Bathrooms are one of those small spaces that can easily be overlooked, but can pack such a punch and give your home personality. Even if a full renovation isn’t in the cards or you’re living in a rental, you can still give your bathroom a fresh, cheerful update with a few simple swaps.
These small changes make a surprisingly big impact—no dust, contractors, or demolition required. Here are some easy, affordable ideas to breathe new life into any bathroom.
10 Small Bathroom Update Ideas that Pack a Punch without the Demo
Fun, Colorful Towels
Never underestimate the power of towels! If your bathroom feels flat or lifeless, upgrading to plush, colorful towels can completely change the mood. Try mixing patterns and solids within the same color palette, or go bold with unexpected combinations that make you smile every time you walk in. Since towels are something you use daily or almost daily, so it’s worth choosing ones that look beautiful and feel luxurious.
Floral Towels
Need color and pattern? These fun and feminine floral towels will do just the trick!
Scallop Edge Bath Towels
These are a bit more understated, but add interest to your space with their fun scalloped edges.
Tiger Print Bath Towels
A little wild and a little fun! We adore these bold towels in this gorgeous yellow with black and white tigers. Such a fun and whimsical combination.
Dotted Bath Towels
A more neutral pattern, but these come in a bunch of colors and add interest and texture to your bathroom instantly.
This is such an easy hack, especially if your bathroom doesn’t have much color, or you live in a rental and can’t make many changes. A little pop of color and pattern can make your space feel joyful, fun and give it some personality.
Candles in Pretty Jars
Candles aren’t just for scent—they’re little pieces of decor. Look for candles in ceramic jars, frosted glass, or unique vessels that double as styling accents even when they’re unlit. Cluster a couple next to the sink or set one on the back of the toilet to instantly make the room feel more intentional and spa-like.
Light them when you’re taking a bath or when you have guests over to create a tranquil calm feeling.
Voluspa Candle
Not only do we love the scent of these candles, but the jars are like mini works of art. When the candle is gone, save the jar for pretty storage containers.
Try a Diffuser Instead of Candles
If you’re not a candle person—or want something you don’t have to remember to light—a reed diffuser is your best friend. Honestly, I think I like these better than candles because there’s no danger of forgetting to blow out a candle. It keeps the bathroom smelling clean and fresh without overpowering the space, plus unlike a candle, a diffuser puts off scent constantly. There’s no need to light it when guests come over, it’s already working for you.
Capri Blue Diffuser
This scent is a favorite of mine, and would be a perfect scent for a small space.
Lavender Reed Diffuser
Lavender is such a perfect clean, fresh scent that’s not overpowering, making it ideal for bathrooms.
Add Interesting Art
Bathrooms are one of the most overlooked places to hang art, which makes it the perfect spot for something unexpected. A playful print, abstract piece, or framed vintage photo adds personality and makes the room feel more lived-in. Plus, artwork naturally draws the eye up, helping small bathrooms feel more expansive.
Striped Fish Art
This fun and whimsical print would be perfect for adding playfulness, color and pattern to a small space. Something unexpected and funky is great for a bathroom.
Small Art Prints
Don’t have a lot of space? No problem. Small prints in decorative frames can easily add just enough interest to a small space.
For bathrooms with showers or bathrooms and high-humidity, avoid original pieces that can be damaged from the heat and humidity. Stick with prints or use art in powder rooms or areas that won’t get steamed up.
Peel & Stick Wallpaper
Peel-and-stick wallpaper is a DIY-ers dream—it packs a visual punch without the long-term commitment. While it’s not ideal for full baths with heavy moisture, it’s a fantastic way to add wow-factor to a powder bath. Small spaces especially shine with bold wallpaper because you don’t need many rolls, making it both budget-friendly and impactful. Think playful patterns, florals, or geometric prints to bring energy to the room.
Kent Street Wallpaper from Chasing Paper
A classic, timeless pattern that feels whimsical and homey and comes in several different color combinations.
Petit Garden Wallpaper from Love vs. Design
We adore this small scale floral print that adds texture and pattern to a small space while still feeling calming and neutral. Customize the exact colors to your liking with their unique color-picking platform.
Peel and Stick Grasscloth Wallpaper
We love the look of grasscloth, but know it can be an investment. This peel and stick version is actually textured to look like the real thing and comes in several different colors.
Swap Out Bottles & Jars for Pretty Ones
So many bathrooms feel cluttered simply because of mismatched product packaging. Try decanting hand soap, lotion, or even shampoo into pretty refillable bottles. Amber glass, ceramic dispensers, or clear pump bottles instantly make your countertops look more cohesive and polished—with zero extra effort.
Colored Glass Canisters
One of the easiest ways to add some color are with glass canisters to hold items like q-tips and cotton balls.
Etched Glass Soap Dispenser
Swapping your soap dispenser for something pretty makes your small space feel instantly elevated.
Updated Shower Curtain
A shower curtain is practically a statement wall. Upgrading yours to something textured, patterned, or colorful instantly changes the look of your bathroom. If you’re more minimal, opt for linen or a crisp white waffle weave. If you love color, go bold with a pattern that ties together your towels and bath mat.
Striped Shower Curtain
When in doubt, stripes are always a great way to add pattern and interest to a space without feeling overwhelmed by texture.
Floral & Scallop Shower Curtain
Floral, cottage vibes and scallops make for a sweet curtain that will make your bathroom feel like a cozy escape.
Upgrade your Bath Mat
A plush or patterned bath mat is another underrated decor moment. Also, a nicer version feels better on your toes—just a small luxurious moment in your busy day. Swap out old, worn mats for something soft underfoot that also adds visual interest. Think of it as a mini area rug for your bathroom—one that introduces color, texture, or a fun print.
Colorblock Bath Mat
How fun is this colorful bath mat. Even in the simplest of bathrooms, this is such an easy way to add some personality and color. Personally, we love this one for a kids’ bathroom.
Handcrafted Bath Mat
A statement maker for your bathroom. This one comes in different colors and stands out for its unique shape and bold design.
Simple Scallop Bath Mat
Simple, understated, but adds just a dash of fun color and pattern to make your small space feel more special.
Paint the Walls or Cabinets
If you’re open to a slightly bigger project (still no demo!), a fresh coat of paint works wonders. Try painting the vanity a bold color like navy, olive, or even a muted blush. For walls, lighter tones can help small bathrooms feel airier, while moody colors create a cozy, boutique-hotel vibe. Paint is low cost and high reward and doesn’t take too much time to make a world of difference!
Swap the Toilet Seat
Before you start thinking I’m obsessed with toilet seats (this isn’t the first time I’ve talked about them, ha!) It sounds small, but replacing an old, worn toilet seat with a brand-new one instantly makes the bathroom feel cleaner and more updated. Choose a soft-close option for a subtle upgrade that feels surprisingly luxe.
Oak Toilet Seat Cover
We love the look of grasscloth, but know it can be an investment. This peel and stick version is actually textured to look like the real thing and comes in several different colors.
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