DIY Bathroom Makeovers: Step-by-Step Tutorials (2024)

The bathroom is an important, but often overlooked, space. Design-wise, its décor and style might seem pretty cut and dry – you’ve got your shower, your tub, your sink, your toilet, and/or your bidet. It might seem that there’s only so much you can change when designing around those things. The truth is, you can change your small bathroom’s entire vibe yourself – embark on an exciting DIY venture – if you want to.

This article showcases a before and after version of a small bathroom makeover that was done without professional help, and it points you to the full tutorials that will help you accomplish the same result. Just put your own personal spin on things, and you’ll end up with a beautiful bathroom space that you’ll love for years to come.

Learn how to remove the outdated venetian plaster from your walls and turn textured walls into a smooth finish. You can simply paint your new flat walls a color you love, or you can take the wall design a step further and install board and batten. When painted the same color as your walls, and especially when installed from baseboard to ceiling moulding, adding board and batten into a small bathroom space draws the eye upward and emphasizes vertical lines with subtle visual interest.

Another way to make a small bathroom feel much more spacious is to increase the size of the vanity mirror. A mirror that extends from the vanity countertop all the way up to the ceiling, for example, adds drama and gorgeous opportunity for bouncing light around the space. You can learn how to not only install such a mirror like a professional by yourself, but also mount a favorite light fixture on the surface of the mirror itself to minimize line breaks and foster seamlessness.

An extremely simple DIY that anyone can do involves customizing and updating a builder-grade vanity. Flat-fronted cabinetry works in almost any style of bathroom, and it brings in a more modern touch. The process is easy, and the impact is definitely high if you’re after increased simplicity in your bathroom space.

Learn how to create a faux marble countertop effect using concrete for high style and sophistication. Originally, the countertop was of solid surface; you might be looking at laminate or something old and damaged. The new concrete vanity countertop, after being sealed, works beautifully in a bathroom space and adds a touch of lightness and brightness due to its use of white AND grey concrete underlayment.

While you’re at it, you might consider installing a new bathroom sink faucet, to replace your old one. This faucet was chosen because of its beautiful blend of vintage appeal and modern simplicity. This is a process that can be intimidating, but it’s actually quite straightforward and easy.

What bathroom doesn’t benefit from increased storage options? (Answer: None.) Learn how to maximize storage in a small bathroom by building your own side vanity storage unit. You can customize it to fit the components you want; this tutorial includes space for a toilet plunger, out of the main line of sight but easily accessible when needed. Plus, make your own simple, chic toilet paper holder out of thick brass wire and suspend it in your storage unit.

While we’re thinking about storage solutions, consider the often overlooked space above the door for making and installing a very easy storage shelf. It’s still a beautiful piece (particularly important when the shelf is visible at all times in the mirror’s reflection), but it’s out of the main line of sight, making it an ideal storage space for spare towels or other toiletries.

Although spring-loaded shower curtain rods are not uncommon, they are certainly not the only answer for hanging a shower curtain and liner. Consider upping the sophistication ante a bit by installing a ceiling-mounted shower curtain track. But don’t stop there. Make the space truly your own by customizing the shower curtain itself in this super-simple DIY method.

It would hardly be a bathroom makeover if the shower/tub surround wasn’t addressed fully. You can learn how to remove tile in a tub surround, how to prepare the tub surround for tiling, and how to install tile for maximum water protection. You’ll learn how to grout, seal, and caulk the shower as well.Add both beauty and function to the shower with the installation of a corner shower shelf out of marble tile. You’ll also find basic instructions on how to use a tile wet saw to make your tiling experience easier.

While you’re at it, you may as well raise the shower head and install new tub fixtures for a more comfortable bathing experience.

Don’t forget the finishing touches! Be sure to incorporate a couple of pretty things to look at in your pretty new bathroom space. Some art on the walls, a few additional mirrors, fluffy coordinating towels, that kind of thing. Accessories really make a big difference.

Note: The author is an experienced, although not professional, DIYer. Neither the author nor Homedit is responsible for any injury or damage that may be a result of following the tutorials linked here.