6,000Units Under Management
Less Than 1% Eviction Rate
Avg. Time Rental Is on Market 23 Days

12 Renter-Friendly Bathroom Upgrade Ideas

Hands holding a bathroom design sketch with various layout ideas and color samples in the background.Renting has its pros and cons. On one hand, you have flexibility without the long-term commitment of homeownership. However, decorating your space can be challenging with rental restrictions. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to revamp your rental without risking your security deposit. Read along as we review 12 creative, simple, renter-friendly upgrade ideas to elevate your rental property bathroom.

Contents of This Article: 

Can You Make Property Upgrades as a Renter?

Personalizing and decorating your living space can help you feel more at home. However, you may be limited if you’re in a rental property. After all, Baltimore property managers and landlords typically expect the unit to be returned to its original condition when you move out, so any changes you make should be temporary or easily reversible. This means you can’t really make any major renovations.

Renter-friendly upgrades, like peel-and-stick wallpaper or tile, adding your own decor, and replacing fixtures can help you make your property feel more like home. But remember, to avoid any misunderstandings, you’ll want to discuss any planned changes with your landlord. Most landlords are open to minor upgrades, especially if they may improve the property’s value, but you’ll want to get any permissions in writing. If you do it right, you can create your dream home without risking your security deposit.

12 Renter-Friendly Bathroom Upgrade Ideas

Is your rental bathroom looking a little drab or outdated? If you’ll be there for at least a year-long lease, you may be tempted to switch things up and make it more modern or personalized. Luckily, there are plenty of things you can do! Here are 12 renter-friendly bathroom upgrade ideas to try.

Infographic Displaying 12 Renter-Friendly Bathroom Upgrade Ideas

  1. Use Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper or Tile
  2. Switch Out the Showerhead
  3. Add Over-the-Toilet Storage
  4. Swap the Mirror
  5. Update the Lighting Fixtures
  6. Install Floating Shelves
  7. Use Command Hooks for Hanging Towels
  8. Decorate With Stick-On Backsplash
  9. Add Greenery or Potted Plants
  10. Replace Cabinet Hardware
  11. Cover Flooring With Floor Mats
  12. Choose a Decorative Shower Curtain

Use Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper or Tile

If you’re not a fan of the bathroom paint color, you can easily change it with peel-and-stick wallpaper or tile. This allows you to choose a style that fits your preferences, whether it’s a plain, neutral color, or vibrant pattern. Most peel-and-stick options are easy to apply and remove, leaving no residue behind, so you don’t have to worry about property damage.

Switch Out the Showerhead

One of the easiest renter-friendly bathroom upgrades is switching out the showerhead. If you’re not a fan of the water pressure from your basic showerhead, you can swap it out with a high-pressure or rainfall model. Plus, it’s easy to unscrew and replace, so you can easily reinstall the original one before you move out. 

Add Over-the-Toilet Storage

If your bathroom doesn’t have much counter space, create more space by adding an over-the-toilet storage unit. This freestanding option adds more room for toiletries, towels, or decor without needing to drill into the wall or crowd existing space. It’s a functional and stylish option that helps renters make the most of small spaces. 

Swap the Mirror

If the mirror in your bathroom is small, plain, or outdated, you can always replace it with a modern style that enhances the room. Choose one with a unique frame, shape, or color to make the space feel more personalized. Since this is another easy time to swap, you can easily replace it and take it with you when you move. 

Update the Lighting Fixtures

Another easy DIY upgrade for your bathroom is adding new lighting or swapping out lightbulbs on preexisting fixtures. Perhaps the lighting in your bathroom is too vibrant or too dim. You can try putting new bulbs in to accommodate your preferences. If there’s not enough lighting, you can also add clamp-on lights to the mirror or plug-in lights to the outlets. 

Need More Advice? contact us today!

Install Floating Shelves

Again, if you don’t have much storage space in your bathroom as it is, you can add more storage with floating shelves. You can add decor or store essential bathroom items with the extra space. Additionally, if you can’t use nails or screws according to your rental agreement, you can hang these shelves with adhesive strips that leave no residue. That way, you don’t risk property damage and can take them with you when you leave. 

Person adjusting a shower handle on a tiled bathroom wall, showcasing a renter-friendly bathroom upgrade with modern hexagonal tiles.Use Command Hooks for Hanging Towels

If your bathroom doesn’t already have hooks or a towel rack, you can use Command hooks to keep towels organized. They’re easy to apply and remove, giving you an easy DIY solution without using nails or screws. Plus, you can put them wherever is most convenient, allowing you to further personalize the space.

Decorate With Stick-On Backsplash

Feeling really creative? A peel-and-stick backsplash behind the sink can add a stylish touch to your bathroom. Choose a tile design that matches your bathroom’s color scheme to tie the room together. This easy upgrade adds a personal, colorful touch and is easy to remove when you want to change it or when it’s time to move. 

Add Greenery or Potted Plants

The easiest way to amp up any space in your home is to add greenery or potted plants. This requires no work to set up, is relatively affordable, and is completely customizable! Plants like succulents or ferns are great bathroom options, as they thrive in humidity and provide a fresh look to the space. 

Replace Cabinet Hardware

If you want to get a little more advanced, you can give your bathroom a quick makeover by swapping out the hardware for knobs that match your style. Whether you’re going for a trendy or more vintage look, several options can help you transform your bathroom into your ideal space. All you have to do is save the old hardware to reinstall when you move out, and you can take your own pieces with you. 

Cover Flooring With Floor Mats

It’s hard to control the flooring you get in a rental property. If you want to hide outdated or unattractive flooring, you can do so with water-resistant floor mats or rugs. Not only will they improve the appearance, but they can also add comfort and warmth if that’s something you value. Since they’re going in a bathroom, you’ll want to find washable options that are easy to clean and change when needed. 

Choose a Decorative Shower Curtain

Another simple renter-friendly bathroom upgrade you can make is buying a shower curtain that matches your style. Whether you want a bold, patterned look or want to keep things simple, you have all the control! It’s a simple and affordable way to personalize your bathroom space. Plus, you can easily switch it out if you decide to redecorate or want to swap it out. 

Let BMG Help You Find Your Ideal Rental

It’s hard to find a rental property that’s 100% perfect. However, there are plenty of rental properties out there with potential. Even if you’re in a rental that you don’t love, there are several things you can do to customize your space and make it feel more at home. Use our tips for renter-friendly bathroom upgrades, and find ways to spruce up other areas of the home

Looking for a new rental home? Check out Bay Property Management Group’s current listings. Are you a rental owner looking for help managing your properties in Baltimore, Philadelphia, Northern Virginia, or Washington, DC? Contact BMG to learn more about our comprehensive management services today!