We’ve all been there – standing in a rental bathroom that feels more “blah” than spa. Beige walls, dated tile, maybe a questionable light fixture or two. It’s functional, sure, but inspiring? Not so much.
The good news? You don’t need a full renovation – or your landlord’s blessing – to give it a glow-up. With a few clever swaps and renter-friendly tricks, you can totally transform the vibe of your bathroom on a budget.
If you’re working with a tiny space, don’t miss my post on how to make your small bathroom feel bigger with decor – it’s one of the most-loved reads on the blog too! And if you’re thinking of going a little further with a refresh, I also rounded up 20 of the most popular bathroom paint colors used in renovations this year – so worth checking out.
But for now, let’s talk about quick wins. Here are 10 affordable, easy upgrades that’ll breathe new life into your bathroom – without putting your security deposit at risk. Let’s dive in.
1. Swap Out the Shower Curtain
Changing out your shower curtain is one of the quickest and easiest ways to update the look of your bathroom. It’s like hitting the reset button – an instant color, pattern, or texture upgrade that can make your bathroom feel brand new.
Why it works: Shower curtains often take up a large visual space in your bathroom, so switching them out can make a huge difference. You could go for bold prints, a sleek solid color, or even a textured fabric – and just this small change can totally elevate the vibe.
My Tip: Opt for mildew-resistant fabrics, especially if your bathroom doesn’t have great ventilation. This will help keep the curtain fresh and durable for longer, plus it saves you from dealing with the dreaded mold. And if you’re feeling adventurous, don’t be afraid to play with patterns! A geometric print or a tropical palm leaf design can add a fun pop – on the other hand, a soft, neutral linen curtain can create a calm, spa-like atmosphere.
Bonus Tip: Make sure your curtain liner is not just mildew-resistant but also wipeable. It’ll keep things clean and fresh without needing constant washing.
2. Add Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper or Decals
If your rental bathroom has some seriously outdated tiles or plain walls, peel-and-stick wallpaper or tile decals will do the job. They’re easy to apply, renter-friendly, and best of all – removable! No paint, no mess, just instant transformation.
Why it works: Peel-and-stick wallpaper will let you introduce color, pattern, or texture to your bathroom without committing to something permanent. You can create a feature wall, add a playful backsplash behind the sink, or even cover up the tile that’s seen better days. It’s a great way to hide imperfections – plus you get to add a design element that reflects your good taste.
My Tip: Choose a waterproof option, especially for areas like the shower or sink backsplash. That way, you won’t have to worry about peeling or bubbling from water exposure. And if you’re feeling bold, geometric patterns or vibrant florals can totally infuse character into your space
Bonus Tip: Tile decals are a lifesaver for covering old, worn-out grout or mismatched tiles. They come in all sorts of fun designs and are super easy to cut to fit your space. Just make sure the surface is clean and dry before you stick them down for the best results!
3. Upgrade the Hardware (Temporarily)
You’d be amazed at how swapping out a few hardware pieces can completely change the look of your bathroom. From cabinet knobs to towel bars, even the faucet, a simple update can make a good impression.
Why it works: Hardware is one of those little details that often gets overlooked but can really uplift the space. Outdated towel bars, dingy cabinet pulls, or a basic faucet can make a bathroom feel outdated. Swapping them out for something like brushed brass or matte black finishes can instantly make any bathroom – big or small – feel more luxurious & upscale.
My Tip: When choosing new hardware, pick items that are easy to install and remove, like knobs or handles with screws (no complicated drilling or damage). You can also upgrade towel bars or light fixtures if you’re feeling a little more ambitious – just make sure to save the original pieces! You can easily reinstall them when you move out, leaving no trace behind.
Bonus Tip: Look for hardware in finishes like matte black, brushed gold, or polished chrome to match your bathroom’s vibe. These classic choices can bring your bathroom up to date without needing a full renovation. Plus, they’re a quick DIY project you can tackle in an afternoon!
4. Use Cute Storage
In a rental bathroom, storage can often feel like an afterthought. But adding a few smart, cute storage solutions can not only help organize your space – it can also serve as a design feature!
Why it works: Bathrooms tend to get cluttered quickly with toiletries, towels, and all the other essentials. Just by adding functional storage, you can keep everything tidy and good looking. A few well-chosen storage pieces can help you make the most of your bathroom’s layout – and make it look charming too!
My Tip: Over-the-toilet shelves are perfect when it comes to maximizing space. They give you extra room for decor or essentials without taking up valuable floor space. Plus, they come in sleek, modern designs that won’t make your bathroom feel cramped. Rolling carts are another great option – easy to move around, and they can fit in tight corners, offering both function and good looks.
And if you’ve got a pedestal or wall-mounted sink with no cabinet underneath? A fabric sink skirt is a simple way to hide everything from cleaning supplies to extra toilet paper – and it adds a soft, custom touch to the room.
Use decorative baskets or bins to corral all your toiletries, towels, and other items. They’re not only practical but can also be a design element. Like woven baskets, chic metal containers, or even colorful fabric bins to hide the clutter – it’s such a pretty way to introduce texture and rustic charm into your bathroom, too!
Bonus Tip: Bring in a vintage hutch or a slim cabinet. I love this idea because it’s unexpected in a bathroom, which makes it feel extra special. It gives you a chance to show off your prettiest towels, candles, or glass jars, while still hiding away the less cute essentials. Plus, it adds height and visual interest to the room, which is especially great if your bathroom feels flat or boxy. It’s like giving your bathroom its own little piece of furniture.
5. Bring in Plants
We’re big fans of bathroom greenery – in fact, there’s a whole post on 10 houseplants that thrive in your bathroom (because yes, some plants actually love the humidity!). A little touch of green can do wonders for any space. It will add life, texture, and color – and even make your bathroom feel fresher, cozier, and way more lived-in – in the best way.
Why it works: Plants can turn a sterile, utilitarian bathroom into a serene, nature-inspired retreat. Plus, they can help soften hard edges and add an organic element that pairs well with all the sleek, shiny surfaces. Real or faux, a well-placed plant can really bring life into any room.
My Tip: If you don’t have a green thumb or your bathroom doesn’t get much natural light, go for low-maintenance plants like pothos, a ZZ plant, or snake plants. These can thrive in low-light conditions and don’t require a lot of attention. If real plants aren’t your thing, faux plants are a great alternative – modern artificial greenery looks pretty realistic and requires zero upkeep!
Bonus Tip: Play with the placement – add a hanging plant by the window, a small succulent on the countertop, or a tall leafy plant in the corner for a spa-like feel. For a charming touch, use colorful planters or try textures like concrete, brass, or rattan!
6. Update the Lighting
Lighting is one of the easiest ways to instantly change the mood of your bathroom, and thankfully, there are plenty of budget-friendly options that won’t require a full electrical overhaul. From soft, ambient lighting to bright, focused task lighting, it takes just a few nifty updates to add that polish.
Why it works: Proper lighting not only helps highlight your bathroom’s best features, but it also impacts the overall vibe. Warm, soft lighting will create a calming, spa-like atmosphere – on the other hand, bright, crisp lighting will make getting ready in the morning a breeze. If your rental bathroom is stuck with harsh overhead lights, there’s a lot you can do to soften the effect without making permanent changes.
My Tip: Try adding plug-in sconces or battery-operated wall lights to create a more layered, flattering light. These are super renter-friendly, easy to install, and can be moved around as needed. If you’re allowed to swap out light bulbs, consider upgrading your vanity lights to something more modern or swapping in warmer-toned bulbs to create a more relaxed ambiance.
Bonus Tip: For an even more luxurious feel, you can use dimmable lights if the fixtures support it – it will give you more control over the mood in the room. Small lighting details, like a sleek LED mirror or a statement pendant light, can really upgrade the space without a major investment.
7. Layer in Luxe Linens
Sometimes, all it takes to elevate a bathroom is the right set of linens. Swapping out mismatched towels for coordinated, high-quality fabrics can give your space that elevated, spa-like feel without much effort. (If you’re into this vibe, definitely check out our post on how to create a spa-like bathroom – it’s packed with easy ways to bring those calming, luxe touches home.)
Why it works: Fresh, plush towels and a soft bath mat can make a bathroom feel more luxurious and indulgent. Plus, when everything matches – think coordinating towels, hand towels, and a bath mat – it pulls the whole room together. It’s like a mini makeover for your bathroom, without the price tag of a full renovation.
My Tip: Look for towels and bath mats made from high-quality, absorbent materials like cotton or bamboo. A plush, fluffy towel feels so indulgent and it adds that luxe touch – and a soft, textured bath mat underfoot is the perfect finishing touch. And don’t forget the smaller details – matching soap dishes, a decorative towel ring, or a coordinating hand towel can go a long way.
Bonus Tip: If you’re feeling extra cozy, consider adding a waffle weave robe for that added touch of luxury. Hang it on a hook or drape it over the back of the door – it’ll not only look great but feel amazing when you step out of the shower. It’s a small investment, but the payoff in both look and feel is totally worth it!
8. Hang Temporary Art or Mirrors
One of my favorite ways to make a rental bathroom feel more personal and pulled together is by adding art and mirrors. Even if I can’t drill holes or make big changes, a few well-placed pieces (and some trusty Command strips) go a long way in making the space feel like mine.
I actually wrote a whole post on how to make your walls look like an art gallery, if you’re looking for ideas that go beyond the usual. And if you’re working with a small space, definitely check out my post on creative ways to maximize space with mirrors – because the right mirror doesn’t just reflect light, it can completely shift the feel of a room.
Why it works: Why do I love this so much? Because art and mirrors add instant character. They take plain, bare walls and turn them into something that actually catches your eye. From a quirky print, a vintage piece, or something bold and graphic – art can bring your personality into the room in such an easy way. And mirrors? They’re not just pretty – they make the space feel bigger, brighter, and more open, which is always a win in a rental bathroom.
Tip: Command strips are your best friends here. These removable strips can hold up frames and mirrors securely without causing any damage – therefore making them perfect for renters. You can easily swap out art or take down a mirror when it’s time to move.
Bonus Tip: Mix and match different sizes or styles for a curated gallery wall. Just be sure the pieces you choose work with the color scheme and mood of your bathroom. For a bonus splash of personality, add a framed quirky print that gives you a little smile every time you walk in!
9. Add a Tray for Essentials
A small detail like a decorative tray can pull together the look of your bathroom and also keep things organized. After all it’s all about making the essentials feel like part of the decor, and a tray is the perfect way to do that.
Why it works: A tray doesn’t just corral your soap, candles, or perfume – it can turn them into a curated design feature. When you group your everyday items together, it instantly elevates their appearance and makes the space feel more polished. Plus, it’s an easy way to keep things neat and tidy, especially in a bathroom that’s tight on counter space.
Tip: Pick a tray that complements your bathroom’s vibe – sleek and modern, rustic, or a little boho. Use it to organize soaps, lotions, candles, or even a small plant. The best part? You can change it up with the seasons or your mood – swap out the items on the tray for something fresh when you’re craving a new look.
Bonus Tip: For an added sensory experience, choose a tray that can hold a beautifully scented candle. Add a small plant, like a succulent or aloe vera, for a touch of greenery and to bring a little nature indoors. It’s an easy update that makes your bathroom feel more like a spa.
10. Clean + Caulk
Sometimes, the best way to freshen up a bathroom is by giving it a good deep clean and tackling the little things that count. It’s true, how a bit of elbow grease can renew even the most worn-out spaces!
Why it works: Grimy grout, hard water stains, or cracked caulk can make your bathroom look older and dingy, no matter how much you’ve upgraded the decor. A good clean and a little maintenance can restore surfaces to their former glory and make the whole room feel fresher and brighter.
My Tip: Start by deep cleaning the grout with a grout cleaner or a DIY mix of baking soda and vinegar. This will remove any built-up grime and brighten up your tiles. For hard water stains, a mixture of vinegar and water or a commercial cleaner can work wonders—just be sure to follow the instructions and give it time to dissolve those stubborn spots.
Once your surfaces are sparkling, replace old, cracked caulk around the tub or sink. Fresh caulk makes the bathroom look well kept and prevents water from sneaking into places it shouldn’t. It’s a simple fix, but it can make the room feel much more put together.
Bonus Tip: For extra shine, finish up with a quick wipe-down of mirrors, light fixtures, and any chrome faucets or towel bars. You’ll be amazed at how much cleaner and more refreshed the whole space looks with just a little effort.
At the end of the day, renting doesn’t have to mean living with a space you don’t love – especially when it comes to a room you use every single day. Little upgrades really do add up. From swapping out hardware, to layering in some cozy textiles, or just giving everything a good scrub and refresh, you see, there are so many ways to make your bathroom feel more like you.
And here’s a tip I’ve learned from my own trial and error: always stash the original fixtures and hardware in a clearly labeled bag or box. It makes move-out day way less stressful, and your landlord will never know that faucet lived its best life as brushed brass for a year. Also, never underestimate the power of scent – a good candle, diffuser, or eucalyptus bundle can completely shift the mood in a space.
If you’re craving even more inspo, take a peek at some of the posts I’ve mentioned above. Whether you’re trying to make a tiny bathroom feel bigger or finally nail down the perfect paint color, I’ve got you covered. You deserve a bathroom that feels calm, clean, and just a little bit luxurious – even if you don’t own it.
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