Realistic Bathroom Updates You Can Do in a Weekend

You don’t have to gut your bathroom or blow your budget to make it feel a whole lot better. Sometimes all it takes is a couple of small, focused changes to give the space a cleaner, fresher, and more pulled-together look. And yes—you can knock these out in a weekend without hiring anyone.

These projects are practical. They won’t require special tools, fancy skills, or a ton of money. If you’ve got a few hours and the drive to get it done, here’s where to start.

Swap Out the Faucet

A new faucet can make an old sink look brand new. Most standard models only take about an hour to install, and you don’t need a plumber. Just make sure to shut off the water and have a wrench ready.

Look for a faucet that fits your existing holes—either single or widespread. Choose something simple and modern that won’t date the space later. It’s a small change, but it has a big visual impact every time you wash your hands.

Replace the Vanity Light

Old vanity lighting can make the whole bathroom feel dated. Swapping it for something cleaner and more current can instantly improve how the space feels—especially if your old fixture throws off yellow light or barely lights the mirror.

Most bathroom lights mount to a basic junction box, which makes installation pretty straightforward. Aim for something that gives off bright, neutral light and matches your hardware. You’ll be surprised how much better the space looks once the lighting isn’t working against you.

Re-Caulk the Tub or Shower

If your caulk is cracked, peeling, or just stained, replacing it can make your tub or shower look ten times cleaner. It’s not a glamorous job, but it’s one of the most budget-friendly ways to freshen up the space.

All you need is a tube of silicone caulk, a scraper, and a steady hand. Remove the old line completely, wipe it down, then apply a fresh bead. Let it cure overnight, and you’re good to go.

Paint the Vanity

If your vanity’s in good shape but looks worn out, a fresh coat of paint can stretch its life and change the whole look of the room. Go for a neutral color if you want it to stay timeless, or something deeper like navy or forest green for a bolder update.

Use a cleaner/deglosser, sand lightly, and prime before painting so it holds up in a humid space. Swapping out the hardware at the same time makes the update feel more complete. This is a solid weekend project with a lot of payoff.

Hang a New Mirror

That old frameless mirror glued to the wall? It’s not doing your bathroom any favors. Swapping it out for a framed mirror instantly adds character and pulls the whole space together—even if nothing else changes.

Measure first to make sure your new mirror fits between your lights and vanity. Most framed mirrors are easy to hang with anchors or wall screws. If you’re working with a builder-grade space, this one’s a no-brainer that doesn’t take more than an hour or two.

Add Open Shelving

If you’ve got a blank wall, open shelving is a smart way to bring in extra storage without crowding the room. You can pick up a set of floating shelves or build your own if you’ve got scrap wood lying around.

Keep them functional with things like extra towels, jars of cotton balls, or baskets for everyday items. They also give you a chance to add a little style without cluttering the countertop. Just make sure to use anchors so the shelves don’t pull out of the drywall.

Upgrade Cabinet Hardware

Swapping out your cabinet knobs or drawer pulls is one of the fastest updates you can do. It takes very little skill and makes your vanity or linen cabinet feel brand new—especially if the old hardware is scratched or worn.

Stick with a finish that matches your faucet or light fixture for a cleaner look. And double-check your hole spacing before you buy anything. This isn’t a huge change, but it pulls a bathroom refresh together in a way most people don’t think about.

Refresh the Walls

Painting a bathroom doesn’t take long since there’s usually not much wall space to cover. A fresh coat of paint or even just a new color can completely shift the mood of the room. If your walls are scuffed up or yellowing, this is an easy win.

Go with something light and clean if you want to brighten the space, or a deeper color if your lighting’s strong. Semi-gloss or satin finish holds up best in high-humidity areas. Block off an afternoon, crank up some music, and get to work.

Replace the Showerhead

Swapping out an old showerhead for something new can instantly make your bathroom feel more updated—and your showers a lot better. There are tons of water-saving or high-pressure options that install in under ten minutes with no tools beyond a wrench and some plumber’s tape.

Make sure to flush the old pipe before screwing on the new head, and check for leaks once it’s snug. This is a low-effort change that makes a noticeable difference every time you turn on the water.

Upgrade Your Towel Hooks or Bars

If you’re still using flimsy towel bars that came with the house, this one’s a quick win. Installing new towel hooks or more durable bars takes hardly any time and can help you keep the bathroom looking tidier day to day.

Go with finishes that match your faucet and hardware to keep things consistent. If you have kids or a smaller space, hooks might be a better option—they’re easier to use and keep towels off the floor.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.