The 15 Best DIY Bathroom Projects

You don't have to completely overhaul your bathroom to make a big impact. Check out these fresh ideas, from tiny swaps to easy projects, that will increase your home value.

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April 08, 2019

By: Jacquelyn McGilvray and Deanne Revel

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Replace the Tub With a Walk-In Shower

If you have a large bathtub that doesn't get used much, replace it with a walk-in shower. Not only will it look more luxurious, it's more practical. And a simple, clear glass partition will make the room feel bigger.

Change the Lights

New lighting can give an old room a fresh look. New pendants in front of the mirror will reflect light around the room and make the space brighter. A hanging fixture or chandelier above the tub or in the center of the room can add a spark of personality.

Re-Tile the Shower

Re-tiling a shower is a great way to take a dated bathroom into the 21st century without making any structural changes. You can't go wrong with classic white subway tile or luxe white marble. On a budget? You may be able to find some bargains at salvage yards or online resale communities such as Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.

From: Mark Williams

Tile the Walls

Tile isn’t just for the shower. A wall of tile behind the vanity looks super chic, and it’s easy to clean! White subway tile is a timeless choice, but if you want something more trendy, try hexagons for a chic honeycomb look.

From: Design 4 Corners

Add a Towel Warmer

Even if your bathroom isn't ultra luxe, a towel warmer can make you feel like it is. Wall-mounted models are easy to install and plug into a standard outlet. It makes a great gift too — buy one for your honey so you can share.

From: Tiffany Brooks

Paint the Vanity

Before you sledgehammer your vanity and cabinets, consider the much easier DIY of painting. A bold color can give a ho-hum vanity a new look. This bright blue vanity looks funky, fresh and unrecognizable from its basic beginnings.

See More Photos: The Right Way to Paint Your Bathroom Vanity

Have Fun With Wallpaper

Wallpaper is making a serious comeback, and a powder room is a great place to play with bold patterns and colors. This trendy black-and-white botanical print adds tons of glam and dresses up a plain sink with basic hardware.

Frame the Mirror

Most bathrooms come with what’s called a builder’s basic mirror. And it’s just that: a plain mirror. If you don’t have the budget to buy and install a new, decorative mirror, frame the one you have. These simple wooden frames in the bathroom above complement the light wood vanity base and are consistent with the modern, Scandinavian-inspired design.

From: sKout

Change the Hardware

Swapping out hardware is one of the easiest and most budget-friendly DIYs around. It’s a great project for rentals when you can’t make any drastic changes to cabinets or walls. And like jewelry, hardware is a great way to make a statement. Contrasting brassy gold and charcoal gray are super trendy colors right now.

From: Lindye Galloway

DIY Your Own Storage

Instead of buying a basic over-the-toilet hutch, build your own custom storage! This stylish storage ladder has room for toiletries and towels, and the leaning design won’t damage your walls.

MAKE IT: Boost Your Bathroom Storage With a DIY Ladder Shelf

Upcycle Furniture

Instead of buying a basic, ho-hum vanity, upcycle an antique into a one-of-a-kind piece. Salvage yards or online resale communities such as Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace are great sources for finding unique buffets and cabinets.

From: Pure Design Interiors

Create a Spa Vibe

This spa-style storage looks like a custom built-in, but it’s actually just a bench and cabinet in the same color. And even if you don’t have a nook for something like this, simply adding more hooks for hanging plush spa robes and fluffy towel sheets will give your bathroom a luxurious, cozy spa feel.

From: Amy Zolin

Add Wainscoting

When you think of wainscoting, you probably think of a formal dining room, but the decorative paneling looks great in a bathroom—especially if you have an older, historic home. Just be careful with the height. Wainscoting should cover about one-third of the wall.

Gain Square Footage With a Pedestal Sink

In a small bathroom or a half bath, a pedestal sink makes sense because it will open up floor space, making the room seem bigger. Plus, pedestals come in many different styles and price ranges, so you can pair them with any decor and budget.

From: Breeze Giannasio

Go Green With Dual Flush

You don't need to replace the entire toilet to save money on your water bill. Dual flush converter kits cost about $25, take less than an hour to install and are available at most hardware stores. If you're in the market for a new toilet, dual-flush models are in the medium-to-high price range, but what you'll save on your water bill should make up for the extra cost.