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10 Cheap Bathroom Updates That Boost the Value of Your Home

These upgrades are low-cost and high-impact.

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Updated Sept. 24, 2024
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Owning a home can be expensive, and selling one just adds to the cost. Many homes require upgrades and fixes before they are ready to be listed on the market.

Fortunately, the right homeowner money moves can result in upgrades that won’t cost you much but will pack a big punch.

Here are 10 budget-friendly bathroom upgrades you can accomplish on your own within a tight deadline.

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Add mirrors

Serhii/Adobe woman chooses a mirror

You don’t have a mirror above the sink? That is a big no-no! You might want to consider adding one, as well as additional mirrors in other areas.

Mirrors can help the room feel more expansive. Plus, if you hang mirrors on multiple walls, you can check your hair, makeup, and outfit at different angles.

Boost storage

kostikovanata/Adobe neatly organizing bathroom amenities

When you are looking to maximize your bathroom’s capability, increasing its storage capacity can help tremendously. A lot of bathrooms are limited when it comes to space, which makes the skill of boosting storage in a room like this even more valuable.

Adding new in-shower racks to hold products, small cabinets to hide products and toilet paper, and drawer dividers are simple, cheap ways to upgrade the bathroom.

Upgrade lighting

Nicolas Gregor/Adobe lighting fixtures in the bathroom

Switching up the lighting in your bathroom can be an illuminating experience. Change the lighting fixtures, add mood lighting in the corner above the soaking tub, or switch out the lightbulbs in your existing lighting.

More sustainable lightbulbs can make a big impact, and adding a new sconce can really change the mood of your soaking space.

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Replace hardware on cabinets

Natali/Adobe open empty bath furniture drawer.

Replacing the hardware on your cabinets can be one of the most cost-effective ways to upgrade or refresh your bathroom.

Mix metals, find a vintage pull that pulls you in, or choose a pop of color to add dimension to your design. Improve the look of your bathroom or make it more appealing to buyers by swapping out pulls and knobs.

Switch up your vanity

Robert Daly/KOTO/Adobe plumber working

This is one of the most budget-friendly quick switches for the bathroom. Grab a prefabricated option with or without storage, and consider details such as claw feet, shelving, and more.

Make sure your current vanity can be removed without damaging the floor, or this could become an even bigger project.

Hang towel bars and hooks

Nawanon/Adobe towel rail on the bathroom wall

Whether you choose to go with a full towel bar or a few small hooks, knowing where to dedicate space for your towels can be crucial to the design of your bathroom.

If you have a stretch of wall that needs a pop of color, keep things simple by adding a bar for a hand towel or spa towel.

Invest in your toilet

Natali/Adobe buyer choosing a new toilet

Whether we like it or not, we spend a lot of time with our toilets. If your current toilet is old, feels short, has lost its flushing power, or is difficult to clean, it might be time to invest in a new one.

You can find quite a few powerful, affordable options at retailers such as Lowe’s, Home Depot, and even Sam’s Club.

Use peel-and-stick products

Hoda Bogdan/Adobe Construction details with handyman or worker adding mosaic ceramic tiles

Bathrooms can be a difficult beast because of the humidity from hot showers, but they are still an ideal place to install peel-and-stick wallpaper or tiles.

There is usually less square footage to cover than in other rooms of your home. Plus, there are glass peel-and-stick tiles on the market that can really uplevel the design aspect of your bathroom when applied to the walls or floor.

Add a bathroom fan

FellowNeko/Adobe bathroom ventilation fan

While many bathrooms come with ventilation systems, that isn’t always true in homes built long ago. Find out if you have a built-in ventilation system in your bathroom. If not, consider installing a fan.

You will find relatively quiet systems for $45 and up at places such as Home Depot and Lowe’s, so you won’t have any trouble finding a model that works for your particular needs.

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Throw on a coat of paint

FotoHelin/Adobe repainting old kitchen ceramic tile

A fresh coat of paint is one of the most obvious options for a quick and relatively simple upgrade to any bathroom. Although paint is hardly inexpensive these days, the surface area of a bathroom normally pales in comparison to wall space in other rooms around the house.

If the walls are a great color already, consider a fresh coat of paint on cabinets or trim, or even a refresh of the ceiling. Making sure the bathroom looks and feels clean is paramount.

Bottom line

auremar/Adobe couple looking at oval bath

Small integrations and swaps can make a big impact, and the modest price of these improvements can help you get ahead financially.

As you get closer to listing your home, consider neutral art that you can hang on empty walls. You may have plants that will enjoy the humidity and give off a more wholesome feel during open houses.

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