I recently shared we’ll be tackling the biggest renovation in our home later this year (if all goes as planned)– which is our primary bath. Walls will be moved, everything will be replaced, and we’re reworking the entire floor plan. Regardless of the scale of your bathroom or the scope of your remodel, bath updates require planning. Click through for 20 bathroom remodeling tips, or lessons I learned after renovating 10+ bathrooms. These are all things you’ll want to know before you begin your renovation! Take it from an interior designer… Key Takeaways:
- Choose slip-resistant flooring like smaller or textured tiles to enhance safety in wet areas.
- Incorporate layered lighting including overhead, vanity, and accent lights with dimmers for mood flexibility.
- Consider recessed exhaust fans that serve as both ventilation and light to keep ceilings clean and manage humidity.
- Prefabricated vanities offer affordable and varied options that can save time during installation.
- Plan for ample storage through built-in cabinets, shelves, or vanity drawers to keep bathroom necessarys organized.
- Evaluate your bathtub needs and consider refinishing existing tubs or opting for showers to optimize space and maintenance.
- Use moisture-resistant paints, dark grout, and tile or stone baseboards to enhance durability and reduce maintenance in humid environments.
If your bathroom requires more than a simple refresh- or replacing your classic white bath towels… these are all tips you’ll want to pin or bookmark. Hopefully they’ll help you hone your design plan, challenge conventional bathroom remodeling ideas, and make for a space that is functional as it is beautiful.
Opt for Slip-Resistant Flooring
Flooring choice directly impacts daily safety in your bathroom, which is why slip resistance should be a top priority. Smaller tiles with a higher number of grout lines create additional traction points underfoot. For example, a 2×2 inch tile grid offers more grip compared to large-format tiles, which can become dangerously slick when wet. Textured surfaces, such as matte finishes or natural stone with a honed texture, also provide enhanced footing without sacrificing style.
Materials like porcelain or ceramic tiles with a slip-resistance rating (often measured as COF—Coefficient of Friction) above 0.6 are recommended for wet areas. Avoid polished or glazed tiles as they tend to become slippery. Considering these factors can prevent falls and help your bathroom meet local building codes that may require slip-resistant flooring, especially for accessibility.
Incorporate Multiple Lighting Sources
Combining multiple types of lighting in your bathroom adds both depth and adaptability to the space. Overhead fixtures provide the general illumination needed for everyday tasks like cleaning or getting dressed, while vanity lights offer targeted brightness crucial for grooming activities. Accent lighting, such as LED strips beneath cabinets or sconces flanking mirrors, introduces subtle highlights that enhance architectural details and textures, elevating the ambiance.
Smaller footprint fixtures combined with dimmable options allow you to switch effortlessly between bright, task-oriented light and a soft, relaxing glow. For example, adjustable recessed lights paired with a backlit mirror give you the control to brighten up the shower area during morning routines or soften the scene during a late-night soak. This layering creates a dynamic environment, allowing you to tailor illumination to every moment.
Install a Discreet Exhaust Fan
High humidity levels in bathrooms pose serious challenges to both comfort and structural integrity. Excess moisture can accelerate the growth of mold and mildew, deteriorate paint finishes, warp cabinetry, and degrade grout and caulking. Installing an appropriately sized exhaust fan that effectively exchanges air helps maintain relative humidity below 50%, which is optimal for preventing these issues. For a standard 5-by-8-foot bathroom, a fan rated for at least 80 cubic feet per minute (CFM) is recommended, with larger spaces requiring correspondingly higher airflow capabilities.
Consider Pre-Made Vanities
Pre-made vanities are no longer limited to basic or generic designs. Manufacturers today curate extensive collections featuring diverse styles—from contemporary sleek gloss finishes and minimalist wall-mounted options to classic shaker doors and rustic wood veneers. This variety allows you to select a vanity that complements the personality of your bathroom, whether it’s a compact powder room or a spacious master suite. Many units come in multiple sizes, letting you pick a dimension that fits awkward corners or tight layouts perfectly.
Customization features like interchangeable hardware, adjustable shelving, and countertop material options further tailor these pre-made vanities to your aesthetic and functional needs. Some offer integrated sink options such as undermount or vessel sinks, giving you more design control without the custom price tag. Because of their modular nature, you can combine different finishes and cabinet styles to create a personalized look while benefiting from standardized manufacturing quality.
Add a Towel Warmer for Luxury
A towel warmer transforms a simple bathroom routine into a comforting experience by delivering warm, cozy towels whenever you need them. Especially on chilly mornings or after a steamy shower, slipping into a heated towel adds a spa-worthy layer of indulgence. Beyond comfort, it promotes faster drying of towels, reducing moisture buildup and inhibiting mildew growth—an imperative feature in humid bathroom environments.
Installation options range from wall-mounted racks to freestanding units, offering flexibility to fit various layouts and budgets. Electric towel warmers typically operate on timers or sensors, allowing you to program them for efficient energy use. While the upfront cost may seem higher than standard towel racks, many homeowners find the enhanced practicality and daily sense of luxury well worth the investment.
Plan for Adequate Storage
Ensure you have enough storage for toiletries, towels, and other essentials. Consider built-in cabinets, shelves, or vanity drawers to keep the space organized.
Evaluate the Need for a Bathtub
If you rarely take baths, you might opt for a spacious shower instead. This can free up space and reduce maintenance.
Integrate Shower Storage Solutions
Built-in niches or shelves in the shower can keep your bathing products organized and within reach.
Choose the Right Shower Curtain Length
Ensure your shower curtain is long enough to prevent water from escaping but not so long that it drags on the floor.
Select a Wool Rug for Durability
Wool rugs are naturally resistant to moisture and can add warmth and comfort to your bathroom floor.
Use Tile or Stone for Baseboards
These materials are more resistant to water damage compared to wood, making them ideal for bathroom baseboards.
Strategically Place Electrical Outlets
Plan the placement of outlets to accommodate hairdryers, electric razors, and other devices, ensuring convenience and safety.
Purchase Extra Tile for Future Repairs
Buy more tile than you need to account for cuts, mistakes, and future repairs. Having extras ensures consistency if replacements are needed.
Assess the Condition of Your Bathtub
If your existing bathtub is in good shape, consider refinishing it instead of replacing it to save costs.
Choose Moisture-Resistant Paint
Use paints specifically designed for high-humidity areas to prevent peeling and mold growth.
Consider Bathroom Acoustics
Incorporate materials that absorb sound to reduce echo and create a more serene environment.
Opt for Dark-Colored Grout
Darker grout can be more forgiving with stains and requires less maintenance than lighter shades.
Invest in Heated Flooring
Radiant floor heating adds comfort, especially during colder months, and can be an energy-efficient heating solution.
Embrace Classic Subway Tiles
Subway tiles offer a timeless look that complements various design styles and are easy to clean.
Install Hooks for Added Convenience
Adding hooks for towels and robes can enhance functionality and keep items off the floor.
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