How to brighten up a bathroom on a budget

Looking to make over your bathroom on a budget? These tips are easy, affordable and renter-friendly suggestions on how to brighten up a bathroom.

From temporary tiles to a quick lightbulb change, they’re easily reversible tips that you can do, usually without having to ask for your landlord’s permission! 

1. Apply a fresh coat of paint

A fresh coat of bright paint can do wonders for any room. Opt for light, neutral tones like soft whites or pale creams as they are usually the colours most landlords and property managers are comfortable with, not to mention, they reflect brightness the best without breaking the bank. We have a handy guide with home painting tips and hacks to help you with this process.

2. Freshen up with budget bathroom accessories

Soften the look of your bathroom with fluffy towels, a cosy bath mat, and a decorative shower curtain. Choose light colours and patterns to complement your colour scheme and brighten the space.

3. Strategically place mirrors

Adding a couple of mirrors not only enhances visual appeal but also reflects light, making your bathroom appear larger and brighter. Consider adding a statement mirror or strategically placing smaller mirrors to maximise natural light.

4. Declutter countertops

Probably the cheapest tip we’re suggesting - as it shouldn’t cost you a penny! Decluttering a space instantly helps it feel more spacious and airy. Invest in stylish storage solutions like floating shelves or decorative baskets to keep countertops organised and clear. Take a look at our step by step guide on how to put up shelves.

5. Upgrade the lighting

Lighting can significantly impact the perception of space. When your current light bulbs run out, swap them out for energy-efficient LED bulbs or choose cool white to brighten the space.

6. Introduce a touch of nature

Bring the outdoors in and add a touch of nature to your bathroom with low-maintenance, moisture-friendly plants like succulents. Another budget bathroom accessory, not only do plants help to purify the air, but they also add a refreshing burst of greenery to enhance the overall feel of your new sanctuary.

7. Regrout and recaulk

Grime, limescale and mould can quickly build up and can make any space look dirty and worn. One way to give your bathroom a major refresh with a big impact is to treat your grouting and caulking.

Firstly, give your tiles and around your windows a good scrub using strong, specialist products which can be found at most supermarkets. While you’re there, you can also use an anti-mould grout-reviving pen, which should address minor cases.

If this doesn’t do the job, you could turn your hand to regrouting your bathroom. Depending on how big your space is and how many tiles you have, this task could take a chunk of time and lots of attention to detail, so ensure you put a couple of hours aside. However, products tend to be inexpensive and can be purchased at most DIY stores - just make sure you choose a product that will help prevent future staining and mould.

Check out our spring home maintenance checklist for more tips. If you’re struggling with condensation and mould issues in your home, we’ve got plenty of guides on our My Place Blog to help you tackle them.

8. Try DIY decor 

If you’re feeling really handy, you could experiment with some DIY decor.

Using removable tile stickers can do wonders adding colour, light and fun to your bathroom. They’re renter-friendly and easily removable, not to mention a lot cheaper than retiling your whole room!

If you’re a big fan of colours, you can take it a step further and apply a stained glass vinyl sticker to your windows, which will also provide some added privacy.