The tiles are tired, the grout is greying and the taps are too clunky for your style. There are so many things you don’t like about your bathroom, but you don’t have the time to strip it out and start again. So, what are your options?
You might be pleasantly surprised to find out that small changes can make a huge difference. If you’re looking to make some DIY bathroom improvements without knocking the walls and floors out, here’s how to get started.

Make simple cosmetic updates
Start out with some simple changes that avoid the disruption of a full remodelling project. You won’t need planning permission to make noticeable changes to the space.
Painting the walls in a clean, modern shade can instantly brighten the room and make it feel more spacious. Signs of wear in the bathroom frequently show up on tile grout, so you may want to reapply this.
Likewise, refreshing sealant around the bath or shower can help to improve the overall impression of cleanliness. Flooring doesn’t need to be a huge project either. With either vinyl or laminate flooring, you can cover or replace the previous choice with relatively minimal effort.
Upgrade the storage
Bathroom storage solutions don’t need to take up the whole room. You can use integrated solutions or stylish add-ons to add extra functionality, and these are widely available across the UK.
A few of our favourite quick bathroom storage upgrades include:
- Wall-mounted shelving units, painted in a contrasting shade
- Mirrored cabinets with clever soft-touch opening
- Under-sink organisers, which can be as basic as a plastic tray
- Wicker baskets, which help you deal with clutter in a rustic way
Your bathroom doesn’t need to look show home-perfect, but good storage ideas should help you and your family to keep the essentials tucked away while being easily accessible.
Updated fixtures and fittings
Upgrading a few key features can create a fresh and clean look. The light fitting will influence the style of the room and the way that light diffuses into it, so it’s worth taking your time choosing.
The sink is the focal point for most bathroom visitors, at least if they’re not distracted by the mirror. Replacing older hardware and choosing contemporary options like chrome-finish bathroom taps can help to revamp the sink.
You might choose to install a vanity unit beneath the sink, too. This addition comes with practical benefits for the whole household but may demand a little bit more work from you.
Add some personality
Finally, don’t forget to accessorise to make it yours. You can stick to a certain theme or mix and match styles and textures for extra character.
Framed artwork might make the room feel more comforting. This might not be the most practical for every household though, so it’s worth checking out some of the best bathroom houseplants to add shape and greenery.
Plush towels look amazing in any bathroom, but if you’re going for a minimalist look, we recommend choosing thick, white Egyptian cotton. Bathmats make a lovely addition and can be either stylish or unexpectedly funny depending on your taste. It’s your palette, so get ready to experiment.