7 Ways to Update an Older Bathroom

A Dream Custom Carpentry Blog

An older bathroom can start to feel worn, crowded, or hard to use. Old cabinets may not have enough storage, the lighting may be poor, and the layout may no longer work well for your home. The good news is that a bathroom remodel can fix many of these problems.


You do not always need to change everything to make a big difference. The right updates can give your bathroom a fresh look while also making it easier to use. These updates will also often add value to your home. Here are seven ways to update an older bathroom.

1. Replace an Old Bathroom Vanity

Add More Useful Storage

An old vanity may have large open spaces that do not make good use of the room. A new vanity can give you drawers, cabinets, and other storage that helps keep the bathroom neat.


Think about what you use every day. Towels, hair tools, cleaning supplies, and personal items all need a place. Good storage can keep these things close without leaving them out on the counter.




Choose a Vanity That Fits the Room

A vanity should fit both the size and style of the bathroom. A large bathroom may have room for a double vanity. A smaller bathroom may work better with a single vanity that leaves more open floor space.


The cabinet style, countertop, sink, and hardware can also change the look of the entire bathroom. Replacing an old vanity is one update that can improve both the look and use of the space.

2. Update the Shower or Tub

Make the Shower Easier to Use

Older showers can feel small or closed in. Updating the shower can make the bathroom feel more open and comfortable. Depending on the space, a remodel may include a larger shower, new tile, new fixtures, or a glass shower door.


It is also a good time to think about useful features. Built-in shelves or a shower niche can give shampoo, soap, and other items a place to go.



Decide Whether You Still Need a Tub

Some homeowners use their bathtub often, while others rarely use it. A bathroom remodel gives you a chance to decide whether the current tub still makes sense.

You may want to keep the tub and update the area around it. In other cases, changing the tub area may give you room for a different bathroom layout.

3. Add Better Bathroom Storage

Use Empty Wall Space

Not all bathroom storage has to come from the vanity. Wall cabinets and built-in storage can make use of areas that may otherwise sit empty.

This can be especially helpful in a smaller bathroom. Using wall space for storage can give you more room without taking up much floor space.



Give Everything a Place

A bathroom can quickly become cluttered when there is not enough storage. Think about where you want to keep towels, toilet paper, cleaning products, and everyday items.


Planning storage as part of the remodel can help you create a bathroom that is easier to keep clean and organized.

4. Improve the Bathroom Lighting

Add Light Where You Need It

Many older bathrooms do not have enough light. One ceiling light may leave the vanity, shower, or other areas too dark.

Adding lighting around the vanity can make everyday tasks easier. Other lights can brighten the shower or the rest of the room.



Use Lighting to Freshen the Room

New light fixtures can also help change the style of an older bathroom. A fixture that fits the new vanity, hardware, and other finishes can help bring the whole design together.


Good lighting does more than help you see. It can make the bathroom feel brighter, cleaner, and more inviting.

5. Replace Old Flooring

Choose Flooring Made for Bathrooms

Bathroom floors deal with water and moisture every day. When replacing an older floor, it is important to choose a material that works well in this type of space.



There are many flooring choices that can give a bathroom a fresh look. The right choice will depend on the style of the room, the budget, and how you use the bathroom.



Give the Bathroom a New Look

Old flooring can make the entire bathroom look dated. Changing it can have a big effect even if the basic layout stays the same.

The flooring can also help connect the other parts of the design. It can work with the vanity, shower, walls, and fixtures to create a more finished look.

6. Update the Fixtures and Hardware

Replace Dated Fixtures

Small details can make an older bathroom look its age. Faucets, cabinet handles, towel bars, shower fixtures, and other hardware may have styles or finishes that no longer fit the room.



Replacing these items can be a simple way to give the bathroom a cleaner and more current look.



Keep the Design Consistent

Try to choose fixtures and hardware that work well together. They do not have to look exactly the same, but they should feel like they belong in the same room.


These smaller choices can help tie together bigger updates such as a new vanity, shower, or flooring.

7. Improve the Bathroom Layout

Fix Parts of the Room That Do Not Work

Some older bathrooms were designed for a different time. A door may open into an awkward spot, the vanity may take up too much room, or there may be empty space that could be put to better use.


A larger bathroom remodel gives you the chance to look at the whole room instead of simply replacing old items in the same places.



Plan Around How You Use the Bathroom

Think about what bothers you about the current bathroom. Maybe two people need to get ready at the same time. Maybe you need more storage. You may want a larger shower or more room around the vanity.


Starting with these problems can help you plan changes that make the bathroom work better for your daily life.

Conclusion

Updating an older bathroom can make it look better and make it easier to use. A new vanity, better storage, updated lighting, new flooring, and other changes can give an old space a fresh start.



Dream Custom Carpentry LLC provides bathroom remodeling and cabinetry services in Brighton, Denver, and communities throughout the Colorado Front Range. Whether you want to update a few parts of your bathroom or plan a larger remodel, call 303-943-9208 for a free estimate.

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