Seven Temporary, Renter-Friendly Bathroom Improvements
One of the biggest downsides to renting is the lack of control over the decor, and that includes even the most intimate area of your home: the bathroom. That’s probably okay if your landlord has updated it at least once in his or her life. Otherwise, you may feel stuck without the ability (or budget) to make the space a little cozier. But you do have options.
Bathrooms can be updated easily and affordably without breaking the bank . A few inexpensive purchases and a few hours of your time are all it takes to transform a drab, renter-friendly bathroom into a more luxurious space where you can clean in style. Here are seven inexpensive, renter-friendly, and completely reversible bathroom updates you can do yourself, without having to have any special skills.
Replace shower head
One of the easiest and safest bathroom changes is to replace your shower head . All you need is an adjustable wrench and some Teflon tape , which you can find at any hardware store. Remove the shower head and wrench (before doing this, tape the union nut with duct tape or cover it with a cloth to avoid scratching the old shower head), clean the threads, apply new Teflon tape, and install the new one. Check for leaks, and you’ll be good to go. You can even replace the shower head with a trendy extension shower head without much effort for a full spa experience.
Replace your curtain with self-adhesive shower doors.
If you’ve noticed that your sticky shower curtain, which clings to your body and becomes a breeding ground for mold, is making your bathroom experience less than ideal, rejoice: if you have a flat-sided tub, you can ditch it and replace it with a tub door. This self-adhesive shower door adds style, eliminates the awkwardness of a curtain, and not only installs in minutes, but is also easy to remove when you decide to move.
Add wall tiles with self-adhesive backing
A classic solution for a temporary update to any room, self-adhesive tiles can transform your bathroom walls from an unsightly building material into something fresh and modern without damaging the walls or costing a lot of money. Although installing these tiles correctly takes time and attention, they are not too difficult and the results can be impressive.
Please note: If you want to use self-adhesive tiles in the shower, you should choose waterproof tiles, not just waterproof tiles. Otherwise, the tiles may not last long on the wall and cause mold.
Update mirror
One of the easiest ways to decorate a simple bathroom is to replace a store-bought mirror with a fancier one that better reflects your style and the overall feel of the bathroom you plan to decorate. If the mirror is simply hanging on the wall, all you need to do is choose a replacement, carefully remove the old one, and hang the new one.
If the mirror is glued to the wall, this is unfortunately not a very profitable option for a renter. In this case, you can liven up the mirror by adding a striking, attractive frame. If you are handy, you can cut out some decorative elements to create a frame around the mirror, or buy removable self-adhesive borders to frame it. A little precision and attention – and you will get an impressive result that will immediately make the mirror look like a custom installation, and not the cheapest option bought by weight.
Replace equipment
Another universal trick for transforming a bathroom is to replace all removable hardware. Cabinet handles, wall panels, and even the faucet can be removed, replaced, and then replaced again when it’s time to move out. This can be especially effective if the existing hardware hasn’t been updated (or properly cleaned) in years.
Add adhesive hooks and strips.
If your bathroom doesn’t have enough space for towels or other items, you might not want to get out a screwdriver to install extra ones, lest you accidentally damage something. However, installing some of Command’s self-adhesive hooks is easy and won’t put your deposit at risk. They can be placed anywhere (even in the shower !), giving you all the hanging options you need. If your bathroom doesn’t have a towel bar (or it’s in an awkward location), you can add an adjustable bar in minutes.
Install temporary flooring
A tired bathroom floor will leave you disappointed every time you step out of the shower. There are a few simple and inexpensive ways to get it looking its best without using a hammer drill and a trowel:
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Large vinyl rugs can be cut to fit the room. These rugs mimic tile, are water-resistant, and are easy to remove when it’s time to move on.
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Patio tiles can be a great choice for a bathroom, covering up poor flooring and giving you a waterproof, stylish solution that is comfortable underfoot and easy to install and remove.
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You can also use self-adhesive tiles if you are looking for tiles that are meant for bathroom use and make sure they are removable.