13 Ways to Refresh and Decorate Your Bathroom

By Brittni • posted on 09/26/2024

Feeling lost when it comes to how to decorate a bathroom – specifically your bathroom? I have you covered with some completely doable changes that you can make your bathroom, whether you’re renting an apartment or you own a home.

This week, I can’t help but think about how desperately my bathroom needs a little love right about now. Maybe my cluttered cabinets have finally gotten to me. Who knows.

So if you’re looking for a simple weekend refresh project or you’re hoping to do a little more than that, I’ve got 13 easy ways (and some inspiring spaces) to get your bathroom feeling so fresh and so clean, clean.

(Image via Ayesha Pearce)

Here are 13 ways to get your bathroom looking fresh and clean for spring…

13 Ways to Get Your Bathroom Looking Fresh And Clean for Spring (image Alyson Fox) #bathroom #springcleaning #bathroominspo

This all white bathroom, owned by Alyson Fox, is giving me major inspiration to get started with spring cleaning. It’s so minimal and clutter-free. Love the plant hanging from the shower head too. In such an open space, with a lot of white, it’s a nice way of breaking up potential monotony. 

(image via Domino)

13 Tips for Refreshing and Decorating a Bathroom

1. Tame the clutter.

Let’s start with something simple that’ll cost you nothing.

If you’re like me, you’ve somehow accumulated WAY to many (nearly) empty bottles of skin and hair products over the years. And those little guys have got to go at some point.

So it’s time to binge, binge, binge! Keep the good stuff and toss, recycle, or donate the rest. 

I’d recommend doing this every 3-6 months, if you can, not just when you get that itch to spring clean. It’ll help make you more mindful of waste, and it’s usually a great way to kick start a more serious bathroom refresh.

13 Ways to Get Your Bathroom Looking Fresh And Clean for Spring (image The Fresh Exchange) #bathroom #springcleaning #bathroominspo

2. Bring in some fresh scents.

Another cheap and easy way to give you all the fresh spring vibes is to swap out those wintery scents you’ve been using for something more of the season.

I’m totally guilty of using my Christmas scented soaps long past the holiday each year, but finally swapped them out for spring.

I love picking up floral, citrusy, or herbal hand soaps, along with a new candle, and even room spray to change things up.

You can also make your own candles and concoct a custom scent just for you. Making candles is honestly super easy. I make a handful pretty much every season, and especially around the holidays for gifts. I have a detailed tutorial here that takes you through the whole process: how to make candles like a pro.

(Image via The Fresh Exchange)

For a simple way to update your bathroom, try switching out your old linens for something brighter. Want to find out other ways to makeover your bathroom? Check out 13 Easy Ways to Freshen Up Your Bathroom. #vanity #hardware #bathroom #interiors #tips #makeover #affordable #bathroomupgrade #pink #linens

3. Switch out your linens.

A new set of towels somehow has the amazing ability to jumpstart any bathroom makeover (maybe that’s just me?).

Go for a nice spring color option, or stick to neutrals with some bright whites.

If you’re looking to keep things under budget, opt for a fresh set of hand towels that complement your existing linens.

(Image via DesignLoveFest)

4. Swap out your shower curtain.

This upgrade is super affordable, and can make a huge difference in your space because it takes up so much visual real estate.

There are truly TONS of options out there for under $50 (from trendy to traditional). West Elm and Urban Outfitters have a really good variety of shower curtain styles for under $50 right now.

Or if you wanna invest in something classic longterm, The Citizenry has some beautiful options. That’s where my shower curtain above is from and I love it. Available here.

Oh, and if you’re willing to fork out a little more, trade those basic shower curtain rings for something a little more exciting too.

Get your bathroom ready for spring by adding unique storage options. Want to find out other ways to makeover your bathroom? Check out 13 Easy Ways to Freshen Up Your Bathroom. #bathroom #interiors #tips #makeover #affordable #storage #basket

5. Add storage.

Assuming you’ve taken the time to declutter, add in storage baskets, shelves, over-the-toilet units (yes they make a few that aren’t hideous) to keep clutter at bay, or to at least help disguise it in between deep cleans.

Go for nice neutral pieces that can easily transition between seasons and decor refreshes to save money.

I love a good linen basket to hide dirty clothes!

(Image via HonestlyWTF)

13 Ways to Get Your Bathroom Looking Fresh And Clean for Spring (image Amber Interiors) #bathroom #springcleaning #bathroominspo

6. Update your bath mats/rugs.

Old bath mats are, well, gross. Wash and donate the old one and go for something a little more eye-catching.

There are so many fun bath mats out there these days, but I typically go the refined route for textiles…even bath mats.

And for those who might cringe at the thought of a wet vintage Persian / Moroccan rug, I say this:

  1. They look amazing! Can’t argue with me on that one.
  2. They’re much more durable than you think.
  3. If you have a well-ventilated bathroom, you’ll be fine. You can always take 10 more seconds to dry off in the shower so you’re not drenching your rug in wet hair run-off.

(Image via Amber Interiors)

Adding greenery to your bathroom is an easy and affordable way to add life back into a dreary space. Want to find out other ways to makeover your bathroom? Check out 13 Easy Ways to Freshen Up Your Bathroom. #vanity #hardware #bathroom #interiors #tips #makeover #affordable #bathroomupgrade #plants #monstera

7. Introduce some greenery.

Okay, okay…I’m aware that the whole houseplant trend has the ability to go from fresh and bright to an episode of Hoarders (plant edition) real quick.

Good thing bathrooms are generally small!

A simple way to bring life back to a space, even a bathroom, is to add some greens. Add them to your vanity or shelving, hang them from the wall, or fill a corner of the room.

If your bathroom gets little to no natural light, you can always go for faux monstera leaves or palm fronds.

(Image via Sarah Sherman Samuel)

8. Hang up some art.

Putting art on the walls makes your bathroom feel less like a place you go to um, well…and more like an actual living space.

I always like to add affordable framed prints or other pieces that won’t mind a little humidity here and there.

(Image via Ayesha Pearce)

9. Replace your builders grade mirror.

I’ll say it again, replace your builders grade mirror! If you have any leftover room in the budget – say $50-$150 extra – this should absolutely be on your list of upgrades.

Taking down a generic, ugly old vanity mirror in exchange for something more high-end and modern can make a huge difference.

Bathroom mirrors have this strange ability to either stand out as a focal point, or gently complement a focal point that already happens to exist, say a rad backsplash or bold vanity.

Go with what works for your style, space, and budget – you won’t be disappointed!

(Image via Lulu and Georgia)

Upgrade your bathroom lighting for a fresh and affordable vanity look. Want to find out other ways to makeover your bathroom? Check out 13 Easy Ways to Freshen Up Your Bathroom. #paint #bathroom #interiors #tips #makeover #affordable #bathroomupgrade #vanity #lighting

10. Install new or update old fixtures.

Second to new mirrors might be new fixtures. I’m talking lighting fixtures and water fixtures.

If buying new lights and faucets sets you way over budget, consider refinishing your existing ones instead.

You can actually paint them pretty easily using rust resistant metallic spray paints.

(Image via Domino)

For an affordable bathroom upgrade, consider painting your vanity a fun, fresh color. Want to find out other ways to makeover your bathroom? Check out 13 Easy Ways to Freshen Up Your Bathroom. #paint #bathroom #interiors #tips #makeover #affordable #bathroomupgrade #pink #vanity

11. Throw on some fresh paint.

This might be more for homeowners, but painting is always a great option for a budget-conscious makeover.

Paint your vanity cabinets, an accent wall, change the color of the grout in your tile. The options are endless and because it’s a smaller space, you won’t have to purchase much paint!

If you’re feeling ambitious, you try your hand at painting tile floors as well. I did that in our guest bathroom a while back and have no regrets!

(Image via A Beautiful Mess)

Upgrading your vanity hardware is a great way to freshen up your outdated bathroom. Want to find out other ways to makeover your bathroom? Check out 13 Easy Ways to Freshen Up Your Bathroom. #vanity #hardware #bathroom #interiors #tips #makeover #affordable #bathroomupgrade

12. Change out your hardware.

I can’t tell you how many times a new set of knobs has transformed my furniture and cabinetry.

Only takes a few minutes to change out, and usually won’t cost you much. Try this DIY leather cabinet pulls project for a super affordable upgrade.

(Image via Phoebe Chuason for Veneer Designs)

13. Add backsplash or wallpaper accents.

Depending on the size of your bathroom, installing new backsplash (like I did in my small bathroom ideas makeover) or wallpaper accents could be great way to freshen things up.

There are seriously so many interesting ideas circulating on Pinterest right now, from full-blown floor to ceiling tile spas to smaller vanity backsplashes, there’s something for pretty much every budget.

And there are renter-friendly options for wallpaper as well, that are removable, but still make a huge impact. In my renter-friendly yellow bathroom makeover I did removable wallpaper and there was NO damage whatsoever when I removed it a year later.

(Image via Alexandra Loew on Domino)

That’s it for now. I hope you found a few takeaways that you bring to your own home to refresh your bathroom, without having to pay for a professional.

Have your own bathroom refresh ideas to share? Let me know in the comments below.

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20 comments | Click here to reply

I never think to decorate our bathroom and it always looks so drab! I’m going to add some greenery in there to brighten up the space.

Emma

Wow, this blog post is a treasure trove of ideas for improving your bathroom!

Burnice

I appreciated you pointing out that adding art to the walls can make your bathroom look like a living space. My friend wants to add a vanity to their bathroom. I should advise her to choose a bathroom vanity that is ideal for the space.

Victoria Addington

Amazing tips!!! The incorporation of plants in the bathroom is a great way to bring life and color to the space. I love how they’ve used small plants for decorating the place. Keep sharing!!!

Emma Clemantine

It’s interesting to know that there are shower curtains that would just be under $50 which can be a great option to make a huge difference in the room. I will consider that when I go shopping for bathroom accessories this weekend. My new flat needs some personalized touches to make it feel homier for me now that I moved into it this week.

Mia Evans

Great Post!! Absolutely amazing.

Nippon

Yes! The war on clutter is never ending, right?

Anna

I adore these tips for sprucing up a washroom. The majority of the pictures are rousing. I need to add a Moroccan styled carpet to our washroom and new handles. I realize these will thoroughly refresh the vibe of the room!

Nicky

Your bathrooms always look so stylish and fresh, thanks for sharing these tips! I think sometimes bringing in a fresh smell is a good start.
http://www.makeandmess.com/

Michelle

I’m digging those hexagonal drawer pulls… they go with the floor tiles!

Stephanie

We’ve inherited the previous owners’ bathroom, tiled in outdated hues from top to bottom. I would love some tips on the best products to paint over existing tiles, and quickly transform a bathroom on a tiny budget.
The third picture above makes me want to get rid of all my old towels and replace them with fresh, pastel tints. Looking forward to the next post on this topic;

miss agnes

Hi Keegan. All of the photos are sourced with links right below each image. The photo you’re referring to is from Honestly WTF (and most likely has the link to the shower curtain you’re looking for). Here you go: https://honestlywtf.com/diy/diy-extra-long-shower-curtain/ Hope that helps!
-Brittni

Brittni

I was just curious if you knew where the blue shower curtain with the tasseled bottom was from? I am wanting to create a guest/boys bathroom.

Keegan B.

I used to wonder why would people place art in their bathrooms. But as time went I really love that style. Great tips Brittni!

Filip

Hi Brittni! Adding up some greenery is oh-so-good! I love the feeling of freshness. The easiest and less costly I do most of the time is simply changing the bathroom curtain, it makes a lot of difference 🙂

Jessica

These are some great tips! I would love it if you could do a post about really budget friendly tips for a home refresh!

Thank you

CoffeenGlam

CoffeenGlam

great tips and collection of photos. good motivation from spring

Mary

I love these tips for sprucing up a bathroom. All of the images are inspiring. I want to add a Moroccan styled rug to our bathroom and new knobs. I know these will totally update the look of the room!

Felicia

I love the way the bathroom looks. It turned out so good.
http://sugarcoatedbears.blogspot.com/

Courtney

I think switching your shower curtain can make such a difference to a bathroom! And I would love to have a Persian rug in the bathroom, maybe I find a small one for mine!
https://www.makeandmess.com/

Michelle
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