A DIY Guide
February 2010
Installing a new vanity is the best way to give your bathroom a big-time make-over, however there are hundreds of additional ways to transform your bathroom into a spa-like oasis. New paint, new faucets, new flooring and new lights are all no-brainers, however, we thought it would be fun and informative to make a list of 100 other ways to improve your bathroom.
Pick and choose your favorites from the list below. Be sure to check back often as we will be adding at least one tip a day for the next 100 days. If you have an idea for a great bathroom improvement tip, email it to us and you might see your suggestion below.
BathVanityExperts.com Presents 100 Ways to Improve Your Bathroom on Budget
100. New hand towels - For a few dollars you can keep several sets on hand and change them as the seasons change.
99. New knobs on door/drawer pulls - Brushed nickel finishes give a contemporary feel. Your options are endless.
98. Clean that grout - A toothbrush and some elbow grease will make your tile shine. The grout is often overlooked.
97. Toss the old medicine - Pay attention to expiration dates and safely dispose of old medication. Get shelf space back.
96. Wooden zen-like soap holder - Found in fine hotels, these cool soap trays are inexpensive and look great.
95. Robe/Towel holder - Place this small knob on the back of your door. So simple, so functional and so easy.
94. New light switches - Perhaps a dimmer or two can set some mood lighting.
93. LCD TV on the wall - Cheaper and easier than you think, imagine watching soaps while taking a relaxing bubble bath.
92. Candles - Tea-lights floating in water in little shot glasses look great when lit.
91. Scent diffuser - Those cool wooden sticks soaking in oil keep your bathroom smellin' great.
90. Bath Salts - Keep decorative bundles on a shelf and treat yourself to a relaxing bath from time to time.
89. Vinegar mixed with baking soda - The "green" way to clean and kill bacteria in your bathroom without harsh chemicals.
88. Stylish soap dispensers - No more little bars of soap scattered on your sink. Refill liquid is cheap. Buy in bulk.
87. A quieter ceiling fan - Replace that squeaky old fan in your ceiling with a new whisper fan.
86. Towel warmer - Perfect for those cold mornings in the Northeast.
85. Mount a lighted magnifying mirror to the wall - See those blemishes and take care of them accordingly.
84. Flushable baby wipes - So much more comfortable than dry toilet paper.
83. Lucky Bamboo - Requires just a little water and indirect light. Might bring you prosperity and good luck!
82. Art - Mount a photo above the toilet. Be original. Give your male guests something to ponder as they go #1.
81. Clean your shower spray nozzles - Hard water can build up fast. Rub the rubber nubs to break off calcium deposits.
80. Decorative toilet flush handle - They come in many cool styles. Dice, dolphins, bamboo and many more.
79. Put a stylish, moisture resistant analog clock on your vanity counter top. Never be late again.
78. Wall mount magazine rack - Get that magazine rack off the floor if your bathroom is small.
77. Sun-catcher in window - If you are a little bit hippie, a vibrant sun-catcher in the window can make your bathroom groovy.
76. Tighten your toilet seat screws - You'd be surprised how easily they get loose. A solid foundation when sitting is nice.
75. Shaving cream on mirror - Slather it on, wipe it off and your mirror won't fog up for about two weeks. Amazing!
74. Body fat scale in the corner - Possibly more important than your weight, know what your body fat percentage is.
73. Red heat lamp - Burns a lot of electricity but looks cool and warms a cold bathroom. Make your own red-light district.
72. Squeegee squeegee squeegee - Use it and keep hard water stains off your shower glass.
71. Cool collection of matchbooks on shelf - Makes you look hip and a quick burn of a match and your sins are forgiven.
70. Stainless steel containers - Keep Q-Tips, cotton balls and other stuff handy but avoid the clutter.
69. Textured grip tape on shower floor - You don't want to have to sue yourself for a slip-n-fall in your own home.
68. Re-seal stone counters - Stone seems solid but it is actually very porous. Re-seal once a year or so.
67. New shower curtain - See any mold on your old one? Ditch it and give your room a new vibe.
66. Snake out your drains - Water draining slow? Are you handy? Snake out your drains and get things moving.
65. Waterproof clock radio - Not very hip, but if you love music or talk radio, why not enjoy it in the bathroom?
64. Mouthwash in a cool bottle - Drinkers might put blue Listerine in an empty frosted vodka bottle.
63. New floor mats - Cliche' yes, but this is a long list and this is an easy one.
62. Toothpaste in a pump - No more tubes laying around or caps to fall and get dirty.
61. A beautiful orchid in a vase - Get a faux one if you don't have a green thumb.
60. Want to save water? - Put a sand bag in the toilet tank and see if you still get a good flush.
59. Paint one wall a new color - Sometimes just painting one wall is enough to give a room new life.
58. Hand-held shower attachment - Be sure you use plumber's tape as these can leak if not attached right.
57. Shower seat - Perfect if you or a loved one at home are getting up there in years.
56. Monogrammed towels - Feel like an aristocrat (or ego-maniac) as you look at your own initials every day.
55. New toilet paper holder - Options abound. Floor standing, modern, antique. Find one that suits you best.
54. Foot-soak tub - If your dogs are barking at the end of a long day, give them a nice long soak with some epsom salt.
53. Olive oil & club soda - Use these together to polish any stainless steel fixtures.
52. Small zen-like waterfall - Enjoy the soothing sounds of trickling water.
51. Clear the pipes - If you have a double vanity and don't use one side very often, run some water through it every week.
50. Check for leaks - Look under your sink for water stains. Catching leaks early saves big cash.
49. Drip pan - Keep one under your sink IN CASE you have a slow leak you don't notice.
48. Wall mount fireplace above tub - About the size of a painting and powered by sterno cans.
47. Dual flush toilet - Flush a little or a lot depending on your situation.
46. Velvet - Line your vanity drawers with velvet for a classy touch.
45. Hair Dryer - Mount one to your wall like in hotels.
44. X10 Lighting Control - Runs through your electrical outlets and gives you custom dimmer control.
43. Clean your lighting sconces - An often overlooked item to clean, will brighten up the bathroom.
42. Backsplash - Keep your drywall dry behind your sink. Might need a pro to do this but should be inexpensive.
41. Hand rails in tub/shower - Be sure to attach to studs in the wall so they are nice and sturdy.
40. Toilet valet - Floor standing or wall-mount above the toilet. Gives you more storage space.
39. Professional cleaning - Even if only a few times a year, treat yourself to having a pro clean the bathroom.
38. New base-board - Easy to do if you are handy, this gives you a chance to see if you have any mold in the walls too.
37. Interior Design Magazines - Buy a few and flip through them for design ideas.
36. Perk up your morning - Get a small coffee pot for your nearby master bedroom.
35. Toilet phone - Take a cue from hotels and never miss a call, even when you are on the throne.
34. Rock salt lamp - Purifies the air according to holistic types and looks cool.
33. Pop-up Drain - The old style drains stops are out. Large capped pop-up drains are the "in" thing in now.
32. Motion Sensor on Lights - No more worrying about turning the lights off. Save electricity and money.
31. Tighten Faucet Knobs - Over time they get loose and start to wiggle.
30. Outlet covers - Childproof covers over outlets near water sources make your bathroom safer.
29. Dry erase pens - Write your to-do list or an uplifting message on your mirror.
28. Shut off valve on toilet - Prevent leaks and save water.
27. Clean your P-Trap - You might find that lost ring and get your drain moving faster.
26. New toilet brush - Got mold and bacteria built-up on the old one? Time to replace...
25. New Vessel Bowl - Try a new color, stone or design if you have a raised vessel bowl sink.
24. Cell phone charger - Forgot to charge your phone overnight? Charge it for a few minutes while brushing your teeth.
23. Lose the bottle trap - P-traps are the US standard and prevent sewer gas smell from coming up your drain.
Many more to come... Check back every day for more tips.
Have an idea you would like us to add here? Disagree with one of our tips?
Email us or call us toll-free at 888.409.BATH.
