xc percentage of the time, I'm the kind of gal who would take character and charm over shiny and new any 24-hour interval of the calendar week. But that x percentage? It'south a doozy—peculiarly if you're a renter.

See, when information technology comes to budget-friendly rentals, there's the kind of character that most of us open with welcome arms: Arched doorways! Wood floors! A fireplace! Decorative moulding!

And and so there's the kind of "character" that tin can exist establish in the vast bulk of rental bathrooms — testify of all 567 people who showered and bathed there earlier you.

Y'all know what I'thou referring to: the muddy tile and (even dingier) grout, coupled with floors that never look clean no matter how hard you scrub. Not to mention other common eyesores, like outdated light fixtures and little to no storage.

Fear non, swain renters! I've scoured the net for seven of the best ways to spruce up a rental bathroom, because we all deserve to apply our face masks in peace.

1. Swap in a new mirror and hardware

In a vintage-mode bath, updated hardware makes retro tile feel electric current and intentional, as opposed to dusty and neglected. This is one of those sought-after rental hacks that is totally reversible, and so you tin even take your new pieces to your next spot when you move. If you've got a little extra room in your upkeep, swap in a new shower head while yous're at it. It'south a modest change that will never neglect to experience ultra-luxurious in a rental.

2. Embrace old wall tile with peel and stick

Excuse me while I pick my jaw upwards off the floor. I'm still shook that this bathroom tile from Sara Toufali is false! The addition of peel and stick tiles will practise wonders for calculation (the skillful kind of) character back into your space, while leaving that dingy onetime backsplash far behind.

3. Add a durable rug to embrace dated floors

It'south time to branch out from the specifically allocated "bath rugs" found at Target. Instead, opt for a small indoor/outdoor or low-pile rug with either blueprint, texture, or color, which volition instantly experience more "high-end" without the scary cost tag. Bonus: It'll hibernate that less-than-desirable flooring in the process.

iv. Create a diversion with a gallery wall

If yous tin't totally rehaul the features that yous don't similar in your rental, distract from them. A gallery wall draws the eye up and away from other mutual problem areas of the bathroom (like the shower, vanity, or flooring), and is an ideal way to personalize a small bath since yous only need vertical wall space!

5. Upgrade your light fixtures

Consider lighting your nigh prominent bathroom accessory — the shoes of an ensemble, if you will — equally they tin very quickly elevate or downgrade your space. That being said, in that location's no need to go fancy. Cheap fixtures that look like they were made in this decade will do wonders for updating your rental bath. Pro Tip: Black finishes are a foolproof option to make an older room instantly feel more modern.

half dozen. Create a fresh feeling with greenery

Rental bathrooms are often missing that coveted squeaky clean expect and feel, only you can fake it with the add-on of fresh greenery. The infusion of natural color and texture revitalizes the entire room, and you'll never accept an easier time keeping your plants live than when they're directly next to your shower.

7. Brand open storage a feature

Since double vanities are something most renters only fantasize about, storage is not exactly plentiful. Instead, add together simple, open shelving and take the opportunity to combine form and part. Utilize drinking glass vessels for storing essentials like cotton pads or Q-tips, keep toilet paper corralled in wire bins, and put your favorite perfumes and bath salts on display.