11 tips to give your bathroom a big lift for little money
Time to give your bathroom a make-over? Here are 11 tips that cost little but have a big impact.
1. Replace mixers
It’s true, switching mixers isn’t cheap. However, a high-quality mixer featuring the latest technology that saves water, energy and money can really cut your energy expenses – use our energy calculator to work out how quickly you can recoup your investment. And you can look forward to a neater, more refreshing bathroom, too.
2. Neater knobs and handles
This makes a bigger difference than you might think. New handles change the look of cabinet doors, drawers and the bathroom as a whole. Don’t bicker about it – it will cost some money – look for handles and knobs that match existing measurements and previously drilled holes.
3. “Replace tiles” with tile paint
Tiles are made of extremely durable material, but there will come a time when even tiles start to look a little worn. If this is the case, you can keep them looking good for a few years more by giving them a fresh coat of tile paint. The result is sure to look excellent and give your bathroom an immediate lift. Google “tile paint” and you’re sure to find everything you need.
4. Replace the shower mixer
Your shower “swallows” more hot water than anything else in your home. Switching to a modern, thermostatic mixer not only enhances the entire experience of taking a shower, but it is also an investment that can save water, energy and money in the long term.
5. Decorate with towels
Sounds pretty obvious, of course, but the trick is to use towels consciously as a visible, attractive detail that sets the tone. You can do wonders with fabrics – just ask any stylist. Tip: Google “towel set” for better hits, and add terms such as “terry cloth”, “exclusive” and “de luxe”...
6. Focus on bathroom accessories
It is no secret that “the details make the difference”. Attractive, good-quality bathroom accessories – toilet paper holder, towel rack, toilet brush and towel hooks – play a key role in the bathroom experience.
7. Replace the bathroom mirror
A mirror cabinet and/or a mirror above the washbasin is a natural eye-catcher that adds a dash of character to the entire bathroom. Switch to a more practical model? Switch to a round, more personal model? Switch to a second-hand mirror with a gilt frame? You decide.
8. Upgrade to a shower wall
A shower curtain is rarely the most attractive thing you’ll see in a bathroom. Switching to a fresh shower wall – ideally in a delightful design – is an instant fix with major impact.
9. Furnish with plants
There are some green plants that thrive in the humid, often shadowy setting of a bathroom. Invest in some pots that brighten up your bathroom. Search the internet or ask your local florist for tips and ideas.
10. Replace yellowed silicone
Silicone tends to yellow with time and can make the entire bathroom look dull and sad. Any halfway gifted DIY-enthusiast can remove the old silicone and replace it with a fresh, new application. There are plenty of instruction videos and tips to be found on YouTube.
11. Store smarter
A good tip for small bathrooms is to mount as many of the furnishings as possible on the walls. The storage cube from the Graphic range of furniture can help you quickly organise your toothbrushes, perfume bottles, creams, razors, etc. This range of furniture features a variety of smart, highly effective solutions.
Think all the way
Recycle or sell the furnishings you’ve tired of. “Use and throw away” is not the way to go – it is much better to take the long-term, resource-efficient view. For additional tips and help from Gustavsberg, see:
9 tips to make life in your bathroom more resource-efficient
