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Makeover Your Bathroom in 8 Easy Steps

Completely remodeling your bathroom not an option? Follow these simple steps to get the bathroom you never thought possible. Whether you're a renter whose lease prohibits major changes, a new homeowner who has too many tasks on the to-do list to tackle a full bathroom overhaul right now, or you just don't have the budget to remodel, you can give your bathroom an entirely new look without breaking open a paint can - or breaking the bank. You'll be pleasantly surprised at how much you can transform with just a few adjustments.

A full bathroom with a tub shower, white vanity, white toilet, and gray walls. A white robe hangs on a hook by the shower.

1. Decor

Think about what you'd like your finished bathroom to look like, and then choose personal care accessories, like wastebaskets, toothbrush holders, and countertop organizers, that fit your theme. A beach-themed bathroom might warrant a pretty blue waste can, while an industrial-themed bathroom could benefit from metallic soap dishes and shower caddies.

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The top half of a bathroom vanity with dark gray drawers and knobs and a marbled countertops. A toothbrush holder rests on top.

2. Faucets

Upgrade your sink faucet to make your vanity look newer and more attractive, and get a better hand-washing experience to boot. Stay on-trend by choosing a champagne bronze faucet, or go modern-style with a matte black handle & faucet set. Looking for a way to more easily use the sink with one hand? Try switching from a two-handle faucet to a one-handle.

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A light gray bathroom vanity with black knobs and pulls and a white countertop.

3. Knobs & Pulls

New knobs and handles may be small, but they can really bring a room together, making it look more polished and composed. Go with minimalist handles, sleek knobs, or an antique-inspired mixture.

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A white shower curtain with gold shapes hanging on a silver shower curtain rod.

4. Shower Curtains

Your shower curtain is the biggest, most noticeable fixture in your bathroom, so you want it to look great. Bright solids or tasteful neutrals, bold patterns or understated elegance - your shower curtain is like a tapestry that's yours to choose.

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Two gold vanity lights mounted on a blue painted wall on either side of a mirror above a white vanity.

5. Lighting

New lighting can change the way you see everything. Switching from an open-bulb vanity to one with frosted or etched glass shades can give the room a softer glow. Overhead lighting lets you see yourself better when you're styling your hair, shaving, or putting on makeup. Sconce lighting adds a hint of drama and elegance. If you don't want to, or aren't allowed to, change the whole lighting fixture, you can change the intensity, tone, or color of the lighting with our vanity light bulbs and special purpose light bulbs.

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A white toilet and a brown vanity with a gray hand towel hanging in between.

6. Toilets

A toilet isn't just a functional object - it can be something more. More stately, more sculptural, more attractive. Be more environmentally friendly with a dual-flush toilet or be more accessible with a comfort-height model. Avoid embarrassing plumbing emergencies with a clog-free toilet. Replacing a toilet is definitely a major project, so if you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself, Hartville Hardware will install your new toilet for you.

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A stainless steel showerhead with water droplets coming down against a black background.

7. Showerheads & Bathtub Faucets

Have a massage with your morning shower. Make puppy baths a little less chaotic with a shower hose. Showerheads are the perfect renter's renovation too: swapping out a showerhead requires minimal tools, takes only a few minutes, and can be undone easily when you move out. So go ahead and swap that cheap, standard-issue showerhead with a rainfall-style or massaging showerhead instead.

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A blue hand towel on a silver towel ring in a white bathroom with a white sink and mirror in the background.

8. Accessories

Make a statement that's both esthetic and functional by adding to or changing your towel bars, toilet paper holders, and robe hooks. If you're buying a new faucet, ask one of our experts if we have matching bathroom hardware - we very often do. Adding a bathroom accessory like a towel bar is a great first-time home-improvement project for new homeowners who are looking to get their feet wet, but aren't sure where to start because you don't need much more than a power drill and a few screws to do it.

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