10 Tricks to Make Over Your Rental Bathroom

Bathrooms in rentals are typically mundane — at best. Here are 10 tricks to make the most of your space, even if it’s only yours as long as the lease lasts.

Bring in nature

A plethora of flowers, whether real or faux, bring a sense of luxury to a rental bathroom that may be less than luxurious. Flowers also bring color, texture and scent to the bathroom, all ideal for making a small space more inviting.

Use accessories to banish blah

A brightly colored curtain brings a bold statement to an otherwise blah bathroom. Bathrooms in a rental tend to be a basic “canvas,” so be a bit extravagant with your accessories. The pop of blue and tassel detail don’t overwhelm the space pictured, but still bring character and personality.

Think like a hotel

“A place for everything and everything in its place” is a motto well-suited to renters who are likely to be low on space. The over-the-toilet shelves in the bathroom above keep the overall look neat and organized. Another cue you can pick up from hotels is to neatly display grooming products and accessories.

Store wisely

Baskets and hooks are a rental bathroom’s greatest allies. With storage in short supply, a basket placed at the edge of the shower can hold extra towels or products while also adding a decorative element. Hooks make better use of wall space than towel bars, and removable adhesive hooks come in a wide variety of styles and colors these days. Add clever shower storage: suction cups on the shower walls keep necessary bath products organized and at hand.

Use decorative containers

Place oft-used products, like cotton balls and swabs, in decorative containers on your counter so they don’t take up precious space in cabinets. Bring a sense of calm and order by using glass jars, trays and baskets for small items; tuck away a tower of toilet paper behind the toilet. Nothing makes a bathroom look like a rental faster than a bunch of half-used bottles scattered here and there.

Let mirrors do the work

The expanse of mirrors pictured here visually doubles the bathroom size instantly. But even small mirrors make a big difference in reflecting light and space. Try not to cover up existing mirrors, and add more if possible. Use over-the-door hooks to hang full-size mirrors; decorative mirrors can fill in gaps on walls; for added storage space, look for mirrors that open and double as jewelry organizers.

Use freestanding storage

Many people don’t think about using furniture in the bathroom, but if there’s space, moveable items are an easy way to add additional storage. A standard over-the-toilet shelving unit is easy to install and leaves no trace when you move. Slender bookshelves, dressers or nightstands may also fit into small spaces in the bathroom.

Work with what you have

The color palette in your rental bathroom might not be your favorite, but it’s probably not easy or possible to change. In these cases it’s best to work with instead of against what you have. A neutral color palette may be punctuated with contrasting colors. If your bathroom already has a lot of color, go for neutral accents, which are likely to work in your next bathroom — no matter the color scheme.

Play it up

Similarly, if your bathroom has a quirk, play it up instead of trying to hide it. That’s the fun of rentals — you never know what you’re going to get, and you won’t find the same thing in the next one. This eclectic bathroom does well with some color-coordinated accessories that play up the tropical, outdoorsy feel of the green walls and shower tiles.

Add in the little extras

There are a few little extras that can instantly make your bathroom feel like home. Ditch the tension rod in the shower for a new one that arcs out and nearly doubles the space of your shower without taking up extra room. Upgrade the cheap plastic curtain liner with a washable cotton one. A plug-in towel warmer is ideal for cold climates and nestles against a wall. Add a few over-the-door accessories (on cabinets doors, too) for additional storage.

Top image from Zillow listing.