Bathroom Decorating: Quick, Inexpensive Tips

Is your bathroom tired and dingy looking? Even if you have other areas in your home that could use some decorating, you can squeeze in a bathroom redo for minimal cost and effort. Little things go a long way in small spaces like bathrooms. A few simple touches and your bath can be transformed.
 
Start with a good cleaning. This is the best use of your time and energy. You may soon discover that you don't need to affiliate things like faucets or tile, once they have been thoroughly scoured. If tiled areas still appear dingy, try re-grouting. Fresh grout often makes tile appear new, and it is far less difficult and expensive to add new grout than it is to install new tile.
 
Paint is of course the next best way to freshen up your bathroom. A nice bright semi-gloss will not only make it look larger, it will also provide easy clean up. Choose paints and primers specifically made for kitchens and baths that have the added benefit of being mold and mildew resistant.
 
Rather than sticking to white or off white, you might want to try adding a little warmth. You can still go neutral, or close to it, but just a hint of color will warm the space right up.
 
Instead of purchasing expensive towel sets, choose one luxurious embellished hand towel and frame it with a solid colored, less expensive towel in a coordinating color. Choose less expensive, solid colored washcloths to go with it and create your own towel set. Rather than replacing all of your bath towels and washcloths, put them away in a closed cabinet, or cover a shelf with fabric to hide them. You can always purchase matching towels when your budget allows for it.
 
Rather than purchasing a fancy new shower curtain, consider using regular curtains hung from a tension rod, and backed with a shower curtain liner. Liners are very inexpensive and come in a variety of colors. Department stores and discount stores often have curtain sets that are attractive and reasonably priced. You could end up spending a lot less than the price of shower curtain, and the effect will be much richer looking.
 
Add a new throw rug, bath mat, soap dish and lotion dispenser, and a few knick-knacks or pictures gathered from other rooms of the home. An old picture frame or framed mirror can easily become a great display tray for lotions and bath salts. Paint or embellish found items as necessary to match your new bathroom. Use leftover wall paint where possible. These additions are a great way to add a punch of color and more interest, and they cost little or no money.
 
Candles are also inexpensive and very attractive. They instantly add warmth, even when they are not lit. Choose assorted sizes, shapes, and colors. A few scented soaps also make a bathroom feel more luxurious.
 
Before long, your bathroom will look fresh and bright. You'll have a great new bathroom and the satisfaction of having redone it yourself. You'll also be the only one that knows just how easy and inexpensive it was to do, and you'll be ready to tackle decorating the next room.

-Sherry Holetzky

Sherry Holetzky is a published freelance writer who loves do-it-yourself projects and home decorating. Having a large family has taught Sherry to decorate within a budget, and Sherry's hope is that she can show people how decor can be inexpensive yet still be tasteful and beautiful. Budget decor does not have to mean "cheap."