The Best Bang-for-Your-Buck Bathroom Upgrade, According to Designers (Honestly, It Surprised Us!)

You might not spend a lot of time in your bathroom (or maybe you do, I’m not judging!), but the space can be one of the most overlooked places of your home when it comes to decor, upgrades, and style. It makes sense — depending on where you live and what type of housing you’re in, the bathroom can be a pretty tiny space that doesn’t allow for much creative wiggle room. 

If you’ve been meaning to give some attention to this oft-overlooked space, there are some simple things you can do that will make a big difference. We tapped four DIY experts and interior designers to get the scoop on easy, affordable changes you can make to your bathroom that will look like you spent way more money than you did. Remember: A little creativity is a small budget’s best friend.

DIY experts and designers were quick to call out one major, affordable upgrade that anyone can do with zero skills required: painting. “Paint is always going to be your biggest bang for your buck when it comes to a bathroom upgrade,” says Tyka Pryde, designer and host of the show Design My Space Atlanta. “A fresh coat in a rich, sophisticated color can completely transform the space with minimal cost and effort.”

Tina Montemayor, founder and principal designer at Tina Montemayor Design, agrees, noting that you shouldn’t forget your cabinet or sink trims. “I think the most obvious bang for your buck is color drenching the space,” she says. “By painting the walls, cabinets, trim, doors and even the ceiling in the same or similar tones, you’ll create a dramatic look for very little spend.”

Not looking to pick up a paintbrush? No worries. Followed closely behind was another DIY hack that allows you to forgo messy paint but still score a memorable makeover. Most bathrooms — especially if you’re renting — have a cheap, minimally designed mirror that’s glued to the wall and features little adornment. Since this is likely to be the focal point of the bathroom, Pryde suggests making a frame upgrade to increase the style quotient of your bathroom design. “Framing your builder grade mirror is an easy and affordable way to make the space feel custom, and you can tailor the style to match your aesthetic, whether that’s sleek and modern or warm and traditional,” she says. “Plus, there are plenty of peel and stick or precut molding options that make it super beginner-friendly.”

Kate Kerdi, owner of Kate Kerdi Interiors, agrees, noting that updating your bathroom accessories can help, too. “If you are looking for a high-impact DIY bathroom upgrade, changing bathroom accessories, like removing plastic soap and shampoo bottles and replacing them with good-looking dispensers, is a must,” she says. “Swapping a plain wall mirror for a mirror with a frame or updating your hardware and fixtures such as faucets, showerhead, and cabinet handles can make a huge difference.”