13 Easy Bathroom Upgrades – This Old House

Take It Up a Notch

Here at TOH, we’re always amazed at what a difference a simple upgrade can make, especially when it comes to bathrooms. A freshly tiled floor or a shiny chrome faucet can suddenly make a blase bathroom feel brand new. Here are 13 weekend-worthy ideas sure to make a big impact.

Build a Vintage Dresser Vanity

Photo by Don Shreve/Corner House Stock Photo

Before indoor plumbing, there was the wash-basin, and the look is just as stylish now as it was then. Learn how to create your own vintage-inspired bathroom vanity (complete with modern-day plumbing of course) in How to Build a Vintage-look Dresser Vanity

Install a Pedestal Sink

Nothing says “elegance” like a porcelain pedestal sink, not to mention it’s space-saving attributes. Got the chops to take on the job yourself? Don’t forget to consult How to Install a Pedestal Sink for all the dos and don’ts.

Anchor a Towel Bar

Photo by Merle Henkenius

A towel may not seem that heavy, but you’d be surprised what a sopping wet one can do to a cavalierly installed towel bar. Goodbye towel bar—hello wall damage. How to Anchor a Towel Bar will help you ensure that your bar stays secure and your towels stay off the floor.

Install a Shower Door

Just because you need a shower doesn’t mean your bathroom does too. Unfortunately, keeping water where it belongs can be tricky, especially when you’re dealing with a flimsy shower curtain. How to Install a Shower Door will show you how to seal up your shower for good. Your bathroom floor will thank you.

Tile Around a Tub

Whether you want water resistance, stain-resistance or just a fresh pop of color, tiling around your tub is a great way to spruce up your bathroom. And it’s easier than you might think. See How to Tile Around a Tub for all the details.

Install a Medicine Cabinet

Tired of knocking your toothbrush, deodorant and Advil into the sink every time you wash your hands? It may be time to consider a storage upgrade, also known as a medicine cabinet. Check out How to Install a Medicine Cabinet for a step-by-step guide.

Make a Vintage Towel Rack

Photo by Matthew Benson

Traditional towel racks and standard wall shelving can be, well, boring. Ditch the shrink-wrapped plastic bar for a vintage-inspired bathroom wall fixture perfect for hanging and storing towels. TOH’s How to Make a Towel Rack with Vintage Taps is all you need to get started.

Install a Bathroom Vent Fan

Photo by Keller & Keller Photography

Steamy showers make for stuffy bathrooms and eventually moldy walls. How to Install a Bathroom Vent Fan will show you how to prevent moisture mayhem and enjoy a fog-free mirror to boot.

Replace a Bathroom Faucet

Photo by Kolin Smith

You deserve to wash your hands and brush your teeth without cringing at a crusty old leaker of a faucet from the ’80s. For a full spigot upgrade, all you need is a couple of hours, a shiny new fixture and How to Replace a Bathroom Faucet

Install a Soap Dish

Photo by Joseph Truini

The shower can be refreshing retreat, but a missing or misplaced soap dish can seriously dampen the experience. Avoid soggy bar soap by strategically and securely positioning your suds station in your shower. TOH shows you the right steps in How to Install a Soap Dish

Caulk Around a Tub

Photo by David Carmack

Brown, cracked, and mildewy. If this is an accurate description of your bathtub caulking, it may be time for a re-sealing. Be sure to consult How to Caulk Around a Tub for a step-by-step lesson.

Tile a Floor

Photo by David Carmack

A freshly-tiled floor can brighten your bathroom and your mood, and if you tackle the job yourself, it can brighten your bank account as well. Read How to Tile a Floor for more.

Install a Toilet

Photo by David Carmack

Has your bathroom throne become a royal eyesore? Spring for a new fast-flushing toilet for a functional upgrade that’s also easy on the eyes. Do it yourself with a little help from TOH: How to Install a Toilet