10 Cheap Upgrades That Make a Bathroom Look Like It Cost Twice as Much, by Home Central on YouTube. 28 min 47 s.
- Video length
- 28 min 47 s
- Time to do it
- 1 weekend
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Clear the floor of the old horseshoe toilet rug and mat set. Bare floor makes the room look bigger and easier to clean.
Hang a longer shower curtain and move the rod closer to the ceiling. The extra height makes the room feel taller.
Frame the plain builder's mirror with painted trim boards. Measure and cut the boards, then attach them around the mirror edge.
Cut out the yellowed caulk along the tub line with a utility knife. Scrape the old bead away, clean the joint and let it dry.
Run a new bead of fresh caulk along the tub and wall joint. Smooth it with a wet finger and let it cure fully.
Swap daylight bulbs for warm white bulbs. Warmer light softens the room and hides tired surfaces.
Replace the cabinet hardware so it matches your faucet finish. Keep the old screws in case the new ones are too short.
Paint the orange oak vanity in a fresh color. Sand lightly, prime and apply two thin coats.
Clean the grout with a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Scrub with an old toothbrush and rinse.
Add beadboard wainscoting to a plain wall, then wipe the sink and tub each night to keep the room looking fresh.
Tips and common mistakes
Let new caulk cure for 24 hours before using the shower.
Use painter's tape to keep caulk lines straight and pull it off before the caulk sets.
Test paint colors on a hidden spot of the vanity first.
Ventilate the room when using peroxide paste and wear gloves.
Questions
Can I do these upgrades in a rental?
Yes, most are reversible. Ask your landlord before painting or adding trim, and use removable hardware where possible.
How much does this cost?
Costs vary by store and room size. Caulk, bulbs and hardware are cheap, while paint and beadboard add more.
Do I need to remove the old caulk completely?
Yes. New caulk will not stick to old, dirty or loose caulk, so scrape it all out first.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
