Transform Your Builder-Grade Bathroom: Styling Tips for a Stylish Space

Do you have a typical rental bathroom? Perhaps a builder-grade space, inoffensive but undeniably plain? Many rental bathrooms lack style and character, but consider it a blank canvas, ripe for personalization. Whether you’re a renter dealing with a bland bathroom or a student facing a dull dorm restroom, these easy and affordable styling tips will breathe life into your space.

Easy and Affordable Bathroom Styling Ideas

Let’s explore how to take your bathroom from drab to fab with simple changes that don’t require a full renovation.

1. Infuse Color with a Statement Shower Curtain

Bathrooms often have a neutral color palette. The easiest way to introduce color – without reaching for a paint brush – is through the shower curtain. If you love patterns, the shower curtain is your opportunity to make a bold statement.

To visually elongate the small room, consider an 84-inch shower curtain (slightly taller than the standard 72-inch). Taller shower curtains are typically designed for shower door openings, but aren’t wide enough for covering a shower/tub combo. To remedy this, purchase two curtain panels and sew them together. When the curtain is open, the seam will be discrete. When closed, privacy will be maintained.

Remember: Shower curtains are not waterproof. Purchase two tall, inexpensive shower liners. Use shower curtain rings to attach the liner to the back tabs of the curtain. This ensures both functionality and waterproofing.

Consider stitched edge curtains from Target for a touch of elegance.

When using both a window curtain and a liner, choose an extra-sturdy curtain rod. Tension rods might not be able to handle the weight, so a rod that screws into the wall is preferable.

2. Maximize Space with Smart Storage Solutions

Adding storage above the toilet is a great way to boost space efficiency. Wall-mounted shelves are excellent, but if you can’t install them, freestanding units are a fine alternative. A clever trick is to repurpose a tiered shelving unit by removing the bottom drawers instead of purchasing an over-the-toilet cabinet. The Ikea Lerberg shelf used to be a great option, but there are other alternatives available now.

The Ikea Hyllis is a non-tiered option for additional towel storage. A white, tiered bookshelf from Overstock is great for extensive storage needs. Remember to secure freestanding units to the wall, especially if they are not specifically designed to go over the toilet. This prevents them from falling forward.

Baskets are ideal for storing extra toilet paper, makeup bags, and items overflowing from the vanity.

3. Enhance Visual Appeal with Strategic Wall Decor

While it may seem intuitive to use small photos or artwork in a small space, larger pieces can actually make the room feel bigger. A large frame will fill a blank wall with something personal and make your bathroom look more spacious.

4. Repurpose Existing Items for Stylish Storage

Look around your house for small storage containers and bowls to organize everyday bathroom essentials. If you need to buy something, explore the kitchen storage section for storage bins instead of only looking at bathroom-specific items.

Upgrade to more stylish bathroom storage. Consider trendy makeup bags from Target.

5. Add Life with Plants

Plants always bring color and life to a boring bathroom. Succulents are great choices, particularly for bathrooms with limited natural light.

6. Maximize Awkward Spaces

If you have an awkward space beneath your mirror, find ways to make it functional. A small marble dry-erase board from Target can be used for reminders and inspirational quotes. Keep your family values top of mind while getting ready!

Dish towels from Ikea work as hand towels. They wash well and are absorbent, making them perfect. Embellish them with embroidery or pom-pom trim for a cheap and personalized wedding gift!

Install a small shelf between the countertop and mirror. A glass bathroom shelf from Home Depot is easily installed. A grid organizer from Target can be used to clip reminders, quotes, and pictures.

7. Make a Statement with Your Bath Mat

Bathroom floor mats have evolved considerably. While soft and fluffy options were once the norm, stylish and affordable alternatives are now common. Vintage rugs provide a great look. A washable rug is a good choice for many. Consider bath rugs from Target.

8. Avoid Being Too Matchy-Matchy

To make bathroom decor stylish, resist the urge to be overly coordinated. Just because the floor is black and grey doesn’t mean the mat must be black or grey. The same principle applies to shower curtains. A dark blue shower curtain doesn’t necessitate a matching floor mat.

The floor shown is vinyl, not tile. The basket weave pattern from Mannington floors is amazing. The bathroom floor installation costs less than $100 and was installed in under an hour!

Additional Tips to Enhance Your Bathroom

Many more things can improve a bland bathroom:

• Hang a huge gallery wall.
• Add dark paint or removable wallpaper.
• Add hanging plants (if you have adequate lighting).
• Install a metal shelf above the fiberglass tub/shower for additional storage. Mount it high enough to keep towels dry.
• Add a cute stool for sitting or a storage basket for accessible towels.
• Replace cabinet hardware with new pieces.
• Swap in a new mirror.

Go transform that boring bathroom into a stylish sanctuary!