Living in a rental property often means putting up with a less-than-ideal bathroom. Outdated tiling and a lack of character can leave a room feeling boring and like it’s not truly yours. Many feel stuck and believe that decorating the space requires permanent and costly changes that a landlord would never agree to.
However, this is not the case. You don’t have to tolerate a space that drains your energy. There are lots of temporary fixes and smart design choices that you can easily do in order to transform the room, ultimately making your daily routine feel less like a chore and more like a moment of relaxation.
Choose Peel-and-Stick & Temporary Surface Upgrades
If you are wanting to refresh your walls, floors, or even the countertop, without committing to anything permanent, explore different adhesive coverings. Over the last couple of years, peel-and-stick tiles have vastly improved in both quality and appearance. They can easily give you the texture and look of real ceramic or stone without the mess and labour of grouting.
For dated vanity tops, a quality adhesive vinyl sheet, often designed to mimic materials like marble or wood, can completely change the aesthetic. These temporary surfaces have a significant visual impact and can cover up any hideous pattern or colour, making the room immediately feel brighter and cleaner. When you eventually decide to move out, you can easily peel them off without damaging the original surface.
Accessories, Textile & Lighting
Introducing new fluffy towels in a rich, cohesive colour palette, alongside a thick, luxurious bathmat, can instantly change the feel of a room. Replacing tired plastic curtains with elegant fabrics featuring bold patterns can also be a simple way to shift the vibe. For a spa-like feel, swap out basic overhead lightbulbs for a warmer-toned LED bulb, which will not only reduce energy usage, but also improve the room’s atmosphere.
Consider adding a large, stylish bathroom mirror as a statement piece. Position it strategically opposite a light source, which reflects natural light back into the room and gives the illusion that the space is much larger and more open than it actually is.
Smart Storage & Freestanding Furniture
When built-in shelving and cabinets are off the table, you must cleverly maximise the vertical space you already have. Instead of having cluttered countertops, invest in a slim, freestanding shelf unit that can sit in an unused corner. These units provide necessary storage for everything from spare toilet rolls to cleaning supplies. Keeping things neatly organised immediately gives a room a tidy and clean appearance.
You can also utilise the inside of the vanity door or the back of your bathroom by adding over-the-door caddies or clear organisers to hold smaller items like makeup or spare hand towels, which keeps them accessible but completely out of sight.
Refresh with Plants & Greenery
Introducing living elements is a highly effective way to inject natural colour and vitality into your bathroom. Plants like Pothos or Peace Lilies are low-maintenance and thrive in moist environments, making them perfect bathroom plants. Placing a trailing plant on top of a cabinet or in a decorative hanging basket diverts the eye upwards, adding a layer of sophisticated texture and dimension to an otherwise plain room.
