Before and After: An Ingenious Fix for Ugly Rental Bathroom Tiles

This rental bathroom needed a little help, but nothing that would cost a ton of money or cost the residents their security deposit. And since this bathroom happens to belong to the creative mind behind the No-Reno-Required Rental Kitchen Makeover, we knew the solution was going to be sensational.

Here’s a fuller look at the bathroom, along with the inspiration behind—and limitations on—this upgrade:

The biggest and most important change was getting rid of these ugly brown tiles. I seriously hate them! Since we’re renting our house, I don’t want to invest too much money into things we won’t be able to take with us to our next home—which meant getting the tub/tiles refinished was not really an option.

I am right there with you with the less-than-ideal tiles in a rented home. Show me the way…

The lighting is vastly improved, and the new tiles look so much better. The green in all of the accessories combined with the tiles creates a lush feel, and removing the shutters really opened up the space. Sara Toufali of Black & Blooms did such an amazing job. All of the fabulous new details draw the eye about the space, with the hanging plant and art emphasizing the vertical. Before the brown tiles created a bottom-heavy feeling, but now the spaces is light and flowing. And the secret?

The secret is TILE STICKERS! High quality vinyl peel and stick stickers that cover up any sort of flat surface such as tile, glass, metal, ceramic, or wood. Such a great option for renters or anyone on a budget, since stickers are much more affordable than changing out the tile and they’re removable once you move to a new home.

By my best estimate, the Bleucoin tiles required for this makeover cost somewhere between $90 and $180, which is so much more affordable than $700! Note: I can’t tell if Sara’s project and post was sponsored (“Many thanks to my friends at Urban Outfitters, Bleucoin, and Framebridge for all my bathroom pieces. This redesign wouldn’t have been possible without them!”) but wanted to acknowledge it here.

There are more brown tiles over here—and more shutters, of course.

The green tiles are really jewel-like, especially in this narrow band. The green pops so beautifully against the beige floor and white walls, whereas the brown kind of made it all a blur of beige.

Here’s the toilet; it’s fine, but….

…now this practical area is also attractive, thanks to tranquil accessories and a good-smelling candle. These plants continue the good work of drawing the eye upward—who needs to focus on a toilet anyway!

Thank you, Sara Toufali and Black & Blooms!

• SEE MORE BEFORE & AFTER PROJECTS
• SUBMIT YOUR OWN BEFORE & AFTER PROJECT